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Reviews

I like this DVD a lot. I'm new to yoga, so this was a good introduction. The setting is really nice on the DVD and the woman is easy to listen to understand. The woman offers easier options for the more challenging poses, which is nice, especially if you're new to yoga. I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 stars, because as with any exercise DVD, you have no idea if you're doing the pose correctly or incorrectly. I will admit after doing the DVD a handful of times and then going to a yoga class, I did realize I was doing some of the poses incorrectly. Also, it's bit challenging to engage yourself in a specific pose, while having to watch the TV.

This is the best yoga for beginners. I am going to order more for my cancer survivor friends. It has really helped during the treatment to keep me centered and calm.

I decided to buy a yoga DVD after taking a yoga class and becoming distressed at how weak and stiff I was. I bought this DVD because of the many positive reviews. The DVD is good for absolute beginners. It's challenging, but not discouragingly so. You can do it even if you're not strong and not flexible. I like the fact that there are different sequences, one as short as 10 minutes, so that I can mix it up a little and don't get really bored. Also, I can squeeze a sequence in even if I have very little time. I especially like the backbends one. Barbara's voice is calming and her directions are very good. Sometimes it seems like she's there in the room, since her comments always seem to be on target. She's not there to dazzle you with her agility or to shame you into injuring yourself, but to teach you how to do the poses properly. She gives adequate time to transition from pose to pose. She gives alternatives for those who are more and less capable. So far, I have only done one sequence in the Extended Routines section of the DVD. I don't recall which one, but I admit I was a little disappointed; it was longer, but not harder than the ones in the Getting Started section. However, some of the other ones may be much harder. I don't think this will be the only DVD I ever use, but most likely, no DVD could play that role. If I lived near Barbara, I would not hesitate to study with her. Since that's not possible and since I do get bored (I've been using the DVD every morning for weeks now), I will probably soon purchase something that has even more targeted sequences (for arms, glutes, abs, or even another strength one that's just different). However, I think it's excellent for encouraging someone who may be apprehensive and/or at a very beginning stage while still teaching "real" yoga.

The cd is long---------- but comforting- and peaceful.......if you need to go to sleep.

I am really enjoying working out with this and am learning alot in a short period of time since she makes it easy to do which is good for beginners. Her direction which makes it clear on how to do things and letting me know I was going things correctly

Reviews

I do this when i have a full hour to exercise. I find this more challenging than my 30 minute prenatal video so i mixed the two up throughout the week. I am only nine weeks along so i can't give any advice about yoga with a full baby bump but for a beginner it's great and people can make it as challenging as they want.

I like yoga as a way to stretch and feel invigorated. I don't like yoga that's sappy ("imagine your baby is enjoying this practice as much as you are") or too slow. I really didn't like this dvd. It's just... easy. I'm sure this is fine for ladies coming to yoga for their first time, but as someone who's pretty active, this practice just didn't challenge me at all. I also found the inward-looking sappy new age stuff got old fast. The one strong point, though, was that it does demonstrate three separate ways to do the poses, so less flexible people could look at the 3rd trimester version for help. But I'm in my 3rd tri and had no trouble doing almost all of it with the 1st trimester version. It's just that easy. A great alternative that I later purchased and LOVE is the Complete Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga & Short Forms 2 DVD Set. It's the exact opposite- fast moving, keeps your attention.

Since my 6th month I've had a lot of back and hip pain. This video stretched all the right places to give me real relief. I highly recommend it.

I've always liked Shiva Rea's DVD's, so when I was pregnant I knew I would like this. I tried some regular yoga DVD's (at 6 months pregnant) and found that I couldn't do hardly anything, except maybe stand and flap my arms! This was so relaxing and I could feel my body liven and fill with oxygen. I believe it when she says that baby likes the rocking motion for some of the asanas. I have had some coughing and breathing problems lately and I think this has helped to open my lungs too. It's not a fat burning workout, it's more for well being and tranquility. I highly recommend this!

