Tight, Toned and Terrific - Michelle Bridges (2009)

Cover blurb:

Strenth training is the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! This DVD incorporates both cardio fitness along with the all-important strength training. This is how you shape, tone and define. I cover off all the major muscle groups with 5 minute sessions on - legs, chest and back, triceps and biceps as well as the core.

I have fuel injected this DVD with two, 5 minute cardio sessions, so you really get your moneys' worth here! MIx and match or do the whole thing, By using minimal equipment you'll see how easy it is to put together some basic building blocks to get effective and fast results in your own training.

All options of intensity are covered off so although you'll see in this DVD that I am being pushed, it is designed for all levels. Get excited about your trainingand the amazing beneifts it will give you. Get back in control, get back in the driver's seat and be the one setting the course!

Summary: Australian Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges leads a team of four instructors through a 45 minute program that has a warm up then alternates circuit work cardio sessions. The circuits comprise three, four or five sets of five eight-rep activities, that each involve one weight section, one floor work section (pushups, tricep pushups), and three more aerobic exercises - each exercise is demonstrated in advance, and almost all the high impact work has a clearly identified low impact version that's demonstrated throughout the circuit. Tehre's also an ab section and a cool down/stretch finale.

What I liked: I'm discovering circuit training suits me - knowing that I've only got to do x number of reps or continue the exercise for x amount of time makes it easier for me to commit to it and work hard, instead of holding back because I don't know how much reserve I need to keep.There's a nice emphasis on technique, and Michelle frequently emphasises that the aim is to keep pace with the activity rather than the number of reps - far better to get down and do three pushups then get back up for lunges than stay down and do eight. That said, I found I kept [ace without too much difficulty.

What could have been improved: I just don't have the coordination for the opening floor work, which not only covers a lot of physical ground (which I haven't got room for) but also incorporates a number of different moves that require more coordination than I have and which I just don't seem to be able to move fast enough to manage. There's a leg flick thing, for example, that I just can't get right, and though there's some talking through this whole section there's no demonstration. But I'm sure I'll improve with practice.

Overall: I quite enjoyed the workout, and think I'll be better at it after a few repetitions, once I'm familiar with the program. - Alex

DOMS

It's been a while since I've tried out a dvd and so yesterday I thought the time had come to give one a go. I meant to do the third in the Aussie Fit series I've been reviewing, Great Buns, and so complete the set. Instead I accidently put in Dynamite Legs (previously reviewed). I didn't realise my mistake until after the warm up, by which time I decided I may as well just keep going. I find this particular dvd challenging. Instead of struggling to keep up I just did as much as I could but still managed to do about 75% of the exercises without too much trouble.
That is until today.
O M G!!!
Delayed onset muscle soreness.
Hands up who knows where their glutes and quads are.

Aussie Fit-Super Stomachs

From the back of the box-

Super stomachs is a super concentrated toning routine that will deliver super firm abs, a strong lower back and a trim waist! Tone up those flagging abdominals and important lower back muscles. The perfect post natal tummy toner!

This is another program from the Body Sculpt series. Again it is only runs for about 30 minutes, so is a good one to fit in when time is tight.
The bulk of the program consists of variations on the sit-up, so some people might find it to be a bit monotonous. Surprisingly, I found it to be quite achievable, in fact, almost easy compared to some of the other abdominal workouts I have done. And as somebody whose abs gave up after 4 babies in 4 years I don't have a lot of strength through the mid section. Throughout the day I got the occasional reminder that I'd worked out, with a slight tightness but otherwise I pulled up very well.
I liked that they include a few exercises for the lower back in the program too.
Fast and easy this one is probably best for the beginner.

Aussie Fit- Dynamite Legs

From the back of the box-

We have put together 3 quick and simple BODYSCULPT routines to firm and strengthen those problem hip and thigh areas: GREAT BUNS, DYNAMITE LEGS and SUPER STOMACHS. Combine these with FAT BURNER to burn calories and complete the BODYSCULPT PROGRAM. Mix and match the workout to your own schedule.
Dynamite Legs, is an intensive target workout that will firm up those
flagging muscles of the thigh area. A solution to every woman's figure
problems.

