Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsFor people who dislike or find the usual video format stressful
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2010
I almost never write reviews, but had to pipe up for this one. I actually found it strangely soothing and pleasant even as I broke a sweat. If there's one video I *will* be able to make myself do after a stressful day, this is it. It was fun and light (i.e. no 'drill sergent' or 'punishment' vibe) and yet I still got a workout in. I'd say this is like the "French women don't get fat" of workout DVDs; meaning: it might not be the most intense, and it might seem too simple at first, but it's based on actually enjoying what you're doing and feeling good about your body -- so I feel like I'm more likely to stick with it. Personally, I find positive motivation works best for me. Kim has a great body, but she looks like a real woman and clearly exercises like a real woman (i.e. not perfectly).
For background: I have never watched the Kardashians or followed them. I bought the DVD after reading reviews and wanting to try something different (that and there are few 'butt' specific dvds). I am a professional career woman trying to tone up a little more after realizing that although I am a healthy weight and a runner, nonetheless my thirties were not being kind. As someone who has few curves to begin with, I am hoping Kim's 'pro-curves' workouts keep or improve what I do have. I will update later.
I particularly like that the video wasn't 'over-stimulating' in terms of visuals and music. I actually learned a lot of improved technique because you're only watching two people interact against a fairly neutral backdrop and the trainer is correcting Kim's mistakes. The zoom in on things like Kim's lower back position was also clearer than anything I had seen in another video (I almost wonder if her curves didn't help illustrate/exaggerate when she got it right or wrong -- i.e. you can really see when she tucks her tailbone or pulls in her belly). The moves were simple, but if, like me, you're not a natural at aerobic combos, you might enjoy it. Other videos have a lot of people, a lot of complicated movement, harsh lighting and sort of 'loud' scenery and that can be just 'too much' for me. I *loved* the 'Parisian apartment' set just because it put me a relaxed mental state. It kind of reminded me of doing yoga -- i.e. things are pretty and relaxing and relatively non-confrontational, but unlike some yoga videos there didn't seem a 'perfectionist' or 'too serious' attitude. Kim's outfits were a little different, but between that and the make-up, I kind of felt like I was flipping through vogue while getting my pedicure -- it was visually interesting and I'd rather be thinking about whether I like her eyeliner than how I hate sweating so much.
Some people complain about Kim and yes she has a few vacuous ("I must not mess up my lipstick by closing my mouth!") facial expressions and unimpressive comments, but I actually felt, to my own intense surprise, like she was a fun friend who was suffering right alongside me through the workout. She comes across as nice and real. I felt like time really flew by. Also, the 'bonus' workout seems PERFECT for someone like me who travels a lot and needs a few very very simple moves.
If you're already big into workout DVDs or are good at doing triple grapevines in aerobics or you like 'in your face' and 'no-pain, no-gain' coaching styles, this might not be for you. But, if, like me, you need something 'different' than the usual style, you might enjoy this.