Swiss Ball Abs and Core :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

I can see my stomach muscles!!!

2008-11-25
I love this DVD. I love the challenges, the pacing, the variety, and the duration. And the more times you do it, the harder it gets because you can do the exercises more precisely and focus on better form. The music could be better (tho phase 3 isn't bad), but that's not what's important to me.

Granted, I have Swiss ball experience and my balance is pretty good. I've had personal trainers in the past, and have had years of yoga practice. I can see how beginners might have a hard time. Perhaps they could have a friend help them with their form, or just focus on doing a half version of the exercise at first (e.g., just hold push up position with toes on the ball, vs. also pulling the ball in toward your stomach and extending out).

I have a ruptured and herniated disc in my lower back, and have always had a soft squishy belly. Almost every morning I wake up with some level of lower back pain. You'd think the last thing I should do is a core workout. But it truly helps me get my day started without ibuprofen. The stretching at the beginning helps a lot, and the exercises are pretty safe. My core is getting so much stronger. I've been doing this video (mostly phase 2) and the Perfect Abs video 4xs/week for about 2 months now and there's a definite difference in my appearance. I don't have a six pack, but I'm not sure I'd want that as a woman anyway. I'm 36 and my 16-year-old nephew tells me my stomach looks better than his. Believe me, that was not the case 2 months ago.

Poor Cuing and hasty Transitions

2008-11-19
Three workouts; phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3

Cuing is poor and transitions too fast for a beginner. If you are a beginner and have never used a Swissball before expect some frustration. The video will be on the fourth repetition of the next exercise before you are ready to begin.

However, the angst caused by this will fade with practice and as you memorize the video which will render cuing unecessary

GREAT WORKOUT

2008-11-16
I have been looking for a step-up in my Ab program and this fit the bill. The pacing is so correct because it allows me to make SURE that my form AND my breathing are correct. I have been doing Jane Fonda Challenge and Denise Austin's Hit the Spot and Super Stomachs and some Tami oblique work with weights and needed a place to go. This one is it.

Been using for 8 months

2008-08-12
WOW! That's all I can say. I've been using this video for 8 months now and the results are astonishing. No my abs aren't as cut up as Adam's but my stomach is flat. More importantly I have so much more flexibility in my back. Leaning over the tub to wash my dog no longer hurts. I know that seems trivial but it's nice to know how all the little things seem easier now.

The strength and flexibility to my core has also enabled me to take on other workout regimes that would tire me out only half way thru. Yes using a swiss ball was really hard at first. It kept rolling out from underneath me and stabilization is definitely not my forte but believe me when I say, if you stick with it and really really try, you'll get amazing results.

I'm only 28 but everything around my mid section feels so much tighter. What more could I ask for?

Hard but real results

2008-08-04
This dvd had enabled me to get "cut abs" at 45! The key is to start slow. Do what you can and progress. As you progress you will build your strength. I found myself at phase 2 before long and have been there for almost 2 months My greatest criticism is that Adam doesn't tell you how to do the exercise. Watch the video and pause as you need to. Rewind if necessary. It might take a few tries until you "get it". For example, the "Reverse Crunches" in phase 2 took me 3-4 times before I got it right. Listen to what he tells you to do. Don't rush. You'll be very happy with the results.

Ummm...can you say Impossible??

2008-07-25
Adam Ford’s Swiss Ball Abs DVD will quickly increase your core strength and stability. This comprehensive core-conditioning program trains multiple muscle groups with functional integrated movements, incorporating your back and obliques as well as your abdominals. The three 20-minute workouts in Swiss Ball Abs will redefine your mid-section with cutting-edge exercises that precisely target your lower and deep abdominals.

Many people have done a few sloppy crunches on the Swiss ball but few have realized its full potential. Adam’s simple and safe 3-phase progression delivers remarkable results. You’ll enjoy increased functional strength, flexibility and balance through all three planes of motion. Whether just beginning or advanced, start Swiss Ball Abs now and get that ‘six-pack’! You’ll look great, and feel even better.

From the instructor: This is the second edition of my Swiss Ball Abs DVD. Most of the exercises are about the same as the first edition but the video footage and audio was totally redone when I produced my Swiss Ball Upper and Lower body DVDs. In response to customer’s feedback the second edition features better navigation and contains additional content like an FAQ section on sets, reps, etc. Thanks to everyone for your comments on the first edition!

Don't get Lypo-this video works! 2008-04-11
On my second pregnancy, I got some virtual ROLLS of fat right on my stomach. Another friend of mine had had twins and said that fat would not go away, so she got her tummy "tuck". Not one for the knife, I got this dvd and within 2 weeks, the rolls had flattened somewhat and within a month, I was 100 percent confident that it's just fat. I did this dvd along with running/jogging and have popped back into "ab' shape every time. I just had my fourth child and have hit the 7 month mark, which is when I start to exercise again. After 16 months of no ab workouts, I have pulled out my faithful Adam Ford dvd and am looking forward to a great midsection in 6-8 weeks. (really, sooner) Thanks Adam!

Belldez 2008-03-20
3 Good levels of workouts. But even the beginners level may prove to be quite a difficult challenge for novices.

Extremely happy so far 2007-09-09
I'd like to echo what others have said about this video: it's clear, well produced, and extremely effective. I've been doing Phase 1 for about 6 weeks, and I can see increases in ab and core strength each workout. (This is partly due to my starting in a rather untrained state.) In the past many ab exercises have given me lower back pain, but I've been fine so far with this workout.

Like the previous reviewer, I had to pause the video during the first several workouts to get the movements right. I also initially found some exercises extremely difficult to do at all. Don't let these obstacles dissuade you--they will go away with practice. For example, Phase 1 includes a side bend for which I could barely hold the starting position at first; now I am doing 7 reps per side, and adding 1 rep per week.

RESULTS! 2007-07-11
After only three weeks of using this DVD I had results I could see and feel. I've tried other DVDs and contraptions that promise tighter abs in a record amount of time, but this is the first product that truly delivers!

I think what impresses me most and makes this DVD so easy to follow is it's simple, straightforward approach. Fitness expert Adam Ford leads you through the moves, which he thoroughly explains and you are able to take at your own pace. Because the DVD is so basic without annoying music or visual distractions it's easy to come back to again and again.

Surprisingly, a tighter, stronger midsection wasn't the only positive outcome of using this program. By strengthening my lower back and other core muscles my posture has improved dramatically.

I've recommended this DVD to several friends of different ages and all have had great results! I cant wait to try the other DVDs offered by Ridgeline Fitness.