 "It Rocks!" | 2009-11-18 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2SGRV93KDRJRE |
| Love this workout. Even good for a postnatal Mom. So inspiring. In the blue legs video there's a woman who had 6 or 7 kids and looks great! There are modifications for beginner or advanced. Cuing is perfect. Sure Barry is corny and annoying but it keeps it fun. It reminds you that you're gonna look great and men will notice when you do- keeps you on track. The 20 minute exercise is perfect because once you commit to that you're hooked and can do more. I find myself reaching for this DVD when I think I don't have the time or energy to work out and there I go burning another 300 calories in 40 minutes (after I add in the abs or other ad-ons). Two different level cords- everything is in the box. Perfect. |
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| "I LOVE THIS SYSTEM!" | 2009-11-13 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2NMVCFMC8F1DW |
| I really do. It includes two Fat Blaster routines, one for lower body and one for upper. You do one minute of cardio then one minute of toning for a total of 21 minutes. There are six add on sections: two abs, two lower body, and two upper body. These are strictly toning and the add-ons conveniently are included on both discs (no switching DVDs in the middle of a workout). The equipment that comes with the DVDs is good quality. Some have complained their Transformer did not achieve the proper size; I blew mine up, waited a few days to pump up some more and then had no problem getting it to the proper size. For most exercises I substitute heavier handweights for the power bands to make it more appropriate for my fitness level. At first I found Barry a little annoying, but I got over it and I could just do these DVDs over and over. I definitely recommend. |
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 "This will kick your a$$--into shape" | 2009-11-13 |
| - Reviewed By joanna_daneman |
Make no mistake, despite the fact this is yet another tv-mercial product that tempts the bored, late-night watcher, the program has real merit as a workout. Barry is a personal trainer to the stars and he puts together a workout you can probably do even in a Tokyo studio apartment, though you will annoy the neighbors when you do jumping jacks (just tell them it was a minor temblor.)
The kit comes with a capsule-style physio ball (the "transformer", hmph, ok) a step-pump, three dvds (upper, lower, and Hollywood Code Red) and two resistance tubes with a set of handles.
First, the accessories. The capsule ball is an Army-green ball, the kind that has the somewhat tacky surface (not shiny) and it is said to be big enough for a six-foot guy. Well, I am a six foot gal and it pumped up a tad small. I pumped it one day, left it sit and am pumping it further, but I have an existing non-burst capsule ball from Carnegie that I think is better made. For one thing, the seam is rather visible. Call me paranoid, but you REALLY have to pump this thing UP and I worry about bursting. I have heard some lore about these capsules being occasionally prone to splits and that the company will replace defective items. So far, so good for my "transformer" but it did not blow up so hugely as they said the first go-around.
You need the ball as a sort of bench because one of the exercises is a set of flyes using the resistance band tucked under the ball and the handles out to the side. You lie back on the ball and do the flyes (works the pecs) as if you were using dumbbells on a weight bench. I recommend you put the "transformer" on a yoga mat because if your balance is wonky, you will find that you wobble on the ball a bit. This is not a bad thing--anything that has you use more muscles to stabilize yourself makes the workout more effective. The resistance bands come in two strengths (green, long and light, black, shorter and more resistance.) Here's another issue. I'm pretty tall and my arms are rather long even for my height. I found that doing some of the overhead tricep pulls were difficult because the taller you are, the more you stretch the band to get to the right height. Barry is not so tall. His companions are shorter still. If you are short-ish, this is going to be GREAT for you. If you are as tall as my guy at home (6' 8") you will be s.o.l.
Re the bands: you can buy stronger ones from the Barry's website, and also get other DVD's, which I have not tried. You can also join a "VIP" club depending on how you bought the set (mine was local out of a department store, so I cannot. Phone orders apparently get a membership, and you can purchase one. I have not bothered.) There is also an online community of enthusiasts if you like to network online with other members.
Back to the bands: the handles on the resistance bands are a special stirrup shape made of rigid silver plastic with a round, rubber-covered handle. I like the fact they distribute the strain onto your forearms rather than into your hands alone as most resistance bands do. But I bruise rather easily, just the way I am, and the pressure of the bands and handles caused some bruising. If you are like me, you will want to wear something like wrist protectors and a thick shirt.
The workout requires you to set up the "transformer" and then jump up and do other resistance band set-ups with band around foot, wrapped around foot, standing on it, so if you are a bit clumsy, you may find you are scrambling to get set up while the workout is going on. On the "Missions" you get 12 exercises for 12 minutes (great for the time-pressed) and some of the time ticks away unless you can also cleverly hit the pause button on the dvd player.
Because the resistance bands pull tighter as you extend through the workout, the dynamic tension works the muscles DIFFERENTLY than a dumbbell (even weight throughout) --more like the Bowflex which uses a cable-sprung steel tension system, and not at all like kettlebells, which have an off-center weight that challenges the balance during lifting. The dynamic resistance caused me to absolutely feel the 12-minute upper arm (tricep, bicep, pectoral, lat) workout in one of the Missions, compared to a similar workout I do with dumbbells. I have had to up my dumbbell weights weekly, but this workout with the lightest band kicked my you-know-what. I was trembling after 12 minutes because the workout never lets up. You do reps non-stop for a minute, then you get a bit of rest as you move the band to set up for the opposing muscle group (ie, you do biceps, then on to triceps.)
