Crunch Fat Burning Ab Attack

If you're looking for a workout that is going to focus on pounding your abs into fantastic shape every second of the workout, then this is not for you. "Crunch Fat Burning Ab Attack" is a casual, laid-back approach to working your abs while also burning calories at the same time. Coming in at about only 30 minutes, it's not the longest workout on the market nor is it the most intense. It is, however, an enjoyable way to spend an "off" day when you still want to work your core a bit.It all starts with a warm-up which is almost like a dance routine. It has step touches, hamstring curls, V steps, and mambos. It simply starts to slightly raise the heart rate and get the blood flowing. Some quick stretches follow. It takes about 6 minutes to complete.Standing abs is next; there are two sections of this portion of the DVD. Each section has about 4 moves: 2 for lower body and 2 for abs. Your heart rate will still be barely elevated because there is a lot of squatting and some quick leg lifts. Usually, Cat Chiarelli (the instructor) will teach you a slow oblique move such as a standing oblique crunch. You'll do that move 8-16 times slowly, do something like 8 fast squats, then do the same slow oblique move on the other side of your body. Eventually, the tempo will be picked up, you will do it quickly a few times, and then move onto another exercise. At the end of each section, you put all moves together into a combo. I didn't find any of the standing abs moves to be tough on the abs; it more worked my thighs and butt with all of the squats. However, my heart rate was up a bit, and I did enjoy it. It all lasts a little bit less than 15 minutes.Floor abs are the follow-up to standing abs, and they are more traditional in that you are doing familiar crunches and planks. There are some different crunch variations, though, so you won't get bored. I'm used to difficult ab workouts, and this did burn a bit...never so much that I had to take a break, but it did seem quite effective. I really liked this (approximately) 10 minute section and will probably add it (and only it) as a supplement to other workouts that I do.A quick 2 minute cool down finishes off the workout.Cat is a pleasant instructor. She comes across as a bit cheesy, constantly asking if you're "cool." However, she really is fantastic about making sure your form is good. Another helpful thing that she does is give you metaphors for some of the exercises. For instance, in the crunches you're supposed to imagine an orange between your chin and chest. In one of the standing exercise, visualize a ballerina's posture.I've seen better standing ab workouts (Jennifer Galardi's Standing Abs on exercisetv), but I understand that Cat was trying to use this section to focus on cardio more than abs. It's very light, though, so it's best for a beginner. The floor abs was very effective for me, although it could have been a bit longer. Overall, I recommend this DVD as a very light workout for your days "off." It's also really good for beginners who are easing into fitness.

I really want to work my abs, but I hate doing zillions of crunches (zillion as in anything more than ten), so I thought I'd give this DVD a try.First of all, it's not really DVD-like in a sense that that are no chapters to choose from (no bonus workout either), so it's your good old VHS-type of workout: you start from the beginning, finish at the end and that's that.What's between the beginning and the end left me a bit undecided. Cat is a nice instructor, sweet without being overwhelming, but don't expect cueing of any kind. I was wondering if this lack of cues was the reason for me not exactly feeling the work in my abs in the approximately 15 minutes of standing work; I was doing some sweating all right, and I did feel my thighs working, but as far as my abs go, nothing really felt there. I've just read a few other reviews here and am kinda relieved I'm not the only one, so it's probably not that I'm not doing the exercises right.The matwork is... well, matwork. About 10 minutes of crunches, side crunches, side planks and all that. Now, I definitely felt THOSE in my abs, but hey, we all do - that's why most of us hate these exercises.So, I could say a little less than half of this workout (the second half, that is) contains some tough abs work, and the other half contains virtually none, but I'm still giving it 4 stars, because after finishing it I always feel like I HAVE done some useful work for my body, and I guess that's what really matters at the end of the day.

This Exercise DVD By Catherine Chiarelli Is Outstanding!!

I have always struggled with my weight and body shape. Years running, biking (marathon/triathlon), periods of weight loss yet my body shape remained the same... that was UNTIL I found this DVD!THIS DVD RESHAPED MY BODY, IS SHORT, EFFECTIVE & SPUNKY!I believe this DVD targeted areas that had not been previously targeted, boosting my metabolism while re-shaping my core!!Purchased on a whim (not the type to work out at home) with 5 other DVDs that soon collected dust not this one! I started using it every day and it made a real difference!3-4 years later I am still using!!! (I actually bought a second copy and it was worth every penny!)The work out is applicable for all fitness levels, it challenged me from the start and as you get stronger you simply push yourself harder so it continues to improve your performance! (but if you don't I can see how you may plateau and I admit some days I would do the routine twice, it was that much fun!) The transitions are quick enough that you can make it through the tough spots even when it burns burns burns!I love the instructor, the direction she gives to motivate proper alignment, her attitude is a bit of sass. The one thing they could use is an instructional section, but a few run throughs and I was ready to go!For those already ripped and shredded sure maybe this is not for you, but for those who never thought they could be, give this a try it may help you find a bit of definition that you never thought you could have, while at the same time having fun!!!I never thought I would like to touch my sides or look at them in the mirror... thank you Catherine Chiarelli I wish you had more DVDs!! :(ps. whoever said it was like Tae-Bo lite I believe that is because it uses some boxing similar moves...

This is a good overall workout. This is my second time buying this one ( I wore the first one out) It is not too long and does not require too much work out area.