I wanted to write this since I often see this listed in the exchange. It so happens this is how I got mine. (thanks Lynne!)I can see why with all the talking, but I sometimes enjoy that. If I don't feel like that, I choose The Firm for that day. For this workout, Charlene and her team chat mainly during the stretch after each muscle is worked. Of course there is chatter inbetween, just not as much as during the stretches. If you fast forward past this, you will miss out on a well deserved stretch. Charlene does offer a challenging and very thorough muscle developing routine. Serious Curves includes many muscle groups which are often ignored in other videos such as: the rotator cuff, forearms, lower back, and shins. I like that this video doesn't seem to leave anything out. Every muscle is worked to fatigue, and then again.

There was one point when the guy in the group said that he felt breathing really helped him to lift. And Charlene blurts out something to the effect "Not at all" They guy seemed a little unsure of what to say next and looked at the camera. I thought Charlene who studies nutrition and exercise would have read something about breathing while lifting before. Her comment she made back seemed made her look dumb. I always had a high opinion of her before that.

I think if you don't mind chit chat, and want a complete weight training video with more than 1 set, this is a good one to get. My only complaint about the workout itself is, that why didn't she include a warmup, when my copy of the tape has enough blank tape, after it is finished, for another hour to be added on? She herself is warming up, and lets you know to do so also. I will probably do the 1st part to Get the Fat Off first, in the future. Overall, I give the workout an A-.(or a B- for the dumb comment back to her team member.)

Instructor Comments:
I like Charlene. I haven't gotten tired of her conversations with her team, as of yet. I can see how after doing her tapes, you learn what part of the conversation is coming next, so I may be tired of her in the future. I am on my way to 100 club, have 95 so far, so her tapes aren't the only ones I will be using, so this may not happen to me. I sometimes miss the gym, so the chit chat is nice, but prefer my own personal trainer at home through video. If I could pick any instructor to actually come to my home, it would be Charlene.

Lorrie Gigler