Quick Fix: Stability Ball Workout [DVD]

Enjoyable and effective workout for the whole body, especially the core muscles. I have a bad back, so I do the 10-minute session on back & abs every morning plus a few push-ups and bridges with the ball. Two or three times a week I fit in the whole 30-minute workout, with 5- & 8-lb weights.To be safe I went through it with my physical therapist and he was impressed at the well-thought out working of all the major muscle groups without anything harmful (although he did recommend doing some sections at a slower pace, and not lifting your arms too high on the side weight lift).A couple of modifications I like that I got off of other tapes:--In the Back & Abs section: For the back extensions, try bracing your feet against a door or wall. You can work your back more effectively if your feet are securely braced instead of sliding along the floor. (I don't have a yoga mat; maybe they give you a better grip than carpet or linoleum but the door method sure works for me.)--In the Lower Body section: Instead of doing the single-leg bridge exercizes (which put a lot of strain behind my knees) I do a set with the ball close up to my knees instead of under my heels. And then a set with my legs bent and the soles of my feet planted against the ball instead of the floor. Each set works different muscles and works my spine in a different way, which feels great to my bad back.I tried two Gaiam tapes at the local gym (which I thought were totally worthless), then bought this one and three others, but this is the one that's Just Right and almost the only one I ever actually use! Nothing in it is a problem for my back, no time is wasted, it's not too hard but since you control how you do each exercize it's a good resistance workout whatever your fitness level, the pace is great...and the price is right! You can't beat it.

I thought I'd give the stability ball workouts a try and I really enjoy this particular workout. This workout video is a great way to help you get back in shape after having a baby. Having had a baby three months ago, I was itching to get back into an exercise routine, especially since I was essentially housebound with little one in the cold weather. This is a great workout even if you're already in shape from running or biking, but need to work on core strengthening. I was in shape before my pregnancy and even though all was not lost in the 9 months, I still found it challenging.There are three focus areas in this video--the upper body, lower body, and abs. Each focus area is given a ten minute segment, giving you a 30 minute workout. All of the exercises focus on strengthening and core stability. There are no cardio exercises, so if that's what you're looking for, I recommend that you do this video as a supplement to walking, running, or some kind of other exercise that incorporates a cardio workout.The upper body workout requires you to use two sets of weights--one lighter set and one heavier set. Obviously you also need a stability ball for this workout. Although a yoga mat is nice, it is not a necessity.You can use the modification exercises at first if you're just starting to get in shape, but then overtime, you can do the exercises without the modificiations and start increasing the level of weights. Just like any workout video out there, what you put into it is what you get out of it. Its really up to you to challenge yourself in this workout once you master the exercises.This video is especially good for beginners and those looking for a great post-natal workout. I highly recommend this video!

I am writing my review under my husband's user name, so please don't think this was written by a man! This was the first time I had exercised using a stability ball. I mainly purchased the DVD because of the time constraints I have to work out. I find this DVD extremely challenging yet easy enough for a beginner. One of the three girls is always showing an alternative to the moves for beginners. The main girl is very pleasant and to the point, not cutesy or trying to be funny. If you pay attention to what you're doing and are deliberate in the moves, you'll definitely feel it! If I only have time for one of the exercises, I still feel like I got a good workout and it was better than not exercising at all. I really like the timer in the corner because you can see how much time you have left, or if you're really getting into it, you'll be surprised how quickly the time passes! Using the stability ball is a lot of fun if you're getting bored with your regular exercise routine. This DVD is well worth the money.

The price of the Quick Fix Stability Ball Workout can't be beat, but the DVD is average at best. The workout is 30 minutes long, divided into three 10-minute segments that cover arms and back, lower body, and abdominal area.The instructor does a fine job describing and executing the exercises with another girl doing the same moves, and there is another girl who demos easier versions. The production of the DVD is good as is the setting and music--what you would expect of any professional exercise DVD.I didn't care for the emphasis on how much time was remaining for each section. A countdown clock appears in the lower righthand corner, and although that is considered a feature for those who can't wait for the ten minutes to be over, I'm more of the type who doesn't want to keep track, does the routine, and before I even realize it, I'm done.Another peeve is that the exercises aren't creative or new. In fact, they are pretty conventional, and therefore, a bit boring if you already have some experience with ball routines.If you exercise to just do it and get it over with and you don't want to spend a lot of money, this would probably be a good buy. If you are looking for a DVD to complement your existing at-home or gym workouts, there are better ones out there.