The Abs Diet Workout DVD.

Running time : 60 minutes

This DVD has been enjoying favorable reactions from many users, and it's easy to see why, as "host" and fitness trainer Tom Holland has designed a regimen that's brisk, efficient, thorough, and fun. Disregard the hype that calls it "a way of life" instead of simply a diet or exercise program. On the other hand, Holland's claim that The Abs Diet Workout will increase metabolism and help lose fat and build muscle is very likely true, assuming one dutifully does the exercises and follows the diet guidelines and menus as directed. The exercise portion offers a brief warmup (running in place, jumping jacks, simulated jump rope), followed by a choice of three abdominal routines; the latter vary in difficulty from beginner to advanced, but all three are designed to work the upper, lower, and oblique abs, as well as the transverse abdominis muscle and the lower back. The "circuit training" portion also has three options, each including squats, lunges, quad and hamstring stretches, pushups, and various exercises for the arms (the use of dumbbells is recommended). Add to that an extensive list of recipes for a diet plan that includes three meals and three snacks per day, and you've got pretty much everything you need for a comprehensive program designed to yield noticeable results in a matter of weeks.