Title: The Tone Every Zone Walk
What is it: Yet another indoor, group aerobics workout starring Leslie Sansone -- by my count, this is No. 33.
Format: 65-minute widescreen, stereo DVD with two 20-minute circuit-training workouts and one 20-minute cardiovascular workout, all set to thankfully forgettable electronic music whose most prominent virtue is beats per minute. Selecting "Play all" delivers one 65-minute workout.
Years ago, Sansone re-labeled simple aerobic dance choreography "walking," and so the cardio part of these circuits, while vigorous, is never "dance-y."
After a remarkably noncreative warmup (stepping in place), the first workout alternates side steps and knee lifts with upper body strengthening done while standing or lying on a mat. The second alternates cardio and lower body moves (squats, plies, lunges). The third workout is brisk, blocky aerobics, no jumping.
Gear needed: light and lighter hand weights, mat
Can I do it barefoot? Only if you want sore feet.
How much floor space does it require? Eight feet by 3 feet is plenty for the first two workouts, but the third requires at least an 8-foot square.
Distractions: She calls it giggling, but in truth, she cackles.
Especially good: The nonstop chatter might become annoying, but by favoring a chatty style over technical language, she avoids the hesitation and insecurity occasioned by some instructors' attempts to instill respect for "proper form." Using everyday words, she talks you into proper form. For example: Cuing a set of supine chest presses, she says, "You really don't need to be so fussy about it, the body's really going to take over. You can feel that your back kind of settled into a natural, neutral spine, so you're fine to just lie back. And then just pushing the weights away, that uses so much muscle, it's amazing. All you do is push away and allow them to return."
And as always, Sansone and her backup dancers are modestly dressed. Have to like that.
Amenities: The "play with music only" option lets users mute her cues, but that highlights the repetitive nature of the music mix.
Who is this workout not good for? Anyone who might struggle to breathe after brisk side-stepping followed by plopping down on the floor.
Developer's credentials: One of the industry's most seasoned DVD workout presenters, Sansone has served on the leadership council of IDEA (International Dance Exercise Association), which pioneered certification of instructors back in the day. She has eight exercise-leader certifications, including those of the American Council of Sports Medicine and the Cooper Institute.
She is in the National Fitness Hall of Fame in Minooka, Ill.
Price: $14.98
ActiveStyle on 06/29/2015