Editor Reviews:

Description:
Timesaver Lift Weight to Lose Weight includes two highly efficient 20-minute workout routines, one focusing on the upper body; the other on the lower body. The unique Dual Track System enables you to alternate high and low resistance to gain strength and avoid workout plateaus, and can be easily combined for an amazing total body routine. Perfect for all fitness levels. Lifting weights adds lean muscle required to increase metabolism and helps burn calories. It also increases bone density to improve posture and prevent osteoporosis. Bonus workouts include Fabulous Abs and Stronger Back plus Kathy’s tips on "Looking Thinner with Great Posture."

Amazon.com:
Health and fitness experts are exhorting us to incorporate weight training into our fitness programs--it's especially important for women for building bone density, but the truth is that working with weights increases your metabolism (are you listening? this means more fat-burning) all day. As with the cardio workout, Smith has designed two 20-minute workouts; on hectic days, doing the first alone is plenty, and on other days doing both programs will combine to help you see fast results. The movements are basic (including the all-important single-arm rows, key to building back muscles and keeping posture correct), and the delivery inviting and completely unintimidating. If you've been thinking of beginning a weight program, this (and a couple of sets of inexpensive hand weights) is really all you need to get started. Smith and crew will leave you pumped. --Anne Hurley

Rating : - Classic Weight Training
Of the two Lift Weights to Lose Weight volumes, this is my favorite. It utilizes classic moves - there is nothing new and innovative here, but that is what makes it so effective. Almost anybody coming into this workout for the first time will already be familiar with the basic moves or be able to pick up on them easily. (Hooray for not having to waste half of your precious workout time setting up an exercise!) Unlike many weight training programs that feature instructors using the same set of weights throughout (usually 3 or 5 lbs), you are encouraged to have two or three pairs of dumbbells on hand. The heavier weights are used for many of the chest exercises and bicep moves, while the lighter weights are used for your triceps.

The program has two groups you can follow - one group does the standard repetitions followed by segments of pulsing movements before the next set begins. This "track" is recommended for people who are just beginning. People who are looking to build strength follow the second group and recover/stretch during the pulsing movements. The bonus ABS section is good but not a super challenge. The great thing about this program is that all of the moves are basic, therefore when you begin to plateau all you have to do is use heavier weights to build more strength.

Safety tips and pointers on form are presented, so if you are new to weight training and want to be sure you are doing things right, this program is a good way to go. As far as equipment goes: two or three sets of dumbbells would be ideal; an exercise mat would be good for the push-ups if you are on a carpeted floor; and a chair for tricep dips, leg lifts, and sitting exercises. (A bench is recommended, but the only exercise you actually lay on the bench for is chest presses. A message comes across the screen saying you can do those on the floor with a pillow underneath you, so the bench isn't necessary .) Some of the backup members use ankle weights in the leg segment as an advanced option - they aren't necessary.