Reviews for KickButt Strong Bear

[Ginger]

Please place your reviews for KickButt Strong Bear here. :)

[snora]

Great workout. Mark's set is more beautiful than ever!

The music and workout are essentially the same as the original Strong Bear. However, some of the exercises might have been sequenced differently. I am not sure as I didn't have time to watch all of the old one.

One difference is the addition of calf pumps and jumps while holding the stick in front of you. It was fun!
Another change was the subtraction of the v-split for inner thighs while on your back.
Also, Kelli and the background people did not use ankle weights. Although, Kelli said that if you want to increase intensity to add ankle weights.

In sum, the workout is as great as ever with a much, much better set and sound. Really a quality production. BBH are back! I still can't believe it.

[donnadonna]

Strong Bear is/was one of my favorite FitPrimes and KickButt is very similar to the original except it looks better and sounds better. They've cleaned up some of the editing (the bicep curls are the same for both arms now, the hip extensions while leaning on the tall box are the same for both legs), speeded (sped?) up the leg presses slightly, and substituted good old fashioned crunch variations for the ab work at the end. Other than moving around a few of the exercises and making ankle weights optional, it's basically the same.

But is it blasphemy to say that I like Kelli Roberts much better than Tracie Long? She has an awesome body and accent and moves differently (and, in my opinion, much better) than Tracie. Very inspiring. She also gives invaluable form pointers that I would never pick up if not told (i.e. pressing down with certain of your knuckles while doing pushups on the tall box). And, best of all, in several parts, she seems a bit out of breath (it's nice to know that I'm not the only one!).

In short, I love FP Strong Bear; I LOVE KB Strong Bear!

[kepi]

I just finished this workout and I wanted to give you my initial impressions.

I previewed this workout last night, and my impression then was that Tracie did a better job than Keli, but it was great having a workout without the editing glitches.

I was wrong. Keli did a fantastic job leading this workout, and gulp, I think she did a better job than Tracie. This workout flowed so well that at times it felt like you are not working hard, yet you are. This will probably be the toughest workout in this series. It is tough!

My poundage ranged from 5lbs. for the shoulder raises to 15 lbs. for the lat rows into the biceps curls. I used 10 lbs. for the compound moves and ten lbs. for the lunges and tall box climbs. I used my 12" box for the tall box climbs.

[Firm Believer]

I just watched the original and the new one side by side. Like others of the new workouts, the beginning stretch has been moved to right before floor work. A great improvement IMHO. Most everything else is the same, with some minor tweeks as mentioned above.

It is one tough workout, but not so hard there is a dread factor. ;)

[TinaT.]

I haven't had a chance to do SB yet, but have done Lean with Kelli and must say I'm impressed. She's a natural and I hope Anna uses her again. I am more comfortable with her presence over Tracie, but can't say why, specifically. All I know is that I'm motivated and that's all that matters right now. :D

[kepi]

Here's my review:

Kickbutt Strong Bear

Keli Roberts

Equipment:


14" step-recommended, but I also use my 12" Firm box
Light dumbbells
Heavy dumbbells
optional ankle weights
Proportion of disciplines:


Pilates: 10 minutes
Cardio: 8 minutes
Yoga: 4 minutes
Weights: 30 minutes
Total: 52 minutes
This workout is a remake of the original FitPrime Strong Bear. The most noticeable differences are the beautiful production, glitch free editing, and a workout that seems to flow really well. Keli does an excellent job leading this workout. Her form and form pointers are both excellent. One of the background exercisers always use items that you can find in your home.

The WHFN workouts continue the FitPrime tradition of working your non-dominant side first. After the warm-up, and first cardio section, Step Stomps, the first weight circuit consist of, 4-limb hard squats,plie’ pivot rows, and plie’ leg presses.