I did receive a pregnant yoga DVD, but it was not the same one that was advertised in the picture or descriptionPrenatal Yoga This is what I received

Reviews

This vid is great for beginner yoga. The one thing I would wish is that the routines were longer - the routines are about 15 minutes long. By that time, I am just getting warmed up and would like a longer workout, or maybe one longer workout of the several workouts that are on the DVD.

Before purchasing this CD I read the reviews and was impressed with how impressed people were with it. The CD is very well done but the description of the CD and the title were misleading. I found the poses difficult for me to do and it just didn't seem like a beginners guide to yoga. I will have to find a yoga CD that is geared for people who are not in tip top shape because this was not it.

I'm in my early 60s and have been practicing yoga for 20+ years, mostly at home from books and videos. I have most of Rodney Yee's videos and he just keeps getting better as an instructor over the years. This, as well as AM Yoga for Your Week, are among his best. The two routines are well-designed and the instructions are clear and direct. His co-instructor, Colleen Saidman, is also very good. The pose guide is an excellent tutorial for beginners and also a good alignment review for more experienced practitioners. (It's always helpful to go back to the basics. Even great pianists practice doing scales.) You'd pay this price for one yoga class, but this dvd will provide a lot more lasting use and benefit. I'll use this often. As usual, the Gaiam production is excellent and visually inspiring. Highly recommended.

I thought I'd try yoga out to get that "healthy lifestyle" agenda going, but this disk just didn't do it for me. Too many of the moves require your head down and I can't see what they're doing to change etc. Yes its relaxing but I feel it doesn't do enough athletically? Stretching feels more productive, but maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance?

Although it has been a few years since I have practiced, I found this to be too simple for me. However, using it has reminded me of why Rodney is my favorite! For those who have never practiced, I highly recommend this dvd to acquaint you with yoga.

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This book is great fun. Check out my blog tracking each badge as I accomplish them! [...] Anybody else working on their badges?

Reviews

There's so much to choose from now that I'm sure there are better ones out there. These are high impact - not for the frail or weak for sure!

I only got the one video--Basic workout--even though the picture includes the instructional with it. Not sure if it was a seller mistake (never heard back from them) or what. Love this basic workout--fun and challenging but I can still walk the next day without being sore! gets the heart and sweat going really good. Another good one on this same level is Tae Bo II Get Ripped basic workout. I lost 11 pounds in the last 6 weeks doing these videos!

I was so happy to find these old tapes i use to have it and loved it but my old one broke. Anyways these tapes were in excellent shape when I got them. I love it. thank you for exellent service. Linda

I received the tae-bo VHS and it was exactly as promised. New, factory sealed, and it came within 3 days!

Upon receiving the Tae Bo Basic and Instructional tapes, I proceeded to play them. Neither one worked. They both were faulty. They got caught up in my vcr player and had to be thrown out. So much for trusting Amazon!

Reviews

This was a simple item. I figured it might take a couple of weeks. A couple of days was the reality, in excellent condition as well. Would have no problem ordering again from this dealer.

It came promptly and it plays fine, but it will not rewind, just sits there. Have to put it into play mode, reverse and it takes a very long time to get back to the beginning of the tape.

This video brought back so many memories... I used to dance around to this as a teenager with my girlfriends! :)

I own three other in the series and I like to rotate them to keep my workouts interesting. Lots of fun and a good workout as well.

Even though this is so outdated, the music is fun to dance to, and it doesn't feel like exercise.

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i love this video. i have it on VHS. but i want to get it on dvd. will have to look for it elsewhere because i don't see it here on amazon. it really works. it totally targets your glutes. i mean really targets them. it hurts so good! yea so this tape has outdated leg warmers and head bands! who cares? it gets the job done. after you do it for 2 weeks, people will "notice you coming and watch you going." the guy has some really cheesy lines but i've grown to laugh at them, especially the line about squeezing all the cheeseburgers out of your workout! get this tape if you want to slim your thighs and tone your booty!

