I Didn’t Like It

Posted: July 29, 2011 at 4:00 pm

I don’t consider myself a super picky person. I’m truly only picky over a few things:

  • the texture of foods
  • men (good thing I found one that lived up to my long list of expectations!)
  • jeans (the one clothing item I will splurge on)
  • product reviews

I regularly get pitches to review different products on the blog. I have gotten very good at saying “No Thank You” and moving on in many of these situations. I will only accept things to review that I could see myself naturally using, liking, and discussing on the blog. For example, I have turned down a fairly well paid review of Slim Fast because it’s a product I know I wouldn’t choose to use on my own and I don’t really jive well with the product’s message. Then, I get opportunities to review things like a new workout. A new workout geared specifically towards my problem area (da booty) and from a company I have worked with before.

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Those types of products I happily agree to review and get excited when they show up on my doorstep. And they have never let me down…until now. It pains me beyond belief that I must enter into the realm of the negative review - something I carefully try to avoid with my nit-picky approach to product pitches. Nonetheless, here we are.

Exercise TV offers a plethora of great workout options, including many free clips and mini-workouts, on their site. I think they have great material overall, so I couldn’t wait to try out the full version of the new Butt Bible workout they launched for the summer.

The workout includes 6 circuits – 3 upper body circuits and 3 lower body circuits, which cover different levels of length and intensity. For some cross training one day last week I opted to complete the 40 minute lower body circuit since I have a good fitness base and wanted a longer workout than the 20 or 30 minute options. Within 5 minutes I had to grit my teeth and convince myself to make it through the thing. Why?

The instructor, Pauline Nordin, had completely unnecessary language and motivational tactics. I can’t even tell you how many times she cussed. Nor how many times I had to roll my eyes at her saying to stop whining because everyone wants “to get a butt like hers” and that its a “status symbol” we should all shoot for just like a big house and nice car. Come ON!!!! Seriously?! I personally don’t find someone saying I need to look like her to look good much motivation at all. It just ticks me off. I know looks are a big motivator for many and something most fitness instructors in workout videos will comment on, but the Butt Bible and Pauline Nordin took it to excess.

As for the workout’s effectiveness?

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Forty minutes of straight leg work does give a workout. However, there wasn’t any real innovation to the moves or layout of the exercises. The DVD simply went through 3 or 4 straight sets of typical lower body exercises – step ups, lunges, one legged deadlifts and squats, plie squats, and hip thrusts. Personally, if I’m not getting something innovative from the workout, I would rather do my own thing and save the money. I appreciated that the workout did train my booty like it claims, but it didn’t really hold my interest or make me want to do it four times a week as the video’s program suggests.

The Butt Bible DVD workout certainly didn’t suit me with its need for a little more variety and a lot more class. With all of that said, I can see how this video set would be a decent choice for someone looking for an effective workout with a basic layout and wishing to simply follow a DVD. And someone not turned off by the style of instructor mentioned above. Sorry, Excercise TV, but this one was a bust in my honest opinion.

  • What types of things are you picky about?
  • Have you ever had to give a bad review of a product?

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52 Comments to “I Didn’t Like It”
  1. Mandy says:

    That would totally tick me off with her saying things like “Everyone wants a butt like me”. Really? That is just annoying and self entitled. Thanks for being honest 😉

  2. Yeesh, that instructor sounds pretty unprofessional. That would’ve bugged me too. Does the video case mention anywhere that there’s strong language?

  3. Erica says:

    I totally agree! When I first started the blog, I would review pretty much whatever came my way. Now, I’m much more selective and try to review items I would use had the company not contacted me. Bummer about the language in the video- how unnecessary!

  4. Oh, wow. That style would have seriously turned me off as well. Is there a warning sticker: don’t have your kids around when working out to this DVD? 😉 Good for you for being honest in your review.

  5. jobo says:

    There was swearing in the DVD? seriously? And that type of ‘motivational’ chatter would just piss me off, not motivate me! I think this was a very fair review! I applaud you for reviewing it anyway.