Cardio #2 is called the Bootcamp Scramble, which is the squat thrusts, push-ups and marches combination. Strength circuit #2 consist of non dominant leg, back and arms, dominant leg and non-dominate chest, 1 leg triceps alternating shoulder presses, dominate leg, back and arm, non-dominate leg and dominate chest.

Yoga #1, which is step warrior, is followed by strength circuit #3. This circuit consist of, hip rotation and hovers, non-dominate stick kicks, triceps trio, and dominate stick kicks.

Cardio # is butt pops. Pilates follows this cardio section and it consists of, dominate ADD sole press, non-dominate sole press, and then staddle crunch.

The workout ends with a short yoga section.

I really liked this workout and I found it to be plenty challenging. I have to be honest. On preview, I thought Keli looked stiff, but my opinion changed after doing this workout. Keli did a wonderful job leading this workout.

Once the workout starts, it is pretty much non-stop until the pilates section. Both cardio sections are challenging, because you use medium to heavy weights during the 4-limb section and your body weight during the bootcamp section. I used 10 lb. Dumbbells during the 4-limb section.

The strength workout consists of giant sets, working your non-dominate side first before working your dominate side. You also alternate between lower body work and upper body work. This enables you to work the entire time. The only time you are taking a break is during an equipment change.

The poundage that I used for this workout is, 5-15 lb. Dumbbells. I did modify the chest presses and the triceps presses. Instead of using my step, I used my push-up bars. For the push-ups, I placed one hand on one bar and the other on the floor to simulate the push-ups in this workout.

[LoriInND]

I did this one yesterday. The resequencing from the original made a very intense workout for me. I like the changes. Today I have DOMS all the way down my backside, from my shoulders to my calves. Well done.

[jeanniem]

I am again surprised that upper body strength sections were taken out of the workout. It doesn't feel as balance as the original to me. But beautiful production.

I am sorry - I meant the upper body comments for crunch time! The missing elements in Strong Bear are the ankle weights for the inner thigh work and leg raises, and the squats while doing over head press. The good news is the bicep reps match now!

[kepi]

I am again surprised that upper body strength sections were taken out of the workout. It doesn't feel as balance as the original to me. But beautiful production.

You've really piqued my interest. I'm going to watch these two workouts side by side and see what upper body exercises were taken out. :)

[Firm Believer]

I *did* watch them side-by-side and did not see any upper body taken out. The beginning stretch was moved to later in the workout. Please let us know what you are referring to!:confused:

[kepi]

I *did* watch them side-by-side and did not see any upper body taken out. The beginning stretch was moved to later in the workout. Please let us know what you are referring to!:confused:

Thanks, Lisa. I previewed them back to back earlier this week, and I just finished doing a quick preview of each chapter. Like you, the only thing that I see different is the stretch segment.

I would also like to know exactly which upper body exercises are left out. Thanks in advance.

[jeanniem]

Oops - that was supposed to be crunch time - so sorry! :)

[crm549]

I am not sure if I liked this workout or not. I felt as if something was missing. At one point during the workout, I felt as if the workout went into slow motion almost coming to a complete stop.

I did find Keli very appealing and motivating. I particularly like the segment where she has us do upper body while balancing on one leg. There are several moves I found challenging - such as doing the round house kicks and trying to control the leg as you placed it on the tall step. I look forward to conquering this move.

Saundra

[Maryann28]

I loved this workout. I loved the original too..but the glitches drove me crazy! Yes, I miss Tracie...but Keli Roberts was wonderful.... I cant wait to try them all!

[Michelle S.]

Ditto to what's already been said about the production quality and workout flow.
I found it very intense, and feel like my whole body has been worked thoroughly.... though the ab segment seemed a bit too brief.
I've always thought Keli Roberts an excellent instructor, and am glad she was on board for this project. Her cuing, form and pointers are virtually flawless.

[Martha E]

I did this workout for the first time this afternoon. The short report is that I loved it!

