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Exercise Excuses Are Losing Weight ; Fitness DVDs Are More Flexible Than Ever

Posted on: Tuesday, 13 December 2005, 15:00 CST

By HOLLY HANSON, Detroit Free Press

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:

"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.

And LeMay exercises on a large white mat placed against a blue- sky backdrop, which makes it appear as though she has drifted in from a magic carpet movie.

"Hit the Spot Pilates," Denise Austin's latest contribution to the fitness world, offers six 10-minute workouts that target specific body parts. There's one each for the hips, thighs and buttocks. Three more of increasing difficulty target the waist and abdominal muscles.

The DVD's menu lets you choose which segments you'll do each day. There's also a 15-minute "Pilates challenge" that offers a brisk, full-body workout.

The Pilates exercise philosophy maintains that abdominal strength is the key to fitness, and you'll feel the abs working in just about every move.

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 six-minute circuit that includes three minutes of cardiovascular exercise, two minutes of strength training and one minute of abdominal exercises.

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.

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.

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.

Forleo keeps everything upbeat and fun. It's almost enough to make you forget you're doing a workout.

(SIDEBAR, page F03)

How to get started on the new you

"Spirit Flow: Rejuvenating Core Stretch"

$14.99 (DVD).

To order: razorfitness.com.

Types of moves: slow, flowing yoga-inspired moves designed to reduce stress and increase energy. For all fitness levels, and especially good for beginners.

Equipment: large yoga mat or carpeted floor.

"Denise Austin: Hit the Spot Pilates"

$14.95 (DVD).

To order: (800) 433-6769, collagevideo.com, amazon.com.

Types of moves: six short workouts that focus on the abs, waist, hips, thighs and buttocks. For intermediate exercisers.

Equipment: athletic shoes, mat or carpeted floor.

"Prevention 3-2-1 Workout"

$14.95 (DVD), $9.95 (VHS).

To order: (800) 433-6769, collagevideo.com, amazon.com.

Type of moves: total-body circuit training, with segments that feature three minutes of cardio work, two minutes of strength training and a minute of abdominal exercises. For intermediate exercisers.

Equipment: yoga mat or carpeted floor, 3- to 5-pound hand weights.

"Self Slim and Sleek Fast!"

$14.95 (DVD).

To order: (800) 433-6769, collagevideo.com.

Types of moves: traditional aerobics moves and weight training. For all fitness levels.

Equipment: fitness shoes, carpeted floor or mat, hand weights (1- 5 pounds for women, 3-10 pounds for men).

"Brazilian Dance Workout with Vanessa Isaac"

$14.99 (DVD).

To order: razorfitness.com.

Types of moves: lively dance moves with hints of samba, reggae and African dance. For intermediate and advanced exercisers.

Equipment: smooth floor, bare feet.

"Crunch Cardio Dance Blast"

$14.95 (DVD).

To order: (800) 433-6769, collagevideo.com.

Types of moves: three dance segments themed around tropical, funky and diva-like steps. For all fitness levels.

Equipment: spacious floor, fitness shoes.

Source: Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.

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