Get Ripped! with Jari Love [DVD]

I love these dvd's. I was always under the impression that in order to challenge your muscles and continue to get results you just had to keep increasing the weight. I love using the lighter weights with more reps in these dvds. Yes it is taxing, but Jari's cuing is excellent and it makes it so easy to use good form and proper technique with her excellent timing, and just when you think you can't do one more rep the segment ends. I also like that there are 4 different people to "follow" - so this will work for everyone. I usually stay with Jari who doesn't do the ultra-difficult sets herself but still gives you an advanced but doable workout. There is still an easier version to follow or a tougher one if you don't feel challenged. Don't hesitate to get these workouts - If you like to do free weights at home and feel challenged, these dvd's are right up your alley.

I was not really optimistic about this series because I HATE doing exercise videos that require you to follow complicated choreography. It takes you (or at least me) several weeks just to learn the steps and until then, you are not getting the full benefit. The Get Ripped DVD does not involve lots of complicated steps to learn, just weight training that raises your heart rate. I first rented this DVD to see what it was like (with skepticism) and was VERY impressed. There is a segment to watch before you start the video that shows you how to do all the weight movements, which I found VERY helpful -- that way I know I am doing them correctly. These people also seem very educated about fitness and the physiology of it and offer some unique aspects to working out. Use it to tone or just to vary your workout. GREAT!

I have been doing the original Firm workout for years. It is VERY effective but no longer available, and my VHS tape was on its last leg. I tried several newer Firm programs, but found none of them were as good as the old "yellow girl". I was looking for something similar to that original program. A workout that used weights and focused lean bodies and muscle definition - no dancing, no gimmicks, no frills. Get Ripped does exactly that! I purchased the 4 pack and love that I can choose different workouts for different days. They all are effective. They all use weights. They all focus on lean bodies with definition. The instructor, Jari Love, is easy to follow and easy to listen to. She doesn't fill the air with tons of annoying motivational bs. This program can be easily tailored to suit a variety of fitness levels. I have been using it for 3 weeks and have already increased my weight. I have no doubt that I will be able to continue to increase weight to continue seeing results. I highly recommend this series for those who want an effective hand-held weights or barbell workout at home. I love it...I actually look forward to working out!

Jari Love's 3 pack are great DVDs - a good program to follow for all fitness levels - beginners through advanced can challenge themselves. Jari's cast is made up of a diverse age range and fitness levels, Krista (in 2 of the DVDs) is "middle aged", a physiologist and kicks butt. Laurie is actually one of her students who transformed from 'flab to fab' (see jarilove.com). In fact, Jari stated in the "Slim N Lean" workout that she was overweight at one time (although it's hard to imagine... I wonder what her definition of "overweight" is).All three DVDs have enough variation to keep things interesting. Jari seems to be very fond of squats and bent-knee deadlifts compounded with upper-body lifting. The workouts focus mainly on the following muscle groups: quads, glutes, biceps, triceps, shoulders, delts and pecs. There isn't a lot of ab work in the series; I had to remind myself to tighten my core throughout the workout in order to maintain stability and keep things burning.The workouts are quite challenging and have modifications to vary the intensity - Jari will push you beyond the point of perceived muscle failure (which is best for weight loss). She emphasizes the importance of ensuring that form is proper before moving up to a higher level. Working out in front of a mirror may be helpful to ensure proper form, especially with the deadlifts. Jari doesn't always cue well when stretching, but does so decently when performing the actual exercises.I like the fact that she employs fitness experts in all of her work, and knows the terminology. I also like that she includes a clip about a different fitness topic in each DVD, that discusses various things like: eating/nutrition, aerobic activity and weight training, etc. I found it quite humorous that she wore her glasses during the discussions, perhaps a more 'serious' look?The only gripe that I have is that Amazon's description doesn't list what the equipment needed for the workouts, so here's a list:-Mat-Step with risers-Light, medium & heavy weights (a 5-10-15 lb range is good to start with, but as fitness increases, may want to consider investing in a 5' bar with plates)-Stability ball (optional but makes workouts more challenging)

I find Jari Love's workouts tremendously effective, and I enjoy them very much. However,I assumed that the "4 Pack" released this month would be comprised of new workouts; it is not. I already own "Get Ripped", "Get Ripped to the Core", "Get Ripped Slim" and "Get Ripped 1000". If you are looking for a challenge, and you do not already own these workouts, then I encourage you to purchase this product.

It does what it is supposed to do: build up muscles while burning fat. It just doesn't have the flair to make me "look forward" to working out. It does make me feel wonderful while working out and after I'll feel sore. What I like is the fact sometimes she is trembling... so I feel encouraged to keep going! :) The BEST PART... The results are quick and well appreciated! :) I recommend this video set.

Looks easy, but boy does this make you sweat. Love it. No fuss, just straight forward weights without the frills.

I highly recommend this video if you're trying to lose weight but don't want to jump around. This is a weight training done standing or lying down. It's absolutely perfect for me. I have lost 15 pounds in 1.5 months and am confident that I will reach my 20 pound goal! I feel great and confident. At 52, I never thought I could get in shape this fast.

Another great routine by Jari love. Although, I liked her other dvd "Slim & Lean" better. This one is not as intense and is more suitable for a moderate exerciser.

This is a great dvd for anyone interested in doing a workout program and not knowing exactly where to start. Excellent! Can't wait to get the next video!