After having a baby 5 months ago I decided last month that it was time to try and start shifting a few of those extra pounds (well more than a few) . From experience I knew that maybe sticking to a healthy eating plan just wasn't going to be enough. My thoughts turned to exercise, having a busy homelife and being very self conscious I knew the gym route was out of the question, so the best option for me was going to be a workout that I could do in the comfort of my own home.
After reading many reviews and searching the endless online stores for exercise dvds, I came across Vicky entwistles WOW- weight off workout. I hadn't realised that this was on the market and although I watch the odd soap I can't say I'm a huge fan. The thing that initially struck me was that this looks like a normal everyday woman, with no heirs and graces and with an image a little easier for me to relate to . I really didn't want to go down the route of watching a super model jigging about in a skimpy leotard, as I need a realistic target or I know my willpower will get up and go.
Anyway a number of the reviews seemed to be fairly positive and although this isn't the cheapest dvd
on the market at the moment I took the plunge and ordered it. The dvd arrived and I must admit the contrast of the before and after pictures of vicky on the front cover were quite inspiratuinal, wether this can be acheived by me is yet to be seen, as its early days.
The dvd is split into 4 sections warm up, fat burner, body toner and belly shrinker and the whole dvd shows the routine carried out by Vicky and her trainer Richard Callendar and in my opinion he is quite easy on the eye. The dvd is set in the usual minimal studio and with quite an unnoticeable music track running in the background.
The warm up - This section lasts for 10 minutes and is a very good start to the routine, it definitely does the job and maybe that little bit more. The moves are repeated and its at a nice, steady pace and for someone like me who hasn't exercised for a while is a gentle introduction but does make you feel like you are doing exercise from the start. This part is manageable for anyone and everyone.
Fat Burner - This section is 20 minutes long and I suppose to acheive results it has to be quite intensive. As the novice I am I did struggle and sometimes still do. Again in this section the moves are even more repetetive, for me this is good as I like the fact that in time I can get the routine in my head and maybe adapt the routine into the time I have available. The moves in this section are boxing orientated and after that steady warm up have been lulled into a false sense of security. The fat burning really does pick up the pace and you will be huffing and puffing. The part I find difficult at times is that i am quite unco-ordinated and at times when the routine is moving quickly find I can get easily wrong footed and have to stop and pick up the routine again. After the 20 minutes though you have worked up quite a sweat and your heart is pumping.
Body Toner - This section is 10 minutes long and focuses on toning muscles. There is a lot of attention in this part on the thighs, and the majority of the moves are squats, I find it is quite intensive and as Vicky tells you at the end of this section (now I know why) you will feel this the following day. Indeed you do, if you are new to exercise like me I'd say you feel it for the next 3 or 4 days. I was not put off by this and carried on with the dvd the following few days and your body does get used to working these muscles and into the 2nd week I wasn't feeling the muscle ache.
Belly Shrinker - This is a 10 minute section but would say that only 5 minutes are tummy exercises, the other 5 minutes are your cool down. The exercise in this can be quite tough and being as I am post natal and my tummy is a problem area I find I have to adapt a couple of these exercises to make them slightly easier at the moment, in time I'm hoping to build the strength to do it as instructed. The 5 minutes cooling down is a welcome part and you know you've done the hard work.
Throughout the whole course of the routine there is music playing in the background but its not very noticeable, but with the repetetive moves I think in a short time I will be able to have my own choice of music playing. At the moment though I am still needing the odd prompt from the dvd and needing to listen and pay attention
The extras - In this section you will find information on healthy eating with some suggested menus to help you build a balanced diet. There is some lighthearted behind the scenes footage taken when making the dvd. To inspire you at the beginning of the exercise you see Vicky as she was before when she weighed in at 10 stone and was a size 16 culminating with a 2 and a half stone weight loss 3 months later.
I paid £11.48 for the dvd and in my opinion it is good value for money, as it is a complete workout and lasts for 50 minutes. The overall running time is 64minutes. I found it a good down to earth dvd . As for the effectiveness its too early to comment as I've only been following it for 2 weeks although my trousers are feeling slightly looser but wether that is down to the dvd or diet I cannot say, hopefully a combination of the 2 will reap rewards.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I've never been skinny, but when I saw that picture of me on the beach I was horrified!So ... more
trainer Richard Callender, who's famous for helping people shape up Fast, devised this workout - and this is what did it for me.I've lost Two And A Half Stone - A...
![Vicky Entwistle - WOW! - Weight Off Workout! [DVD] [2006]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78198279.jpg "Vicky Entwistle - WOW! - Weight Off Workout! [DVD] [2006]")
very helpful by (100%):
