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LOTTE BERK METHOD

Description: The Lotte Berk Method combines elements from modern & classical dance, orthopedic back exercises, and Hatha yoga into a low-impact system of concentrated movements and deep muscle conditioning that firms, lengthens and shapes muscles to their optimal form.

Reviews (30):

Very Pleased!
Reviewer: Anonymous 01-01-2005
I have been using this method for the past 3 months and I still find the DVD challenging and my muscles still feel like jello afterwards. I am extremely pleased with the changes I see in my muscles!

Highly Recommended
Reviewer: Anonymous 11-13-2004
I highly recommend these DVD's if you are looking to tone and shape up. I was looking for something to strengthen my back because I was having some problems with it after gaining some weight after my pregnancy. It took me a while to get the set up and posture correct. However the results are definitely worth it! I feel that I am constantly challenged and much stronger.

Minimal Results
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-09-2004
The workouts on these videos are simply too basic to achieve real results. They provide no real cardio effect and only minimal strengthening. After two months, the results have been minimal.

I Love It!
Reviewer: Anonymous 05-21-2004
I love the workout and the positive, encouraging attitude of the instructors. I feel energized all day afterwards. My body looks absolutely incredible after only four weeks.

Dropped a Jean Size
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-22-2004
I have been doing this for about a month now, and I've noticed the changes in my body: leaner, more flexible, and I've dropped a jeans size! The movements are easy to follow and you DEFINITELY get the tone in your body.

Results in 2 Weeks
Reviewer: Anonymous 10-13-2003
In two weeks I already have results in how I feel and how I look. I attribute this to the no-nonsense concentrated and targeted exercises, many of which are specific to the Lotte Berk Method training.

Arms More Defined
Reviewer: Anonymous 08-25-2003
This method focuses on toning the muscle and then stretching right after, to result in long lean legs and arms. I have noticed that my arms are definitely more defined- especially my triceps.

Not like anything you've done before!,
Reviewer: "yunakitty" Brunswick, GA 05-16-2003
This is a really great set, and you should give it a try! Lotte Berk Method is mainly isometric exercises mixed with orthopedic back exercises, all followed by stretch. It's not too hard. I have a funny knee and my sister in law has scoliosis, but we both have had no trouble doing it. She actually says it makes her back feel better. If you are not flexible or experienced in exercise, that's OK, because the person on the right will show modifications to make it easier. What's also cool is the person on the right will show you ways to make it harder. So if you need an extra challenge, that's great!

All 4 DVD's are 30 minutes, and have lots of bonus features, including trailers for the other Lotte Berk DVD's, and even a special short bonus workout. The quality of the picture and sound is excellent, and the workouts are chaptered so you can go where you want. They all start out the same way, with about 7 minutes of the same warmup. It consists of vigorous knee lifts, pushups (the kind you do on your knees), and backwards pushups for the triceps. Then, there is the workout.

The Basic Essentials goes to the barre at this point. You can use a chair or table, and they even have one person demonstrating how to do it on the wall. There are some ballet type workouts with deep plies and other standing leg work. It works your buns and thighs. This goes on for 15 minutes or so, and then there is the Shape by Stretch, which is sort of like yoga stretches. They explain that it will make the muscles you just toned look more lean. I really like this workout. It was a good introduction to the series, and it works total body (abs, arms, butt, and thighs). They teach you about the Lotte Berk tuck really well in this one, which is a way to protect your back and firm your abdomen.

Muscle Eats Fat starts with the same warm-up as the others, then uses light hand weights. It's nothing too difficult, but you can feel it working. It then goes to Knee Dancing, a sort of toning thing where you are kneeling but you are not all the way up or down and you can really feel it in your thighs. Then Shape By Stretch.

Hip Hugger Abs starts with the warm-up, then a little barre work, then mat work. It is mostly isometric work, not repetitions. But do you ever feel it! The main exercise is sitting up with your knees into your chest, and then leaning back and holding yourself halfway. You'll do different modifications of that. Then some sit-up type things, but they are very different and they feel more effective without really wearing out your back and neck. Then some side work for your obliques. Then, Shape By Stretch.

I didn't get to do all of High Round Assets. It starts the same way as the others and then goes to the barre, where you sort of kick behind you with your knee straight. What I did felt really effective.

