Rating: 
Summary: Good, Solid, Motivating but may not inspire more experienced
Review: I bought this DVD at a super discount store just because the price was right. I wasn't expecting much but I was surprised that this is a little gem of a DVD. Having heard the name, Minna, but never seen any of her work I wasn't sure what to expect. I also am not a fan of gimmicky come on titles such as this one.... you know a "quick fix" solution. What I did like was that it's in two parts, cardio and toning. I should say I am an experienced exerciser and have been exercising at home exclusively for the last two years. Prior to that I was a gym junkie and did both cardio and weight lifting on a regular basis. I use a heart rate monitor to level my performance whenever I work out and I recommend all exercisers who want to really know how they are doing get one as well. You will be pleasantly surprised at what is really going on. Don't think because you are feeling tired that you are in the correct heart rate zone or out of it. You need to see the numbers to really undrestand. Having said all that I was not able to get my heart rate into my target zone of choice doing the cardio section alone. I was able to get in the proper zone if this was a second or third cardio segment I was doing but not the first meaning I was already getting fatigued. Another way I could increase my likelihood of getting into the target zone was to wear the weighted gloves. I use two pound gloves and had no problem. As my fitness level improved I found I needed to get something to keep my heart rate in the proper zone and I was not keen on throwing away exercise tapes because I was now in better shape. My sister on the otherhand is not as experienced as I am and she found that this tape got her heart rate in the target zone right away. Minna has a good cueing style and her form is excellent. It doesn't hurt that she looks fantastic so if you like a sculpted look as a an inspiration then she is your girl. The toning section was ok. It's effective enough for maintaining but if you want growth then you need to supplement. Again I thought her form was excellent and that's important especially for people who are just starting out. I use heavier weights and I recommend that people challenge themselves from time to time. Just because it looks like the presenter is using a 2 or 3 pound weight in a video doesn't mean that's what you should use. Try going heavier and go down as fatigue sets in. You will see better results. It's my opinion that you see lighter weights on video presenters for two reasons: 1) They need to show correct form at all times and it's easier for them if they aren't really working as hard as they could to maintain that control and 2) they don't want to put off beginners who might feel they can't do the workout using large weights. Overall a good workout but experienced exercisers may need to modify.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent+fun workout!
Review: This was the first exercise DVD I ever bought..i really love to dance so i wanted something that would be fun but would work at the same time..and this one did it all!! the cardio work out is soooo much fun , I've done it so mant times that I've memorised the moves by heart! at first, I didn't feel like doing the tonning section because I'm more of a dancy person, but when I decided that I needed the muscles and tried it..it turned out to be great! my arms and thighs are much stronger now=)
As a biggener, i find that the tape really helps,but if you're very athletic, you should probably consider this tape just for the fun of it..
Minna is very sweet and allows you to go crazy and make a fool of yourself which is great...way to go Minna=)
Rating:
Summary: Great workout - and Fun!
Review: I have had this video for over a year and a half and still use it more than any of my other videos. At first I thought I would never get the hang of the mambo, but now I almost look like a pro! Now that I am in great shape (wasn't when I started), I now do this video with more jumps and jogging motions to keep my heart rate up. In other words, it's a video you can use if you are just starting out and after you have attained your fitness goals. I now have all of Minnas tapes (her Fat Eliminator is difficult but a fantastic workout). She and Kathy Smith are two of the best IMHO.
Rating:
Summary: Fun and Energetic Workout!
Review: I really enjoyed doing this workout. Minna is motivating, and the moves are easy to follow. Within a couple viewings I had learned all the steps. The dance section really gets you moving, and I love the use of weights in the toning section because they help you get great results quicker than just aerobics alone. I haven't exercised in a while, and this workout helped get me back into shape without killing me. I read a couple reviews that criticized the Emergency Workout for not being advanced enough, but if you need to drop some weight for a special occasion, you're probably not an advanced exerciser anyway. This workout is a great confidence builder. I highly recommend it, and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other Minna workouts.
Rating:
Summary: Good workout
Review: Another reviewer said this workout is low impact and too easy.
