Davina - High Energy Five [DVD]

I've recently lost a stone just by eating healthily and I'd like to lose more. I'm 19 yrs old, a size 12/14 and I currently weigh 12 1/2 stone. I've not used a workout DVD before but I was sure I wanted one of Davina's. I think she is a real inspiration to women and her DVD does not disappoint! There were so many to choose from but once I read all of the fantastic reviews of Davina McCall - High Energy Five [DVD] I knew this was the one for me.DAY 1!I was so excited when the box arrived and quickly changed into my 'workout gear'. I watched the introduction and knew I'd made a good decision. Davina introduces her workouts and we get a sneak-peak of what we will have to do.Warm Up - It's fun! I was expecting 10 mins of boring stretching but Davina, Jackie and Mark make it really enjoyable by moving all parts of the body to music. I love Mark's Cha-cha :DAerobics - I don't think I've ever moved so much! I really tried to keep up with Davina but after 10 mins I had to slow things down and concentrated on Jackie's 'less-jumpy' movements. This is a great part of the DVD, being able to choose which person to copy: High Energy Davina and Mark or Less Energy (but still a great workout) Jackie. I found that mixing it up meant that I could complete all of the aerobics section and not fall over at the end (like Davina!)Davina says that 2 workouts back-to-back is the best way to get the most out of the DVD so although I was exhausted after aerobics I found the strength to complete the Pump workout.Pump - A minute interval to get the heart rate up and then a series of weights exercises for the arms and upper-body. I don't own any weights so I just used my hands and clenched my fists - I still felt the burn! After more intervals and more weight lifting and I felt as though my bingo-wings were just flying away (they haven't yet) I plan to use bean tins until I can find some cheap dumbbells.Cool Down - The atmosphere completely changes as Davina, Jackie & Mark slowly and softly stretch the muscles and slow the heart rate down. I particularly enjoy the lying down part and the satisfying 'Click' of the back during the full body twist. Its hard not to fall asleep!DAY 2!I'm really feeling yesterday's workout in my legs! I'm walking round the house like a penguin thinking: 'It's working!'Warm Up.Legs - Mark leads a very energetic and difficult legs workout. A minute interval to get the heart rate up and then a series of squats and leg stretches that really get those muscles working. I almost shouted at Mark on the TV when he said there was another interval - My heart was beating fast enough Thank you! But I followed Jackie's sensible interval and survived.I didn't have time for a 2nd workout before I had to go out so I completed the Cool Down and felt very pleased with myself.DAY 3!Ouch!! I'm shuffling round the house feeling quite sorry for myself. Think I overdid it a bit because I was so excited. Might take the day off if it hasn't improved by this evening - A nice warm bath is definitely on the agenda!I've recommended to loads of friends and they're all keen to start too :DThank you so much Davina, Jackie and Mark!!

Having had Davina's two previous DVDs I was a shade sceptical about whether or not they would be able to produce anything different - yet remarkably, they have. Yes, many of the routines are similar (Pump, for instance, is very similar to a previous DVD routine) but what makes this enjoyable is that there is enough variation so that you can choose which sections to do. Oddly enough, although the 'Pump' section in this is quite similar to the 'Pump' section in her 30 minute workout DVD I still find myself choosing between the two. Evidently there is enough difference for me to find it tough to make that choice!As previous reviewers have pointed out there are five sections - two which I would say are more aerobic in nature (aerobics and boxing) and three focused on toning. All are very effective and due to the options you can choose to do one aerobic and one toning section, or all aerobic, or all five plus the warm up and cool down if you have the time.One of the recurring advantages I have found with Davina's DVDs are the periods of interval training. One of my favourite sections is the 'Legs' but I know for a fact that I wouldn't be able to get through each of the three routines (each about five minutes, but even then, broken down into three or four mini-sections) if I didn't know there would be an interval coming along in a minute to save me! They keep your heart rate up but give you just enough of a break, with whatever muscle toning section you are on, to be motivated to start again.Overall, I would say that this DVD is aimed at maintaining motivation. I have had this for over a month now and using it regularly (3/4 times a week, varying the sections and occasionally using other Davina DVDs) I still find myself looking forward to my workouts. I would say if you are looking for a DVD that is either purely toning, or purely cardio some others might be more appropriate, but this is a brilliant general fitness workout which entertains at the same time. Yes, of course after the twentieth time the comments can become repetitive, but I often find myself simply using them as a sign that I'm half way through, or that the set is nearly over.Lastly, I would say that personally I found the two trainers and one presenter format really useful. Davina is clearly in great shape but she reminds you that it has taken about a year to achieve this. In addition, the trainers are friendly and encouraging and aren't there to make you feel inadequate! I'm still loving the fact that they've finally put a 'If you live in a flat' option to routines!