ZUMBAFitness Exhilarate Body Shaping System DVD (Multi, Small)

I received this a few days ago, and I have really enjoyed this product! There are some reviews that say this is hard to follow, the lighting is bad, etc. for the videos. I have found that the sets are just suited for me - young 20's. I can relate to it! It really feel personal compared to some of the other products that I have gotten, more like a "party".Note: I am just saying some things that I think some other review are missing. I highly suggest you do your homework before you buy. review, 5-star and 1-star, to get the full idea. I even visited YouTube to see some previews and videos of this. If you are like me and this is your first time with Zumba, this is the way to go, I think.There are only three real concerns that I have, and they more based on the packaging issues than anything else.CONS1) I am rarely home, and carrying a pile of DVDs with me is not really an option. I wish there was some sort of digital format that I could put on my iPad to take with me. Maybe a blu-ray version? Next time? (Gosh knows DVDs never survive my house!)2) The case the DVDs come in suck. There are only foam dots that hold them in the "case" (more like a cordian-ish pamphlet). I am really glad that I bought a CD case for these to go in. Highly suggest you get one, too. You will not want to keep the DVDs in the format you get them, especially with the money you are paying.3) The box does come with a colorful sleeve over it, which. if you keep it on, does make "accessing" it a minute or two. Not really a problem, just kind of a nuisance.PROS1) You can flip the view of the step by step CD - either the instructors face you or have their back to you. Very nice touch since I tend to get my directions wrong.2) (And some thing this is BAD) The toning sticks are like maracas. Yes, they make noise. I find it kind of funny and awesome since it is like you are making a beat with the CD, too. However, some new to this may find it very annoying. You have been warned. ;)3) There are additional features that let you see behind the scenes and get to know the people who made the DVDs. There are interviews, close-ups, and more that really make the people in it human. I love that factor. Yes, sometimes it can feel like they are "trying" to sell a product, but I take it for what it is: It cost a lot to make the DVD, so I can forgive they trying to sell some stuff, too.4) This is probably the best point of the entire system: HAVE FUN! Every DVD and instructor pushes this idea. It is not about right or wrong - it is just about getting moving and having fun! Other work outs are about hitting the poses right, how long can last, how much sweat you are pouring, etc. This is about having fun first, being fit second - one following the other. I think it is a great philosophy, and it is one of the reasons why I went with Zumba instead.Although I think the price is high, I am quite surprised by the detail and colorfulness of the routines and people. I think, as a long-term investment, it is worth it. It has certainly caught the eye of my mom and sisters (maybe a class together coming up?!).

This DVD set is incredible. I bought both the Body Transformation and Exhilirate at the same time and have tried both now. The original is fun, but much slower paced with less glitz and marginal music. I tried it first thinking it would not be used as much once I moved on to Exhilirate. I was so right. I keep reaching for Exhilirate when I am in Zumba mood. Exhilirate has incredible colors, music and energy.This set comes with more workouts than the original too. With cute names I have point out ...action words!Activate 40 minute danceRush 20 minute danceExhilirate hard fast cardio about an hourRipped strength...includes portion with chair!Fitness Concert live...exhilirate on steroids?..zumbathonInternational Mix Dance....different dances from across the world, compilationIt feels more like a workout due to speed of moves and some lunges, squats and so on. Pauses between music styles are quick...used to be longer with original set.Beto is missing from most Exhilirate DVD's, but they have lots of background dancers and stage props to make it easy to follow. You also have a choice of listening to a cue track to learn the moves with visual cues...so it is dubbed over with instructions...or you can follow along with no voices and use their visual cues ( pointing, hands motions) once you know the steps. I use the full dubbing and it works. Takes some getting use to with no mouths moving, lol...but it is fine.I have no real dance training and skipped the full hour dance step tutorials for both sets. I jumped right in and am doing fine. Some steps will take time....especially in Exhilirate...that one is super fast! But, it is fun and just can't describe the energy and music and colors!!! So vivid.I can't imagine people saying the original is better over this set. This set has prettier packaging, higher production value with the rock concer feel, stage, background dancers, music is better, etc. I am probably going to try to sell the original set, or still use some of it...but it is not as fun as this one...it is good though. But once you see Exhilirate, it is hard to go back to the first lol.I love this and hope any new sets they come out with are like this one or better! They made some serious inprovements with lighting and timing between music styles and tracks!I burn way more calories witn these. I have tried most DVD's except the international Mix, but I am sure it will be awesome. I like every single one. The more I do them, the more fun they are.maraca sticks are fun for sometimes, but weigh nothing. I use free weights for strength DVD and weighted wrist cuffs for the other DVD's to add more cardio burn and some arm resistance.You can't go wrong with this. How can people not absolutely love this?