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 - not so greatGood idea, but not so great video. Way too much jumping and lunging- very bad on the knees. Also has some exercises that are hard on the back. Video is also quite boreing and has an uninteresting, low tech backdrop. Was expecting much better... Rating:  - Good basic program but with some significant flawsA while back "Consumer Reports" did a review of the diets and one of the criticisms they had of the "South Beach Diet" was that it failed to include enough emphasis on exercise. Perhaps this is the reason that Dr. A has decided to add some workout routines to his program. In any case, it certainly is good to see it included in the current version of "The South Beach Diet, Supercharged" as well as this new workout DVD. Unfortunately, I have some serious problems with the current version of the workout program. First the good. I like that there is a substantial portion of the DVD devoted to core strengthening, some flexibility routines and a very good stretch program at the end of the cardio segment. My real problem though comes with the design of the Cardio segment which begins the entire program if you follow it start-to-finish (or instead used separately on alternate days). If you follow the entire program or begin with the Cardio segment the first exercise you'll be instructed to follow is a jog-in-place exercise as the opening warm-up. There is no opening stretch routine, instruction on proper breathing or less traumatic warm-up routine. So without these openers we are taken directly into jogging, which in my opinion, is not appropriate as a warm-up. In fact, it's not until the very end of the cardio program that we have any stretching whatsoever. If Dr. A elects to redo the program I might suggest starting with some basic stretching and following with a variation of his cool-down series as the warm-up routine. The other thing that really bothers me is that there are no real instructions on proper breathing and techniques to use for pacing yourself. At various times the instructor does mention that you should be able to carry out a conversation but fails to really give an adequate explanation of the logic. In fact the instructor herself seems to be struggling with her breathing the entire time she is conducting the cardio portion of the program. I think it's nice that they provide a model who is supposed to be demonstrating the way a beginner might follow the routines but the modifications seemed more suitable for an intermediate than a beginner or someone who is substantially overweight. This issue is better addressed in the non-cardio portions by the use of chairs, etc as assistive devices. Lastly, and this is just a personal impression, I really found this particular instructor's constant talking to be annoying. I understand that it's meant to be motivating but I can't imagine being able to tolerate listening to it on a daily basis. In summary, I think this could be a very good basic program, but in its present design, has some significant flaws. Marc L. Paulsen Author, Dump Your Trainer Rating:  - A Great WorkoutI just started the SBD five days ago and purchased this dvd to compliment it. I haven't fully tested the dvd, but Phase 1 exercise is great. It was only 15 minutes but boy I definately felt it in my body especially the core region. I'm thinking this is really going to help me transform my body in the long run.
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