  6. Wow, I can’t believe they actually produced something with her saying those things! I probably would’ve thrown something at the TV screen. I agree with you too on DVD’s needing something innovative. That’s why I buy them.

  7. I’ve heard A LOT of negative comments about Pauline Nordin in general because there’s so much controversy around “Fighter Diet.” Thanks for being honest. 🙂

  8. I appreciate your honest review and can definitely see myself not liking the workout as well. Whatever happened to being a strong, classy woman?

    I’d say I’m only picky when it comes to eating out. If I’m going to pay for food then I expect it to be better than what I can make at home!

  9. Mellissa says:

    I feel bad giving a negative review of things but I am always truthful. It I don’t like it, I will say so. No use in sugar coating it!

  10. I love the honesty of this review! Before I started blogging and began to understand the need to be honest with readers, I would read reviews on food blogs and wonder if they really liked the products they were touting, or if they just said they liked them because they received free products and/or monetary compensation. This review is the type that proves to readers that most of the healthy living blog community feels that they owe it to their readers to be forthcoming. That’s something to be proud of.

  11. Nicole says:

    That workout doesn’t seem like it would hold my attention either. thank you for sharing an honest review Tina!

  12. Amy Lauren says:

    But you know it’s reviews like this that really help companies improve things, because if they really want to sell products they should listen. You were truthful in the review and didn’t put the product down, but it’s not for you and I don’t think it’s for me either.

    I don’t think it’s right to cuss in an exercise video at all! People are already self-conscious enough without having to throw something like that in there.

    A.L.

  13. Cursing in the video? Wow. I have never heard of such a thing. It’s pretty offensive she is even using the word Bible on her video then.

    No thanks.

    Sounds awful.

  14. Don’t sweat it 🙂 I’m glad that you have the ability to write negative reviews sometimes because it makes the positive reviews seem that much more honest and trustworthy.

    Workout videos should be innovative and creative! I can do lunges on my own 😉

  15. Language is a huge turn off for me when I’m listening to a workout video. I’m not really speaking about cussing, but that is not necessary, but the way the people speak to you should be in a positive light…not an ego maniac way either. I’m glad you gave the review. Some people would be ok with this way of working out, but the fact that you said specifically what you don’t like, now I know and I won’t be getting it. I read a review of a video that warned me there was a brief ad in the workouts for propel. I bought it anyway and I’m fine with it because I knew ahead of time. It’s not that bad either. It’s just a water break and they mention propel. Anyway, thanks for the review Tina! Have a great weekend and I’m sad I’m not going tomorrow!

  16. Wow, that doesn’t sound like a good workout video at all! I’ve never had to review anything (never been asked haha). I’m very picky about my food (I’m a texture person too!) and about my jeans- they have to fit me a certain way or I won’t feel good in them. Oh, and I’m doing my first giveaway! Check it out if you get a chance :).

  17. teresa says:

    I wouldn’t like that at all. Though I do like a good butt workout. I can’t stand things like the kind of “motivation’ you describe here. I stopped watching the biggest loser because Jillian yelling at people seemed really wrong to me. It’s not necessary at all. Oh, I could go on about that one, but I won’t.
    THANK YOU, for honest reviews.

  18. You know what girl it is TOTALLY OKAY!! Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that’s why it’s called honesty, right? <3

  19. stevie says:

    I’m just shocked that their was cursing on an exercise video. Completely unnecessary. Most people would not appreciate that in a group class at the gym, so I don’t know why that would be acceptable on a DVD.

  20. Yeah I would not be a fan of hearing her talk about how she has the ideal body. That would just get annoying!

    Thanks for an honest review.

  21. Great honest review! I have yet to review anything on my blog, but I would be very paticular as well 🙂

  22. Khushboo says:

    wow tina! My respect for you has just multiplied! It can be very difficult/controversial to give a product a negative review but I think you did so very well. The instructor sounds like a tool!

  23. I’ve never had to give a review but thank you for your honesty of the product. I would never be motivated by what you described, ugh! And cussing?! That is beyond awful and truly no class whatsoever.