Bottom line - this works! I have really seen results in by body after three weeks of doing these DVD's. My legs are slimmer and I have built strength in my arms from all those pushups! They're pretty pricey, but if you've got some money to burn, give these a try. You won't be disappointed!

Great set for any level
Reviewer: J. Rosenberg "fleta" Maple Grove, MN 06-17-2003
I recently got this set of DVDs. I have been doing workouts on video like the Firm, Cathe, Pilates and Yoga for some time and I was looking for something different. These workouts are along the same lines as yoga or pilates in that they are lower impact and rely on the weight of the body for muscle shaping. Stretching is also an important factor in all of the workouts. Some of the workouts use weights to enhance the results and they all use a bar but the bar is not necessary and can be replaced by a piece of furniture or even a body shaping stick or other weighted balancing bar.

The DVDs include a special Blast section which is actually a separate workout (not just a compilation) and it is a higher intensity short piece that is great to use to compliment your workouts or to do on their own.

These workouts are great to do on their own or do combine with other activities that you may already be doing. They will enhance almost any exercise routine by adding some variety and extra challenges for the muscles.

Excellent, quick but effective
Reviewer: Lisa M. Barsotti Colorado 07-28-2005
I found the Lotte Burk Method to be similar to the Bar Method, but with more variety. I purchased the entire line and found it to very very useful and I did see results in a couple of weeks. At first the exercises may seem difficult but if you hang in there you will begin to move smoothly through them perfecting each exercise, thus gaining the greatest benefit. I enjoy the fact that they are approximately 20 minutes each, thus if you do not have time it gives you a quick but effective workout. I was one whom believed that lifting heavy weights was where it was all at. Weight-lifting combined with the Lotte Burk Method gives you the strength you need, with a long lean look, a physically fit look, not the moster look you get with only lifting heavy weights! I have not found more Lotte Burk DVD's but if anyone knows of some please advise.

Good workouts featuring non-traditional/ballet-style toning
Reviewer: Lisa M. Barsotti Upstate NY USA 03-16-2005
The Lotte Berke Method (LBM) is a non-traditional type of toning workout developed by a Russain dancer of the same name and brought to America by Lydia Bach. Drawing from dance and other similar disciplines, many of the exercises require the use of a ballet barre, and the focus is on making small, precise movements to facilitate the development of long, lean muscles. The hallmarks of LBM include an emphasis on stretching throughout the workout and use of the "Lotte Berk tuck," which is a pelvic tilt used to emphasize the movements. Each workout begins with a warm-up of marching in place, lifting your knees high, and each ends with a "Shape by Stretch" streching segment.

Basic Essentials contains the greatest variety of movements and provides an overview to the method. It is a full-body toning workout which includes push-ups, barre work for legs and glutes, floor work for abdominals, and "knee dancing," a kneeling exercise targeting the lower body. Muscle Eats Fat is also a full-body workout and the only one to incorporate weights; you use light dumbells for shoulder, biceps, and triceps work. This workout also includes planks to work the core, thigh work at the barre, and knee dancing for the lower body. The remaining two workouts target more specific areas, although both include push-ups in their warm-ups. In High Round Assets, the barre work includes only a couple of different exercises, but you will perform a very high number of repetitions and then do the same on the floor for pelvic tilts; this was probably my favorite workout of the series and the one that felt the most effective. In Hip Hugger Abs, the entire workout is performed on the floor, first in a seated position for isometric work, then lying for Pilates-inspired movements and finishing with side and regular plank work.

Overall, these videos are well-suited to beginners and intermediates looking for something different than traditional weight work for toning. However, it should be noted that the personalities of the instructors are sometimes a bit hard to take, as they vary from cheesy to condescending to almost drill sergeant-like. Also, the workouts can be a bit boring at times, especially since it takes the instructors so long to set up each exercise. Despite these issues, I would still recommend this set as short, effective toning workouts, with Muscle Eats Fat and High Round Assets being particularly worthwhile.

I LOVE IT!!!
Reviewer: Joann Will 01-01-2005
I have been using the Lotte Berk method for beginners for the past three months now and love the changes I see in my muscles! Even though I have been using them for the past 3 months I still find them challenging and my muscles still feel like jello afterwards. I had first tried these DVD's out by checking them out at my local library and after checking each of the different series several times I decided to purchase my own.

