Rating: Summary: Not so good if you've got rythm... Review: Pros: This workout is a nice change of pace from traditional aerobic workouts, and I work up a sweat while doing it. Neena and Veena are beautiful to watch and the stage is pretty without being distracting. It's fun to move my body in ways that are new and even sexy!
Cons: I am very "auditory" and have natural rythm, so it really bothers me when videos are dubbed, and even more when the cueing is off or out of sync with the movements. This happens in several places in the video so I am always very tempted to just turn the volume down. I often get annoyed when the faceless "voice" on the video says something different than what the girls are doing. The music in this video is like Middle Eastern elevator music, in my opinion, and I think there are only three different "songs" throughout the whole workout. Not much for the ears. In addition, Neena and Veena are sometimes moving out of sync with the beat, which is not their fault. I'm sure they were in sync with the music when it was filmed, but the editors did not do a good job of matching them back up with the music on the DVD in some places. Many people may not be bothered by these things at all, but for me, it is enough to make me sell my DVD, which I will be doing shortly. I prefer videos with decent varied music, instructors who speak, and moves that are always in sync with the music, which this video doesn't have.
Rating: Summary: Great workout Review: So I don't actually have the DVD version (the VHS was a birthday gift) I really really REALLY enjoy this tape. There are somedays when I just want to dance instead of heading to the gym and with the wonderful music and sensual power of belly dance now I can stay home and shimmy to my heart's content. I would actually rate this 4 and 3/4 stars because the step changes catch you by surprise for the first couple of veiewing but other than that you'll catch on just fine!
Rating: Summary: Complicated and silly.... Review: The "moves" in this workout are complicated and silly. The moves are never explained and Neena and Veena never speak and are constantly smiling like robots. (I don' think they blink, either!). I am pretty fit, but these moves like the genie, shoulder punches, chest compressions and step hop are at times painful (no shoes) and seem to have no slimming value. The moves actually hurt your spine. YOu do work up a sweat though. Would definitely not recommend...after 3 attempts, I won't be doing this one again.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Cardio Exercise Review: This cardio workout is great. I don't agree with some of the reviewers. The cueing can be bad, but that aside it's a great workout. I like the fact that Veena and Neena are average girls, and do not have unrealistic washboard abs. They make it look so graceful. They can keep a smile on their face, because they are so fit.
Rating: Summary: Great aerobic workout..... Review: This is a great aerobic workout, and it beautifully incorporates traditional bellydance moves. However, it is not perfect for someone who is looking to simply learn the dance. I liked it because in addition to giving me a great workout, it gave me a chance to isolate certain moves (like traveling steps) and perfect them. The voice-over can be a bit annoying, so when you're familiar with the routine, you may want to try working out without instruction.
Rating: Summary: One tiny ommission to a good workout Review: This is a great workout, but they leave out the disclaimer every bellydance teacher should give about posture. When bellydanceing it's a good idea to keep your hips tucked and knees soft or you'll hurt your back. However, to all the people who talk about not wearing shoes: get over it. People in around the world walk long distances over tough terrain barefoot, so why do Americans need house slippers?All that aside, its a great cardio workout with a fair amount of toning.
Rating: Summary: Great workout! Review: This is a great workout. I am someone who is basically quite lazy and it takes a lot for me to stick to a program-and i normally hate exercise videos. I have bought numerous ones (about 45 videos in all) but end up using these ones which i find the most enjoyable togather with african healing dance (with wyoma). I actually find myself looking forward to the next exercise session with the twins one day and with wyoma the other. The reason for the 4 stars is the lack of proper warmup (which i borrow from the wyoma video) and cooldown streches (which i do from a book). This workout is quite a challenge to the calf muscles- and they need to be properly streched before and after and the warmup is best done by yourself- running in spot or skipping or whatever gets you thoroughly warmed up. not recommedned for people with any joint injury in the legs or ankles. however if they are simply weak- this will challenge and strengthen them. Just listen to your body and know when to ease down.
Rating: Summary: Great Workout Using Bellydance Moves Review: This is an incredible cardio workout. As some of the other reviewers said, it is not an instructional DVD on bellydance, but rather, it incorporates bellydance moves into a cardio routine. It really raised my heart rate and emphasized isolation exercises that have really tones my sides and legs. Yes, the audio commentary can be confusing, but you have the option of turning it off if it gets too annoying. The only complaint I have about this DVD is that it promotes "performance footage", but the footage doesn't feature Veena and Neena, it features some girl named Marina who isn't half as talented or engaging. Otherwise, I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone.
Rating: Summary: A Fun Workout! It's helpful to know the moves first. Review: This is indeed a fun workout. The only recommendation I would make would be to learn the bellydance moves first from their Discover Bellydance series(Basic moves, Beyond Basic Dance, Mystic Dance). I found it a bit difficult to keep up with them because I didn't know the moves very well...so I went back to the Discover Bellydance videos to learn them. But once you know them, Veena and Neena will put those lessons to work on your body in an upbeat workout! And, yes, I do agree with a previous reviewer...a sports bra is definitely helpful for the well-endowed as you will be shimmying and bouncing quite a bit.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Workout! Review: This is the best workout video/DVD I have ever done. In less than two months, the Bellydance Fitness for Beginners: Slim Down has depleted all the pudge in my waist. I have noticed a difference in my posture due to my stronger abdominal muscles, which has also increased my confidence. My friends and family are completely envious of my new change, and have also started this workout. The Slim Down gives a good cardio workout that you don't have in the Basic Moves, Hips, Buns & Thighs, and Arms & Abs. By switching movements frequently, you still get an excellent workout all over, and it is not as tedious feeling as Fat Burn. The best part about all of the Bellydance Fitness for Beginners is they do not require much floor space, and you can do them anywhere that you can take your DVD player! I do recommend trying Neena and Veena's Basic Moves before progessing to any of their other workouts, just to get a feel for the motions before they are thrown at you in a faster paced set.
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