10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix

I wasn't sure whether I would like this workout--as I've become a more advanced exerciser, I've tended to move away from exercise DVDs which offer short segments, as I have found that these usually aren't intense enough to provide me with a good workout. Therefore, I was pleasantly suprrised upon trying Fat Blasting Dance Mix a discovering that my heart rate was in my target fat-burning zone for nearly the entire workout! Plus, the moves were fun and relatively easy to pick up after a few times through.

Overall, this video reminded me a bit of Dance Off the Inches: Calorie Blasting Party. Instructor Jennifer Galardi is a bit similar in style to the instructor from that video, although more low-key, which I prefer. Also, rather than teaching the moves at three different tempos as in the Dance Off series (which I didn't like because it causes my heart rate to drop), Jennifer teaches by building on different aspects of each move. For example, first she'll teach you a simple leg move such as a step out, then she'll incorporate a bit more of a dancey feel, and finally, she'll add arms to complete the exercise. In each of the five segments, she teaches the moves in an add-on style, eventually taking it from the top so that you can run through the entire sequence (but because each segment is short and there are only five or so total moves, it never feels like the combinations are overly long).

One of the best things about this DVD is that it is programmable--ie, there is a menu which allows you to mix and match any of the five segments to create your own customized workout, which I loved. Three of the segments are cardio-focused--Simple Slimmer, Calorie Meltdown, Fat Blasting Party--while the last two are more toning-oriented--Butt & Thigh Blaster, Ab Attack--although still intense enough to produce a cardio effect. The cardio segments gradually get more intense, with SS containing the most basic moves, CM taking it up a notch, and FBP adding a bit more impact with some hops and jumps. Both toning segments were performed entirely in a standing position, pairing some traditional strength training moves (eg, lunges, crunches) with dancey choreography, which I found to be fun and different.

I enjoyed this video, especially the programmable aspect and the unique, dancey toning segments. I would definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys dance workouts and who is able to pick up choreography with a slightly-beyond-basic complexity level.

This workout has 5, 10-minute segments. The first three were dancing segments and the last two were toning segments done standing and with a dancey feel to them. I found the choreography pretty simple in this workout, but I also pick up steps quickly, so it may not be the case for you if you have trouble with choreography at all. The second dance segment especially may be one that would be more difficult if you have trouble picking up choreography. Jennifer Galardi leads the workout with 2 background exercisers. The music is nothing special, but not bad either. My only complaint about this workout is that each 10-minute segment has a very short cool down/stretch at the end. I would have liked it much better if they had put in a 10-minute cool down/stretch segment separate from the others. (I also love the orange workout outfit Jennifer wears in one segment!)