Fabulous! These Feel Great !
Reviewer: Joann Will S.L.C, Ut 11-13-2004
I purchased the complete set at the beginning of August. I was looking for something to strengthen my back and get into shape after my second child. I was having some back problems and gained quite a bit of weight with my pregnancy. The movements are challenging and carefully explained by the instructors. It took me a while to get the set up and posture correct. The result are worth it! I feel that I am constantly challenged and much stronger. I have not have my back go out since I started doing the video's. I love them and hope they will make more soon! They are not hard to follow and feel great. I highly recommend these if you are looking to tone and shape up!

Seeking something new? This is the workout for you
Reviewer: Joann Will Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 08-15-2004
This workout is a 4-disc set. I've tried them all and especially loved the butt/abs workout. The exercises are about 25 minutes long including stretching & warmup. An advanced option is available on each disc if you're done with the workout & still want to challenge yourself in addition to a preview for the other workouts. 1st time users will feel a burn for a few days, yet, the more its practiced, the more monotonous it will become. I would recommend this workout once weekly in addition to strength + cardio training.

Fun, but ultimately only beneficial for beginners
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-09-2004
I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed doing all of these DVDs and looking forward to them kept me motivated to workout everyday. However, after two months the results have been minimal. I'm already in pretty good shape, not looking to lose weight, and I was hoping these exercises would help to tone some of my trouble spots, but I haven't really seen much of a difference. I'm especially skeptical about the abs sections on some of these videos, particularly the video devoted to abs work. They don't seem intense enough to actually effect any sort of change and I never, ever felt sore afterwards. I will admit that I have some trouble holding the necessary pelvic tilt during abs work but I have become very skilled at holding it during standing exercises so I don't think my "form" is the reason I haven't seen any results. That being said, I have noticed that I am finally able to really hold in my abs and/or tuck under during other types of workouts and I attribute that new ability to these videos.

My biggest overall concern, however, is that there are no advanced videos available. These videos all have 10 minute advanced workouts that tease that there is much more to this method than they can reasonably include on these "beginner" level videos. I find this pretty frustrating since there seem to be no advanced workouts in the making and, not living in Connecticut or New York, I have no access to any Lotte Berk Method studios. The bottom line is this: I think it is entirely probable that the Lotte Berk (and the similar Bar Method) classes taught in studios are extremely beneficial for building and sculpting muscle, but the workouts on these videos are simply too basic to achieve real results. If you haven't exercised in a while or are new to exercise entirely, these workouts are likely to be both enjoyable and beneficial. However, if you are in reasonably good shape and, like me, have trouble fitting exercise into a busy schedule, they are impractical for more than once or twice a week usage as they provide no real cardio effect and only minimal strengthening.

Callanetics Was First
Reviewer: Anonymous 07-05-2004
Great stuff, but do look back at the Callanetics Videos. Callen Pinckney worked out all the flaws in this system. You get immediate and dramatic results with minimal effort and no back or knee stress.

Best workout I've ever done
Reviewer: "mastellina" New York, NY USA 05-21-2004
As a 30 year old woman with a cabinet full of dusty yoga and Pilates DVDs, I can't speak highly enough of this set. I always lose interest in an exercise routine after a few weeks, but I'm still doing this one religiously every other morning. The fact that there are four different DVDs that I alternate helps, but I also love the workout and the positive, encouraging attitude of the instructors. I feel energized all day afterwards. I also love the fact that my body looks absolutely incredible after four weeks of doing Lotte Berk. Honestly, if this were a cult, I'd say "Pass me the Kool-Aid!"

Excellent addition to an exercise routine
Reviewer: Anonymous 04-10-2004
I purchased this boxed set based on reviews of other customers. After using it once I loved it. As it has been stated in other reviews, you don't feel like you're doing much at first, but you will be feeling it the next few days. I work out at the gym three days a week doing cardio and weight training and use these videos on the days I am unable to go to the gym. I have read a few of the reviews that say the workout is too easy, so I would like to mention that there is a bonus workout of higher intensity under the "special features" section of the menu.
I have shared these videos with several of my friends and after doing just one workout they have bought the set themselves. Lotte Burke works; the workouts are simple and you can feel the results immediatly. These videos have been the first ones that I actually look forward to using and that I have continued to use again and again.

