Video Fitness

Winning Body Workout by Petra Kolber

I got this one as a give-away bonus at an athletic shoe store with a pair of reebok cross trainers. Surprisingly, I liked it. The set is kind of new-agey, but not overly obnoxious. It's light and airy and seems spacious, which is a nice switch from the trend towards dark, industrial, mega-lit sets thats been becoming more popular. This vid is particularly useful to beginners in the world of resistance training. It also makes a great video to use before someone starts using the FIRM. Why? Because Kolber instructs and explains modifications so you know how to do a squat safely, or where to stop your arms when doing a lateral delt lift to protect your shoulders. I don't find this video particularly challenging (I think I was more advanced when I got it) but if I feel I need more of a body part on any given day, I'll do a segment from this video because they're quick and each section (legs, upper body and abs) hits all the parts you need to get efficiently. My complaints are the female atheletes. Occassionally, they make an insightful comment about their training and conditioning and which muscles/moves have helped but largely they are "eye candy." Particularly Manon Rheaume. You'd think a female hockey player would have a lot to say about the importance of having a strong body, especially as the only pro female hockey player in any league, but she seems more concerned about wanting a flat stomach and dropping dress sizes. At least Nancy Kerrigan talked about the muscles she uses to gain speed and the moves that helped her develop flexibility and strength in her legs. Thankfully, all of the atheletes, as well as Kolber, illustrate good form. This video also includes some unique hip rotation moves, a shin strengthener and back strengtheners, all of which are still seen very infrequently. In general, a beginner could get a lot out of this tape, and it definitely prepares you for more challenging, yet less instructed workouts.

Linda
8/10/97



Video Fitness copyright © 1996 - 2024 Wendy Niemi Kremer    All rights reserved