Including the warm up and stretches this program runs for around half an hour so is a good one if time is running short.
Entirely focussed on the legs I really did know which muscles I'd used by the end of the program. I would rate this as challenging at my current fitness level, mostly because I have no balance and so found lunging difficult. Something I don't remember being a problem when I initially purchased the program some years ago but definitely something I need to work on now.
As is obvious from the blurb this tape is part of a set. I will be reporting on the rest of the series as I work my way through them.-Lynn

Aussie Fit Yoga/Stretch and Flex

From the back of the box-

In this simple guide, suitable for all activity levels of fitness, you
will learn basic postures correctly and safely improve your flexibility while tong muscle and discover a wide range of health benefits.
A perfect way to relieve tension at any time of the day and in the
comfort of your own home.
Join the millions of people enjoying the many benefits of this age-old
technique in a modern and balanced programme.

Back before life got in the way (aka children) I used to practice yoga regularly. I used this tape to keep up between classes. As time became more precious I began to do the shorter Aussie Fit Stretch and Flex tape instead. Both programmes are now available together on the one dvd.
The yoga section runs for around an hour and covers a few basic postures. It's not as good as a class but it is a great home practice guide. I was surprised by how difficult I found it. I knew my upper body strength wasn't what it used to be but my lack of balance that was completely unexpected.
The two stretch segments run for half an hour each, one is dance focussed, the other sports focussed. Both offer less advanced versions for the beginner. I would set these in the challenging section of my dvd collection simply because there is always room to improve flexibility.
I intend to start doing these programmes regularly and I'm hoping muscle memory will kick in and I'll be back in form soon.-Lynn

15-Minute Workouts for Dummies

Pertinent words from the back of the box-

15-Minute Workouts for Dummies offers step-by-step instruction of 26 toning and shaping exercises, combined in an active sequence that makes the most of your time. The exercises are divided into four express workouts that target your arms, abs, thighs, and buns. You can combine the workouts in any number of ways.
Just one per day if you're crunched for time, or up to all four in a row if your schedule allows. This program incorporates both standing and floor moves to help you firm and define hard-to-train areas and get the most from your workout time.

Being pressed for time I did this dvd over the course of two days. One day I did arms and thighs, the next I did abs and buns. Where weights were required I used a pair of one kg dumbells because they were to hand; at no time did this become too much. In fact, I found all the workouts to be very easy. Having not done any strength work in quite some time I thought I might feel sore the next day but I didn't. And that was a little dissappointing. I simply didn't feel like I got a workout either during or after the dvd. The same format found in the '-For Dummies' series of books is to be found on the dvd. The program is dotted with tips, alternate versions of moves and definitions. This is great for the absolute beginner but could become annoying for the more confident. My assessment, highly reccommended for the beginner or as a simple rest day session for the experienced. Also works as a nice collection of quick maintainance sessions.-Lynn

Aussie Fit Power Walk

Pertinent words from the back of the box-

This invaluable video guide will get you started and show you how to build up a programme of walk-fitness... Plus a simple homebound walk aerobic routine for those rainy days! Aimed at beginners and intermediates this workout also includes a great abdominals exercise routine, to look after your midriff and keep you toned... We take you through all the stretches you will need to complement your walking.

This exercise video was a favourite of mine back when I was housebound with multiple infants. Unfortunately I never found it on dvd and resorted to converting the homebound routine, abs exercise and stretch section to dvd myself. Since my memory of the rest of the tape is vague I will restrict my review to those sections I still have access to. This routine runs for approximately half an hour so is a great one to fit in when time is short. The walking based routine is easy to follow (essential with my lack of coordination) and can be done on the spot if space is tight. The abdominal section is made up entirely of crunches but only goes for 3 minutes. The stretching is focused on those muscled used when walking. I loved the fact that, apart from the pair presenting, the demonstrating group were all amateurs of varied age, sex, weight and probably fitness. On the downside the male presenter's banter got old very quickly. Though I'd forgotten some of the (very simple) choreography, I picked it up in no time and completed the entire program with ease. This dvd falls well within my current capabilities. So much so, that I didn't really get a work out at all and probably won't be doing it again any time soon. On the plus side I have found a stretching routine that will nicely suffice post C25K runs.-Lynn

Knee Issues

Today was meant to be C25K week 2 day 3 but I woke up this morning and found I've done "something" to my knee. There's an unfamiliar lateral tightness on my right knee. So I thought I'd postpone my run until tomorrow and do something a bit less vigorous today. To that end I pulled out a Tai Chi DVD I thought might offer some gentle streching. From the back of the box-

Tai Chi Gong Exercise DVD-27 Tai Chi Gong exercises for beginners and advanced, designed to enhance the mind and body. These selected exercises of internal energy cultivate inner peace and tranquility, balance the body and mind, and improve health, wellbeing, lifestyle and longevity.