Awesome!
Reviewer: Anonymous Canada) 03-22-2004
Definitely worth the investment! The movements are easy to follow and you DEFINITELY get the tone in your body. I have been doing this for about a month now, and I've noticed the changes in my body: more leaner, more flexible, and I've dropped a jeans size! I recommend this for any fitness level.

Very effective low body toning program
Reviewer: "ljwachter" Oxford, Ct USA 03-16-2004
I have been a serious home exerciser for over 2 years. My usual routine is to do Cathe Friedrich workouts for strength and cardio, and yoga for flexibility. Over the past year I've noticed problems with my knees when I do squats and lunges (which Cathe likes to go heavy on) and so I was looking for an alternative to help slim down my pear-shaped body. Lotte is the answer! I've been doing this program for 6 months and I have noticed a dramatic slimming down in my thighs and hips. These exercises are not easy if done correctly, and form is crucial, so you really have to pay attention to the instruction in order to see effective results, and also to avoid any injuries. I hurt my back once when doing HHA because of poor form! There's also an optional 10 min. blast section found only on the DVD's that really targets the muscles, and is great as an add on for the days when you want an extra challenge.
The only complaint I have about these workouts is that I don't feel they are that effective for upper body toning. I prefer heavier weights for upper body training, so I'll stick to Cathe for that area. I also wouldn't do these workouts exclusively because for weight loss you really need to add cardio to your program. Incidentally, if you like these workouts the Bar Method is another great Lotte Berk style series to add to your collection!

lotte berk weird
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-07-2004
This tape is weird all though I only have one tape from them I was confused as to when the actual work out would come, its simple Ballet moves, whats the method? dont know and the person leading the tape talks like a porn star, it was strange, overall if you turn off the sound it was a tape i may use for my slow days. Or days I just dont feel like working that hard. The ab exercises are good. but thats only 5 minutes of the tape.

May I stress this is for BEGINNERS!
Reviewer: Anonymous 03-06-2004
I bought this set because I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and want to keep my core strong without undergoing expensive PT.
I am an avid exerciser and found that my general fitness level is just a bit too high for this series. The set is a bit redundant and doesn't have enough types of movements to qualify the price. The packaging is seductive and is a selling point, but it just isn't 'all that' in terms of getting a great workout per disc.

This series is good for beginners as it indicates- but is nothing new for those who have been exercising, *really working out*, for a year or more, and in good health (objectively)

If you want to go for the serious burn, I would recommend New York City Ballet 2 DVD. It's longer, has a good menu system to access the workout you want, very effective in core strengthening, and is a visually pleasant video- very different from typical areobics.

The Lotte Berke Method has good instructors and does not have annoyingly redundant music tracks that make you want stop watching after you have used the DVDs for a week or more. The one annoying thing is that they repeat the phrase "The Lotte Berke Method" way too much. Like in every other sentence- no kidding. And that gets annoying.

Excellent...everyone should try the Lotte Berk Method
Reviewer: Melissa Wright Clive, IA 01-16-2004
Due to the other rave reviews of this DVD set, I couldn't wait to get a set of my own. Now I got it, and I love it. I've only been doing it for a few weeks and already feel the difference. Quite honestly, after I completed it the first day I was so sore for the next FOUR days that I didn't even attempt to do it again until I was better. I've been exercising and strength training six days a week for the last seven months and while I am not the most advanced exerciser, I'm no fluff either. This workout is totally unique to everything else I've tried. The whole system is centered on small, controlled movements. Sometimes, you're hardly even moving. It's laid out very well. Four instructors take turns on each DVD, and they are all superb. There are three instructors completing the exercises, one as the beginner, one as the intermediate, and one as the advanced when applicable. This is a very nice system that allows you to grow with it as you get better. There is minimal equipment involved: a set of hand weights for "Muscle Eats Fat", exercise mat if you're on a hard surface, and something sturdy to lean on (you can use a bar, a heavy piece of furniture or a wall; I use my fireplace mantle.) I particularly like "Muscle Eats Fat", but all of them are excellent. The exercises work all the major muscle groups, and while there is no cardio involved, you'll still be sweating by the time you're done. If you have serious knee problems, some of the exercises might be uncomfortable, but I have never been able to do a lot of squats or plies when exercising because they always bother my knees. This did NOT. They have you do a ballet type pose with your heels pressed together to alleviate any pressure on your knees. That modification has enabled me to do the exercises without hurting my knees. All in all, a body changing set that is unique, challenging, and fun. A definite keeper.

small movements, big results
Reviewer: M. J. Burak Santa Clara, CA USA 01-11-2004
The instructors don't just do the exercises, they show exactly how to get into the correct posture, and are good about reminding you to maintain it throughout the movement. The movements may be small, but by working the deeper muscles, you get results fast. Each DVD includes chapter selections, which is lacking in most other exercise videos, allowing the viewer to skp right to the desired section.

