The Method: Dynamic Cardio

Rating:
Summary: Basic Dance - 3 Workouts
Review: I personally can't handle the fancy footwork in this aerobics workout, but I know many women can and love this type of workout. It is a combination of basic dance and aerobics moves.

If you are used to hearing the words: "Wrap, Lunge, Slide, V-step, March, "from the top," and "grapevine" ... this might be a workout for you. I'd say it reminds me of some of the older Karen Voight videos and while I couldn't always do all the steps, the music was very motivational and if you have enjoyed aerobics in the past, you might like this DVD.

There are three workouts, plus a warm up and cool down session. For optimal results, you can mix and match this workout with other Method Toning workouts.

I really love The Method Dynamic Toning and The Method Dynamic Firming & Flexing. This was the third video in a set.

This DVD can be purchased alone or as part of the Dynamic Body Makeover Set of three DVDs.

Rating:
Summary: Jazz-Inspired Routine That's Perfect for Lighter Days
Review: Workout Description: about 45 minutes of cardio (broken down into 3 segments, or "intensities": 1 of 10 minutes, 1 of 15 minutes, and 1 of 20 minutes) with 4 minute warm-up and 6 minute cool down for a total of 55 minutes
Workout Level: mid-beginner to low intermediate; low impact; complex choreography
Instructor: Lisa Wheeler (Has a degree in Dance and Theatre; certified personal trainer; has performed professionally for over 15 years). Lisa is very low key and encouraging. She breaks down each move, but adds them together fairly quickly to take it from the top of each routine. (You won't like this when you're just learning the routine, but you'll appreciate it once you've gotten the routine down and just want to do the routine.) She cues well, and she intends for you to mirror her movements.
Class: 2 women and 2 men, 3 of whom are professional dancers and 1 professional trainer (who will make you feel better about how you must look while doing the routine)
Music / Set: The mostly instrumental music is a little
cheesy. The interior set is the same as Dance to Fitness: fairly dark, with brightly-colored columns draped with swags.
Equipment Needed: sneakers or jazz shoes, although I often do this barefoot
Caveats: Be careful with your foot placement if you work out on carpet, particularly with the pivots (turns). This workout may take you a couple of times through before you get it down, maybe a little less if you preview it before attempting it.
Additional Comments: You'll need a bit of space for this workout. You should be able to take at least 2 steps forward and back and two big steps to each side. I can just squeeze this into my 6' by 8' if I do some of the moves diagonally across my space.
This is a strange workout in that those beyond high beginner-mid intermediate level of cardiovascular fitness won't get their heart rate up much, yet the moves are complex enough that those new to exercise, unless they have dance experience, will have a lot of difficulty completing the routine. Lisa says in the introduction that this is meant to increase your aerobic capacity; you are supposed to add on "intensities" as you feel ready. I was able to do the whole program my first time through, when I was at an advanced beginner stage. As a mid-intermediate exerciser, I do part of this as a warm-up before more intense cardio or strength training or the whole routine on days when I want to take it very easy.
The DVD allows you to select your workout (warm up, intensity 1, intensity 2, intensity 3, or cool down). The only extra is the Method's weblink.