Bob HarperBob Harper: Totally Ripped Core

There are two workouts and I'll break it down.The "Totally Ripped Core," the first one, was intense. I found it very easy in the beginning, then a third into the way of the workout, starting with the single leg deadlift, it became difficult.Not just an ab workout, this is also a lower body workout, with the deadlifts, squats and leg movements. If you were to add a few more lower body exercises, one could almost retitle this workout as a lower body and ab workout.The workout is done in a moderate and controlled pace, using two moderate weights for the first half of the workout. No weights are used in the second half of the workout.Warmup is about 2 minutes and 12 seconds.Workout is about 42 minutes and 57 seconds.Cool-down is about 3 minutes and 11 seconds.Here's a list of what's done.DeadliftsDeadlift combosWeighted side crunchWindmillsWeighted side crunchWindmillsWeighted SquatsPlyo SquatsDeadliftsDeadlift combosWindmillsWeighted side crunchWindmillsWeighted side crunchSingle leg deadlift (It starts to get difficult here.)Sinlge leg side raiseWeighted SquatsPlyo squatsRollback series (I had issues doing this one.)Hold squatSide burpees (I hate burpees and I do something easier.)Side plank seriesBack extensionStraight arm planksSide burpeesSide plank seriesTabletopChild pose stretchKiller plank twistsPlanksChild pose stretchTabletop challengeFast feet seriesRussian squat kicksRollback seriesCrunch seriesScissorsStraight leg reachesStraight leg twistsRoll and extendBicycle legsThe second workout, "Ripped Core Quick Blast," was quick and easy when compared to the longer workout. This one uses one moderate weight. Start with this one if you can't do the longer one.Total workout time, including warmup and cool-down is about 11 minutes, 10 seconds.Here are the exercises.WindmillsSingle leg extension comboReverse lungeWindmillsSingle leg extension comboStanding twistsSingle leg X-formationStatic sumo squatSingle leg X-formationStatic sumo squatMr. Harper exercises along with three women and one man.

I like Bob more than Jillian. When she talks about fitting in to skinny jeans and so on I find it a little demoralizing. Some people like having their butts kicked a little when they are out of shape. Others, including me, find it demoralizing. Bob does not do that, he's not really in to fat or health shaming. There isn't much small talk and he mostly talks about the exercises. I personally find his demeanor kind of calming and it helps me focus. If you are a person who likes to get "revved up" you might like Jillian more. I like that he methodically explains all the exercises so that you can have proper form while doing them. When I got used to them I just sped up the pace a little.I'm "skinny fat" so I just did the 10 minute bonus workout after my regular cardio for a few weeks before doing the regular 40 minute workout. This tape is customizable. As you build up your strength you can just use heavier weights ( most of the exercises incorporate them).So if you are a not totally in shape person who wants a DVD that won't make you feel down about yourself and that you can customize as you build strength this is the one for you. His emphasis on proper form is very good if you are not in shape or used to exercising and do not want to hurt the next day. When you get in better shape just combine both workouts for a full hour and use heavier weights. This is a pretty tough workout if you do that.

I hate to say this...but this beats Jillian's Killer abs DVD....and that's a lot for me to say, because usually, Jillian is my favorite above all. But I have to say, the Killer abs lacked a bit of intensity for me (except level 3, but I'm not getting in to that). Anyways, I got this one because I saw it on here and I have never seen it in the stores before. My core is my problem area, all the fat seems to accumulate there. I guess because of my body type. But I tried this for the first time about two weeks ago, and I LOVE it. I feel my abs ACTUALLY WORKING. I mean, you can tell you are getting stronger. My stomach is nicer since I workout now, but I'm hoping this DVD will help me drive it all the way home...giving me a complete toned tummy. The workout is fun, Bob goes at a nice pace and it's intense. Lots of balance for your core, and not a whole lot of basic crunching. The only time you will be on your back with crunches is like the last 10 minutes of the workout. Not for beginners, but definitely something to work up towards. The ONLY thing that is annoying about this workout is the guy working out in the background. He seems to have pretty terrible form while doing a lot of the moves, like he is always slouched down and it's kind of annoying because he needs to be doing it right like the other girls since it's an instructional workout DVD. But really, that's just me getting down into little silly detail. I wouldn't worry about it. :P It's just me because I get distracted by things like that easily. XD But would I HIGHLY recommend this to strengthen your core!

This workout is hard. I don't use this much as my Bob Harper cardio .. but it is one I would recommend if you have already tried serious core dvds. Laying on your back and then rolling up into a stand up and then back down WITHOUT using your hands , , several times , Is very difficult (just one of the exercises). .However its meant to be hard to really work your core. Thanks

Not surprisingly, since it's Bob Harper that it's a tough workout within in the first 5 minutes!I really enjoy doing it and though the exercises are hard they're not impossible. Everything is explained and the DVD has a nicely laid structure.

A good workout that will have you sweating within 10mins..the DVD has a clock that counts backwards to zero over 55 minutes of excellent drills.....but for me its still not a patch on the body conditioning I get from the DVD's on Pilates and ballet conditioning .

Not sure about this DVD. Tried it. Its ok but seems to have a lot of arm exercise in one section. If your are looking to get fit or tone up, I wouldn't recommend, better off with JM dvds or Billy blanks. Maybe just not for me.

Very hard work but great results would highly recommend but not for beginners !! Great trainer never stops and no breaks