Jaclyn Smith's Workout for Beauty and Balance

Mauri Windsor
Year Released: 1994

Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance , Total Body Workouts



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As a rule I don't buy "celebrity videos," but Jaclyn Smith's "Workout for Beauty and Balance" caught my eye at the local sporting goods store. I had read that Jaclyn had formal dance training, and the cover described the video as including a dance routine, so I decided, "What the heck."

I'm glad I bought the video, and it's become a staple in my weekly routine. I'm intermediate/advanced, so this is a light but invigorating workout for me.

The workout begins with a stretch/loosening up section taught by Mauri Windsor. At the end of 10 minutes, every muscle in my body feels warmed up and loose. Mauri then begins the dance routine, which works all body parts and is a low-impact aerobic workout. The jazz soundtrack and moves make it fun. In the first 25 minutes of the the tape, I feel like I've gotten my blood running and my joints loosened.

The next section is body toning with trainer Elizabeth Jones, who looks like a ballet dancer. She's long and lean, and that's the emphasis of the body toning. The moves remind me of Pilates, from my Method tapes. Elizabeth doesn't do many repetitions, but the moves she does really count. By the end of the abs section, I can feel that my abs are tighter, and I tend to stand taller the rest of the day. She also does back exercises, which is not typical of most videos. She also does exercises for the hips, thighs and buttocks.

Suggested equipment include a ball or pillow to squeeze between your knees for some of the toning exercises, and a band for the lower-body work. The equipment is optional, though, and ankle weights would probably work as well as a band.

The final section is Jaclyn's "Beauty Bonus." She tells how to apply makeup for a "natural" look. It's a good overview for someone needing knowledge of basic makeup application.

The video is from 1993, and it's 55 minutes (including the beauty section). If you're just doing the dance aerobics and toning, the tape's about 45 minutes.

If you like ballet and other dance videos, this is a good one for your collection. It's not that difficult for an intermediate exerciser, and it might be a fun challenge for a beginner. I like it for the days when I don't want to work hard, but I want to work out. The video leaves you relaxed and refreshed, and ready for a tough workout the next day (if you're so inclined).

Lilly Anderson

07/24/2000

I found that I got absolutely no benefit from this workout - but to be fair, I do pilates for my body toning, and took out the tape after the cardio section - i have bad knees, so need a good, low impact aerobics tape - but this is NOT IT - no sweating, no challenge, no fun - NOTHING - for comedic value, though, you might want to pick it up - Jaclyn comes off like a deer stuck in headlights throughout the whole cardio portion! - the nerve to try and put her name on an exercise tape!!!

Instructor Comments:
It's almost as if someone had extra studio space available and there was a camera lying around - poor Jaclyn gets confused trying to follow her personal trainer, and all you're left to do is laugh! at least I only payed $2 in the bargain bin!

n.n.

08/09/2004