Holly Hanson, Detroit Free Press (KRT)
Published: December 7, 2005
With its savvy use of DVD technology, the fitness industry has managed to counter virtually any excuse not to exercise.
Pressed for time? Use the programmable features to build a workout that fits the time you have.
Programmed routines are too confining? Use the music-only track to choreograph your own moves. Or choose a multi-segment program that offers progressively harder versions of the routine.
Most fitness programs on DVD these days make at least some use of this technology, making the programs more efficient and more useful for a wider variety of exercisers.
Whether you’re an exercise veteran looking for something to take you through the winter, a novice looking to get started or a holiday shopper looking for something for a workout fan, these six new DVDs offer something you can use.
We’ll begin with a calming stretch, try some total-body toning and end with a vigorous blast of dancing. Let’s go.
“Spirit Flow: Rejuvenating Core Stretch” features a form of exercise that its creator, fitness pro Michelle LeMay, aptly calls “dance-inspired yoga.” It’s a gentle, 28-minute routine that aims to reduce stress and increase energy.
LeMay is a friendly, encouraging leader, and her program is both energizing and calming. It does, however, have a large portion of New Age mumbo-jumbo that might be off-putting to some exercisers.
Then there’s the cool-down segment, for which LeMay gives a long speech about “tapping into your heartspace,” whatever that is. By that point, however, you’re likely to be so relaxed that you won’t really mind.
And if you do, just hit the mute button.
Fitness magazines are the newest companies to jump into the video fitness market, and why not? They’ve been featuring exercise moves on their pages for years. Prevention magazine offers its “3-2-1 Workout,” a circuit-training routine that targets the whole body.
The “3-2-1” title comes from the DVD’s format. For each of six body parts _ legs, chest, buttocks, back, arms and shoulders _ there is a 6-minute circuit that includes 3 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, 2 minutes of strength training and 1 minute of abdominal exercises.
The cardio segments offer the familiar – jumping jacks, V-steps, marching – as well as moves borrowed from sports and dance, such as soccer kicks, boxing punches and shimmying dance steps.
The weight-training sections, done with hand weights, include lunges and squats, biceps and triceps curls and lateral raises. And for the abs, there are a variety of crunches, led capably by instructor Chris Freytag. She also provides modifications for less-skilled exercisers.
Self magazine’s contribution is called “Slim and Sleek Fast!,” a 38-minute, total-body routine that blends cardio work and weight training.
It’s the most traditional of this group of DVDs, with lots of classic moves led by instructor Ellen Barrett.
The DVD’s menu lets you choose which segments you’ll do and when. For exercise newcomers, Barrett offers easier versions of the moves.
The opening cardio segments feature squats and marching, while a ballet-themed interval brings in plies and a back leg lift that looks a bit like an arabesque.
In the weight-training segment, Barrett pairs biceps curls with lunges and lateral raises with squats and kicks, a clever technique that makes the workout more interesting and efficient.
This program breaks little new ground, but it will get the job done.
Vanessa Isaac puts a lot of heart into her “Brazilian Dance Workout,” which combines street dancing and Afro-Brazilian styles. The eight dancers in her class – seven women, one man – encompass a wide range of ages, ethnic backgrounds and body types.
That’s appealing. So is the live music, with drummers next to the parquet floor on which the class dances.
The 60-minute program demands a fair bit of dexterity and endurance, as the steps are briskly paced. It also helps to have a flexible spine and hips that sway willingly.
Isaac begins the class with a thorough, 15-minute warm-up that starts with marching and moves into flowing steps.
The 41-minute dance portion is divided into two segments – one with a reggae beat, the other with a samba beat.
The drums quiet down for the cool-down, a mix of slow steps and stretches. The class ends with the dancers flat on their backs, relaxing. After all that dancing, a moment of peace feels good.
A lively group of eight women works out in “Crunch Cardio Dance Blast,” a rousing 37-minute program designed to burn fat and calories. Marie Forleo is the engaging, high-octane leader, and the atmosphere is more dance club than workout gym.
There’s a no-frills warm-up of side-to-side steps and stretches, then it’s on to the first of three dance routines: the island jam, set to recorded steel drum music.
The second segment, offers a routine filled with kicks, ball changes and undulating body rolls (which are very good for the abs, you’ll discover).
The “diva dance” that ends the DVD brings in a brisk cha-cha and a hip-shaking samba.
Forleo keeps everything upbeat and fun. It’s almost enough to make you forget you’re doing a workout.
(c) 2005, Detroit Free Press.