I must be upfront and admit that this particular DVD came free with a magazine. I pretty much expected to get what I paid for and to a certain extent I did. First for the good: The exercises are gentle but at the end of the 45 minutes I knew I'd worked, lightly though it may have been. The DVD was recorded at some truly lovely settings. There is a comprehensive health warning prior to the session commencement. Now to the bad: The exercises are poorly explained and inadequately demonstrated. Often the spoken explanation of an exercise is not given until after it has commenced and the moves are demonstrated at speed, they are not slowed down or broken into individual components for the novice. Fortunately I've done some Tai Chi in the past and so was familiar with some of the stance names, without this I would have been entirely lost. This DVD has served to remind me that there is benefit to exercise even if it is not of a calorie burning, red faced and sweaty nature. Tai Chi has a lot to offer but I can't see myself repeating this particular program. There has got to be better out there on the market. I'm certainly glad I didn't pay the $39.95 recommended retail price.-Lynn

Calorie Killer Circuit - Shannan Ponton & Michelle Bridges (2008)

Cover blurb:

Get ready for a whole new dimension with the efficient and effective The Biggest Loser Calorie Killer Circuit DVD.
Australia's much loved trainers, Shannan Ponton and Michelle Bridges, guide you through a seriously fun calorie-burning workout that's sure to get you moving and into shape! Specially designed with fat burning and strength conditioning in mind, you'll push your body to the limit - it's perfect if you're really serious about getting into your best shape ever and really driving your weight loss into turbo mode!

Review: Australian Biggest Loser trainers Shannan Ponton and Michelle Bridges lead a 50 minute program that focuses on quick changes and circuit work. After a four minute warm up is a ten by one minute circuit section - each exercise is demonstrated in advance,

The third in the Australian Biggest Loser series, Calorie Killer reminded me a little of Michelle's circuit training DVD; the focus is on reps within a set time period, in this c

What I liked: I'm discovering circuit training suits me - knowing that I've only got to do x number of reps or continue the exercise for x amount of time makes it easier for me to commit to it and work hard, instead of holding back because I don't know how much reserve I need to keep.

There's a nice emphasis on technique, particularly with the standing leg work, and the trainers mention several times that it's important to keep going and lower the intensity if necessary, rather than just stopping.

One of the participants consistently performs low-impact versions throughout the program, and this is frequently pointed out - I didn't buy that it was because she had a sore ankle, though, and don't know why they'd bother pretending this was the case rather than stating they'd included a lower impact alternative for beginners or viewers with mobility issues.

What could have been improved: there's very little notice of what's coming up next, particularly once the program moved out of the circuit section.

Overall: I quite enjoyed the workout, and think I'll be better at it after a few repetitions, once I'm familiar with the program. - Alex

Amira’s Bellydance 101 (2008)

From the blurb:

Radiate your feminine beauty and discover fitness and fun through bellydance!
Discover the joy, energy, and passion of a dance that’s uniquely yours with this beginner’s DVD. Whatever your age, size, shape or experience! Amira’s Bellydance 101 unveils the mesmerizing beauty and art of Middle Eastern dance and empowers you to Celebrate Your Womanhood!…
Learn to love and move your body with grace and confidence. Nurture yourself with safe & gentle warm-ups and stretches. Practice 60 minutes of step-by-step instructions with Amira.

