New workouts

LITTLE ROCK — Title:

Amy Dixon’s Give Me 10: Core Cuts

What’s the goal:

Getting a tight and toned waistline in 10 minutes a day.

Who’s it for?

Those who want an effective core workout in a short period of time.

Format:

This DVD contains six different workouts, each about 10 minutes long. They can be done separately or combined to get a more customized workout.

The workouts include:

“Hard core definitions” (10 minutes): Done entirely on the floor, moves include crunches, bicycle kicks, leg and hip raises, and different levels of the plank position.

“Ab-solutely perfect Pilates” (12 minutes): abdominal Pilates exercises on the floor that require some balancing.

“Yoga six pack” (12 minutes): Dixon uses yoga moves to stretch and strengthen the core. She also tests your balance with poses such as Warrior Three and tree pose.

“Tight n’ toned tummy” (11 minutes): faster-paced workout using hand weights.

Moves consist of squats, lunges, hip rotations and rows.

“Core ball blast” (11 minutes): standing and floor aerobic exercises using the stability ball.

“Core ball breakthrough” (11 minutes): advanced stability ball floor work with lots of crunches and balance moves.

Gear needed

: stability ball, hand weights and a mat or padded surface.

Floor space required:

Enough room to spread out a mat and comfortably stretch across it.

Can I do it barefoot?

Yes; Dixon and company demonstrate with shoes on, but the majority of the workouts do not require shoes.

What do they want from me?

Transitions from movement to movement are done at a quick pace, so you will need to be able to keep up. Intermediate knowledge of common exercises would help. Dixon does not slow down to show how a specific move is performed. A couple of them are a little complicated, but after doing the segments repeatedly you should not have any problems.

Who demonstrates the workout?

Dixon leads, assisted by two fitness models and one “normal person” named Meg who shows the modifications.

Is it fun?

Definitely. You will not be bored. Dixon mixes up the moves so that each workout is unique and holds interest. The music differs with each segment, from fast-paced electronic beats to an ethnic style during the yoga segments.

Workout developer’s credentials:

Dixon has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and many fitness certifications. She’s the group fitness manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs in Santa Monica, Calif.; a member of the Gatorade G-Series Fit team; and a master trainer for Schwinn Cycling and BOSU (Both Sides Utilized). A former elite power tumbler and coach, she has more than 15 years of teaching experience and has starred in more than 12 fitness DVDs.

Price:

$19.99