Shorter, more intense workouts (Rating: 3.00)
Review : The workouts in these videos are shorter and more intense than Richard's normal videos, which can be a plus since I don't always have a whole hour to devote to exercise. The Aerobics last about 30 minutes then there is 10 minutes of toning. When I
bought this set is came with wrist weights, but I have stopped using those and just use small dumbbells now instead. The intensity of these videos might appeal to people who have not found his workouts challenging enough in the past, but may be too intense for his target audience, really overweight people.There are a couple of things that I object to about these videos. They are a little harder to follow than Richard's other videos, and those of you who have tried his videos before know that he really borders on dance with some of his moves. I gave up all together trying to follow the Latin Blast Off. I also object to the way some of the women are dressed in these videos. Richard usually uses real people in real clothes in his workouts. Many of the women in these look like they are auditioning for an adult film, especially in the Latin video. All in all, though, I enjoy the challenging but shorter workouts offered by this set.
So Much Fun, You Actually Want to Exercise! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I disagree with the other reviewers. I found the difference between these videos and Richard's previous videos the exact reason why I love these so much. It looks like Richard hired some real dancers for the videos. Not that I have anything against overweight people (I shouldn't), but it is nice to do the exercises while watching some truly attractive people. The outfits they wear are *fun*. Some things in the Latin workout are hysterically funny, like when a woman sitting at a table in the "club" starts to gyrate and dance against Richard. The look on his face is to die for. Not only will you get fit doing these tapes, you will also laugh a lot...if you have a sense of humor. The music includes songs by Ricky Martin, Enrique, Madonna, Cher, and others. The music on all 3 tapes is phenomenal. You can't help but feel incredibly happy exercising to this music. The cool down sessions are great. The toning segments WORK. I've gone from "I don't want to exercise" to "I can't wait" because these tapes are so much fun and you will see results! Richard uses much more effective moves in these tapes. His cueing is still terrible. But once you do them a few times, you'll have the moves down. And you'll be having so much fun doing them! I've lost 10 lbs. and one pants size in 3 weeks with just these tapes. Thank you for making me a "mover" again, Richard! And please, make more videos like these!
Richard's a blast! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I popped in these tapes after not having used them for a few years, and found that they are still fun. Great cardio workout, and Richard's attitude is upbeat and infectious. The other background exercisers in the tape seemed to have a lot of fun, too. The dance steps may take a few viewings to get down, but I don't find them difficult. These tapes might make for a good warmup for an intermediate or advanced user.
Too complicated for the uncordinated (Rating: 2.00)
Review : I bought these videos because I enjoyed the Sweatin to the Oldies series, but this was not the same at all. I put the Latin dance tape in and was so confused that I gave up in the first two minutes. I continued to watch the entire tape and felt there was no way I would ever learn all the moves and never put it back in. There was poor cueing, you would need to watch the tapes many times first in order to do a first time work out and follow along. Stick with the Sweatin' series.
Top Notch (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Ok, I bought these against the advice of people here but I'm a Simmons Groupie and didn't have these 3. I just finished the Latin Blast Off and yes, the moves are hard but they need practice to learn. This video is fun, and fast, and the time just flies. I did the best I could with the moves but after a few times I'm sure I'll get it down. Plus, it's loaded with beautiful people with great costumes and makeup, and they are having such FUN....
If you are used to another Richard video and know his normal moves then get this. It may take awhile to get the moves down but doesn't it always? Plus, it's 40 minutes long. I always thought 1 hour was too much and 30 minutes was too short, this is perfect. The aerobic part was about a half hour and then there was a toning session with "cool weights" that you can order from Richard but they are just wrist weights you can buy at any Wal-Mart, or do without until you build your arm strenth up. Great video set.
| 
