[.ca] Method (Fitness): Dance To Fitness

From Amazon.com:
This dance class performed to live drums is similar to an aerobics class in that you elevate your heart rate with movements done to music, but it is different from what you'd see in an aerobics studio. The dancers are barefoot, the moves are more reminiscent of modern and jazz dance than an aerobic routine (though your heart rate won't know the difference), and the warm-up and all the moves are leading to a progressive routine. This video contains two separate workouts, each with its own warm-up and moves. The first emphasizes body rhythm and dynamics, led by Jennifer Kries. The second is a continuously flowing workout of modern- and jazz-dance movements, led by Lisa Wheeler. The goal of both is to increase physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and lengthening of the body. The video ends with a yogalike cool-down. If you want to get your exercise, and you'd prefer a dance class to traditional aerobics, this could be your workout solution. --Joan Price

Not Great:
There are three sections in this video. Unfortunately, the first dance section is terrible. The instructor counts out steps but never tells you what you're doing. Because there's no vocal instruction, it's nearly impossible to follow the dance movements and watch the video at the same time (most of the steps require a frequent head-down position). The video is very poorly filmed with too many tight shots on the upper bodies of the dancers, making it difficult to see the dance movements. The instructor also wears a filmy skirt that makes it impossible to see her movements clearly. If you are a trained dancer and have a good command of dance terms, you might be okay with this video. You will also need a space the size of a small rehearsal hall, not the small space most home exercisers have. The other two workouts were all right, although also with unfortunatly selected framing for a fitness video.

Must be very coordinated!:
I was excited to buy this DVD, but when I brought it home, it wasn't quite what I expected. The dance moves are difficult to follow as the instructors go very quickly. It took me many viewings before I had any clue what was going on. You need to have a lot of space in order to do this workout, and must have pretty good coordination. I am 25 and athletic, but still struggled with getting the moves down. Lisa Wheeler's section is definitely better, but still somewhat advanced for me. I was hoping for more of a modern-style, hip-hop type workout, but this workout focused on ballet and jazz moves. I broke a sweat, but overall this DVD is pretty lame.

lisa wheeler saves the day:
the first dance section by jennifer kries is nonsense - neither a workout nor my idea of dance. lisa leads a nice second dance section - enjoyable and a mild workout. followed by a relaxing stretch again led by lisa. i like the music. unless you are fairly well-coordinated and a beginner to workouts this tape is not effective. the second and third sections are fun to do.

Safe well put together video.:
I have done this video for years and I think that this is a good video if you want a routine that is not too bone jarring, but still has a bit of challenge to it. The instruction on how to properly do the moves from both Jenifer Kries and Lisa Wheeler is excellent (although Jenifer Kries's portion does take practice)and you will have a good time when you get the hang of it. It's also great for people who are beginners, but because of the awkward, often wandering camera angles and moves of the video. I would use discretion and watch it through a few times before I did it. I'll admit that this isn't a video that you want to take from the box to the vcr, but it's still great. You work the muscles of your back and legs, and end the workout feeling loose and envigorated.

Not really a beginner video...:
The first section in particular is hard to do..some of the movements are a bit chaotic and require a LOT OF SPACE! Jennifer Kries gives it her all, bless her heart but I, an untrained dancer, felt like a spaz trying to follow along. It is too quick, complicated and I find myself wrenching my neck trying to watch the video from various awkward positions. The second section is a bit easier to follow but it also quickly moves into an advanced knowledge of dance terminology. She's calling out steps and performing them as if I should have a full understanding of what the steps are. I think if you have a dance background and want to do this tape just for fun it would be great but if your looking to Dance "TO" Fitness, like myself, you should keep looking for a tape that is more instructional a wee bit slower. In the beginning, Jennifer mentions that there are some beginners participating in the group. I have to laugh at what the tape would look like with real beginners, like myself, spazzing all over the place, knocking over our lamps and pulling muscles! Though I appreciate their tendancy to over estimate my skills and coordination, truth is Jennifer and Lisa, I'm a teensy bit less coordinated than all of you lovely folks and the only dance term I know for sure is plie'...the rest is Greek to me.