Karen Voight: Burn & Firm - Circuit Training [DVD]

This workout is well balanced between cardio and resistance training. The best part is the menu on the DVD - you can choose to do just the cardio, just the weights, just upper body, or do the entire circuit twice (77min. can't say I've had time for that one). As a working mom my time is limited, and it's often a difficult choice for me if I want to do cardio or weight lifting - so now I can have both worlds in 45 min!I have never owned a Karen Voight workout before, but I will definately buy again. She is not gimmicky and I love the arm movements she does to get the heart beat up fast. My only complaint about this video is that there is no stretching for the arms after the weight work - I'm sure that is due to a lack of time and it is very easy to fit your own stretches in between segments.

I love workout dvd's and I use them 5-6 times a week. This one is the most difficult to follow that I have. It keeps me interested, though, because I have to concentrate so hard to try to keep up with the intricate sequences she uses during the cardio segments. The first time I did this, I felt like I didn't get a great cardio workout because I kept getting lost with her intricate steps. Granted, I am not the most coordinated person and have never been a dancer. Maybe someone with a little background in dance would keep up better than me. As I have continued to use the dvd, though, I know the moves a bit better, so I do like it because it is quite varied and keeps me interested. Not my favorite workout dvd, but a good one to have if you're like me and do dvd's on a regular basis. It's definitely different than anything else I have.

I enjoy "circuit training" workouts because while I know the importance of aerobic training, for me, I like the combination of performing aerobics/weights/aerobics/weights...Karen Voight's "Burn & Firm Circuit Training" does exactly that...burns and firms! The DVD is set up so that one may workout on several levels: The entire "circuit," a "double circuit," "aerobics only," "weights only," "abdominals only." When I first did the workout, I was surprised at how quickly the entire circuit went by (apprx. 45 minutes including abdominals), so I do the "double circuit (apprx. 77 minutes)." Karen's instruction is lively and effective. She works out with a fellow exerciser, and each section is listed before executed. The routine (for double circuit, the routine is repeated except for the warm-up, and abdominals are added at the end of the final circuit) begins with a warm-up, then alternates between aerobics/weights/aerobics/weights/aerobics/toning/abdominals/cool-down. For the toning section, Karen uses weights (I believe it is recommended 3-5-8lbs) and/or one's own resistance, but one can adjust this routine to one's level, which is a great option. I use additional weights for the toning routines and weights for the abdominals, but I consider this my "strong routine" day. If one would like to "burn & firm" by executing a well-coordinated, strong circuit routine, I would certainly recommend this one. Unless one is a super-exerciser, this routine is challenging, one can make it even more challenging and I have noticed in the four weeks since I have added this circuit to my routine, I have better overall endurance in both aerobics and strength, and yes, I have noticed some of those areas that I thought were "firm," really were not as "firm" as I thought! Well, they are now! Go for it and enjoy, I do not believe one will be disappointed with the results.

I just did this workout for the first time and had to write how pleased i am with it. I have done several other leaders' workouts and always had complaints. Karen's style is easy to follow, she's pleasant to work out with, the surroundings are simple and tasteful, she's got only 1 realistic person with her, not some Barbie who smiles her cheeks off. I bought it specifically because of good reviews for people with bad knees, which i agree-i had no pain afterwards or the next day. It's varied enough to keep attention, and can be adjusted to many levels. Thumbs up!

When I first used this DVD, I was disappointed by the dull, elevator-type music and I found a couple of the steps hard to follow. After using it regularly, I picked up the steps and learned to tune out the music.Karen Voight is a great teacher, inspiring without being condescending, positive without being saccharine. The workout is a good 45 minute routine, combining three cardio segments with a warm-up, four strength training segments, and a cooldown. There is a longer double circuit workout but it just repeats the segments from the standard routineI might like a bit more of a challenge, but it does get my heartrate up and feels like a good balance between cardio and strength. I definitely plan to try other Karen Voight workouts.

I tried this work-out once and wasn't very impressed. The cardio circuits are too short to get your heart rate up, and Karen doesn't explain most of the complicated footwork at all before you need to start doing it. By the time you figure out what she's doing, she's already on to another move. As far as the strength training, some of the weights circuits are decent, but it's definitely not for beginners. I have a delicate neck, and I got a migraine after the first 5 minutes of upper body. If you are a beginner, I would try using 2-3 pound weights at first. Then maybe work up to 5 lb. weights. Overall, it sounded like a good work-out in the description, but I won't be doing it again.

I thought I was an beginer/inter. when I bought this Dvd but I feel like the 45min circut workout wasn't hard enough for me. I haven't worked out to a vidoe for 6+ mo. I work out with free weighs (3lbs) and do basic leg exrcises, nothing hard. It is the next day and my arms are a little sore but that's it. I want to loose body fat I don't feel like my heart rate was up long enough to do that effectly. After I was done I felt like I could go on and do it all over again. I wish that the cardio was a little more intence. I was hoping for something that would challenge me more. However, I had a lot of fun doing this dvd so I will probably just do the cardio when I don't have time to do anything else.

An excellent workout, beautifully put together. I always feel energised after doing this and it has just the right balance of cardio and strength training.

i really wanted to do a good aerobics workout as i go to a aerobics class i dont know what made me choose this dvd but i can honestly say only get this if your very very good at aerobics as this is at a very fast pace it will make you sweat only if you catch up on the moves not a good choice for me