Elle Macpherson - The Body Workout [DVD]

The sections are as follows:
1)Warm Up
2)Aerobics 1
3)Legs and Butt
4)Aerobics 2
5)Upper Body
6)Aerobics 3
7)Abs and Back
8)Cool Down

I always feel that I get a good workout, and I am quite fit, but I really think that it is suitable for people of all levels of fitness. It is really easy to follow and the best thing about this workout that it only takes 60 minutes to do from beginning to end which means that you can easily fit it into your daily routine (no excuses!).

I lost over a stone in 3 months by doing this workout 3-4 times a week (and eating healthily). I am now a size 10 and I am the most toned I have ever been (I actually have muscle definition!).

I really would not hesitate to recommend this workout to anyone.

Karen Voight’s instruction is clear and encouraging. She explains what you’re doing and why without shouting or any of that ‘come on, you can do it’ motivational stuff that I personally find really irritating after a while. Elle looks great and is full of enthusiasm, although her little comments do get a bit tiresome after a while. You will need a bit of room to do this in, especially some of the aerobic sections, and I recommend you use hand weights (I find 3lbs is about right) after the first few times as they really help to tone up your arms fast.

Although this isn’t a hard working, high impact workout (try Nell McAndrew’s Maximum Impact if you’re looking for something more challenging), overall it is a good ‘every day’ workout (I use it alternative days with Kate’s Cardio Combat) that will give you better body definition and is fun to do.

But...I also hate not fitting into my clothes, getting breathless walking to the car and the fact that my naked arse looks like a bath sponge. So, in a moment of madness, I bought this dvd. Given my usual level of persistence and determination, I fully expected that I would use it once or twice, then go back to doing something more instantly gratifying. Like eating some doughnuts and having a cigarette.

However...I now find myself writing a positive review for this dvd. It is five weeks since I bought it, and in that time I have managed to stick with it, using it to start my day, at least four days a week.

The programme alternates short sessions of aerobics with body-toning sessions, using light weights. It's simple enough for a beginner, but does give you a serious workout. In just 5 weeks, my clothes fit better and my body is fitter and more toned - I can even take my jeans off without undoing them!

The commentary from the instructor is kept simple and factual...not too much of that patronising "you can do it!" stuff that tends to pall after a few viewings. Elle is cute and has a great body, although I have to snort with laughter at one or two of her interjections (e.g. during one of the bum-toning sessions, she mentions that this is "what I need to do most!" Yeah, sure, Elle-baby...and I'm a super-model!) The stretching/unwinding session at the end of the programme incorporates some yoga moves, and really makes you feel good after the exertion.

I recommend this dvd for anyone who is NOT a fitness fanatic, but is maybe looking to shed a few inches and feel better about their body. It's a beginner-friendly, do-able work-out video, that doesn't get boring after a couple of viewings. Enjoy.