A month or so ago, I rented
Quickfix: Core Abs from Netflix and absolutely loved it. Soon after, I ordered my own copy from amazon. Because 3 of my 5 days of exercise per week is at home, it is really important to me to keep my options wide to keep from getting bored. That's why I LOVE DVDs like this that give you multiple workouts on one DVD.
Quickfix Core Abs (just one of many Quickfix DVDs) contains NINE workouts that focus on your core. Each workout is 10 minutes and there is a "customizer" that allows you to choose 3 of the 9 in any order to give you the workout you want.
1. Total Abs
2. Pilates Stabilization
3. Core Combination
4. Yoga Flex
5. Yoga Stability
6. Stability Ball
7. Low and Funky
8. Kickbox Core
9. Total Body Toning
I use the first 3 workouts as my abs workout (though all 9 are designed to strengthen your core). I did the two yoga segments today for the first time. While I was not able to do every pose (or do them as intended), I enjoyed the workouts. I love using the ball but I have 2 other DVDs that are ball-specific so I have only done #6 once (though I really enjoyed it). Segments 7 and 8 are more cardio, but still focusing on the core. I did not like #7 at all, but the younger folks may enjoy it more (it's based on hip hop dancing). #8 is a fine kickboxing workout but I prefer others I have. #9 is a combination of arm and leg toning that uses slowed-down kickboxing moves. FYI, segments 1-5 are predominantly mat work (i.e., on the floor, while segments 7-9 are done standing upright.
Strengths:1. Flexibility is awesome. Not only are there 9 workouts to choose from, but there's pilates, yoga, cardio and kickboxing on the same DVD.
2. Nearly every workout introduces 1 person at the beginning who will be doing alternative moves for those who can't do them as shown by the instructor. This helps a lot for those of us who are not as flexible (or thin).
3. Cueing (telling you what is coming next) is generally very good.
4. The instructors seem to really know what they're doing.
Weaknesses:1. #7 is the only workout out of 9 that I disliked.
2. In #9, the backup exercisers are wearing very skimpy outfits that show more cleavage than any workout outfits I've ever seen at the gym, and the camera shoots right down their chest. I found it really offensive, especially since the girls seem to be in on the plan.
FYI: Not all Quickfix DVDs have this much flexibility--many I've looked at or rented have only 3 workouts on them. Also, I am starting to notice a good bit of repetition among the Quickfix DVDs now that I've rented a few so I encourage you to rent, if possible, before buying so you know what you're getting.
If anyone has questions about the DVD or the workouts, feel free to ask.