Review: I saw this DVD on a display at the library, and borrowed it on a whim more than anything else. I didn’t read the back blurb at the time, and probably would have been put off by the emphasis on female sensuality that is evident from the cited copy, and which continues on the disc – the first couple of minutes consist of a sequence of still photos of various women in belly dancing outfits, with a voice over by Amira extolling the history, culture and female energy of the dance form. This style continues throughout the DVD – a voiceover describing the routines, over a woman (possibly Amira) demonstrating them in an Arabian styled space.
The key to belly dancing is isolated movement, so that an accomplished dancer can both move one part of her body while the rest of her body is motionless, or move different parts in unrelated patterns. This is exemplified in the image that immediately springs to my mind when I think of belly dancing – hips undulating in a figure eight contrasting with still torso and shoulders.
The DVD opens with stretches, and from then on is therefore divided into anatomical categories – torso, arms, hips. Each section begins with a reminder about neutral body posture (shoulders back and down, pelvis tilted under and forward, knees soft) and breaks down a movement into component parts. The first movement Amira discusses and demonstrates, for example, is to undulate your head from side to side along a single plane, without moving your shoulders or neck; she makes it look effortless and mesmerising, After attempting it several times, I was relieved when she then offered another element to assist practicing; I suspect, however, that I won’t be mastering the technique soon.
After breaking down the move it’s sped up and repeated, before another segment is broken down. Throughout the narration is reassuring about viewers going at their pace, reiterating that many of the moves appear simple but take practice and discipline to master. I particularly liked the instruction to respect and honour the limitations of our bodies, an affirming contrast to most exercise instructors’ exhortations to dominate our bodies. At one point, when I felt my upper arms and shoulders fatiguing, she remarked that sore shoulders at this point indicated that the posture was being performed correctly, which was reassuring.<
After entirely too long without doing any real exercise, and spending far too much time watching TV online in bed, my back and hips have become very stiff and quite painful. The less I do the worse it is, but despite knowing that, I’ve been finding it difficult to get up and moving unless I have to be somewhere (like work).
Within a couple of minutes of starting the warm up stretches I could feel the tension easing and the pain dissipating, and though very much a novice I was pleased and surprised by how many motions I feel comfortable with already. Others, particularly the coordination of simultaneous snake arms and reverse body rolls, are going to take a lot more practice before I feel any degree of confidence.
Unlike every other dance DVD I’ve tried, Amira’s Bellydance 101 felt natural and achievable, as though I was working with my body instead of against it. Though there were moves I could only attempt, and though I know I have a very long way to go, I felt inspired and invigorated, rather than frustrated and disheartened. I have no doubt that advanced practitioners work up a sweat and exert themselves; this wasn’t anything like a workout, but that isn’t the aim. Instead it’s about reconnecting with your body, feeling better after you’re finished than you did when you began, and mastering the building blocks of an ancient art form. I thoroughly enjoyed the DVD, and intend doing it again several times in the next week or so, with an eye to buying it or something similar. - Alex

Fat Burning Dance Party!

From the dvd cover:
Welcome to CRUNCH Fitness! Let’s get this party started! Crunch major calories while you get down with this fun, energetic workout. There are three easy-to-follow workouts that we think are more like parties. There’s salsa party, party funk and the retro party. Even if you’re not a dancer, don’t worry. Jennifer breaks each combo down into basic steps so you can just jump right in with both feet (literally!).
….Exercise doesn’t have to feel like work! So join the Fat Burning Dance Party and get your calorie-burning groove on.
This dvd was simply beyond my current capabilities. You might not need to be a dancer to do it but you do need some semblance of coordination and I have none. The dances are broken down into constituent steps and those steps are practiced a few times before the integrated dance is performed but the demonstration of individual steps is worked into the routine and is very quick. Much of the time I was left wondering exactly what it was the instructor was doing. I feel the program could have been improved by demonstrating each move more slowly. If this would slow down the workout pace it could be offered as an extra for the absolute beginner. I also felt that the warm up and cool down were a little perfunctory. A couple of the moves required knee movement that was definitely not suitable for me.
On the positive side the participants were of a variety of shapes and sizes which was nice to see. And I did break out into a light sweat even though for much of the time I was simply marching along to the music.
This is probably a fun routine for those of intermediate level fitness with reasonable coordination. But for me it only emphasised my inability to move all four limbs in unison.

Leslie Sansone: Walk Away the Pounds-Walk and Jog

From the back cover:
If it’s time to get your body to wake up and smell the calories burning, this is the workout for you. It’s all about-say it with me- Interval Training. One of the fastest ways to turn your metabolism into a major fat-burner is to add short bursts of intensity, or intervals, to your workout. In this 30-minute power-walking workout, we’ll add two-minute intervals of light jogging to our brisk walking pace to keep that metabolism revving in the red zone. The results? A slimmer, firmer, more energized you! You’ll love what this high-powered, in-home walk/jog program does for every part of you.