I purchased The Original Buns of Steel this past week directly from Greg Smithey's website, and I was really impressed with how fast I got it. I ordered it on a Thursday and it arrived Saturday! Like others have said, the workout is hard to get through if it's your first time doing it. I had to stop periodically until my muscles recovered a bit and then I jumped back in again. Overall, the workout is very good! It's all floor work, which is ideal, and I feel it's more affective than the squats other videos have you do. The workouts in this video are ones you can actually FEEL working. I'll update this a few weeks from now to let everyone know of my progress. 6/1/2010: I took my measurements this morning and since incorporating this DVD into my work-out, I've lost an inch off my waist and an inch from my hips. I've also lost a few pounds. I'd say this is a very effective DVD that's well worth the money.

I am a group ex instructor and I taught for Greg at the Hip Hop Club in Alaska!! I was there the day they shot the video..Those were my friends and I LOVED them all!!!..YES...It was 1987....THE clothes were horrible and yes...HE did have a "curl," but who cares. If you took the SAME exercises today and did them in class, which I sometimes do, you will see that they are effective and they are hard. Now that we are all so much more educated and we have core training and sport specific training etc....sometimes getting back to the "basics" of lots and lots of reps and different angles is a REFRESHING change! They waited for years to review it and raked it over the coals and I thought it was very unfair, and yet today it's STILL a favorite.... Get over the clothes and the hair and the music and get a great workout....LOL!!:) Have fun!!

This is the best buns of steel out there. When I was in excellent shape in college, this was the only video that could make my legs and glutes burn. The other reason I love this video is that it's predominantly mat based. I have bad knees, so I have to avoid squats, lunges, etc. Most of the videos today (outside of pilates) focus on squats/lunges, so I can't do them. Admittedly, the 80s fashion and music is over the top. Hopefully, the ridiculousness of it will add humor to your workout and help you get through it.

Yes, the music, clothes, and hair cuts are outdated. Great exercise does not go out of style. This is such a great targeted exercise routine it is well worth your purchase and time spent actually doing the exercises in the routine. Unless your buns are perfect, this is a purchase you can't go wrong making........

Reviews

My 6-year-old son has been listening to the Indigo Dreams CD every single night since he was 2 years old. Recently I started to feel like the CD wasn't helping him anymore -- it seemed like he just didn't even notice it anymore. So I purchased Indigo Ocean Dreams. It has been wonderful! He was so excited to listen to the new stories and went to bed without incident the very first night. As others have stated, these stories do use the same techniques as the original Indigo Dreams CD. My 6 year old did point that out to me ("The Angry Octopus is the same as the Caterpillar story") but he didn't seem bothered by it. In fact, the second night when I went in to check on him, he was actually tensing and relaxing his muscles along with the story. He never used to actually use the techniques in the stories before. I definitely see the benefit of having both CDs -- we can switch them up when he gets bored. My three-year-old daughter is now using the Indigo Dreams CD. I just can't say enough good things about these CDs. They are simply wonderful!