This is a VERY good workout. You WILL feel it. It is also a nice change from standard weights due to the dynamic tension and balancing, which gives a different workout to your muscles. Trainers will tell you that changing up your routine shocks your muscles into growth and fitness. I certainly know for my body type (slow, strong) that I adapt rather quickly to weights and this workout was completely different for me. That's why the kettlebells are also a good adjunct. Swinging those is completely different than standard lifting.
The workout team (Barry and crew) chat you through the workout. Cindy Whitmarsh counts and leads, while Barry chats about being a 90 pound weakling (actually, 120 pound, living on sugar cubes) and this reminds me of working with a trainer who chats you through the tough stuff and distracts you until you are nearly fatigued, then you count ten seconds down to the end. A buzzer sounds and you have 10 seconds to finish, so you are encouraged to work through. It's very like having a trainer next to you. I like it.
There are a LOT of options to each DVD for upper and lower--full longer workout of the missions which are 12 minutes and who doesn't have 12 minutes, or you can do the 21 minute Hollywood "Code Red" to blast into shape. (That workout has more aerobics and jumping around, warning for those of you who cannot hop around for whatever reason.)
The only thing I didn't like was the quality of the DVD menu. It's cluttered and hard to choose which workout by reading the text (white on red background.) Annoyingly arranged, too.
This is a great idea for a small home gym in a bedroom and certainly a pleasant change from a regular gym workout. I like it and I'm happy to grab 12 minutes during my busy season at work to make sure I get a workout in. The adrenaline pumps after one of these workouts due to the dynamic tension from the resistance bands. My summary? A great workout, something in it to keep you from getting bored and seems effective. |
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 "Program okay. Don't buy into the claims that you'll look exactly like the people on the box." | 2009-11-07 |
| - Reviewed By Anonymous |
I have been working out for almost four months and have lost a total of 30 pounds (I started at 218) due to diet and exercise. Like most exercise regiments, you eventually reach that dreaded plateau which I was coming toward. I bought the Barry's Bootcamp series because I wanted to change up my routine and get toned. I have to say that it is a good product but I was not overall impressed by it. I found Barry to be annoying and obnoxious which kept me distracted during my workouts as he kept flirting with the trainer in the DVDs. What really irked me was that he did not even do the routines especially since it is his program! Aside from that, you get a really good workout and sweat up a storm. The nutriton plan is okay but not practical for everyone. Some days I can average about eating 1000 calories but for my height and age (I'm 5'10 and 35 years) I feel much better and more healthier consuming 1300 to 1500 calories (while being active) and still manage to lose weight. As a beginner, you definitely have to modify the activities (the low impact levels are not too bad but I didn't get much of a sweat out of it).
I do not believe the claims that you would automatically get abs. I have been working out my abs for months and still have yet to achieve a six pack and yes, I have been watching my diet! Certainly you will have a shrinking stomach but it seems you have to intensify your workouts hardcore and risk injury in order to achieve that kind of physique. Like any workout plan, you will lose weight and get toned but it is different for everyone so those pictures of the people on the box who looked ripped are going to vary from person to person. Like the disclaimer says, "results may vary."
Though Barry has some faults, it is not bad product. The resistance bands are great and I can really feel the tension when I'm working out with them. I do caution using the transformer though. Be sure to pump it enough so that it is firm when you do the exercises. If it is too soft, that inflatable yoga ball tends to roll when you are using the resistance bands and it is not good good for your back! Overall, I would say the product is okay but don't believe all the hype surrounding it! |
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| "good workout" | 2009-10-23 |
| - Reviewed By User: AR97QYX69J0E4 |
i accomplished my first day of working out,i worked up a good sweat and already feeling sore, it's intense but easy to follow..since i never tried excercising at home or at the gym for that matter, i was able to follow along.if your new to this like me i suggest following along with the beginner method, barry has one specific person that does all the excercises that is customized for beginners which involved not using the ball or resistance bands, it's a relief if you find yourself needing a little less intensity and a lot more time to catch your breathe,( very important to breathe while doing this lol. i didnt think barry was annoying as some reviewers said..but it's still early i'll see at the end of this week if i wind up needing to mute him.:()
last but not least, you SERIOUSLY do FEEL the BURN in the specific area you are focused on.(in my case the abs)
very satisfied |
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| "Changed my life!" | 2009-09-02 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3DEYYDTW16FLO |
| I absolutely love this product! It is so practical and easy to fit into my busy life with my new baby. I thought I would never shed those last 8 pounds, but with Barry's Boot camp I have done more than that. Not only have I lost the weight, but I have toned up. I am in better shape now than I was before I had my baby. This works! I recommend it to ANYONE wanting to shape-up or shed some unwanted pounds. It really has changed my life. I feel good about having a 3 month old and being able to fit into my old clothes again. Anyone can do this. And just as Barry says, "Good bodies are made not in the gym, but in the kitchen!" It's true! Go for it! Let the weight loss begin! |
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