An Older VHS Favorite Now on DVD!
soylatte | Florida, USA | 10/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I used to do this workout on VHS and I'm glad Denise released it on DVD because it is a gem. Despite the macabre art-deco set, Crisco-Disco Muzak, non-existent cueing, and confused-looking participants, this workout is a lot of fun.
Denise bobs, weaves, hooks, punches, and kicks her way through the first 20-minutes of this 2-part program, followed by another 20-minutes of interval training (low-impact aerobics/kickboxing alternating with 5 lbs. free-weight exercises for the shoulders, back, and arms). I skip the tai-chi cooldown at the end of the first portion and go to the second part so I can do it as a single workout (another perk of having this on DVD). This workout really gets the heart-rate up and you can feel the "burn" all over your body. I am astounded that while I'm breathless and panting, Denise is maintaining a steady, effortless, reassuring patter (she is in great shape!).
The moves are simple and straightforward. The lack of cueing might be a problem if you're only doing this workout once; but if you plan on doing it regularly, it will become very easy to follow. Although some people dislike Denise's chatter and childlike expressions ("don't let your tummy ploop down!"), I find her to be very soothing during a difficult, painful workout. With nearly a dozen of her DVDs, she's almost like a friend who comes right to my house everyday and helps keep me in shape!"
The potential is there
Little Miss Cutey | Melbourne, Australia | 09/03/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This workout dvd is great as far as the actual workout goes but it was lacking good instruction from Denise whose tapes are generally well done. One minute you are performing one particular move, then without warning you have to move onto something else with no notice as she doesn't count out how many repetitions are left to go, or what comes next (to get you prepared). If you aren't distracted by the exercisers in this tape also not knowing what comes next (some don't catch on right away while others have started moves Denise hasn't started yet) then the workout itself will help you burn calories and for that alone it's worth the money.
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Two Excellent Cardio Workouts
Nicole | Massachusetts | 07/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I find this DVD to be one of Denise Austin's best cardio workouts. The DVD contains two workouts: the first, a kickboxing workout; the second, an interval cardio workout with 5 pound hand-weights. Both workouts are 20 minutes in length.
The kickboxing workout is of high intensity. It always makes me sweat. Unlike some of Denise's interval training workouts, you don't really get any recovery time. Instead of "relaxing" with a light jogging motion you are doing jacks. This is wonderful if you want an intense workout but probably not ideal for people looking to start exercising after a lull.
The interval strength training workout is predominantly a cardio workout. You utilize hand-weights but only for about a quarter to a third of the workout session. Denise has incorporated a few very basic dance moves into this workout, something I found a great deal of fun. This cardio is not as intense as in the kickboxing segment but, never the less, delivers and excellent workout.
Many people have commented on Denise's poor cuing in this DVD. Denise is always excellent with enthusiasm but has never been good with cuing. This DVD is no different. If you *watch* the DVD instead of just listening for vocal cues you will be fine. Also, after doing the workout three times you will get an idea of how moves will progress and cuing will not be an issue.
I highly recommend this DVD for its excellent cardio segments."