Indigo Ocean Dreams is important in light of current research regarding the brain and the detrimental effects of stress. As early humans struggled to endure, their brains became "hard wired" for survival. Today, though, only on rare occasions do we fight or run for our lives. Modern human brains when stressed, nevertheless, elicit the same fight or flight response our ancestors experienced. The problem lies in our inability to consciously recognize our brains still react to modern stress in a primal manner. Our brains still trigger hormones meant to optimize survival. Bodies become battle ready. Yet, unlike our ancestors, we experience few events that tell our brains, "Stop stressing. The danger has passed. Let's relax, feel safe and appreciate the fact we live for another day." Conversely, our ancestral brains learned how to reduce the deleterious effects of stress through relaxation and rest. With fire as a major safety tool and language a close second, humans developed the habit of nightly evaluating events. These reviews, especially the most meaningful, became part of a storytelling tradition. Children grew up hearing life-lesson stories. The flickering fire, the protection and warmth of shelter, and the hypnotic tone of the speaker's voice lulled listeners into a relaxed, trance-like state. Herein lies the antidote for contemporary stress, what stress-reduction scientists call the "relaxation response." Indigo Ocean Dreams helps children relax in a healthy, natural way. The stories speak to life as manageable and safe. Guided imagery and soothing suggestions induce the relaxation response and provide problem-solving lessons. Unlike the case with many relaxation recordings, the speaker's voice and delivery are pleasant. As a mental health therapist, I find this CD immensely useful. I suggest families purchase a copy and use one of the four stories nightly for at least a month. I have seen phenomenal success in some very tough cases. Indigo Ocean Dreams: 4 Children's Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness

My daughter was having a lot of anxiety and anger managment issues. I ordered the CD on Amazon hoping it would help. She LOVES it! She is almost 9 and still loves "lullaby" cds. She goes to bed about 20mins early now and listens to one of the relaxation stories on the cd and then puts the cd on the instramental track and hits repeat so it plays all night while she sleeps. I often use the cd during the day to calm her as well. If I see anxiety/anger coming then I will ask her to go to her room, lie on her bed, and listen to a paticular track. Great buy!

I wanted to listen to the stories before the kids and it was so calming I went to sleep. We use the CD now on a regular basis as a bedtime tool. Kids are 5 and 3 and even the 3 year old tries the relaxation breathing. Gradually buying more of her products. Just love it!

I gave this CD to my 9 year old daughter who sometimes can't fall asleep at night. She says the stories and music relax her and clear her mind. She never gets to hear the fourth story on the CD because she's always asleep by then!!

Reviews

I did this DVD with my 4 year old and he loved it. It was nice to do yoga with my son.It was great to watch him enjoy this so much.

We have only done the Silly to Calm DVD, but my son enjoys acting like a monkey and standing tall like a tree. It really does calm him down at the end. I prefer it to my Crunch DVD, although it doesn't do much for my waistline. :)

I started doing yoga approximately three months ago and it has peak my son's interest, so I decided to purchase this DVD so we could do something more age appropriate for him together. We have such a fun time acting silly together and all the physical movement does give us a workout. Great for times when it's not convenient for him to play outsides, and anything that bring family and fitness together is a wonderful thing!

My kids, ages 5 and 3, absolutely love these videos and ask for them over and over. They are a great deal for the price too. The children in the videos range from preschool to early elementary, and that is really the age range these are targeted to. The workouts are a bit long, my kids rarely do an entire DVD in one showing, but that is OK with me. Frankly, they love watching these as much as doing them, so I do use them in the car too for long drives. They find these videos entertaining because the instructor is very silly, and encourages the kids in the video to be that way too. Per some of the complaints, it's true that many of the poses are not orthodox yoga asanas, and that the workouts do not flow in the way that a good adult class would. I think that is fine, and actually a plus, because these are specifically designed for the attention spans and bodies of young children. So if you are looking for a DVD to do alongside your child, these probably aren't it. But if you just want something entertaining that will whet their whistle for yoga, you can't beat these.

I ordered this for my 21 month daughter and me to have a fun yoga video. She is still a bit young to really enjoy it, but I love it. I can tell that she will love it too when she gets just a bit older. The poses and set up of the DVD are fun and silly; and watching other kids in different poses seems to intrigue her. She'll be doing her own versions and moving and shaking before too long. It was a GREAT price for a fun family yoga DVD set.

