2008 Woodie Awards
Workout options for the couch potato
Brooke Nobles and Nicole Perry
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Gym fees are ridiculous, and often it isn’t until late at night that a spot opens up where working out is an option, and by then, it is too late to take a jog around the block. But the perfect solution is at the local library or video store: Workout videos! They come in all shapes and forms, and with so many to choose from, it is virtually impossible to get bored. Here’s a review of a small handful of the videos available. Now all that’s left is to give them a try!
Sweatin’ to the Oldies with Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons is a cultural icon—a dorky, sweaty icon—but an icon nevertheless. His videos are worth a go, and he can’t be beat for enthusiasm or encouraging words, and it sure is easy to laugh at yourself when you are prancing around to sixties tunes, led by Simmons himself. He is upbeat, easy to follow and gives a decent workout, if not overly strenuous.
Difficulty level (scale of 1-5, 1 being most difficult): 5
Fun level (scale of 1-5, 1 being most fun): 2
Likeliness you will stick with it (scale of 1-5, 1 being most likely): 4
Causes soreness the next day (scale of 1-5, 1 being most sore): 5
Instructor likeability (scale of 1-5, 1 being most likeable): 2
Zumba
Zumba, a combination of salsa, belly dancing and hip hop is definitely a tough video, but the instructor, Beto, has an awesome attitude that keeps participants motivated and encouraged (and his accent’s pretty cool, too). This video is a fantastic workout, and is suggested for the club hopper who can’t make it to the bars tonight on account of that math test tomorrow, but wants a little de-stressing time anyway.
Difficulty level: 1
Fun level: 1
Likeliness you will stick with it: 2
Causes soreness the next day: 4
Instructor likeability: 1
Yoga Beginners with Patricia Walden
Yoga is all the rage in Hollywood, praised for its calming meditative qualities as well as its ability to elongate muscles and increase flexibility. But truth be told, yoga is a tough workout, especially for the less than flexible, so Yoga Beginners is the great place to start, that way participants don’t look ridiculous at the gym next to the lady who can put her feet behind her head. The one difficulty found with yoga is that it often relaxes exercisers too much, especially with the soothing voice of Particia Walden. So beware, do not fall asleep mid-workout!
Difficulty level: 2
Fun level: 5
Likeliness you will stick with it: 5
Causes soreness the next day: 2
Instructor likeability: 4
Tae Bo with Billy Blanks
Tae Bo has had its moment in the sun and is no longer all the rage, but it still remains a fantastic workout; it’s difficult and includes not only self defense tips, but also a wide range of health benefits including cardio, balance and strength training. Not bad from one little ol’ VHS.
Difficulty level: 3
Fun level: 3
Likeliness you will stick with it: 1
Causes soreness the next day: 3
Instructor likeability: 3
Pilates with Denise Austin
Pilates may look like a slightly more difficult form of yoga, but there is no doubt that it works muscles harder, is more fun to do and will give better and faster results than yoga. People swear by Pilates for firm, flat abs, great flexibility and muscle tone, and an overall sleek look that simple cardio or weight training can’t create. Pilates will also remind participants that they worked out the day before; it is very common to be stiff and sore after a Pilates workout. Denise Austin is not the best Pilates instructor; in fact she is quite obnoxious. For a better and more complete Pilates workout, Mari Winsor’s Pilates series is much better.
Difficulty level: 4
Fun level: 4
Likeliness you will stick with it: 3
Causes soreness the next day: 1
Instructor likeability: 5
All of these videos are great for the body. Each of these videos has its good points, and it is nice to switch up a workout, so go ahead and try them all. Even if a video is rated easy, it still requires some knowledge and attention, whether it’s keeping up with the beat, or working on flexibility issues, so no video is a lost cause. Videos run anywhere from $10-$20, but that sure beats a gym fee any day (not to mention they can, uh, be used again and again). It is spring though, so be sure to switch up a day of aerobics videos indoors with a game of ultimate Frisbee or a walk around the neighborhood with roomies. Happy sweating!