Hit the Spot Gold: Sizzler [VHS]
Veteran instructor Denise Austin presents an interval-training workout that alternates 3.5 minutes of traditional aerobic dance for fat-burning with 1.5 minutes of muscle conditioning, repeating this combination for a 31-minute cardiovascular workout. The concept behind interval training is that you get your heart rate up with the aerobic minutes, and because the muscle minutes are brief, your heart rate stays elevated, letting you continue to burn calories at a high rate. The aerobic moves are traditional aerobic dance, easy- to medium-difficulty choreography, both low- and high-impact. The patterns use moves such as pony, twists, grapevine, and lunges, and are repeated often. Austin teaches the body-sculpting segments with careful attention to alignment; however, she uses only one set of weights for both large and small muscle groups. (You'll get more effective strength training by using heavier weights for your stronger muscles.) The music is disco-era oldies such asShe Works Hard for the MoneyandIt's Raining Men. Austin also leads a segment of standing leg lifts and squats, and a varied and effective abdominal section. This workout, set on a beach, will suit you if you don't like complicated choreography and don't mind many repetitions.--Joan Price