    I’m particular about a lot of things and thankfully my hubby puts up with a lot of them 😉 Like you, I am such a texture freak! 🙂

  24. Thanks for your honesty!!

    Honestly, I haven’t found a workout on Exercise TV that I am really crazy about…

  25. i could not agree more!! i do not need to sit and atch a video on how to do walking lunges or bicep curls…I am all about innovate workouts when it comes to DVDs!

    great review, Tina!

  26. Marcia says:

    🙂 I just did Level 1 of the butt workout on Sunday. I think I just had to laugh at her. “make love to the butt”, “crack those nuts” 😉 Ummm…ok lady! I don’ think I was offended, more like amused as in ” is this lady for real?!?!” I was pretty sore from the weightless workout I did, but I can see how some might find her annoying/offensive! It’s all the rage on Exercise TV so I had to check it out! I might take a look at the upper body and other levels next week to see if she gets any better… 🙂 Thanks for your honesty!

    • Tina says:

      At first I was more amused by her, but then it got to be too much. I think after the tenth use of the word “ass” and then when she pulled out “sh**” and “status symbols” I about lost it.

      • Marcia says:

        Oh my! I don’t think she cussed on my level yet..haha..maybe she saved that for the higher levels! She did say a bit too much how great her butt was…it was, but still..who says that?!?! 😉

  27. GREAT post, Tina! I love your honesty. It’s a review after all – nothing says every review will be positive! I think you gave a very fair assessment, while staying true to YOU. Well done. 🙂

  28. I’m picky about what I review too – if I look at the ingredient list and think “uhh no way” I won’t accept it. That workout looks pretty intense!

  29. Wow, I don’t like the message that DVD promotes! I’m not into status symbols or trying to look like someone else.

  30. I have realized that the texture of watermelon doesn’t sit well with me. And this just occured to me this summer. Odd.

  31. i appreciate your honest review! it’s hard to give negative ones, but it definitely has to happen sometimes. i wouldn’t like the cussing at all either.

    i am very picky about a lot of things! how my clothes are folded (my fiance doesn’t even try to help anymore because i just fix it anyway), where dishes get put away, books i read (i don’t like to waste my valuable “relax time” with a bad one!), what movies i watch….i could go on! 😉

  32. Hilary says:

    That doesn’t sound like a workout I would like either! The cussing would be a huge turn-off. I am picky about grammar, and cake/icing. I’ve never done a “formal” product review, but I’ve certainly said verbally if I don’t like something.

  33. Yea I definitely know what you mean- there’s gotta be something about the workout that you can’t find elsewhere- something to motivate and inspire to get you coming back to it again and again! Hey but I guess that’s just like with men too huh! hahaha <3

    xoxo

  34. cheryl says:

    I only review books (just not a big enough blog to be solicited). I do get free copies monthly from Harper to review and I have indeed given both mediocre and bad reviews. I try hard to pinpoint why it didn’t fit ME rather than just call it names, esp since I think writing is such a personal act. BUT, my good reviews, including my raves, are meaningless if I don’t also post honest reviews when I’m not so thrilled.

  35. Kelly says:

    I find it comical that the butt bible uses a woman who is obviously vain and who cusses.

  36. Ugh. You gotta love when a video is jam-packed with crap like that. We all cuss, but there’s something about cussing that turns someone off because it’s UNPROFESSIONAL. If you’re good at your job, then you don’t need those over-the-top words or conceited remarks.

    I did the Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout last week…and while some of those moves really killed…I never felt the BURN I was told I would after the workout. (And my form was spot on.) What I noticed about it was that she SPEWED “look at me, I’m a dancer, I have to move my hands and arms and head like this because I’m sexy”. It was distracting!

