... I decided to buy this DVD after asking around and reading several reviews, but also because I know Nell is very fit from having seen her run the marathon. Plus I have bought other model exercise videos in the past and have enjoyed them very much - they have to work hard to look the way they ... Read review
A review by sunmeilan on Nell McAndrew - Maximum Impact (DVD) August 23rd, 2005
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Educational Value
Average
How good are the presenters?
Good
How good is the content?
Excellent
Value for Money
Excellent
Advantages:
Fabulous overall workout
Disadvantages:
NOT for beginners
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Introduction It is so hard to find a decent exercise video/DVD that you don't get bored of after a month. I have a collection of about 50, of which I regularly only use 5 or 6. So I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying make a decision. I decided to buy this DVD after asking around and reading several reviews, but also because I know Nell is very fit from having seen her run the marathon. Plus I have bought other model exercise videos in the past and have enjoyed them very much - they have to work hard to look the way they do (thank goodness!). Cindy Crawford is particularly good.
Synopsis Although Nell's name is all over the front cover, she doesn't actually lead the session, rather it is led by a fitness expert, who I believe has a military background. He is quite bland, but does the business, which really is all I ask. Apparently in Nell's first video, Peak Energy, has the same guy, who is much more vocally demanding. Nell follows his instructions and looks like she's in pain quite often, which makes me feel much better!
After a warm-up, there is a session of 40 minutes aerobics and then 20 minutes resistance training, with some weights, before the cool down. The aerobics session is made up of intervals - you are constantly moving, but the pace goes from fast (say running on the spot or boxing moves) to slow (squats that you have to hold for several seconds - absolute torture). The change from fast to slow does help you get through the routine though; moving swiftly after slow squats actually feels quite good. There is not a great deal of movement involved - most of the exercises are done on the spot - ideal if you don't have a particularly good workout space. The resistance training does involve weights, but you can of course begin without until your strength is built up. The arm movements are excruciating. Makes me wince just thinking about it.
Conclusion Overall, I think this is a great workout video. Advantages are as follows:
1. This is a good hard workout for the relatively fit. If you think you are really fit, maybe you should try Peak Energy first - I haven't personally tried it, but understand it is much harder than Maximum Impact. 2. The moves are uncomplicated and easy for someone without much rhythm (like me!) to follow. I have read some criticisms that the moves are boring - if you're more into fancy footwork, this is probably not for you, go get a salsa workout or something! I personally get frustrated if the footwork is too complicated and I can't follow it, so this workout was perfect for me. 3. Nell looks like she's suffering, particularly during the squats! This really helped keep me motivated. There's nothing worse than someone breezing through a workout that you can hardly keep up with.
Disadvantages: 1. Although the DVD is advertised as being suitable for all fitness levels, if you are a beginner or do not consider yourself to be reasonably fit, do not try this until you have mastered an easier video. Even the fit should take care and listen to their bodies - it is not a breeze. 2. The workout is too long to do on a daily basis. I find myself doing it at weekends only and wishing that Nell would come out with a shorter workout for the week. It would be possible, I suppose, to do just the aerobics or just the resistance section, but I find it hard to not complete the whole thing once I've started. 3. I personally don't think there are enough stomach moves in the resistance section, although possibly the boxing moves, which involve twisting make up for this. 4. The DVD was filmed in Miami - but all you see is a swimming pool, so it may as well have been down your local sports centre. 5. The music is quite boring - although to be fair, you probably won't notice the music to begin with!
If you're still unsure, try and get it from your local library first. I bought my copy from the Boots website for £13.99, but I've seen it on Amazon for £6.97 and eBay for £6.90. You may also be able to find it in High Street retailers for a good price if you shop around.
More Reviews
I love this! Review ofNell McAndrew - Maximum Impact (DVD)by
lucmedeastan
Advantages: Really good fun and a fabulous workout. I love the addition of the boxing moves. Disadvantages: There is no proper cool down session and not enough stretching after the aerobics section!
...my favourite of all the Nell McAndrew DVDs. I love it! Like all her other DVDs; it is really hard and you definitely feel like you have had a good workout afterwards. This DVD is divided into four sections. The first workout is a warm up and really prepares you for what is to come. The second workout is an intensive 45 minute aerobic section with lots of squats to tone up the legs and bottom. I prefer this DVD her other DVDS because this aerobics ... ...obvious in the DVD that Nell is working hard. She doesn't talk and there is visible sweat (this definitely makes a difference to most exercise DVDs where the star doesn't seem effected at all!) This DVD really built up my endurance. I find other exercise much easier now. I can run much further without getting tired and I have seen a big difference to my figure as a result! ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A high intensity and effective workout Disadvantages: May not be suitable for less fit people
...My sister had purchased a Nell McAndrew fitness DVD and highly recommended it, so I thought I would give it a try. I was very impressed and really felt like I had done a really good workout by the end of it. Initially on the first few times I did the workout, I could not do the whole DVD as I found it too hard so it was a really good challenge for me. As I persisted with the DVD I could do more and more and I could see massive results and feel my ... ...feel fit and rejuvinated!
Nell McAndrews Maximum Impact is her second workout DVD. She has a previous workout DVD called Peak Energy. The Peak Energy workout is extremely intensive and is high impact all of the way through. With the Maximum Impact DVD you benefit from it being high impact but at intervals so it is more manageable. If you are at an intermediate level I would start with the Maximum Impact DVD and work your way up to the Peak Energy ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
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27.02.2007
Top workout Review ofNell McAndrew - Maximum Impact (DVD)by
Hennie7686
Advantages: Easy to follow, needs little space Disadvantages: music is boring!
...see results really quickly.
Nell does say suitable for all fitness levels but if you are new to dvd's or exercise I really would take it steady as it is quite repetitive and may be hard first few times!
The instructor does have a dull voice, but I didn't find that a problem as I was interested in following the moves! The moves are very simple, no complicated twists or grapevines, simply joggin on the spot, and squatting.
Excellent abs and bums ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: The free weights work and abs work is excellent. Disadvantages: The second workout is boring and monotonous.
...If you are going to buy a NellMcAndrew exercise DVD then I would buy her MaximumImpact or Ultimate Challenge DVDs. This DVD can get a bit boring.
Like the other two DVDs it is divided up into 3 sections. The first workout is 10 minutes and is basically a warm up that takes you through a number of the exercises that you do in the Interval Training. The second workout is when all the hard work is done. It does really hurt and it will take a few times before it is possible to do the whole thing. I find this aerobics session quite boring as it is mostly just running on the spot with various different arm movements. This section in the other two Nell DVDs are much much better.
However, the second workout does end with some brilliant free weights work. You can really feel your arms hurting and your muscles working during these...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
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25.06.2007