I have tried another of Sansone’s workouts and though I didn’t find that one quite challenging enough I like the idea of simple step based choreography so I thought I’d give this one a go.
Like its predecessor it is based on four basic steps that are incredibly simple to learn, a real bonus for those like myself whose coordination is not all that it might be. There is a low impact option and the leader is constantly reminding us that we can slow it down if we feel the need.
Also like its predecessor I didn’t find it to be particularly challenging. I kept up the entire way through without breaking a sweat. Perhaps I am fitter than I think but I certainly didn’t feel as if my metabolism was revving in the red zone-ticking along in the moderate zone more likely. And the complete lack of a stretching section at the end was a notable omission.
Overall I would say okay for absolute beginners or perhaps those with injuries but not really enough for somebody with even average fitness.

Walk Away the Pounds-Walk and Kick

From the cover-
Interval training really boosts that calorie burn, uses more major muscle groups and gets you to your weight-loss goals FAST. This 30 minute, high-energy walking workout adds short bursts of fun and easy kickboxing moves that make exercising anything but a little walk in the park. After a quick warm-up, we’ll alternate a brisk walking workout with two-minute sessions of kicking, stretching and boxing that’ll make your body say, “Whoa, the couch potato days are officially over!” Trust me, you will not need to ask whether or not you’re getting a terrific, total-body conditioning—every muscle you’ve got will remind you that you are!
It is no secret that I have difficulty moving all four limbs in unison, so a dvd based around walking without any of the more complex aerobic steps sounded just the thing for me. The entire routine is founded on four basic moves that even the most uncoordinated can master with ease. Indeed, I managed to follow the instructions without trouble at all.
While it is not indicated by the lead instructor, it quickly becomes obvious as the program gets underway that three different levels of intensity are being demonstrated. I followed along at the intermediate level in the beginning but when this failed to get my heart rate up I switched quickly to the advanced level. But it made little difference. The effort required to complete the moves I found to be minimal and it was only in the final two minutes before the cool down that I began to feel that I was starting to work. Perhaps I’m fitter than I thought but I certainly didn’t feel that I was getting total-body conditioning at any time during the program and my muscles certainly didn’t tell me otherwise later.
This would be a great dvd for the complete novice. The simple steps are very easy to follow and even the high intensity option isn’t beyond the capability of the beginner.
This dvd is part of a series all based around the walking routine concept. And while I suspect anybody with any coordination to speak of would get bored by them quickly, I would be interested in trying out one of the titles aimed at the more advanced exerciser.-Lynn

Dance Off the Inches: Sizzling Salsa - Stella Sandoval

From the cover:

Getting Fit Doesn't Have To Feel Like Work. Anyone can dance off the inches - we've made it easy. Just 10 moves are all you need to dance this sizzling routine - and we'll show you how! No matter what your age or fitness level, you can have a great time while dancing your way into great shape! You'll want to do this program again and again because it's just FUN - and that's the secret.

Review: It's no secret that I'm something less than the Queen of Co-ordination - though I can usually manage to synchronise my arm and leg work, the grapevine is still sadly beyond me, and nobody's knocking my door down to compete on So You Think You Can Dance, what with my utter lack of rhythm and all. But I like the idea of working out while having fun and improving my co-ordination.
I did manage to keep up with Stella and her five bodacious friends for the first fifteen minutes or so of Sizzling Salsa, but then quit. I think this was partly because I didn't feel at all like I was working out, partly because peppy American is always a challenge, and mostly because I felt wholly unsexy. Yes, those rotating hip thrusts did look great, but I felt more like an unsuccessful and unwieldy caterpillar shaking off cocoon remnants than a hot Latina with all the right moves.
This absolutely says more about me, my issues and my inability to do two things with my body at once (don't even think of me and the piano) than it does about the DVD itself. I plan on returning to this program once I'm a little fitter, and little more confident and, most importantly, a little more coordinated. - Alex

