Denise Austin: Get Fit Daily Dozen

This workout is great and the accompanying book is fantastic (simple, easy meal plans to lose up to 12 pounds in 2 weeks). I have worked out with Denise Austin for 15+ years and I still have all her dvds (some are really goofy -- like from the 80's!! but a workout is a workout). I never mind working out with Denise...I always look forward to it...which is definitely not true for most of the other workout dvd's I own. Everybody seems to think Denise's workouts are super easy...they're not!! They are challenging and adaptable for every workout level. What I have learned from experience is that it is not necessary to do crazy "killer" workouts (TurboFire, Insanity, etc...) to get the results that you want. Most of the time these types of workouts do more harm than good and can lead to serious injuries. I have never incurred an injury with Denise...I feel energized and motivated and positive about what I've done...being a busy Mom...I consider it quite an accomplishment if I can fit that workout into my schedule! This dvd workout is one of my very favorites...it's challenging but easy to fit into a busy life b/c it's broken up into 12 minute segments -- and those segments are fun and motivating. By the way, I did purchase 21 Day Fix...and I really love that...it's a great program for anyone...you know what else? It's a total rip-off from this...yep...read Denise's Daily Dozen book and you will see what I mean...even the exercises are almost identical...nothing wrong with that but for me it just proves that Denise really is the original, real-deal! You can't go wrong with Denise or this workout.

I've been working out with this video for over 3 years and never get bored of it. I've tried other workouts but always end up going back to Denise. 12 minutes is doable, and I find I'm less likely to procrastinate. I actually only do the aerobic workouts and have them memorized. I remember her back in the 90s and thought her to be a bit annoying, but she certainly does keep you motivated. This is not for advanced exercisers who may be used to 45 min-1 hour fast paced classes. It's challenging enough for me as an intermediate exerciser; and I suspect would be quite hard at first for a beginner - but remember it's only 12 minutes.Dropped a star, because like other reviewers mentioned she makes a few mistakes, and I think she should have a separate segment where she explains the moves. This made it a bit difficult at the beginning, but once you've memorized the moves, it's not a problem. I think the reason she doesn't explain the moves during the video is because it would slow it down and add more time - which is why she should have added a separate segment. I would recommend this video to beginner and intermediate exercisers who are struggling to find the time to work out, but could squeeze in 12 minutes a day.

I like this workout, although it's not as challenging as a Jillian Michaels workout by any means. Each 12 minute "daily dozen" works out a different zone. You can do all 6 days, or just one day at a time, or mix and match at will. If you do 3 sections in a row you'll probably work up a sweat.The Yoga Stretches are not very Yoga and that's a good thing in my opinion. I didn't try that portion for a long time because I was expecting the usual poses (warrior, mountain, sun salutation, triangle, camel, etc.), but none of them were used. It was just a good stretching session and I appreciated that. An osteopath told me that more people slip disks doing Yoga than any other activity. I'm kind of over the whole Yoga practice myself.There's no pain in these exercises, yet your muscles will feel worked. It's perfect for beginners, anyone who's had an injury or if you'd just like some easier days between the more difficult exercises in your repertoire.

I bought this DVD because I wanted a change from my straight through, boring 45 minute elliptical workout. I thought on some days I could cut my time down on the machine and follow either one or two of her 12 minutes segments instead. I felt that the cardio portions on the DVD gave me more of a workout then I'd ever felt on the machine! The toning ones are pretty good too. Now I often get off the machine after just 20 minutes then do one of the cardio and one of the toning segments and feel I've gotten a better, full body workout then I could have if I'd stayed on the machine. The only reason the DVD was given just 4 stars is that I have better stretching/yoga DVD's, but what Denise offers in the last "yoga stretch" segment is "good enough". It's the same for both Saturday and Sunday and it would have been nice to have them be two different segements but that wouldn't be a reason not to purchase this DVD to vary a boring workout.

I have a hard time committing a lot of time to working out in the morning, so this tape is excellent. It only takes 12 minutes and you definitely get a good workout to jump start your day. I usually do a few more stretches, ab work or cardio if I have time. The exercises are easy to do and remember, so I can do them without the DVD when I'm not at home. Each day's exercises target different muscle groups which is great and it shows you the types of things you can do to tone different areas. I like the cardio stuff every other day with weights and ab work in between. It does get a little boring after doing it for several months, but don't get rid of it because it does you a lot of good. This is my workout on days that I can't go swimming, walking/running or bike riding and the yoga stretches are great on the weekend (I only do them one day -- I do something else physical on the other day), because they remind me how much stretching you need to do as you get older. And Denise is in great shape for a 50+ woman -- she must be doing something right!

If you are middle aged and starting from fitness ground zero (as I am) be gracious with yourself and go easy. The routines are easy to follow, but kind of challenging and it's easy to go from "good workout" to "wow am I sore". I suggest modifying anything "too hard" till you are more fit, which is what I did.I hate repetitive workouts, so these videos of hers with lots of options and customization are great!

This is a great video for a quick sweat as some of the exercises are tough such as the jumping jacks. I'm not into jumping since I have bad knees. I do like the workouts, but she repeated two of the cardios on two of the days. She really should have different ones, same as the two days of yoga.

good DVD and really targets those stubborn zones

Very useful workout video - can mix and match for however much time one has available for a workout.

It was a great dvd. It was worth buying it. Would recommend it to others if they want something not to hard.

Great short workouts! - perfect for the days when you have limited time or energy! I love Denise Austin's DVDs!!