I like walking workouts, so I was happy to receive a copy of Denise Austin’s Fat Burning workout to preview. The menu options include the Walking Workout, the Abs Workout, and Music Only (nice for those who “can’t stand” Denise’s voice.) She begins with basic marching, then does a few side steps before returning to what she calls “easy walk.” Next are knee lifts, hamstring curls, and double side-steps; she returns to “easy walk” after each of these moves. We march forward and back, then to the corners of the room and back; this is level one. Level two adds bicep curls, and level three adds overhead punches.

Upper body work is next, including more bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, and chest & shoulder presses. Then comes the “endurance challenge” where we do traveling side-steps (chasses) with an optional jump at the end, double side-steps with weight shifts at the end (a fun, dance-like move where you shift your weight from one leg to the other), shuffles with weight shifts, and jogging (modify with brisk walking.)

The next phase begins with hamstring curls and double hamstring curls, then walking forward with alternating knee lifts, walking back with alternating knee lifts, soccer kicks, Charleston walk (kick forward with one foot, then return and step back with the other foot), squats with kicks, squats with side leg lifts (add arms.)

After this, Denise says “let’s vary our intensity!” and we jog forward and back, add overhead arms to high knee lifts, march (then jog) in a circle (this felt a little silly), do some running man knee lifts, quick feet (aka happy feet or football feet), side steps forward, side lunges with jump rope arms, side steps with arm circles, and skater side jumps with arm punches.

We end with a nice cool down, walking side to side with graceful arms (overhead rainbow arms, arm circles, etc.) followed by deep breaths while arms circling overhead.

I have done a lot of Leslie Sansone walking workouts, and this is definitely a step up from that (no pun intended, ha-ha!)

Instructor Comments:
Denise is a true chatterbox! She is constantly talking, but most of it is just encouragement, like telling you that “you can do it!” and reminding you that “it’s worth it!” I don’t mind chatter, but her voice is a little breathy and some people may find it annoying. I am not particularly fond of her voice, but I can tune it out … or I can choose the Music Only option!

Debbie J