Friday Fitness Corner

I've talked ad nauseum about the things that interest me most-- politics, pop culture, literature, movies, music, etc.-- on this blog. Well, today I'm going to discuss another interest-- fitness. The following is a list of some of my fave workout DVDs. I prefer to cross train, since I get bored easily. (Note: Each of these DVDs is a compilation or boxed set and can be purchased for under $15-$20 on http://www.collagevideo.com/ and less than $5-$10 on Amazon.com.) The selections are in no particular order, although I do have a bias toward alternative workouts, such as yoga and Pilates.
DVDs & Commentary:
1.) Christi Taylor's Humble Beginnings: This is a compilation of CIA (Creative Instructors Aerobics) 5004, CIA 7002, and CIA 9801. I have to admit that this one took some time to grow on me. These are the first video workouts from aero-queen Taylor. Made in the early-to-mid 90s, they definitely have a retro vibe. CIA 5004 is beginner level hi/lo and step, 7002 is intermediate, and 9801 is advanced. The hi/lo workouts are on one DVD, and the step workouts are on the other.
2.) Christi Taylor's Terrific Trio: This Taylor offering is from the late 90s. It contains three workouts: "Happy Hour High/Low," "Stepping Zone," and "Strength, Balance & Flexibility." The hi/lo workout is fun and dancy, the step workout is choreographically challenging but fun once mastered, and the toning workout is one of the best ever. (The two cardio routines contain some abwork.)
3.) Christi Taylor's Fantastic 4: This compilation rocks! The 2-disc set has two floor aero routines, "Hi-Lo Heaven" and "Still Jumpin'" and two step routines: "Step Heaven" and "Still Steppin'." Made in 2000 and 2001, these are a bit more current and feature Christi's trademark all-hits vocal music soundtrack.
4.) CIA 2702: Aerobic Euphoria: This DVD constists of a step workout and a floor aero one. You can do one or the other or both for a super-workout. The moves are very unique and creative, and instructor Kim Miller is an absolute delight. Also, this was just released a year ago.
5.) Kathy Smith's Yoga Sculpt: This disc is comprised of three 90s workouts, two yoga and one traditional toning. "New Yoga" is a beginner/intermediate routine. "New Yoga Challenge" is intermediate/advanced. The toning routine, "Functionally Fit Lower Body Firming," is effective if done regularly and properly. (I did "Lower Body Firming" this afternoon after work and can feel it.) Smith is a fitness authority who loves yoga. This love shows in her "New Yoga" series.
6.) The New Method: Precision Toning and Sculpting: These workouts are led by the lovely and endearingly quirky Jennifer Kries and are based on the classical Pilates syllabus. "Precision Toning" relies totally on one's own body resistance. "Precision Sculpting" requires light weights (1-3 lbs.). Both routines contain elements of Pilates, yoga, dance, and classical ballet. They get into your deep muscles to flatten your abs, define your buns and legs, and sculpt your chest, shoulders, and arms.
7.) Kathy Smith's Strong, Sleek & Slim: Retro haters, steer clear! The three workouts on this disc are straight out of the 80s and early 90s. First, "Weight Loss Workout" is a cheesy early-90s routine aimed at, yes, weight loss. Do it for a giggle. Secondly, "Ultimate Video Workout" is pure 80s, baby. Dig out the old leg warmers and practice your American Bandstand-style moves. Finally, "Ultimate Stomach & Thighs Workout" will work places you didn't know you had. That is, if you can look past all the neon and spandex.
8.) Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Classics: Pretty self-explanatory. "Body Basics" is a very basic and succinct aerobics and total-body toning workout. "Winning Workout" is a cardiovascular journey to the Caribbean, the 1950s, and the Big Band Era. There is a phased toning section as well. "Fat Burning Workout" is by far the best part of this collection. My mom used to have this on VHS back in the day, so it really makes me feel nostalgic. In a sense, I owe my love of fitness to Kathy Smith.
9.) Kathy Smith's Super Slimdown Circuit: Another Ms. Smith classic. "Secrets to a Great Upper Body" works your entire upper half via a technique called low-rep overloading. You also get a little abwork. "Secrets to a Great Lower Body" works the lower half with the aforementioned technique. Lastly, "Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning" is a fun, sweat-inducing interval cardio routine that uses "functional" movements. Functional fitness training helps prevent injuries in everyday life.
10.) Crunch: The Perfect Yoga Workout: This is a non-intimidating, non-mystical approach to the ancient practice. Sara Ivanhoe gently and compassionately leads a likable all-levels class through "The Joy of Yoga" and "Fat Burning Yoga." In the "Joy of Yoga," practitioners are guided through the basic principles of my cherished discipline. "Fat Burning Yoga" is a bit more advanced and incorporates a "bonus" yoga-style abs workout. Sara is wonderful, and Crunch is one of the most respected brands in the fitness industry.
11.) Karen Voight's Slim Physique: With this unique, programmable offering from uber-woman Voight, you get a 30-min. workout for each day of the week. Actually re-edits of Voight's Burn & Firm and Yoga Power DVDs, daily options consist of cardio, strength training, abwork, and yoga. For example, the Friday workout is a combination of abwork and yoga.
12.) Karen Voight's A.M./P.M. Streamline Fitness: This is a great concept. First, you get a 25-min. "Energizing" workout. Here, you do unconventional sculpting exercises with light weights. These moves increase your stamina and prepare you for your day. Then, you have a 30-min. "Relaxing" workout that you do at the end of the day. You'll do a series of tough, concentrated ab and back exercises, followed by an easy (read: no backbends) yoga/stretch routine. The A.M. workout really gets me going, and the P.M. workout definitely helps me mellow out after a long, challenging day.
13.) Tamilee Webb's Tighter Assets Cardio Blast & Weight Loss: In this boxed set, you get cardio and strength training all in one from the original Buns of Steel star. "Cardio Blast" is designed to work your core muscles, and the blasts burn calories if you take full advantage of them. "Weight Loss" is total-body toning achieved via dumbbells (I use 5 pounders.) and a step. Both workouts run about 30 mins. "Cardio Blast" includes a bonus 10-min. abs workout, and "Weight Loss" has a bonus buns workout of the same length. Among the special features is useful nutrition advice.
14.) Kathy Smith's Cardio Knockout: This contains two tough, boxing and martial arts-type routines, respectively. "Aerobox Workout" is led by Kathy and professional boxing champ Michael Olajide. WARNING: It's tough! I did it with a raging sinus infection and was gasping for air. A jumprope, which I don't use due to a glaring lack of coordination, is optional. "Kickboxing Workout" is a little easier. Kathy, along with martial arts and karate champ Keith Cooke, takes you through the primary kickboxing moves. The cardio is followed by abwork and a stretch. In addition, there is a bonus, approx. 15-min. tai chi routine.
15. ) Jennifer Kries' Pilates Method: The Complete 3-Disc Set: I used to do these workouts regularly in VHS format and just received the DVD version today. I could go on and on about this compilation, but I'll keep my review as concise as possible. First of all, "Perfect Mix" contains core conditioning, a dance-infused, light-dumbbell-assisted cardio routine, and a stress-relieving stretch. Next, "3-D Toning" is a ballet/Pilates/yoga workout in which you use your own body resistance and a yoga mat to do isotometric exercises in order to flatten your abs, sculpt your legs, and create a longer, leaner silhouette. Finally, in "Precision Pilates," you'll use 1-3-lb. weights, a mat, and your bod to improve your posture and create a thinner, sleeker look. With its emphasis on Pilates and yoga-based moves, "Precision Pilates" is my favorite of the three workouts.