Beginner's Workout - the Australian Biggest Loser trainers

This low-impact, hour long DVD covers all the bases, from warm up through cardio, weights, strength training and cool down, directly targeted at very beginning exercisers.
What worked for me: The focus is very clearly on beginner exercisers who are unfit and new to working out - each part of each exercise is explained, with nothing taken for granted about form. Every exercise is demonstrated with varieties of difficulty, from the opening warm up where viewers can opt for walking in place rather than in a circle, to the plank (where the easiest option is lying supine and pulling in the abdominals. With one, optional, exception, the entire workout is no- to low-impact, and there's frequent reinforcement that the aim is progressive improvement - sweating and huffing are desirable signs that you're working hard, and the overall approach is supportive rather than aggressive and confrontational. There are explanations about how some of the exercises work, which muscles are being used, and discussion about balancing work on one muscle group with complementary work. There was also a caution about people with hypertension seeking medical advice before attempting to use handweights above heart level.
What could have been improved: I didn't buy a couple of the instructor-as-viewer moments (Michelle saying during a stretch that she couldn't reach her toes, or that she found doing the stage 2 pushups hard), but appreciate that this could be reassuring for the intimidated novice.
Overall: I think this is an excellent introduction to cardio and strength exercise for unfit novice and beginner exercisers (like me), or those re-entering exercise after a break. I was breathing hard during the boxing section, and worked up a sweat during the floor work. This DVD introduces exercises used later in the series, and though I've started out of order I imagine the three Australian Biggest Loser DVDs segue nicely as one's stamina and strength increase. - Alex

The Biggest Winner: Shape Up Front – Jillian Michaels

From the cover:

the first of five fabulous DVDs in the Jillian Michaels fitness collection, The Biggest Winner, How to Win by Losing, Shape Up – Front gets your body moving and your blood flowing with a lower and upper body workout to make your body burn twice as many calories – so you’ll melt off the fat and lose the weight. You can win by losing with Jillian Michaels, TV’s toughest fitness trainer and life coach.

Review: after my second go round with the Australian Biggest Loser’s Cardio Burn DVD I decided to buy my own copies of their three part series. Unfortunately none of them were in stock at the JB store I went to, but this 5-DVD set looked promising – for only $11 more than the single Michelle Bridges program I could get five workouts, and even if I passed on the Cardio Kickboxer option (not a good idea for unfit people who have poor coordination, as I learned trying TaeBo several years ago) that still seemed pretty good value.
The preamble strongly recommends watching the DVD through once before attempting, which wasn’t a problem, because unfortunately there’s no indication on the cover that you need equipment – hand weights, which I have, and a step bench, which I don’t. The bench is an integral component of this program, featuring in around 80% on the exercises. I have been stirred to buy a stepper, though so far have been unable to find one three-feet long as suggested (72cm is the closest I’ve tracked down thus far).
What I liked: there’s no question this is an intense workout – I felt breathless just watching the routine, and the team of very fit participants looked like they were working hard; one of the team does modified versions of around 10% of the exercises
What could have been improved: an indication on the cover that equipment is needed; flagging that this is aimed at intermediate and advanced levels; any kind of suggestion that you could work at a less intense pace; an opportunity to check pulse rate.
Overall: I quite like the idea of coming back to this DVD collection in a couple of months, when I’ve got increased strength and fitness. I quite liked Jillian’s style and certainly think the program’s doable, but not quite yet - Alex

Cardio Walk for Weight Loss – Madeleine Louis (2008)

From the cover:

This is the workout to get you moving and rev up your metabolism. Cardio Walk for Weight Loss integrates fitness-walking movements with low-impact aerobics techniques, creating energizing 10-minute indoor workouts almost anyone can do anytime, anywhere.

