Crunch Cardio Dance Blast!
If you're looking for a funky, low-impact workout that you can do without any equipment besides a good pair of workout shoes, Crunch's Cardio Dance Blast! has it going on. This 40-minute workout begins with a five-minute warmup, continues into six chaptered six dance segments with names like Island Jam and Diva Dance, and concludes with an easy cool down.
Hip hop-inspired moves include the "salt shaker," "sunshine hips," and "airplane travel," and are demonstrated by an all-female cast, many of whom are wearing street clothes despite the gym-like set. The workout is led by Marie Forleo, who is obviously having a great time as she coaches you through the routines. Forleo's instruction is clear, and her cueing is outstanding and easy to follow with captions--you won't be left wondering what is coming next. Even if you can't hear the music, you'll be able to pick up the beat.
There isn't a lot of jumping around in this workout, but the moves really get your hips shaking and your knees twisting, so if you have lower-body joint problems, you may want to look for a workout that involves less torque below the waist. Both the warmup and cool down are just that--the former gets your heart pumping a little faster and the latter will slow it down--but not much stretching is demonstrated, so you may want to add some flexibility exercises on your own at the end of the workout.
Cardio Dance Blast! is designed for beginner and intermediate exercisers. If you're already in awesome shape, this workout probably won't make you break a sweat...but it is useful for all fitness levels as a prelude to strength training, or as a "Today's my day off but I really want to do some kind of a workout" complement to more intense cardio training days for advanced exercisers.
Released in 2005; about $15 (DVD only). See Anchor Bay Entertainment for ordering information. Also available from online DVD rental services.
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