The Biggest Loser: The Workout – Weight Loss Yoga

There are no guarantees, but for those who work the program with consistency and dedication, The Biggest Loser: The Workout–Weight Loss Yoga‘s promise that “pound-shedding results” can be achieved in six to eight weeks is no idle claim. Led by instructor Bob Harper, this 55-minute regimen offers three separate yoga workouts, sandwiched between 5-minute warm-up and cool-down sections; a menu option gives users the opportunity to practice the workouts in any order or quantity.

The first and longest of the trio is a vinyasa series (a vinyasa is a connected sequence of yoga asanas) focusing on core strength via a variety of lunges, stretches, downward- and upward-facing dog, standing poses (triangle, warrior one and two, extended right angle), plank, and more; the second focuses on abs work and backbends; and the third is a more standard gym-type workout that can be done with or without hand weights.

Make no mistake about it: much of this work is quite rigorous, and even experienced yogis and yoginis can expect to be challenged. But Harper’s instruction is friendly and encouraging, with frequent reminders about the importance of the breath (“as long as you’re breathing, you’re perfect”), variations provided for those not yet up to speed, and opportunities to rest. Perhaps best of all, instead of gorgeous bodies in designer outfits doing perfect poses, we’re watching mortals who are not all buff, flexible, and strong (some can’t even touch their toes) and whose form is at times less than perfect.

These folks don’t make yoga look easy, because it’s not. But anyone with a serious yoga practice–and this is a good place to start–knows that its benefits are both profound and, if you stick with it, permanent. –Sam Graham

Reviews of Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Yoga

Review 1: Hard, but effective…Overweight people welcome.

I ordered this DVD not knowing if it would work for me or not. It has and does. I am very overweight, though I’ve lost 50 lbs, I still have a ways to go. I started this DVD not having any sort of exercise experience (hence the being overweight part). I have since started going to a gym, but alot of people who have a weight issue, are nervous or possibly embarrassed to enter any sort of public gym or classes. This was me.

It starts off slowly,meaning stretching, but builds up quickly. Some of the moves I couldn’t do for a long while. Don’t beat yourself up. The fact that you’re trying is awesome! You will get there soon enough. I was sore for the first few times afterwards.

Soak in a hot bath with epsom salts and apply peppermint oil in some sort of carrier oil(olive oil, almond oil, etc)on your sore spots and you’ll slowly get used to it. I like Bob Harper’s enthusiasm.He’s clear in speech and helpful. He’s not annoying like most exercise hosts can be.

Don’t get me wrong, I hated his face at the end of each session, but he pushes you without you wanting to shoot out the TV just to stop seeing his face. I had no idea what I was doing at first, gave up, walked back into the room and kept going. If I can do it, you can as well. Good luck and I hope this helped someone.

Review 2: Great DVD for beginners

Personal fitness level: basically nonexistent. I was getting tired of the workout DVDs I had so I ordered a couple new ones, this one included. I’ve never watched Biggest Loser but it looked like a good one. I just started working out about a month and half ago and combined with my fitness level and size, I’m definitely a beginner.

I’ve only done the level 1 yoga workout. I’m not able to do everything but they give modifications and those work well. They do have people of all fitness levels/sizes in the warm-up and cool down segments but they go away for the segment I’ve done. There’s one guy that does modifications but no one is ‘large’.

I wholeheartedly recommend you do the warm-up and cool down segments every time. They’re great for easing you into it and I noticed a difference when I didn’t do the cool down segment once. This workout gets my heart rate up and makes me sweat. My legs are jelly and my arms are sore but you finish feeling like you’ve accomplished something.

My knees give me trouble sometimes (sore, creaking) but I haven’t run into any issues doing this DVD. Just make sure you are warmed up and listen so you in the right positions. I like Bob, he’s encouraging and explains the moves pretty well. I like this one so much I’m considering getting other Biggest Loser workouts. Warm-up and cool down are about 5 minutes each. Level 1 is 20 minutes, level 2 is 15 minutes, and level 3 is 10 minutes (I’m pretty sure).

Review 3: Challenging and great!

Wow, this workout is hard and challenging! If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing yoga workout then this is not for you! This is going to get your heart rate going and really make you sweat. I love how Bob is so encouraging and that there’s different skill levels among the others in the video. You’re able to modify the workout to your level. I love that this workout is only a half an hour too. As a busy mom, the shorter the workout, the better!