Reviews

Life can feel very busy for all of us, especially teenagers. Sometimes you feel like you are standing in the middle of a busy street with cars and people zooming past you. Horns are honking and people are shoving you. You feel as if you do not know which end is up and have no way of controlling the situation you are in. Luckily, with the help of Lori Lite and her inspirational CD, "Indigo Teen Dreams", you will able to escape the busy traffic and float into a world all your own. A world where you are in control of your own body. A world where you can be you. A world where you can finally be at peace with yourself. As a teacher and an older sister to two teenagers and the creator/writer at [...], I have consistently been looking for a book, a CD, anything that young adults will listen to in order to build their self esteem and at the same time relax them from the stresses of everyday life. The search is over! "Indigo Teen Dreams" is top notch. From the moment you press play Lori Lite has provided a narrator who has a calm, even, steady tone to ease your mind. You cannot help but get wrapped up in the sound of his voice. The CD goes on and the narrator talks to the listener and not AT the listener. He is understanding and accepting which is something that teenagers long for every day. The narrator is able to make a connection with the listener and provide tips and words of encouragement for all. Combine this with the soothing background sounds and nature-like music that is provided and you have a unique CD that teens will actually listen to and learn from. All teenagers should have this CD! It is a touching and personal experience that they should not miss out on. Encourage your teen to be open minded about listening to this CD. I guarantee that once they listen to the lessons Lori Lite provides they will feel empowered and start taking over their feelings, emotions, and everyday actions. Indigo Teen Dreams is a Teenager MUST-HAVE! -Heather [...]

Note: I have two boys that I adopted internationally as pre-teens. Wow! My 13-year old took the CD into his room to give it a try - he's usually pretty good about trying new things anyway so I didn' t think much of it. He'd tried another adult meditation CD and tolerated it. He still hated resting in the afternoon (I homeschool my kids) but if he doesn't get enough sleep he's a bear. OK, so he takes the CD into his room and I don't hear a thing for two hours. When he woke up he came out of his room grinning from ear to ear, saying things like "I am a good person," and "I make good choices," how the music is wonderful and makes him feel great, AND THAT HE CAN'T WAIT TO TAKE A NAP AGAIN TOMORROW. At first I thought he was joking ... but he was completely serious! He insisted that I listen to it, explained to me what "affirmations" are and what "visualization" is (English is his second language so these are big words for my son!). Then he hugged the CD. His attitude continued to be great all evening. You would think that a teenager, especially a boy would think this is ridiculous. This total basketball loving, soccer playing, bow-and-arrow, rock throwing boy loves this CD. He's copied it onto his iPod (it's the only thing on his iPod) and listens to it each afternoon and falling asleep at night. I am amazed. So then my 15-year old boy comes out of his week-long funk and decides to resume his daily 15-minute mediation. He's OK with this but would rather do something else, often fusses about it but then tells me later that he feels better after meditation (pretty typical all-over-the-board teen). I offer him his brother's new CD. He declines. I tell him to suit himself. He can't bear the suspense of knowing that his brother did something before him and tells me he'll try it, but then get out the old CD if this one doesn't work. He fell asleep within minutes of turning it on. When he woke up he tried to argue that it was no big deal, one meditation CD was just like the other. His brother sat on the bed and told him he was full of it, that it was a great CD. He then pumped his iPod up full volume so we could hear it and started chanting the positive affirmations. I told my older son that if the CD wasn't working for him that I would happily take it back. Well, no, he says, he's not ready to give it back to me. He wants to give it another try. Ha! I bet he'll be hooked in no time! Give it a try for your stressed out teen. Give them quiet time to really listen to it. It was a pleasant surprise.

I bought this CD because I enjoy Lori Lite CDs. I previously purchased Indigo Ocean Dreams, and Garden of Wellness. This was just as good at getting me to relax. Granted, I am not a teen, I am in my 40s. I could understand that some reviewers would feel it may be a bit childish for some teens. But for others, it might be just perfect. My guess is it would depend on the individual teenager, so I wouldn't dismiss it outright. Although it's not my favourite, it really does make me feel calm. Especially the part which is only music, it has a very surreal quality.

