Give a Gift of Fitness '09

By Sophia

First, my standing disclaimer when it comes to buying fitness videos as gifts: Be sure the recipient actually, actively wants a fitness DVD. Otherwise, it’s just an ugly hint.

That said, here’s a gift list of DVDs that I’ve tried this year (or that I tried too late to put on last year’s list) and would recommend. And since a good workout never goes out of style (not so the fashions), check out last year’s list as well.

Just starting out

Nobody cues better than Petra Colber which makes Cardio for Beginners that much better for beginners. Broken into two ten-minute segments (one dance, one “athletic”) and two 20-minute segments (ditto), the workout is fun and useful.

Hemalayaa is one of the more appealing fitness pros out there and her Bollywood Booty is just a silly fun way to get the heart going.

Dance Off the Inches Dance it off Ballroom also makes the workout more frolic than work for the dance-friendly.

Needs new motivation

I love Ten Minute Solution Knockout Body. You get to punch out some aggression, the weighted gloves are a fun gizmo, and it’s a good upper body workout. Because the gloves are included, this is a gift with a little extra flash.

Fat Burning Fusion is an interesting Pilates flow that melds strength, stretch and cardio. Familiarity with Pilates and yoga are a plus.

I don’t know about you but, for me, lifting weights is tedious. But brisk and efficient Kathy Smith: Total Body Lift makes the job less onerous.

Only the strong survive


Jeanette Jenkins will charm the pants off you while kicking your butt. Jeanette Jenkins Sexy Arms, Abs & Legs is a full hour of smiling through the pain. “How do you think Madonna got so hot?” Jeanette taunts amiably.

I can’t finish all the reps of anything in the excruciatingly subtle Core Fusion Pure Abs and Arms, but I keep trying. This is not only a tough workout, but you need to know how your muscles work to do it justice.

Element: Yoga for Weight Loss is not my favorite-ever yoga DVD, but it’s a sensible, brisk flow that would surely live up to its promise if you stick to the program.

Don't forget, you can help support this site if you buy your DVDs by clicking through the link above.

Jeanette Jenkins: The Hollywood Trainer, 21 Day Total Body Circuit Workout

THE WORKOUT: Jeanette Jenkins: The Hollywood Trainer, 21 Day Total Body Circuit

WHO CAN DO THIS: Minimal coordination is required, although balance is necessary. This DVD is simple but not "easy cheesy." (I got that from Ms. Jenkins. "I don't know where I got that easy cheesy from," she giggles after blurting it during warm-up.) Modifications for beginners are to primarily use lighter weights and do 15 reps instead of 25.

THE BREAKDOWN: Ms. Jenkins, who has trained Queen Latifah, Carmen Electra and Christina Applegate, among others, is bubbly and extremely likable. She laughs, she sings, she says cute things. "Yeah, I have a love-hate relationship with these tens," she says, picking up a pair of 10-pound weights for bicep curls.

The DVD contains two circuit workouts that alternate cardio and strength training, each ending with abs and a quick stretch. Basic, basic, basic stuff, but energetic and effective. The cardio segments are anyone-can moves such as marching in place, knee lifts, step-touch. You'll be able to keep up no matter how many left feet you're burdened with. Strength moves are similarly basic and effective: You've got your squats and lunges, your flies and rows and overhead presses. Easy cheesy. Some of the standing leg exercises are unusual and definitely challenge the balance, which is not a bad thing. Be extra careful on that single-leg reach, though, which requires standing on one leg, bending forward and touching the floor while lifting the free leg.

THE SWEAT FACTOR: Looks easy, feels hard. Unless you're already buff, you will sweat, gasp and probably end up with some sore muscles the first few times. And that's a good thing, right?

THE ENERGY LEVEL: Though there's no jumping or dancing, you'll need plenty of energy to get through 30 minutes of nonstop movement. Consider this: Circuit A starts with 25 push-ups. Get the picture?

BUT IS IT FUN?: That depends on your definition of fun. Ms. Jenkins keeps the mood light and the workout goes by quickly, but it's not like being a dancing diva with Richard Simmons or anything.

WHEN IT'S OVER: You'll feel well worked-out.

GEAR AND APPAREL: 3-, 5, or 10-pound dumbbells, 1- to 5-pound ankle weights, a mat and any old workout wear and shoes

FINAL WORD: This is a keeper and Jenkins is one of my new fave fitness pros.

Don't forget, you can help support this site if you buy your DVDs by clicking through the link above.

Pick Your Level: Fat to Firm Fast

THE WORKOUT: Pick Your Level: Fat to Firm Fast $12.99 at Amazon

REVIEW BY: Sophia

WHO CAN DO THIS:With three levels of difficulty to choose from, this workout is for anybody. Really.

THE BREAKDOWN: This DVD gets a special gold star because the woman who demonstrates Level 1 actually looks like a level one. She carries a few extra pounds and wears a loose t-shirt and full-length loose workout pants. Level 2 is demonstrated by instructor Michelle Dozois, who wears tighter Capri-length pants, and Level 3 is demonstrated by a taut, gorgeous Amazon in tight shorts.

The full-body workout consists of warm-up, four circuits combining strength and cardio, and a short stretch. Each circuit has a little of this and a little of that—some weights, some mat work, some cardio. The workout really does go quickly, with creative combined weight and cardio moves, short, simple and pain-free cardio blips and no fancy footwork. Level 1 stays low impact and easy, Level 2 uses more arms, more or heavier weights and occasional high-impact, Level 3 uses the heaviest weights and includes lots of high impact and balancing.

Switching among levels is easy. So far, I’m sticking mostly to Level 2—hinky knees preclude much jumping around—but manage a few Level 3s here and there, especially in the mat work.

Of course squats and lunges play a part here—nothing beats ‘em for the butt—but they are done slowly, which makes them easier on aforementioned hinky old knees than the quick-switch lunges many workouts require. Those make me hurt.

THE SWEAT FACTOR: If you don’t cheat and goof around with too low a level, you can work up a sweat.

BUT IS IT FUN? It’s not a rollicking workout but it goes quickly and feels effective and that's a good substitute for fun. Dozois, with her early Florence Henderson hair, is pleasant enough. Music is a repetitive drone and almost unnecessary except for the beat it provides.

WHEN IT'S OVER: You’ll feel worked out but not worn out.

GEAR AND APPAREL: This can be done in a small space--the demo chicks are on round raised platforms. You’ll need two sets of hand weights.

LAST WORD: This has entered my rotation as I work myself back into shape.