This was the first of Nell McAndrew's workout DVDs that I have bought, and I chose it because I was looking for a hard workout that would really do something for my muscles. The first section is a warmup and consists of gentle stretches and light stepping / jogging to get your muscles ready for what comes next.
The second section is the cardio workout, a gruelling session of energetic exercises in which jogging and aerobic activities are interspersed with squat sessions. It is broken down into several segments, allowing you to "bail out" when the going gets tough.
The bail-out takes you straight to the third and final section, which works the arm muscles, lower back, abs and bottom before cooling down.
As I expected, it is a tough workout, but one of which you will quickly start to feel the effects. I have been following the workout a couple of times a week for about a month now, and my upper body is starting to feel like it has some muscle, something that has never happened before. I worry a little about the effect on the knees from all those squats, so if you have bad knees (or don't want bad knees) take it easy.
The exercises are simple, maybe not as exciting or dancey as you'll get on some fitness DVDs, but at the same time they are not too complex and they get the job done.
The instructor is a cruel man - he'll tell you "eight more", and then when the eight are up he'll tell you "eight more" again. That said, he is no-nonsense and refreshingly free from excessive and irritating commentary. Likewise, Nell McAndrew stays quiet and sweats with the rest of them - this is one celebrity workout DVD that is more about the workout than the celebrity. The background music is well suited to a workout, but at the same time fairly unobtrusive.
The one thing I would criticise is the filming. Clearly not much effort went into the production of the DVD, and I don't care that it's filmed in an unattractive warehouse with an "Ultimate Workout" banner at the back that looks as if it was made by five year olds. None of that detracts from the workout value of the DVD. What is annoying is the constantly changing filming angles, sometimes at key points when the move changes, the camera pans to behind a pillar and you can't see what's going on. Combine that with the fact that it is sometimes hard to tell what the instructor has just said, and you may find yourself a little confused at times - but it's a minor hindrance and shouldn't put one off buying this title.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Welcome to my ultimate workout which we have spent a year planning and this time have ... more
incorporated more squats, abs and stretches giving you a more rounded and satisfying workout.This routine has been put together so you can build your strength and sta...
Advantages: A really tough workout that works. Nell actually sweats and the exercises are very affective. Disadvantages: There are not enough stretches at the end of workout 2.
Advantages: This really is the ultimate work out video! A routine that builds stenght and stamina Disadvantages: So intense that you can easily become disheartened. You have to stick with it in the initial stages.
Advantages: Hard work, easy to follow routine, cheaper than a gym membership! Disadvantages: Need dumbells, some may see the cardio workout repetative.
![Nell McAndrew's Ultimate Challenge - Ultimate Results [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78518856.jpg "Nell McAndrew's Ultimate Challenge - Ultimate Results [DVD] [2004]")
Dec 1st, 2007
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