Harley's 5-Factor Workout

I have been working out fairly regularly for several years now, but decided to try Harley's 5 factor workout and am so glad I did! This is a totally do-able routine which gets real results. You start out with 5 minutes of basic warm-up every day (a couple of circuits of jogging/running, jumping jacks, and crossed knee lifts). By the end of this, you are breathing heavy and beginning to sweat! Then you move on to one of 5 routines (do a new one each day for 5 days a week). Each routine consists of 3 strength moves done in 3 circuits of 25 reps each using various strength/weight moves--most (but not all) with dumbbells. These are old-school effective moves like squats, lunges, crunches, and various lifts/curls/extensions. They are spread out throughout the week in such a way that you are hitting all of your muscle groups without getting overworked or needing time off to rest. Your 3 strength circuits are then followed by high intensity cardio for 5-7 minutes (similar moves as the warmup but also including things like speed skating, mountain climbing, boxing, and jump roping).I have seen a real change in my physique after less than 8 weeks, as well as a drop in my %body fat, I think the regular use of weights makes a real difference. This is a workout I can stick with, I feel great after a workout--tired and worked, but not in a way that impedes my progress. I especially like that the moves are really basic--that allows me to focus on the task at hand and my form and intensity. I hate DVDs that are heavily dance-based and leave me standing there just trying to figure out the moves and always several steps behind.Harley is not the most "touchy feely" cheerleading-type trainer--in fact he actually says something like "if you're tired, guess what, I DON'T CARE!" and "no resting, there's no rest for the wicked!" It doesn't bother me too much though. I bought several other workout DVDs at the same time as this one, and haven't yet felt the need to try the others, so I guess that says something.

When I first started this program I didn't like it at all. I actually hated it. I've done many of Jillian michaels workouts and others such as 10 lb slim down which have similar style to this one (circuit work) and I felt that I wasn't getting a good workout because I wasn't constantly running around and killing myself for the whole 20 minutes in this video BUT a week into it I've actually grown to like it! I do supplement with going to the gym and doing extra cardio and some weights there a few days a week, but I like that I can do this video alone and feel results or I can still get to the gym if I'm feeling extra motivated to do so since I'm not completely dead after doing the video. All in all I think that this is worth the money and worth it to use whether you are just looking to tone up a bit and still feel like you're getting a solid work out in or using it to add to an existing regimen.

PROs: Works every major muscle group at least once (and shoulders twice) throughout the week. Includes a warm-up and a little cardio every day. Harley takes the time to explain each move to ensure proper form and safety. Doesn't take much time and doesn't require any equipment beyond a set of weights. Great for someone (like me) who is getting back into shape after taking an entire month off from working out. The two women who join Harley on the DVD demonstrate modifications.CONs: The warm up gets the job done but is really boring. Per his suggestion, I've replaced it with another 5-minute warm-up that I do on my own. Cardio is fine for someone who isn't in good shape or for someone who does additional cardio on their own. If you're in decent shape, it won't be enough for you. No cool down or stretching. The background music is awful---like the automatic rhythms that are on a keyboard. Harley claims that he's trained celebrities like Halle Barry and that they only work out for 25 minutes/day 5 days/week and follow his 5-Factor Diet Plan. Don't expect a body like Halle's on this amount of exercise. I just don't believe that anyone with a Hollywood Body is achieving it with 25 minutes/week of moderate exercise.Not really a pro or con: After doing the workouts for 5 weeks, you'll be bored and ready to move on to something else. Fortunately, you'll also be in good enough shape to move on to something more challenging!