Bob Harper: Pure Burn Super Strength

Wow, this workout is so different from Bob's other ones, yet it retains all the things I loved about his other DVDsFirst, I must say that I collect fitness DVDs like some women buy shoes...I like to rotate them to keep me inspired and try new ones to retain motivation. While I may not always have time to make it to the gym, I typically can drag myself to do a routine at home even in a time crunch. So, I do have all his previous DVDs.CALORIE BURN:I wear a bodybugg with a digital display to show me how many calories I'm burning during a workout but also continue reading the burn after the workout is over. That way I can not only compare a workout DVD to others during the workout, but also see how many calories it burned AFTER the workout is over in ramping up the metabolism. This is especially important with a strength training DVD because, while a cardio DVD will burn more calories DURING the workout, a good strength training DVD will burn less during the workout but will continue burning long after the workout is over, and build muscle so that you burn more calories even at rest. I mention all this only so you know my calorie burn measurement is based on scientific measurement rather than perceived exertion...and Bob knew how to "work it" in this routine. In fact, it's the one Bob Harper or Biggst Loser DVD I'd say doesn't adjust as well as others for beginners. Even in the short routine I think you need to have some strength training experience before you jump into it. It not only works every muscle but burns far more calories than most pure strength DVDs due to him getting the heart rate up and working major muscle groups often even when working smaller muscles for the most benefit in less time...plus you don't stop during this workout to learn something...he teaches as you go so you don't miss a beat and neither do your muscles! BUT because of all this, you will get a 5 star calorie burn not usually seen with only strength training.DVD: This one is exceptionally well made. Gone are the Biggest Loser contestants behind him doing the moves wrong as though they just picked up the routine somewhat on the fly...the camera offers close up shots of how to do something in detail as Bob explains it and his back up team is serious about knowing how to do it RIGHT. The music is not the boring electronica found on many workout DVDs but an upbeat instrumental that is far more inspiring on a professional looking gym set.CUEING:Bob is always excellent, in my opinion, in not tripping you up. I say on all my DVD reviews of any fitness product that I am not exactly gifted in coordination and I never miss a beat or do a wrong move with his cueing. No different here but boy he really goes into great detail in the instruction. I don't know if he's taking off on his own doing more "Bob Harper" produced DVDs as compared to the old Biggest Loser ones but he really seemed "into" this routine and it seemed better produced to me. It may very well be the same production company but if so, they've moved up the quality.MOTIVATION:This is a trainer who is exceptionally comfortable on camera but retains a positive "push" as he drives you through the workout. I typically feel as though I have a great trainer right there in my living room rather than someone wanting their camera time. I am pushed, but it's also done with much positive motivation and thinking.INSTRUCTION:While I think this may be tough for someone who has NEVER done strength training to jump right into, the instruction is clear enough that you could, perhaps, with lighter weights or less reps. In other words, he simply won't allow you to do a move WRONG. You not only get clear instruction on what to do but reminders of what not to do so that you get the most gain from your workout.OVERVIEW:While you will get your heartrate up this isn't like most of the Biggest Loser DVDs that combine lots of cardio and strength. This one is truly focused on building muscle and building EVERY muscle...you will do enough reps at enough speed and form to utilize every muscle in your body from core to head to toe and do it WELL.Workouts: Start with the 20 minute workout...it's still a great workout and once you feel comfortable and able to take on the hour workout, he'll kick your arse. It's really a "last chance workout" routine as far as strength training goes.CONCLUSION: This will be on heavy rotation in my workout routine. while I try to get in lots of cardio, this is a full and complete strength training routine that, in my opinion, lacks nothing...it's so professionally done from camera to instruction to set to music to results that I don't have a negative opinion on it whatsoever...

