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!

I am one of those people who love the idea of work out videos and own many but never seem to stick with them past a couple of weeks. I think I have finally found something that I will stick with. So far, I am going on month three and still use this video work out. The exercises are basic but totally effective. At first, it's kind've hard to just do the 3 main exercises for the day b/c you feel the need to work out more but when you add in the cardio in the beginning and end, you realize it's enough. You also definitely feel the work out days later. I've seen almost immediate results and love the way my body is changing and getting stronger. I think also the idea of a smaller time commitment to the workout is what keeps me on track b/c it's not so daunting. You know it 's only going to be 15-25 mins (depending on if you add in the cardio) and you are still going to see results. It's a motivator. Now, my confession...I don't do all 5 days in a week due to schedule. (I'm a 45yr old mom of two and have a full time job outside the home) I cheat as well by skipping the end cardio more than 1/2 the time. I am still seeing results. :) My goal is to continue with the workout.... forever....and sometime within the next 3 months I will be on track with 5 days a week, including the cardio. tidbit...I find myself doing some of the exercises and cardio moves during the day when I have a few minutes to kill ...wherever, in the kitchen...at work...at the soccer field. I would recommend this video for someone who likes dumb bells and is in a time crunch. I also purchased Harley's Body Reset Diet and now start every morning with an Apple Pie Smoothie and sometimes substitute the Sweet Spinache Smoothie for dinner. I am not weighing myself as I find the scale discouraging. I am just going by how my clothes fit, how I feel and look overall. It's improving. Little by little. Good luck.

I am loving this workout. One section of warmups approx 5 minutes, then 5 separate days zoning in on particular areas. Enough to make me sweat but not enough to make me quit. 25 minutes per day. For now that is enough, may increase once I get more in shape. Easy to follow instructions.

I have just complete week one and love this workout DVD. The workouts are easy to follow and you are not rushed through the demonstrations. This is great because it allows you to concentrate on your form and positioning. If you don't have a lot of free time, this is the workout for you. If you don't have them, you should consider getting a yoga mat and 3 and 5 lbs. hand weights.

Arrived on time and starts out slow for beginners to follow then progresses to more difficult. I'm over 70 years old and if I can do these anyone can. But you still have the options for those who are already more fit. Love this DVD and would recommend it.

Being over 50 I find some workout tapes too intense and I can't even begin to keep up. I like this one as I get a good cardio and body shaping workout. I great fit with my biking and treadmill workouts.

being doing this workout routine for weeks and getting positive results with it.