My child tends to be naturally anxious. When she skipped the 8th grade and went into 9th it was such a change in schedule and class/grade expectations that the additional stress caused some insomnia and the lack of sleep ended up causing more stress. Around that time, through my job, I attended a stress management seminar. One of the techniques of reducing stress was guided meditation. We were encouraged to lie on the floor with a pillow that we were told to bring. The instructor said that some find guided meditation so relaxing that they'd fall asleep. I figured it'd be relaxing but no way i'd fall asleep in the middle of the day. The only reason I did not fall asleep is because I fought it. If I had let myself go completely - I would have been out. It was SO relaxing and I felt so refreshed when the seminar was complete that I immediately starting searching for something age appropriate for my daughter. This is the product I purchased. My daughter is a young 13 and I can still recall the look on her face when I gave her the CD...something along the lines of a mocking 'yeah, whatever.' There was no mocking the next day. She fell asleep before the CD ended and has not had a problem sleeping since. To this day I don't think she's made it to the end of the CD. If she's really stressed she'll follow the guided relaxation, but often she'll just put the CD in and let the voice lull her to sleep. She finds the man's voice very peaceful and relaxing. I bought this 3 months ago and she listens to it nearly every night. Well worth the purchase.

This CD provides some needed ideas for teenagers and is geared toward their lifestyle. Though it could have included some more information on dealing with peer pressure that I would have liked to see, it otherwise is a great CD with relaxation techniques and a soothing voice to follow.

Reviews

I bought this book with great expectations. To my surprise in the first chapter is the really bad four letter word. I cannot see using such language in a book that references GOD. I quit reading it and I would not recommend it. I found what little I read disrespectful.

"Women Food and God" leads readers on a 210 pages journey building up to Geneen Roth's refreshingly simple but nonetheless challenging 7 Eating Guidelines. Even though food is not my "thing" in the way it is the obsession of many of the women who attend Roth's retreats, I could not help but be changed by this book. After reading the Eating Guidelines, I can't help but think of them when I eat, and this knowledge has raised my consciousness whether I wanted it to or not! Geneen's guidelines make a lot of sense, and her discussion about emotional eating as an escape, a substitute for genuine experience, a numbing mechanism, could apply to other habits or addictions. While Roth is a talented writer, the book's prose felt a little repetitive. And I got depressed reading the accounts of self-hatred and food obsession contributed her students. Nonetheless, overall, this is a thought-provoking read that is sure to help many find a new path toward a healthier relationship with food, and themselves.

I can't say just how much this book has meant to me, and has helped already (I'm almost halfway thru)! I loved it so much that I bought 2 more and gave them to my mom and friend. Her insights are so amazing. The way she makes you look at things, like how you treat yourself and why, changes everyday thoughts. Even if you cannot get to the heart of why you feel and think the way that you do, she will help you change it for the better and move on!

This book will probably bring me to a new level of thinking about food and eating and the place it holds in my life.

There isn't anything new here (for me). And I still really love this book. Why? Because I find that I learn things, forget them, and then need to relearn them. It's not easy being present, doing inquiry, being connected to body sensations, feeling the feelings. Not easy. But very rewarding because it is authentic and real. And the stuff we put on top of that - whether it's food or sex or shopping or whatever is not real, not satisfying, and we know it. I have again started this process and am finding that I get full more quickly and then have to stop eating. And I also take breaks from it because it is hard work. And it's a start. My body is really incredible. It does wonderful things for me every day and I don't want to use it anymore to avoid feelings that I can handle. Thanks Geneen for another wonderful book! I wish your Watsonville retreat had room. I'd love to go.

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This is a must read book wether you "think" your relationship is fine or not. Believe me you may think everything is fine but this book makes you see the big picture and realize what is going bad and what is going good in your relationship. You got to read this book!!!

