In what could be could be considered serendipitous timing (or not so serendipitous, I guess), we’ve been planning to review Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition: The Workout for a month or so now. And then this crazy whistle-blowing news hit (kind of like when this hit about The Biggest Loser ), and we were like hmmm…let’s take a closer look at that workout DVD.
Now, I’ve never watched a single episode of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, and I’m not naive enough to think that all (or even most) of what you see on reality TV is actually real. So, I’m no expert on the show, re: what it does or doesn’t promote. I’m sure shady and unhealthy things like dehydration go on behind the scenes, and I have no doubt that losing a bunch of weight in a really short amount of time can cause quite a shock to the system and actually cause health problems . But does any of that show up in this Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition DVD? Nope. Not at all. In fact, I’ll call this one of the better we’ve reviewed.
While not as cute as Bob (who is, though?), trainer Chris Powell is likeable, cues well and has designed three full-body cardio and strength combo workouts (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) that build in intensity, and each has its own warm-up and cool down. Level 1 is a good low-impact and slow 15-minute workout for someone who is just starting to work out for the first time or is overweight with limited mobility. Level 2 is a slightly longer (25 minutes) full-body workout that includes a few high-impact aerobic moves, but is still appropriate for beginners. Level 3 takes it to the next level with more challenging strength moves and extra cardio drills.
Nothing but your body weight and a mat is needed for all of the workout DVD sections, and modifications are shown for just about everything. Most of the moves are highly functional and really do boost fitness—not just make you look good or burn tons of calories. Powell is motivational yet gentle, and focuses on improving health above all else. Fans of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition will recognize LaRhonda, Rachel and Alex ( Courtney Crozier’s boyfriend !) in the DVD, and non-fans will appreciate seeing non-fitness models doing the moves. The fact that there are three levels also gives beginners new workouts to progress to.
Overall, the tone of the whole DVD is encouraging, uplifting and supportive. While I can’t vouch for what goes on behind the scenes on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, I know one thing: This DVD is perfect for beginners.
FBG Rating (Out of 5)
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★1/2
Fit Bottomed Line: If you have a lot of weight to lose and don’t have a clue as to where to start, this Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition: The Workout can help!
Dying to try this DVD? We’ll select three random U.S. readers to win this beginner workout DVD. So leave a comment with why you want it, and we’ll pick a winner in about a week! —Jenn
Now, I’ve never watched a single episode of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, and I’m not naive enough to think that all (or even most) of what you see on reality TV is actually real. So, I’m no expert on the show, re: what it does or doesn’t promote. I’m sure shady and unhealthy things like dehydration go on behind the scenes, and I have no doubt that losing a bunch of weight in a really short amount of time can cause quite a shock to the system and actually cause health problems . But does any of that show up in this Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition DVD? Nope. Not at all. In fact, I’ll call this one of the better we’ve reviewed.
While not as cute as Bob (who is, though?), trainer Chris Powell is likeable, cues well and has designed three full-body cardio and strength combo workouts (Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) that build in intensity, and each has its own warm-up and cool down. Level 1 is a good low-impact and slow 15-minute workout for someone who is just starting to work out for the first time or is overweight with limited mobility. Level 2 is a slightly longer (25 minutes) full-body workout that includes a few high-impact aerobic moves, but is still appropriate for beginners. Level 3 takes it to the next level with more challenging strength moves and extra cardio drills.
Nothing but your body weight and a mat is needed for all of the workout DVD sections, and modifications are shown for just about everything. Most of the moves are highly functional and really do boost fitness—not just make you look good or burn tons of calories. Powell is motivational yet gentle, and focuses on improving health above all else. Fans of Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition will recognize LaRhonda, Rachel and Alex ( Courtney Crozier’s boyfriend !) in the DVD, and non-fans will appreciate seeing non-fitness models doing the moves. The fact that there are three levels also gives beginners new workouts to progress to.
Overall, the tone of the whole DVD is encouraging, uplifting and supportive. While I can’t vouch for what goes on behind the scenes on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, I know one thing: This DVD is perfect for beginners.
FBG Rating (Out of 5) Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★1/2
Fit Bottomed Line: If you have a lot of weight to lose and don’t have a clue as to where to start, this Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition: The Workout can help!
Dying to try this DVD? We’ll select three random U.S. readers to win this beginner workout DVD. So leave a comment with why you want it, and we’ll pick a winner in about a week! —Jenn