«All Instruction, NO sweat!!!»

I do not think this video should be considered exercise. Of course, if you have never exercised, it is a good place to start. I did not even break a sweat with this video and it did not work my core. It did work my thighs, though. This is for beginners, intermediate or advanced would not get any benefits from this except to learn a few dance steps. I do, however, Like the instructors very much. Their ques are off from time to time, but over all they are decent instructors. The only reason I gave this a 1 star is because of the instructors.

[Sunday, November 30, 2008]

«Very pleasantly surprised and pleased»

As a long-time "Dancing with the Stars" fan, I was really surprised--just recently--to discover this 2008 Latin Cardio Dance workout. I had no clue such a product existed. I immediately ordered it, not having the faintest idea what the DVD would bring. Suffice it to say, I was "very pleasantly surprised and pleased."

The DVD is 60 minutes of a great cardio workout. Even though other reviewers, who are already in great shape, were not particularly pleased, I am. It's been awhile since I have done a strenuous workout. Well, folks, you will get one here!! I have gone through the entire 60 minute program twice and have yet to complete each dance segment. (I'm too out-of-breath.)

Here's what I found:

1. Cheryl led the five-minute warm-up. These exercises must be universal because I did most of them with Jane Fonda back in the day. (Note: It is really fun to see Maksim going through these simple, slow routines as opposed to his lightning quick moves on the floor. He looks just like a normal guy in an aerobics class. Funny. Cheryl looks good.)

2. Chery led the first workout, "Merengue." Her teaching style is simple and direct, yet encouraging. When she shows the next step, she has the class continue to do the preceding movement, then adds the new. Because this is a cardio workout, there is no stopping to show in detail what she is doing. That is the purpose of the rewind button. Better yet, do these routines in front of a mirror or sideways to your television screen so that you can better process what is next. I found facing the screen made me do double processing: seeing, translating to the other side of my body, then doing. Standing sideways eliminates the translating step.

3. Cha-Cha is a 10-minute dance workout with Maksim. Surprise of surprises! Maksim is a patient teacher. Following his directions was a bit easier than following Cheryl. Each instructor, however, keeps viewers part of the team through focused directions. "Keep your hands at waist level." "Keep your core tightened." "Focus on breathing. Don't hold your breath."
And so on.

The Samba (Cheryl) and Mambo (Maksim) both follow the routine established in the first two dance workouts. What I learned throughout was how many of the steps I recognized from the competition. The viewer actually learns all the basic steps to the four dances, even including turns.

The final workout is "Dancer's Toning Workout," which Max says all "students" must go through before beginning rehearsal. It "improves strength and flexibility...to develop and maintain a toned dancer's body" (liner note).

Overall, I recommend this cardio workout. It is a fun (?), instructional, beneficial way to increase your heart rate and learn all the steps to four dances. As I am pretty much out of shape (for a short while longer), I find the workout vigorous. I have already ordered the 2007 workout with Maksim, Kym, and Ashly teaching the Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble (my favorite), and Jive Dancing With the Stars - Cardio Dance

Hooray for "Dancing with the Stars" Dancing with the Stars. Congratulations to Brooke and Derrick for winning the Fall 2008 Championship!

[Wednesday, November 26, 2008]

«Quite disappointed!»

I'm a bit dance challenged and was hoping this would not only give me exercise but would teach. It was hard for me to follow for some reason. Anyhow, even if it's b/c I've got two left feet, they were not enthusiastic and it was even awkward at times...it felt very hurried and boring for them. I'm giving this two stars b/c of my left feet (my problem) and b/c I did like the very last segment. Still, I'm quite disappointed that these pros couldn't do better for something the non-pros will be doing at home. :(

[Monday, November 10, 2008]

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