You don't need to jump around to get in shape
Reviewer: DarkAngel 11-22-2003
I have never heard of the Lotte Berk Method, I came across them in looking for workout Dvd's. Out of all the workout tapes that I have this one is one of MY favorites... The abs DVD is one of the hardest tapes I have worked out to and I have been working out for 3 years now.. IT is a good feeling to know that the exercise program is working. they show many different fitness levels which will help the beginner. I loved it so much that I surprised My mother with the entire set.. She had never heard of it either. She called ME today and thanked ME for such a great workout tape.. Stating that she enjoyed the fact that she didn't have to jump around to get in shape. Her legs are sore and she feels great.. Get this tape it's a good investment in your fitness future..

Awesome AND effective
Reviewer: Claudia Montreal, Quebec Canada 10-13-2003
My boyfriend laughed at me because he thought I had bought these from an infomercial. I shrugged it of and quietly set on doing these "small movements for big results" as the instructors tell us. In two weeks I already have results in how I feel and how I look, and I am amazed because I had tried (and persevered with) many programs with less results. I attribute this to the no-nonsense concentrated and targeted exercises, many of which are specific to Lotte Berk Method training. 4 DVDs make it real easy not to get bored and you only have to do one every other day (I recommend alternating with cardio work or a good walk), and they only last thirty minutes, warm up and all. Love it. The only drawbacks are the cheesy music and you can't fast-forward through the publicity intro for other DVDs from the same company.

Tones and lengthens muscles
Reviewer: Shannon Hanson SOUTH JORDAN, UT USA 08-26-2003
I bought this set about 2 months ago and I do one of the workouts every other day (each dvd is 30 minutes long). I really love the Lotte Berk Method- it is very different from anything I've done before. It focuses on toning the muscle and then stretching right after to result in long lean legs and arms.
The instructors are great- not annoying at all. The workouts fly by so fast but you will feel the effects right away and the next day of course.

These workouts do not have any cardio in them but they do make you sweat if you do the excercises right - which is easy. I have noticed that my arms are definately more defined- especially my triceps. I am short but I notice a huge difference in how my legs are looking- slimmer and lean. There is no doubt that these workouts produce results but the trick is to stick with it. Consistency is key.

Awesome set of DVDs
Reviewer: "nhough" Oceanside, CA United States 07-21-2003
This is one of my favorite sets of DVDs. It is very ballet oriented it seems with a big emphasis on strength and stretching during the workout. This might be hard on you if you have problems with your knees because there are lots of plie like movements. It relaxes me as well as helps with the flexibility and lengthens the muscles.

Great set for any level
Reviewer: J. Rosenberg "fleta" Maple Grove, MN United States 06-17-2003
I recently got this set of DVDs. I have been doing workouts on video like the Firm, Cathe, Pilates and Yoga for some time and I was looking for something different. These workouts are along the same lines as yoga or pilates in that they are lower impact and rely on the weight of the body for muscle shaping. Stretching is also an important factor in all of the workouts. Some of the workouts use weights to enhance the results and they all use a bar but the bar is not necessary and can be replaced by a piece of furniture or even a body shaping stick or other weighted balancing bar.
The DVDs include a special Blast section which is actually a separate workout (not just a compilation) and it is a higher intensity short piece that is great to use to compliment your workouts or to do on their own.

These workouts are great to do on their own or do combine with other activities that you may already be doing. They will enhance almost any exercise routine by adding some variety and extra challenges for the muscles.

These workouts will kick your butt
Reviewer: Anonymous Brunswick, GA 04-09-2003
The first time I did the Basic Essentials DVD I was sore for 3 days afterward, especially in the legs! The ab DVD is the hardest exercises I've ever done for abs. If these workouts don't get my butt in shape I don't know what will.

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