I have to say this is not low impact, there is quite a bit of jumping where both feet are off the floor and that is considered high impact. If you are a beginner to intermediate exerciser, you will definately break a sweat. Minna is low key, friendly and approachable. The weight segment is very effective. The only problem I have with the video is that Minna's cueing is off sometimes and you really have to learn to memorize the moves because she doesn't always cue when there is a change. For that reason, it would be quite challenging for a very beginner but with time you will pick up the moves. As far as workouts go it is fun and challenging. I like doing both the workouts on the same day.
Rating: 
Summary: Weak workout
Review: If you're intermediate or above, I think you'll find this workout is too easy. There's nothing wrong with an easy workout - the problem I have is that it's called an EMERGENCY WORKOUT. This is supposed to be the workout for you if you need to lose weight for a wedding or other occasion. I really don't think this workout is the most effective way to lose those extra pounds to fit into that special dress. It's a good balanced beginner workout for those not ready for more complicated moves or a lot of jumping. Part 1:
The first half is about 25 minutes - not 30 as the tape states (I bought the VHS, not the DVD). It is low-impact and has a lot of basic salsa moves. None of the moves are difficult to learn. It's just a bit basic - I never broke a sweat. Minna is not very enthusiastic - very dull. Part 2:
This is the weights/toning section. It's better than part 1 because you can use the weights you want and customize the workout to your level. Here's where you can work up a sweat if you challenge yourself with the weights. This part is closer to the actual 30 minutes that are advertised. Bonus item:
In the VHS version I bought, a 1200 calorie meal plan was included on a pamphlet. The information in this pamphlet is FALSE. I have been counting calories successfully for years and this meal plan is WAY underestimating the number of calories in these foods. For example, it says you can have a bagel with 2T cream cheese and a piece of fruit for something like 200 calories. In reality, that's a MINIMUM of 350 calories and could be as much as 500+ calories depending on the type of bagel you choose. Throw this pamphlet out - it is misleading. SUMMARY: don't bother with this one if you're intermediate to advanced (that applies to your fitness level as well as your capabilities with various aerobic moves and dance steps). For your daily 30-60 minutes worth of exercise, you can do something else with a little more "bang for your buck".
Rating:
Summary: the most balanced workout
Review: I have more than 50 fitness videos from different instructors. So far after purchasing this Emergency Workout, I have not shifted to other videos during the week. Minna Lessig is a great instructor for the simple reason that she knows what she is doing and is a very good instructor. Directions are quite clear. The workout is not so strenuous that you would be short of breath. This video is especially useful for those who have very little time to workout every day but still want to work up a sweat. I have most of Minna Lessig's videos and this is one of the best.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome workout that provides results!
Review: I love this workout! The salsa style dance moves of the first thirty minutes help keep me motivated. The last thirty minutes of toning have provided me with visible results. My legs, butt, and arms show definate improvement. -- I look forward to this workout.
Rating:
Summary: FUN AEROBIC ROUTINE!!!
Review: I highly recommend this video!!! Minna is so FUN to work out with!! She, and the two girls in the video look so great it's hard NOT to stay motivated. Minna's personality is cheerful, and not annoying. It feels more like you're working out with your best gal pal than an instructor. I only use the cardio portion of this tape, because I am committed to Jane Fonda as far as strength training goes. But Minna's aerobic routine is FUN, FRESH, and EFFECTIVE. About 30 minutes long, it's a mix of aerobics and cute dance steps. (lots of mambos, cha chas, and pivot-turns) That approach keeps this workout refreshing, and before you know it, you're to the cooldown. GREAT VIDEO!!
Rating: 
Summary: What you should know before you buy this
Review: I was looking forward to buying a new video - one that would give me an extra routine to do so I don't get bored with my current tapes. But this video was a little disappointing. Don't get me wrong, Minna is good and she's encouraging and cues really well etc, but this was meant to be a video that you can do when you feel that you won't fit into that special outfit or you wake up one morning and suddenly realise that summer is actually on your doorstep. This video is not for the advanced exerciser. It's really for beginners and not that challenging. It's only low impact and the toning exercises don't fatigue your muscles like you think it should. Don't buy this if you are used to great challenges like a Keli Roberts tape or Karen Voight etc. because I doubt this will get you into shape at all.
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