Core Secrets' Upper Body Challenge

I just did this Core Secrets "Full Body Challenge" workout by Gunnar Peterson this morning for the first time. I was VERY impressed!By way of background, I'm an advanced exerciser and a big part of my fitness regimen involves using various types of fitness dvd/vhs's (I've got over 130 various types of programs from Yoga to Pilates, Strength and Cardio Workouts as well). One can achieve incredible results working out this way if one is consistent (the MOST important thing) and uses a decent amount of intensity.This workout by Gunnar Peterson was really outstanding and unique! It's extremely well designed in the way he sequences exercises and the way he incorporates compound movements that work both your core and other body parts and the same time.He does a great job of clearly explaining each move beforehand rather than just plunging into it and expecting you to keep up haphazardly. I can see why he's such a popular personal trainer because he has a real gift for clarity and program design. I found that even though he takes the time for explanation, the program still moves at a good pace. I kept up a nice light sweat throughout most of the program because while not being a cardio workout, the pace is quick enough to keep your heart pumping, especially if you use enough intensity. I rotated between 3 sets of dumbells in order to make sure I was getting the most out of each exercise. What I liked is that by the end of the workout I definitely felt that my body was pushed plenty hard enough but I didn't feel so depleted that I couldn't function after. That for me is the sign of a great workout, one that can be done on a regular basis so that you can really feel like you accomplished a lot while still feeling you can be effective in the rest of your life. If you're so beat up that you can't function beyond the workout, chances are you're not going to be able to do it regularly. This workout really gives you the most important thing you can ask for from a strength workout and that is FUNCTIONAL strength. This is strength that will help you in the real world, in your daily activities or even in athletic activities because your body is used in an integrated manner the whole time. The workout is a relatively short warm up, then you have the main body of the workout, then the cooldown. It clocks in at about 45 minutes.I'd gauge it as a solid intermediate workout in terms of level, definitely not for a beginner. There are other Core Secrets workouts designed for beginners (Fun-Damentals and Give Me 20). I'd recommend doing those or some other beginning stability ball workouts (Stability Ball Workout For Dummies w/ Liz Gillies, or Suzanne Deason's GAIM DVD for example) before plunging into something like this. The production quality is excellent and the camera work makes it very easy to follow along.

Not so good

I did this DVD for the first time yesterday and it is excellent! I would definitely recommend it! There is a very good range of exercises to work your entire body, and Gunnar used multiple exercises to target areas like your shoulders and upper back. The abs work was also good, and I liked that he incorporated exercises for your lower back, as that often gets overlooked in ab workouts.Note: You do need a fitness ball as well as a set of hand weights for this DVD. I would recommend 5-8lb dumbells.I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I felt that the workout could have been a bit more intense. I am a more advanced exerciser, and I felt that there were not enough reps of each exercise. It would definitely be good for beginner to intermediate exercisers, and for those who are more advanced you could pause the DVD while you complete more reps, as I will do the next time.Overall this was an excellent workout DVD and I definitely recommend adding it to your collection!

I love this DVD. I had it a couple of years ago, and lost 50 pounds. It got stuck in my DVD player, and I went without for a long time. I bought it again, and it is my favorite workout. I just love it. I am 210 pounds, so I cant do a really long workout yet, but I started back at 227, so I have lost some weight. your whole body will be sore! Even when I got down to 190 last time I had it, I just bought wrist and ankle weights to increase the intensity. Its fun, its a good workout, and its not too long. Its also really cheap!

If you follow this and have the proper form I think you would be very happy with the results. My husband and I have done this for years and bought an extra one to give as a gift. I feel it very important do have a routine like this as you get older. You have weights and core which helps so much with back and shoulder pain. All you need is an exercise ball, hand weights and possibly a yoga mat and you are all set! No need to spend money on gym memberships.

The CD was scratched. I wanted to return it for a refund.My refund would be $1.83 after I paid over $6.00

If you've never done any of Gunnar's ball workout's then you're in for a treat. If you have any of his other workouts then this is a great compliment to your collection!! It is a well rounded all over work out - very precise and written to challenge you - and give you a total body work out! He uses weights as well as the ball so you get muscle strength along with balance training with strengthens you 'core'!! I love it and do it at least twice a week!

Video was not high definition and was in low quality.

This is an amazing exercise. Cd I bought it 10years ago and still use it. Try it! You'll. love it

i have recommended the tape to others, workout is easy to do at home and it is easy to adapt his exercise to suit fitness