[.ca] Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies

From Amazon.com:
Weight training is quickly becoming the workout of choice for men and women alike. These regimens incorporate resistance exercises that can increase bone density and metabolism while creating more lean muscle. Tracy York's Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies will introduce these fundamental strength training exercises in language that even a first-time weightlifter will understand. York debunks fitness myths, describes muscle groups, and focuses on the safe execution of each exercise. All of the major muscle groups are trained through 12 basic exercises that are cleverly coined "The Daily Dozen." A series of upper- and lower-body exercises are done in two sets of 12, with stretching spliced between each interval. York makes great use of these stretching segments to emphasize body alignment and proper form (however, these breaks may provide too much down time for the experienced fitness buff). This session delivers a four-minute warm-up, 35 minutes of resistance training (stretches, too), and five minutes of abdominal work. Light hand weights are recommended, but the first-time strength trainer may want to try this format without any weights. Overall this is a stellar pick if you are new to weightlifting, not familiar with muscle groups, or just need to brush up on the basics. Although the music is less than toe-tapping, this information-packed video will leave you anything but dumb. --Olivia Voigts

Great for Beginners!:
I am a beginner in the strength training field, so this video really helped me out. It taught me how to have the correct posture while lifting weights and how to breathe properly. It taught me which exercises to do to work each muscle group. It tells you about myths that are wrong and gives you tips for better results. It is a great way for beginners to start working with weights. More advanced people who have been lifting weights for years will probably find this video to be boring, however, because all of the instructions may be boring to you and you may find yourself fast-forwarding through a lot of the teaching sections. I like the way there are more advanced options so that you can improve after you start.

Very Satisfied:
I'm 37 and and out of shape, in the low 200s. I usually shy away from "for dummies" products. The exercises are good, the instruction is good, the music is good, and she's NOT too cute or too perky. Using this video 2-3 times / week (alternating with cardio) for a month now I can see and feel a difference, and have increased weight on half the exercises. It feels like a "made by women for women" product. Modifications are offered for beginning and advancing. It's worth paying full price for (my highest compliment). Includes warm up and streching, also.

VERY HELPFUL AND NOT TOO HARD:
This is a very good video for beginners. I was out of shape although not overweight. This video has the exercises to get me back on track. I have already used it once and can feel the difference.

May be what you're looking for:
I'm a middle age woman in reasonable shape. I walk an hour a day, several days a week. I wanted to add weight lifting to my exercise routine. Kathy Smith tape was too energetic & fast paced for me. So I got this "dummies" video from the library. It seemed more instructive & moved at a pace I preferred. I finally broke down & bought the video. At first I thought I'd fast forward through the stretch exercises in between the weight lifting exercises, but I soon realized how great the stretch exercises were so that I didn't wear myself out by the time I finished. I love the thoroughness of the tape, exercising all muscle groups, and the instructor's all around style is subtle but effect & I liked her explaining what muscles are worked in each exercise. I buy very few tapes, but I recommend this one!

Great Video Great pace:
Great Video. I love it. I have something I can follow. She goes through each move and lets you know what is going to happen. You can keep up with the vidoe. Great explainations. Can be done 2-4 times a week. The best in weights and I've tried a lot. Also works lower boday great. You can make it more challenging if you like. I'm very pleased with this video.