10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix

Jennifer Galardi
Year Released: 2006

Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance


I wasn't sure whether I would like this workout--as I've become a more advanced exerciser, I've tended to move away from exercise DVDs which offer short segments, as I have found that these usually aren't intense enough to provide me with a good workout. Therefore, I was pleasantly suprrised upon trying Fat Blasting Dance Mix a discovering that my heart rate was in my target fat-burning zone for nearly the entire workout! Plus, the moves were fun and relatively easy to pick up after a few times through.

Overall, this video reminded me a bit of Dance Off the Inches: Calorie Blasting Party. Instructor Jennifer Galardi is a bit similar in style to the instructor from that video, although more low-key, which I prefer. Also, rather than teaching the moves at three different tempos as in the Dance Off series (which I didn't like because it causes my heart rate to drop), Jennifer teaches by building on different aspects of each move. For example, first she'll teach you a simple leg move such as a step out, then she'll incorporate a bit more of a dancey feel, and finally, she'll add arms to complete the exercise. In each of the five segments, she teaches the moves in an add-on style, eventually taking it from the top so that you can run through the entire sequence (but because each segment is short and there are only five or so total moves, it never feels like the combinations are overly long).

One of the best things about this DVD is that it is programmable--ie, there is a menu which allows you to mix and match any of the five segments to create your own customized workout, which I loved. Three of the segments are cardio-focused--Simple Slimmer, Calorie Meltdown, Fat Blasting Party--while the last two are more toning-oriented--Butt & Thigh Blaster, Ab Attack--although still intense enough to produce a cardio effect. The cardio segments gradually get more intense, with SS containing the most basic moves, CM taking it up a notch, and FBP adding a bit more impact with some hops and jumps. Both toning segments were performed entirely in a standing position, pairing some traditional strength training moves (eg, lunges, crunches) with dancey choreography, which I found to be fun and different.

I enjoyed this video, especially the programmable aspect and the unique, dancey toning segments. I would definitely recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys dance workouts and who is able to pick up choreography with a slightly-beyond-basic complexity level.

Instructor Comments:
I liked Jennifer; as mentioned above, I found her to be more low-key than Julz Arney and other dance fitness instructors, which I liked. She breaks down the moves well and offers very good mirrored cueing. Jennifer works out here with two background exercisers who look like they are having fun.

Beth C (aka toaster)

08/26/2006