Although there weren't large numbers of reps for the upper body exercises, it was very easy to maximize their effectiveness by using heavy weights. This is a time-honored workout technique, and I think it works really well with both the FitPrimes and the KickButts. More isn't always better, at least IMHO. And while it's true that the traditional ab section was short, there was a good bit of ab/core work throughout, so I didn't feel shortchanged.

Keli Roberts exceeded my expectations--I knew she'd be a good fit with these workouts, but the fit is even better than I had imagined. Her cuing was excellent throughout, as were her form pointers.

[blkane]

Well, this was my very first Fitprime/Kickbutt workout. I'm new and I finished Strong Bear. It wasn't pretty but I finished!! I managed to burn 400 calories on this one and I stayed mostly in my target hr. I am unfamiliar with how the moves are sequenced so I was a little wobbly in parts but I know its doable with practice.

I thought Kelli did a nice job. I think this workout will grow on me as I become more familiar with the moves.

[jeanie]

Everyone did such wonderful reviews of the new Kickbutt "Strong Bear", but I just wanted to add my praises! I was NOT a big fan of the original Strong Bear, so I was hesitant to do this one. Wow, what a difference the beautiful production quality and removal of glitches made! Kelli is a wonderful instructor and I loved her helpful tips of body positioning throughout the workout.

Here's my stats:

55 minute workout
119 average hr
37 minutes in zone
285 calories burned

This was definitely one tough workout!;)

[jeanniem]

I am a HUGE fan of the original and while I was bummed the first time I did it (no Tracie!!) I gave it another go this morning and what can I say - I was wrong - I LOVE it!!!

[Vanessa]

I did Strong Bear this morning and loved every minute of it. It is an awesome workout and Kellie did an awesome job. It was nice, as everyone else has said, not having any glitches in the workout

[Bernie2]

I did this one last night and so far it's the toughest of the bunch. It's also the first of the KB series I've done so I'm hoping they're all as good a workout as this one. I had a tough time doing the bootcamp portion because my wrist is still pretty sore but what I could do got my heartrate up and felt good. It will take a few tries to get the hang of this one but so far it's a big two thumbs up. Keli, of course, is wonderful.

[Redeye]

Strong Bear was the toughest one for me. Whew, wadda workout! But I found this version easier to follow than the original for some reason.

Keli is becoming a favorite of mine. I'm crazy about the girl...she is awesome.

So this was the last one I did...I've done all 12 now. They are all fantastic; not a dud in the bunch. :D

[atwin]

I had DOMS two hours later after doing this workout. I could not believe it. I never had DOMs until the next morning after doing the original strong bear. Kelly did a great job.

[Apryl]

I did this one for the first time yesterday morning. I agree Keli did a good job. This is a very well-balanced and well-designed workout. One thing I did was do each exercise on the non-dominant side first. (This isn't a complaint, just an observation. Keli begins w/the right side for the leg press/courtsey dips, and on the right side for floor adduction. I began both on the left, since that's where I began with the rest of the workout.)

My glutes & hams began yelling at me last nite! Yum!

[Firm Believer]

Apryl, I noticed the confusion regarding which side we were working too. I am left-handed, so I have to concentrate extra hard to remember to do the opposite of what I am seeing *and* to ignore any "left side" "right side" cues. When the lead says "start with your left side" and then later says "use your dominant side" I am so confused! :rolleyes: Add to that the fact that we might not work the other side until much later in the workout and I inevitably work one side twice. I'm sure that I'll get it down eventually. :cool:

[TinaT.]

I just mirror the instructor no matter what side they're working. Gets it all done that way.....besides my strong side is my left,....so I'd be really messed up if I didn't follow along. :p

I previewed this one last night and can already tell I will be waiting on this one abit until I get my strength back that I've lost over the last 6 months. I'm just happy that I have many others to choose from. ;)

[Bernie2]

I'm never going to get that bootcamp drill.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[jeanie]

Just wanted to add that after doing the entire 12-pack at least twice, I think this one is the toughest of the bunch.:eek:

[nancy]

Ouch! I did this one Monday and this morning, and my butt is sore! (Especially on the right side, what's up with that?) I don't know if the muscle is sore from today, yesterday's Floor Burn, or the combo of the two. Whatever, I'm happy! It's great to feel like you've had a fantastic workout, isn't it?