I wish I could give this 4.5 stars. It's one of the best weight training strength and endurance dvds I've tried but a couple of things hold me back from giving it the full 5 stars.This dvd includes a 20 min. beginner workout and a 67 min. advanced workout. I started with the beginner and it is definitely for beginners. Very basic and not at all scary, but nice when you don't want something as intense or long. As for the longer workout, it is difficult. I typically like to challenge myself with heavier weights, always thinking back to the fact that most people don't lift enough to get any benefit. However, there's no way I'd be able to get through the entire hour with anything more than 3 lb. weights. (I have fairly weak arms, but still typically use 5 or 8 lb. weights with workout dvds.) This is as much an endurance workout as it is for strength. Bob keeps you moving the entire time... multiple reps, multiple sets and lots on one leg/arm before switching sides. The multiple sets of the exact same move got somewhat boring and repetitive at times. It would have been nice to work the same muscles but with a slight variation in movement to keep it interesting. He gives some modifications to make moves easier or harder throughout though not for every move. There are 3 people demonstrating with him and 1 typically does the advanced, 1 the normal and 1 the basic variation. I have to cut down on the number of reps for certain moves, as they are too strenuous for me... even with my light weights. I like that it gives me something to work toward though.The entire hour is definitely weight training based. There isn't as much fusion with cardio moves as some other trainers provide, so whether or not this is for you depends on what you're looking for. If you want pure weight training, this is it. It still definitely brings your heart rate up and gets you sweating. The focus is on arms/shoulders, legs and abs. I like that the bottom of the screen shows a countdown timer along with a little bar of sorts that keeps inching toward the finish line so you see a visual for how much you've accomplished and how much you have left.I like Bob's personality but don't think he's for everyone; he definitely gives me the push I need. I don't watch Biggest Loser but I've heard from others he's much "meaner" in this dvd than he is on the show. He frequently claps out a beat, yelling for you to pick up the pace and never stop, to do all of the reps. He's intense but I also find him encouraging.Besides the repetitive sets my only other complaint is with the background demonstrators and some of the videography. Throughout the dvd the 3 demonstrators, and one woman especially, have these horrible, exaggerated pained expressions on their faces as if this is the hardest thing they've ever done and it's often accompanied with grunting and awful noises to let us know how much pain they're in. It's really exaggerated and annoying. I almost feel like a director assigned them certain workout personalities to try and act out... one woman is "the athlete" who pushes to the extreme with little complaint and can execute things fairly easily and with lots of focus. The other woman is "the determined beginner"; she never stops but lets us know how hard it is for her by grunting and making faces. And the guy is the "I need to rest" type who wants to keep taking breaks but Bob always catches him and tells him not to stop. If it weren't for this, this workout would be nearly perfect for strength training and endurance purposes. Also, the videography can get slightly annoying at times... zooming in and pausing for a second, almost creating a snapshot of the exercise, with a different color screen.However, if you're looking for a workout dvd that's strength training focused and will push and challenge you, this is it. I reach for it more often than any of my other workout dvds when I want to focus purely on weight training.

FANTASTIC!!!! I do a combination of training (including running, spinning, speed walking, DVD workouts and weights) amounting to about four hours a day. I have all of Davina's DVDs but they weren't as challenging anymore. My body had gotten used to her workouts and style. I needed a break, a fresh face and a good challenging workout.I find many DVD workouts too easy. I usually end up putting in extra moves or working through their breaks. So I really shopped around and looked for one which may be up to my level.This one is brilliant! So good that there are no extra reps I can do! When Bob gives you 15 seconds for water I take it! It is a non-stop grilling! It is so good that I have done it everyday for nearly two weeks. In fact I am about to buy another of his as I know my body will start getting used to this workout and it won't be as effective. I will return to this later. I will say though that although I believe myself to be in very good shape and with very little body fat, I lost three pounds in the first week of doing this DVD!I hope I am as lucky with his other DVDS! (I also want to add that I normally only leave a few words commenting but I was so pleased with this purchase that I wanted to share!)

Bob is evil and sadistic and this is a tremendous workout by a great trainer! As other reviewer have already said it is not for beginners or the faint hearted, but if you are looking for a great strength/endurance workout this is it. I got it hoping it would push me to another level. Believe me it is challenging. Enjoy!!!- Update- Aug 2013. I have to be honest here. This is a great, challenging workout but after only a few weeks I found I couldn't listen to Bob anymore. It is just a character thing, having moved on to Insanity I love Shaun T but know people who don't like listening to him. So if you're buying this you are buying a great workout, but be aware you may find Bob a tad irritating.

This is my first Bob Harper DVD and wow I am 58 years old cycle over 150 miles a week and consider myself a fit woman but this made me work muscles I didn't know I had. What a fantastic trainer he is and such a easy DVD to follow he gives clear instructions, it's hard and the hour long class was tough but I love a challenge and I'm hooked on him now and have ordered his yoga DVD . For anyone who enjoys a weights workout this is for you .

This one is a killer workout. Trust me. There is a moment in the final 5th of the workout when the girls (Helen and Stephanie) squeal with the sheer effort they are putting in - and you will too!!!! When you get to the end of this one, you will never be more happy than at that moment when you realise it's over!!You pick up your weights and think these are too light I'll need a heavier set - but wait until you've done the number of reps Bob has you doing - you will soon change your mind when your arms start to shake!!!!Don't be put off - you'll enjoy every minute. I did.

I love the biggest loser and Bob's way of encouraging people so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. It's nice to know that there is a beginners intro that you can do until you feel confident to push yourself further. The more advanced training sessions can also be done to an easier level. I love this DVD!