Music: Varied instrumental
Length: 50 minutes. 4 minute motion warm-up, 36 minute
aerobics including a 5 minute cooldown dance, 10-minute
stretches (mainly on floor)
Energy Level: high
Choreography: mostly easy
Production: varied but good
This is actually a
compilation of routines from four of Fonda's videos ( 3
from Stress Reduction, 2 from Complete Workout, 2 from
Lean Routine, 3 from Low Impact), but they work ok
together. If nothing else, it's a good introduction to
the four videos if you're not sure which one to get. [I
tried Lean Routine but found the choreography too
difficult and the camera moves too distracting (the
routines in this selection are the easiest) and have the
Low Impact video (and the selections are typical of the
routines in Low Impact)]. The Stress Reduction numbers
are to really nice, soft Caribbean and jazz and are fun.
Fonda always does excellent cueing and either shows lower
impact alternatives or they are obvious. It's probably
not possible to do the entire tape at a low intensity
level, but you don't have to work up to her level either.
If you already have all the tapes, you probably shouldn't
get this one unless it turns out that she's put together
your favorite routines, too.
Denise Danielle
This video is based on the "fat burning
zone" theory that if you exercise in the lower end
of your training zone you will burn more fat. Selected
numbers from other Fonda tapes are put together to make
up a routine consisting of a warm-up, floor aerobics,
cool down and stretch. At the end of the tape is a
lecture by Fonda on healthy and sensible weight loss.
I usually prefer basic and athletic moves, so I was
pleasantly surprised to find that the choreography was
not too difficult -- even fun!! Jane is the primary
instructor and she always prepares you for upcoming
changes. She periodically reminds you to "talk to
her" and not to get too breathless. In some of the
numbers, half the room demonstrates low impact or less
intense variations. You'll never get bored because of the
constant changes in outfits, music and steps.
Fortunately, this also means that a couple of minor
annoyances (some silly outfits, occasional whoops) are
not present throughout the tape.
One warning - all Jane's tapes have a
"Hollywood" feel to them. The exercisers have
perfect bodies and plastic smiles. Despite the title, no
one here *needs* to burn fat. If these features would
discourage you, skip this tape and try another
instructor.
Denise B.
8/5/97