    Honesty is the best way to go, Tina…your blog is full of truth, and there’s no way any of us can like EVERYTHING we’re handed. 🙂

  37. I admire the fact that you’re so downright honest Tina! Thank you 🙂 And when I do exercise dvds (now I only do Rodney Yee’s yoga burn) I like it when they’re easy going and not chatty. To be honest, I don’t get motivated when they keep telling me to push. I just have to do that myself. 😀

    I love Jari Love’s dvds (she got me into weights) b/c she’s so laid-back and chill while being tough! I don’t do dvds much anymore, but she’s my #1 hehe. Have you heard of her?

    • Tina says:

      I have heard of Jari Love but never tried one of her workouts before. Sounds like I would like her though. The way you described her reminds me of my favorite instructor, Cathe Friedrich.

  38. I just saw this workout on Exercise On Demand yesterday and was immediately turned off by the title. Butt Bible? Really bad title. After reading your review I’m pretty sure I won’t be trying it out now! Thanks for the warning! 

  39. Jen says:

    Thank you for your honest review! Being positive is good but being honest is most important. I am happy to see you stand up for good values. There are plenty of good workout videos that don’t involve swearing. Be so proud of this post!!

  40. Deborah says:

    Tina

    I think you were quite balanced in the review – appreciated that it gave you a good workout, but wasn’t for you.

    Deb

  41. Krit says:

    Just seeing Pauline’s name on it would steer me far far away. Have you ever read her blog? Ridiculous! She’s wackadoodle!

    • Tina says:

      I had never heard of her before this! If I had known more about her – yea wouldn’t have said yes to reviewing it.

  42. Wow, the instructor does sound a little annoying.
    You did the right thing by being honest. That’s why it’s called a review and companies should know that sometimes products they are sending out will get badly reviewed. I also don’t think companies mind it as much as we think they do. Bad publicity is still publicity. I’m sure a lot of people googled this instructor after reading your review so she is still getting her name out there.

  43. Kate says:

    I have to totally disagree. I have been doing the video for about three weeks now and it is amazing and I am only on level 2. My butt is lifting and I find Pauline hilarious. I think it is great that she is so real and who cares is if curses? It is funny and it is nothing offensive. I can see how all the talking might get annoying in months to come, but most of these exercise videos do become annoying. That is when you pop the ipod on and turn down the volume. I have been doing Tracy Anderson’s Mat workout for about six months and love that one also, but the one thing it lacks is a good butt workout. The Butt Bible makes up the difference. Love both workouts. My body has never been in better shape and I have been working out for over 30 years. You really should give it a good try before giving something a bad review because the bottom line on an exercise video is — does it work? This works. Also, what I love most about Tracy and Pauline is that they actually do the entire workout. I can’t stand exercise videos where the trainer doesn’t really do the work and walks around pointing out how to do the exercise with her “girls” who are sweating it up. That is when I am swearing at the TV screen for the trainer to get back at it and to quit talking.

    • Leesa says:

      I agree with you Kate, I love Pauline Nordin and her Butt Bible DVD, I have tried every dvd out there and this is the only one that works for me. And I love that she does the workout as well….no video I own has a trainer doing it the whole time with you. I look at Pauline and she is inspiring and has worked her BUTT off to look that good. This workout works AWESOME 🙂

  44. kelly says:

    I have to disagree, Ive been doing this workout for 2 months and i have noticed a huge difference, ive read most of the comments and no on else seems to have tried the workout themselves. I find her to be very motivating, hilarious and I like her tough girl attitude, it pushes me to work harder…this is for people that are ACTUALLY trying to work out, if you were more focused on what she was saying…then you werent working out.

    • Lisa Marie says:

      Thank you Kelly! Finally a voice of reason! I have also used this workout and lost 25 pounds, toned my body, and am back in single digit clothing 🙂 Some people need to stop being so judgmental! We don’t live in bubbles. People have different ways of doing things. I’m sure Pauline looks better than most of us do! Thanks again Kelly 🙂

    • Barbi says:

      so agreed. I’ve done her video series. She shoots from the hip but you will get results. You may not like the way she talks but what she says she can back up with results and really that is what I am looking for.

  45. Jess says:

    If you don´t like her voice nor language, then just turn down the noise and put some music on!

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