Kathy Smith Timesaver: Lift Weights to Lose Weight Volume 2

Of the two Lift Weights to Lose Weight volumes, this is my favorite. It utilizes classic moves - there is nothing new and innovative here, but that is what makes it so effective. Almost anybody coming… into this workout for the first time will already be familiar with the basic moves or be able to pick up on them easily. (Hooray for not having to waste half of your precious workout time setting up an exercise!) Unlike many weight training programs that feature instructors using the same set of weights throughout (usually 3 or 5 lbs), you are encouraged to have two or three pairs of dumbbells on hand. The heavier weights are used for many of the chest exercises and bicep moves, while the lighter weights are used for your triceps. The program has two groups you can follow - one group does the standard repetitions followed by segments of pulsing movements before the next set begins. This "track" is recommended for people who are just beginning. People who are looking to build strength follow the second group and recover/stretch during the pulsing movements. The bonus ABS section is good but not a super challenge. The great thing about this program is that all of the moves are basic, therefore when you begin to plateau all you have to do is use heavier weights to build more strength. Safety tips and pointers on form are presented, so if you are new to weight training and want to be sure you are doing things right, this program is a good way to go. As far as equipment goes: two or three sets of dumbbells would be ideal; an exercise mat would be good for the push-ups if you are on a carpeted floor; and a chair for tricep dips, leg lifts, and sitting exercises. (A bench is recommended, but the only exercise you actually lay on the bench for is chest presses. A message comes across the screen saying you can do those on the floor with a pillow underneath you, so the bench isn't necessary .) Some of the backup members use ankle weights in the leg segment as an advanced option - they aren't necessary.

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I bought the 2-pack that includes LWTLW 2 but haven't gotten to that one yet. Personally, since I'm not a beginner I like not having to listen to a long instruction preceding each exercise, and I think… they are good quick workouts. I use my own iPod now that I know the routines and just watch, so I can listen to my own music. I know this may seem trivial but when I insert the DVD into my computer, on my screen the title reads 'LIFT WEIGHTS TO LOOSE WEIGHT." If I had a dollar for every time I saw it spelled that way by posters on the Weight Watchers boards..arghh.

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I don't generally like weight-lifting, because I'd rather be moving around to exercise, but I try to do it two to three times a week because it's good for me, and this is the video I use. It's a decent… challenge and I like the core balance additions to the lifting. I like being able to alternate between the lower and upper body sections for variety. However, there are some badly done production elements. The menu section is incomplete, not listing all the sections available in the workout. Also, the artsy camera movements in the stretch sections make me dizzy, and I skip over them. Still, the lifting is a challenge and a necessary evil!

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Over the years I have occasionally tried a Kathy workout and just never liked it. Her workouts always lacked something, mostly not challenging or interesting enough, I'm not quite sure, but they always left… me dissappointed. One of those was Lifting Weights to Loose Weight 2 - not good at all. Because of this, I never tried this one, assuming it would be about the same, until I recently discovered it at my local video store and I can't believe how much I like it. This one is REALLY good including her advice! I'm mean I love it! It is a total body weight workout that allows you to either do it Jari-style (lighter weights, lots of reps and pulses), or Cathe-style (heavy weights, rest, multiple sets) all in the same workout. How clever. It kept my interest throughout and I felt it the next day. I guess it's worth weeding through the bad to find the few good workouts Kathy does have.

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