this set contains 3 dvds -- cardio, pilates/yoga, sculpting.

each dvd is broken down into segments which are really clips taken from Sharon Mann's tv show
('in shape'). typical of clips shows, the transitions between the clips can be a bit choppy and in place of commercials, a screen comes up with a message on it, like 'you can do it' or something like that.

but what is neat about these dvds is that you can pick and choose what segments you want to mix together to make a complete 25 minute workout. you can choose between a certain number of warmups, cooldowns and workout segments. there are also some pre-programmed workouts already made up for you on the discs. if you happen to have a programmeable dvd player which will allow you to pick and choose any titles and chapters that you want, then each disc is especially versatile.

sharon really excels at cardio workouts in my opinion. she has a way of taking simple moves and putting them together quickly so that they are fun and actually accomplish something in a short time.

her strength work is more for functional fitness and please know that the sculpting disc also has cardio on it.
also, sharon doesnt define 'sculpting' strictly as using weights. while there are weighted strength training exercises on the disc, stability ball and core exercises also fall under the same category. the weighted exercises are low weight/high rep, endurance type work.
so if you are looking to buy this disc to get lots of weight training with dumbells then you might be disappointed because there are only a few segments that might meet that criteria.

still, there is alot of variety on the sculpting disc and i do find functional exercises to be unique, interesting and challenging, but i was a bit disappointed in that it wasnt what i thought it would be. i do use the disc, but i seem to prefer sharon's cardio dvd
over this one.

the yoga/pilates dvd seems fine... I havent used it as much as the others.

one of sharons background exercisers is kind of annoying (the manic sharyn, aka 'sparky') but i just dont look at her if she is bugging me or i go ahead and have a good laugh at her if i feel like it.

overall, i like sharon quite a bit... and she makes quite an effort to present her workouts for all fitness levels (two exercisers do basic modifications, sharon does intermediate level, two other exercisers do advanced modifications.

Instructor Comments:

Carolyn Visser