Review: based on the idea that three ten-minute periods of exercise are as effective as a thirty-minute workout but easier to incorporate into the rest of life, Cardio Walk combined three ten-minute workouts (80% cardio and 20% strength training) with a flexibility segment. Like the recently reviewed Super Shredder Circuit, the Cardio Walk DVD can be programmed to play in the order you prefer, or you can follow the routine as performed, which I did.
This is a really low-impact program, though there are some higher impact options involving light jumping, and it primarily comprises stepping from side to side, marching and other similar moves, combined with arm work (including hand weights). None of which sounds particularly exciting. Yet somehow I found myself sweating more heavily during this DVD than I think I have with any other program, and my pulse was ticking along at 125bpm (up at the 80% mark for me).
What I liked: the introduction includes a very clear overview of the program – based on research, what doing the workout entails, and what the exerciser should be aiming for. In this part and in every segment she discusses the exertion target: on a one to ten scale, where one is sitting on the sofa and ten is more than we’re looking at here, the aim is five or six, maybe seven. Madeleine also says several times in each section that, if things are getting too much, hands can be put on hips and the arm parts forgotten. The choreography is fairly easy even for someone as uncoordinated as I, without being mind-numbingly repetitive. There’s also a very nice cool down section that includes well-held stretching, in contrast to some other programs that treat this element far more cursorily.
What could have been improved: in the opening Madeleine says that one of the performers will do the higher intensity version, the other will show a modified variant, while she’ll aim for something in the middle; however this was rarely the case – while the performer on the right did more high-impact moves, the performer on the left also held weights, jumped along a bit, and didn’t consistently move at a modified pace or leave her arms out of it.
Does it do what the blurb promises? I’d rather get my vigorous exercise out of the way early in the day, in one block, and add incidental exercise and walking later on. Even if I worked from home I think I’d be unlikely to pop on a DVD several times a day. I’m not the mother of young children, though – thinking of friends who are, I think this kind of program could be well integrated into a routine that otherwise wouldn’t allow for half an hour of continuous exercise.
Overall: I didn’t have high expectations for what’s essentially a walking DVD. I was happily surprised to discover that Cardio Walk is an effective workout that, though probably too tame for the kinds of athletes shown on other workouts I’ve recently reviewed, really pushed this out of condition chick - Alex

Super Shredder Circuit – Michelle Bridges (2009)

Cover blurb

Are you someone who gets bored easily? I have the answer. This type of training is my specialty and this DVD is just like a real personal training session with yours truly. I do this style of training at least twice a week and it kicks my butt.
That said, I know that my mum can do this workout too, it is for everyone as I have covered every option. There are 5 circuits, each one goes for 5 minutes, so once you've done the warm up you can do all 5, or just 2, depending on your time. The more you do though, the better the results. You will work muscles you never thought you had and yet because of my methods of balancing the perfect workout, you will be surprised at how you can last the distance and do far more than you thought!

Review: After an introductory warm up the program is divided into six, five minute circuits, each with five exercises that are done for ten repetitions, for a total of fifty moves. You can arrange the circuits in the pattern that best suits you, as the DVD is programmable.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed doing the circuit program – as we continued through each section I found myself getting better able to do some of the moves, and quicker at getting up and off the floor. Even with an exercise bra I found the jumping moves uncomfortable, but at every stage there were lower impact versions visible and I mostly did them. Despite that I was sweaty and panting quite quickly.
What I liked: Michelle emphasises at the beginning of every section, and during it, that there are modifications for the higher-impact moves and for some of the more intense moves (eg push ups); in every section one of the team is designated as the modified performed, and s/he works with that modification throughout the circuit instead of returning to the normal level part way through; there’s also an emphasis on continuing with the program even if you can’t manage all the reps in that section – the goal is to move from exercise to exercise with the DVD, and work on improving the number of reps, intensity and performance level with repeated sessions. I also liked that the instructor doing the modified versions evenly rotated through the demonstrators, rather than just the women.
What could have been improved: the cover doesn’t mention anything about equipment – you definitely need hand weights, which I have, and though some of the team use a step bench Michelle notes that that’s optional, demonstrating step-less alternatives; the cuts between sections could have been a little brisker, but that’s a quibble – I’m actually pretty happy with the DVD as is.
Does it do what the blurb promises? I agree that a lot of the options are covered, and that you'd get a comprehensive workout regardless of your fitness level. The comment that Michelle's mum can do the program made me smile - my mother's eighteen months shy of seventy and considerably fitter and more flexible that I am, so I didn't see that as at all comforting!
Overall: definitely a program I’ll be doing regularly and which I’m glad I bought. I look forward to working my way up to the advanced moves, and will try some of the higher impact sections when I’m a little less voluptuous and/or can manage two sports bras - Alex

Heat in Your Feet – Aerobics Oz Style (2002)

Cover blurb:

Heat in Your Feet (Do it the Latin way!) is another pulsating fitness tape from the team at Aerobics Oz Styler, the world’s most-watched weekday workout show. You’ll literally feel the heat as you go through specially-created routine… you’ll be seduced by the exciting, throbbing rhythm of Latin American music. Low impact workouts were never easier or more enjoyable… all to the sound of foot-moving delights led by Jose Garcia. [elipses in original]

