The Biggest Loser Workout DVD - Effective Weight Loss & Fitness Program for Home Exercise | Perfect for Toning, Cardio, and Strength Training at Home

I bought this DVD because I LOVE the show! I have lost 50lbs in the past and know what it's like to struggle with weight, even if I didn't have as far to go as the contestants. When I watch the show I wish I could have trainers like Bob & Jillian! I now run marathons (training for my fourth) so I am in great shape. Anyone who is a runner knows that many a runner's downfall is a lack of cross training. I decided to get the Biggest Loser DVD to see if it would help me focus on strength training and low-impact cross training. I couldn't believe how it kicked my butt (and arms and back and abs and calves and quads...)! I thought I was going to cry during some of the squat segments! Even the knee raises had my hip flexors working and feeling it about as hard as running 20+ miles feels--no joke (although recovery is MUCH shorter doing the workout)!!I have spent a good deal of my life dancing and am very coordinated, so complicated, dancy workouts are just fine for me. This one isn't that and I love it too! It's simple; I don't have to think too hard. Each workout starts with a basic step, making it easy to fall back in if you lose your place/balance. The exercisers are contestants (YAY), so they are real people who mess up the steps on occasion, laughing at themselves all the while. It sounds cheesy, but I feel like I am working out with friends. Bob makes it fun--I was smiling despite my gritted teeth! The customization of the workouts is a great option!I agree with another reviewer that the "6-week" program is a little confusing because it says "Weeks 1-3" and "Weeks 2-4"--perhaps it's supposed to be "1-3" and "4-6"? Regardless, anyone can figure it out. Also, the DVD cover says that the Cool Down segment is 20 minutes, but it's actually 10 (good to know since some people tend to skip cool downs and might shy away if they think it's 20 minutes). I did find that I needed to stretch more after though--it worked my muscles so hard I felt I needed more long stretches!As for needed equipment, all you really need is dumbells. You can use a mat or towel for floor work, but the plain old floor will work just fine as well (the ab work can be tough on the back without a mat though). As far as weights go, I have been using 3lbs weights (yeah, haven't been focusing on the upper body much lately)--I am hoping to move up to 5lbs in a couple weeks, then maybe (MAYBE) 8lbs. If you're new to weight stuff, start light! You will still get plenty of benefits from lighter weights--there's lots of reps, lots of isolation, holding. I had to put down the weights for part of the Boot Camp section and I even grabbed 1lb ankle weights to use for the rest of the section! Yee-ouch!The DVD isn't perfect models/perfect form/perfect music. You shouldn't be looking for that. What it IS is a great workout that's fun, real, not too difficult (as far as coordination goes) and a real challenge to your body--without being intimidating. Bob is light hearted, friendly and will kick your butt! I think anyone who uses this program will be able to see real progress as they work--I look forward to seeing mine! I am feeling muscles I haven't felt in a long while and I look forward to seeing how everything improves--including my running (upper body and core strength really help with speed and endurance!). Maybe now I will able to shed those LAST 8lbs!Oh yeah, and after only one workout, two co-workers bought the DVD based on my recommendation!