I also got the 5 love languages of children, which I enjoyed but didn't find as helpful as the 5 love languages. This book really opened my eyes to things that were going on in me, as well as the people I love. I'm very glad I heard someone talking about it at church and ordered it.

This definitely is a great book. Strong Christian influence and biblical applications! Also practical and capable of speaking to anyone at any point either before marriage or for those who are already married.

An affair was threatening to break up my marriage. I read several relationship books, and this one proved to be the best. It was straight forward, easy to read and easy to adopt the ideas into real life. The book is for anyone that is having relationship problems- and I now try daily to fill the "love tank" of everyone in my family.

This book is great- it's like many of the examples played out in my home & he has secretly been watching us. I'll see how it goes- my husband isn't a reader, so I can't get him to work it with me, but I figure if I can do my part and encourage him in what language works for me, we can make some improvements.

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Finally, someone intelligently illustrates the absurdity of the retirement life model. This book obviously isn't for everyone, but it just might change your life.

The Tim Ferris book four hour work week is a truly gripping read. The book looks at the way you do things and how you can do them easier. A great read and makes you do things differently. Some of the opinions he gives on saving time,Doing exercise scientifically etc really rock. If he was part of the world i come from he would have been called Guru/Master--and the question 2 him would be "Master teach me Kung fu"..Whats cool is he probably will be able to do so in 3o days.. The book is a must read.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3DBCS94PODIXC This is my take on Tim Ferris' book The 4-Hour Work week. It's really changed my thinking about work and life balance. As a single mom life can be pretty crazy but with this book I see the light for a brighter future.

In "The 4-Hour Workweek", Tim Ferris tells us that anyone can live life like a millionaire by adopting the philosophy of the New Rich - working the minimum amount of time necessary, having maximum freedom and mobility, and starting a niche business that runs by itself. If you are unsure as to how to accomplish this ideal, "The 4-Hour Workweek" provides a step-by-step recipe. Enticing? Absolutely! But after a few chapters, the book seems more like an infomercial than a literary work. Ferriss spends the first four chapters of the book redefining success in his own terms. The New Rich, he writes, "negotiates a remote work agreement to achieve 90% of the results in one-tenth of the time, which frees him to practice cross-country skiing and take road trips with his family two weeks per month. " The New Rich.... "aim to distribute `mini-retirements' throughout life instead of... the fool's goal of retirement." Furthermore, the New Rich, "ask for forgiveness, not permission. If it isn't going to devastate those around you, try it and then justify it". To many, it will seem that Ferriss is advocating self-centeredness and lack of concern for others. Poor ethics; however, does not preclude a book from becoming a best seller. In the next section, the author instructs us on improving our productivity. He advocates doing only the 20% of tasks that "contribute most to income" and to schedule those "with very short and clear deadlines". He advocates a low information diet, avoiding time consuming people, learning to say no, and refusing to multi-task in order to apply the minimum amount of time to the absolute minimum of tasks. In Ferriss' view of the world, it appears the grasshopper is the hero of the fable; not the hard-working ant. Chapters 8 - 13 offer a number of interesting ideas for putting one's life on easy street. Ferriss outsources much of his work and personal tasks to India or China. He tells us that "there are a million and one ways to make a million dollars" and presents his recipe for accomplishing this as: 1) Pick an affordably reachable niche market, 2) Brainstorm a product idea 3) Market test your concept and 4) Rollout your product while simultaneously outsourcing the operations to reduce your time requirements. Enticing? Yes, again; but can there really be niche, low maintenance businesses out there for everyone? In the remainder of "The 4-Hour Workweek", Tim Ferriss advocates manipulating your boss into permitting you to work remotely using a variety of unsavory tactics. The objective is to obtain "unrestricted mobility" and to "work wherever and whenever you want." In this way, one can take trips and vacations while still being paid by an employer. Lastly, and perhaps most believably, Ferriss addresses what to do when one becomes part of the New Rich, only to find that "emptiness and boredom" await them. He offers common platitudes such as taking a learning mini-retirement, performing charitable work, and volunteering. By this time, readers might just be wondering whether the Ferriss way is really the smart way at all. Certainly the conventional wisdom of hard work, integrity, and servant-leadership would more reliably lead to a fulfilling sense of self-worth and accomplishment. The title of this book is catchy and the proposition interesting. However, from the recommended unethical tactics to the ultimate goal of leisure and boredom, there is little in this book that is worthwhile. The fact that it made the New York Times best seller list and received a host of endorsements from notables is a sad testimony to our times. See published review at: [...]

