Tighten Tone and Torch with Suzanne Bowen

I discovered Suzanne recently on YouTube and liked her personality so much that I purchased two of her DVDs (this and "BarreAmped"). I haven't done the cardio section as I rely on Jessica Smith's low impact walks to cover that but I've done the other two on the disc repeatedly and can only say that the results were pretty instantaneous. The lower body lean segment seemed slightly easy compared to other videos but my legs are much stronger and even caught the notice of a usually distracted boyfriend so I'd say it's definitely worth the effort! Suzanne does a variety of moves involving plies at different angles, see-saws for rear hamstrings, "knee dancing" for the thighs (I feel those!) and then moves on to the glutes and a short bit for the inner thighs. Not too difficult but you get a bang for your buck. Upper body sleek was a different story. The bodyweight only exercises were quite challenging; however, I've been doing them following 20 minutes of Leah Sarago's upper body moves in her "Ballet Body: Total Body" video and since they were very similar I'm guessing I was too burnt out. Whatever the case, Suzanne does a lot of shoulder work involving forearm planks then transitions into side planks that work your waist, shoulders and back. It's not easy and even she stresses that you should listen to your body. She finishes with tricep dips before moving onto the weighted section. At that point 3 pounds was about all I could handle and even then I had to stop once or twice. She focuses on the shoulders, triceps, middle back and more but I never thought 8 reps of one exercise could cause so much muscle trembling! It works, though, and her "shake to change" motto is no joke. Suzanne is a very pleasant instructor who is not a drill sergeant or too perky. She packs a lot into the two segments I've been doing and there is no dread factor (or annoyance factor in her case). I like that she incorporates stretching into the upper body workout; Leah Sarago doesn't give you a break but Suzanne does. I've very happy with this purchase and would buy additional videos by Suzanne in a heartbeat.

I could not love Suzanne Bowen and her workouts any more than I do! This DVD is no exception. It can be curtailed to whatever level you are. She makes working out fun. The shorter segments are great to get a little workout in when you are tight on time. Her demeanor is so pleasant and pointers come right when I need them. I highly recommend this fabulous DVD!!!!

I have Suzanne Bowen's 10 Minute Abs dvd, and like it so I took a chance on this DVD, and think it is excellent. The torch routine will definitely raise your heart rate and make you sweat. It that way, it is challenging. However, one of the reasons I like it is that it is not dance oriented - no complicated steps or fast rhythms. If you've been doing some aerobic work and want to step it up a bit, I'd recommend this dvd. If you are re new to fitness, it would be a challenge, but something to aim for.

challenging.....will keep doing... haven't noticed any changes so far.. just sore muscles

This was great - a new spin on arms and toning without tons of equipment or high weights - very clear instruction

Suzanne Bowen is a very likeable instructor. She's precise and gives great form pointers. As for the workout, I felt it in those small movements. This is a nice addition for those who like barre-type workouts but want something different. Each section can stand alone or put all 3 together for a burner. I appreciate the pick and choose option. The upper body section is intense and I used only 3 lbs weights. There's a lot of shoulder work here. The lower body section didn't feel as difficult but interestingly I really felt it in my muscles later. And the cardio - well that one sneaked up on me. It seemed easy until she started doing wide plie jumps. There's a bunch and they fry the legs. The stretch is nice and plenty long without being rushed. It's not my most intense workout but I wouldn't call it a light day workout either. It's great for days when you don't feel like jumping around - except for those darn plie jumps. I've used over 500 workout dvds and this one is a keeper.

I previously reviewed this video and gave it only 2 stars this was done in error, this is a wonderful DVD and you will feel the burn!!! I have several DVD's that require the use of resistance bands this one doesn't require bands. The workouts are amazing and are only 20 minutes long but you will get a full workout!!! Highly recommend!!!

Horrible! I workout 4-6 times a week: weights, cardo, etc. I am a Jillian Michaels die hard follower and purchased this just to change things up. This just didn't do it to for me. Very drab. Lasted 10 minutes and couldn't deal with the voice or the instruction. Sadly tossed it out.