[Tarheels]

Ok, this was great! I have always LOVED the original, but there was just a bit of dread factor there because it was T-O-U-G-H!!! I am watching the original now to see how it was changed just a bit to make it less killer, yet still tough. There will be dread factor at all, and I can't wait to do it again.

Keli is a goddess! :D

[Tarheels]

Ok, here's a tip for those who want to make Strong Bear harder, like the original. (Forgive me if this has already been pointed out...)

On the tune where you do leg press with lat row, then another set of leg press with the dips and curtsy dips...In the new one, you do nondominant for the first set of leg press, dominant for the 2nd set with the dips (then vice versa). On the old one, all leg press is done on one side first. That definitely makes the legs FRY.

I, personally, like the new way because it cuts down on the dread factor, big time, but my legs are still noodle-y. :)

[tazcatmeow]

I love this workout. I think Keli is a great instructor. She makes me smile. Reviewing what everyone is writing, I think I may try to collect the out of print fitprimes that Anna did on her own just for more variety.

[Tarheels]

Tazcat, I have had the best time interspersing the old FitPrimes with the new WHFNs. I think the two are different enough to have both and do both, in my experience. The original Strong Bear is killer, as is Weights First.

[whiterose1]

Keli was great is this workout. All I can say is that I did not want this one to end.

[crm549]

I haven't done this workout in a very long time. I thought the 52 minutes went by really fast.

The set is still amazing. It is really visually stimulating.

Saundra

[rhbrand]

I did this one last night.

I shamefully admit, I've not done this version until last night.

I'll admit it, I like it better than the original. The set is, duh, as wonderful as all the other WHFN workout.

Keli looks wonderful, cues well, and gives good form tips.

I love the fact they took out that torture of the inner thigh Vs. I hated those things.

I love those slow leg presses. I can really concentrait on hitting my glutes. And I can feel them today.

I'm so glad I finally did this one!

[spidygirl]

Great workout, awesome music...... I am definately pleased w/ this buy!!!!!! Somedays I find myself motivated to workout because I love the music! I can't say enough!!!!:D

[Beadaddict]

Please place your reviews for KickButt Strong Bear here. :)



Sorry Ginger I placed my review in the wrong section. I guess you can tell I haven't been in the forum in a long time. :rolleyes: Beadaddict

But I didn't like any of them. They are far too easy for me. Tracie's new ones are the bomb. Period.:cool:

[shsiang]

Just a quick observation--I noticed some exercisers in the back were using milk jugs! According to good, old-fashioned '20 Questions About Fitness', that presents centre of gravity problems, no?

I'm surprised to see Anna contradicting herself... even if it is 20 years later.;)

[Firm Believer]

She is not contradicting herself. In the video Form Points (a follow up to 20 Questions) it was explained how some bottles could be used. In the WHFNs they aren't held like what was demonstrated in 20 questions anyway.

[shsiang]

Thanks for the clarification--I've never seen Form Points. I wish I'd known milk jugs were an option sooner!

[RuthNYC]

Just gonna chime in here for a sec. In the good ole days;) , when the first Firm Classics came out, jugs did not have user friendly grips.

The new jugs have grips that are much easier to hold without straining your wrists, so they can be subbed for weights.

RuthNYC

[dbmsewer]

I don't know why, but this workout never gets easier. The boot camp always gets me. It's a great workout.

[dbmsewer]

I just did this with my HR monitor and it says I burned 640 calories. I think that's a little high, but it may have been 500. Anyway, it kicked my butt seriously. The boot camp always gets to me, too.