unlike many other books that attempt to provide you with a path to a better lifestyle, 4HWW gives specific recommendations and resources to use during the journey. thanks, tim!

Reviews

Great Video. We viewed this video and knew immediately how to safely massage our precious one. The demonstrations and theory of why to massage were brilliant. I recommend this video to anyone with a child. What a wise investment in our child's future development.

Reviews

I bought this tape recently and threw it out after watching and attempting the first few routines/dances. Richard Simmons spends more time trying to attract the attention of or look as sexy as the male dancers than he does giving solid exercise instruction (instruction? What instruction???). The music isn't particularly good and the visuals are cluttered with too many people attempting too many individual moves. Anyone trying to exercise to the video had better have a solid understanding of how to exercise safely, since you don't get that from Richard Simmons. The video lacks his usual empathetic encouragement, and the moves aren't explained or user-friendly for the typical home exerciser. Worse, the sexual gyrations in this video are inappropriate and idiotic. I doubt anyone is going to mistake Richard Simmons for a Latin lover, so why have various women rub up against him suggestively? What's the point? How does this help any of us get fit? I'm sorry I wasted my money, but by tossing the video in the trash maybe I saved someone else from doing the same.

It's great. Nothing like he's ever really done before. Makes you feel like your at a Latin dance club.

As a Hispanic, I thought the music could have been better but the video is still worth it. My mom has been a fan of Richard Simmons for yrs (and even met him!). I've been lacking on cardio and the gym at the University here is always packed from noon 'til midnight. I didn't know Richard Simmons had other tapes besides Sweatin' to the Oldies (still great!) and was thrilled to find this! The moves r hard to follow until u get the hang of it but I worked up a real sweat trying. The background dancers r great and they make Richard look like the odd white guy in a Latin club knowing the moves but without the natural Latin flair (which I suppose he is). I think I burned calories just laughing. It's definitely worth the buy!

I have just finished my first attempt with this routine. Sure, the dance steps were a bit hard to get down, so I just did my best to mimic the first time, but what fun. There are real dancers in Latin costume, and because the men were in pants and the women in dresses, I could see their legs well enough to see the dances. It was easier to learn than when I first tried the Richard Simmons Dance Your Pants Off. I had so much fun, that I didn't realize I was sweating until the cool down. The routine went fast too, because of the fun. Don't let the dance steps discourage you, just do your best and you'll be dancing away in no time. These dancing excercise tapes have been better than just a way to excercise. I have become better coordinated, more graceful, and learned dance steps, too.

I own several Richard Simmons tapes, and this is definitely my LEAST favorite. In some other reviews, people mentioned that the camera work was great. I strongly disagree with this. For some other type of video, it would be, but this is an EXERCISE video. You need to be able to see the people's feet/full body when they introduce a new step. However, the editor of this video often cuts to shots of people's muscles, faces, etc. at this critical time. I am usually very good at picking up aerobics moves, but I have trouble with this video because of the showy but poorly thought-out editing. Unlike others, I like the toning section (get Simmons cool weights!) but I agree that it is not enormously effective/strenuous. However, I think it helps to get your muscles ready for more effective toning later down the line. This section and the music are the main things I like about the video. However, if you are looking for an easier and more fun tape, get Disco Blast-Off, which I highly recommend.