LITTLE ROCK — Title: Rhythmica: Dance Cardio Party(Gaiam Inc.)
What’s the goal?
Dance-based workout that focuses on strengthening and sculpting the whole body. You will definitely sweat (a lot) and burn calories with this workout.
Who’s it for? Probably not for those who stopped their booty dropping and lost their “skank faces” long ago.
However, it’s perfect for those who ever dreamed of becoming a Fly Girl, and for teenagers. (Not that I want your teen to grow up to be a skank.)
Format: The DVD is 60 minutes long,with three 20-minute workouts. The first is Hop Hop Fat Burn, which promotes sculpting the arms and lower body while doing “old-school” hip-hop party moves.
Next is Latin Dance Mix, which adds a fun twist to several familiar classic moves. Finally comes Get Fit House Party, featuring authentic club and Latin dance moves.Each segment can be played individually, or play them all at once.
Floor space required: You can easily do this workout in your living room (with all the blinds pulled closed, please), but you will need at least a 6-by-6-foot space.
Can I do it barefoot?
No, several dance moves have fast footwork and it would be awkward to fall on your fanny after tripping over your feet while barefoot.
Workout developer’s credentials: Marc Santa Maria oversees more than 800 classes at Crunch Fitness in New York and has served as creative consultant on more than 60 workouts used in gyms across the United States and Europe. He is also a Nike Elite trainer, and his dance workout videos can be seen on cable’s Exercise TV.
Who demonstrates the workout? Santa Maria and assistants Heather and Lorena. Neither woman adjusts her workout to model lower intensity.
What do they want from me? You need a bit of rhythm to adequately imitate Santa Maria, but having lots of enthusiasm and sass will do as well. Oh, and remember to “put on that skank face!” as he urges you to. When in doubt, watch Lorena.
Music style: Generic tracks of hip-hop and reggae beats, Latin-style music and rather catchy electronic dance music that does not overwhelm. The beats during the club mix segment make it easier to follow along.
Distraction factors: Santa Maria is known for his enthusiastic teaching style, and he has it here, in spades. He reminds me of Richard Simmons ... in a young, built,good-looking, hair-swaying sort of way.
During the hip-hop segment he urges everyone to have a strong attitude, especially in their arm movements and facial expressions, because he really wants you to be like a real street dancer, yo.
In the Latin segment, it’s a fiesta! We’ve got a Spanish lesson along with dancing rapido! There are costume changes for each workout segment; in the club mix segment, Santa Maria and Heather wear distracting hats. (Lorena’s “got her skank on” too much to wear one.) It is a wonder that the girls’ pants don’t fall down, since they sit so low on the hips.
Price: $14.99
ActiveStyle, Pages 23 on 04/16/2012