What I liked: I’m so glad I borrowed this from the library instead of paying for it. With the exception of the cool down at the end, where the stretches were held for at least thirty seconds, there was not a single thing about *Heat in Your Feet that I liked.
What could have been improved: I’m going to skip over the hosts and performers, including one disturbingly plastic-looking woman, and go straight to the routine. Heat in Your Feet is not for anyone who lacks coordination or rhythm, and though there’s a cursory attempt at demonstrating the various steps I never felt as though I had a handle of the routines. And even though I moved at the demonstrated pace, albeit often doing embarrassing and uncoordinated versions of the steps, and was even a little short of breath, I never felt as though I was working. That’s not because I was having so much fun I didn’t realise I was even exercising (as though I was in a Zumba! ad) but because I suspect my pulse never went about 80. I didn’t even work up a sweat, just a whole lot of frustration at my lack of coordination and at the time ticking by.
Does it do what the blurb promises? No, not at all, at least for me.
Overall: if you already have a grasp of Latin dance, or even have a hint of coordination and musicality, this may be a fun way to spend an hour. I don’t think you’ll get a great deal out of it, let alone “literally feel the heat… [and] be seduced by the exciting, throbbing rhythm of Latin American music.” Although I also disagree with the jacket blurb that this is an enjoyable routine, I can’t argue that “low impact aerobics were never easier” – Alex

Cardio Burn - the Australian Biggest Loser trainers (2008)

Cover blurb:

Get Fit Fast! The Biggest Loser Cardio Burn workout DVD is designed to get your heart rate up and burn body fat. The Biggest Loser trainers Shannan Ponton and Michelle Bridges take you through step by step routines that tone your upper and lower body and abs. Its [sic] fun, it’s fast and will have you feeling the burn in no time. What are you waiting for?

Review: Australian Biggest Loser trainers Michelle Bridges and Shannan Ponton present a one hour program designed to raise heart rate and burn fat, alternating leading sections that focus on low impact movement, strength training and core fitness.
This is definitely an intense work out, at least for an unfit beginner. I was breathing hard within a few minutes, and at the twenty-two minute mark (which I’ve come to realise is my default “enough!” point that I have to break through) I was breathing so quickly when I tried to drink I choked on a mouthful of water. I certainly felt a sense of accomplishment on making it through, and also felt like I’d launched myself back into my program. I found myself thinking of Lynn from time to time, when I’d hear that dreaded phrase “and now the arms!”
What I liked: the handoffs between Michelle and Shannan are nice, though I didn’t buy the spontaneity (“what have you got for us now?”); the routines are signposted with plenty of warning, so I always knew when to change or what was coming; subsequent sections built on sequences developed earlier, so that though there’s variety there’s also familiarity; the intensity’s challenging but achievable; there are several versions of some exercises (push ups, the plank) depending on where you are; and there’s certainly scope for more advanced exercisers.
What could have been improved: I don’t have enough room in my living room to run eight steps forward and eight steps back without worrying I’ll run into something; in one section Shannan repeatedly said to do three reps of one move but only did two before moving on; useful advice about intensity and modification for beginning exercisers came at the end of the tape; there’s no opportunity to check your pulse, or guidelines about intensity to aim for; very little focus on technique; I had no idea how many sections there were or how long I needed to pace myself; the stretching was a little perfunctory; and the camera work was at times unhelpful, with a close up of the presenter several times being shown while a new move was being introduced.
My biggest criticism, though, is about an area that could easily have been a strength – in the floor work Michelle and Shannan were joined by four people to demonstrate versions of the exercises: modified for beginners, the standard move, and challenges for advanced athletes. Unfortunately the participants were arranged behind each other, so the foreground of Shannan on one side and Michelle on the other significantly obstructed the views of the advanced and beginner versions. The camera angle didn’t change, I could rarely see anyone except Shannan and Michelle, and while sometimes they demonstrated two versions for the most part they did the standard variety.
Overall: I was soaked, breathless and a little disappointed at the end of the first workout; when I did it again today I found familiarity with the program helped. This time I was better able to see variations, working at a slightly less intense pace, and felt a little more accomplished. I borrowed this DVD from the library but am thinking about buying my own copy - Alex