New workouts: Dance Off the Inches: Latin Cardio Party

— Title: Dance Off the Inches: Latin Cardio Party

What’s the goal?

Getting fit in a way that doesn’t have to feel like work. An alternative to attending dance class at the gym, this DVD offers a high-intensity interval workout to boost the metabolism and burn calories.

Who’s it for?

With just 10 core dance moves to master - in theory - anyone should be able to follow these aerobic dance routines.

Format:

The disc is divided into two sections on the main menu, showing the Step Guide and the workout. Everything can be played at once or you can select workouts as chapters. There are no customizable settings, so if you don’t want to play the entire disc all the way through you will have to choose each chapter separately.

In the Step Guide, Emily Naim demonstrates 10 dance moves in about 20 minutes. Some moves are easy, and others are a bit too complicated for the novice. Individually they all look a bit silly - given the way Naim presents them.

In the main feature, Naim starts off with an easy, five-minute warm-up to get the heart moving. She then seamlessly goes through each dance routine: samba (from Brazil), cumbia (moves from Columbia) and reggaeton (hip hop with a Latin feel). Each routine lasts 11 to 13 minutes. The workout culminates with a six-minute cool-down.The entire series lasts 43 minutes.

What is expected of me?

To have energy and endurance while having fun. Possessing a sense of rhythm is a plus.

The transition between moves is very quick, so this is a moderate- to high-intensity workout. I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners.

Floor space required:

Enough space so you can easily move several steps forward, back and side to side.

Can I do it barefoot?

No.

Who demonstrates the workout?

Emily Naim and two female assistants.

Distractions:

Naim wears oversize pants with suspenders dangling from her hips and elephant-size shoes. Her huge hoop earrings kept hitting her in the head, whenever she jumped. I am told this is typical Zumba fashion. Nonetheless, these clothes aren’t practical.

Workout developer’s credentials:

Naim has a college degree in dance and is certified in various fitness formats including TurboKick, PiYo, YogaFit, Drums Alive, Zumba and Zumba Toning. She teaches Zumba at gyms in New York. She has choreographed and starred in several Dance Off the Inches DVDs.

Price:

$14.98

ActiveStyle, Pages 25 on 11/19/2012

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