Product Details

• Format: Color, Original recording reissued, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Live / Artisan
• VHS Release Date: August 22, 2000
• Run Time: 30 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0784017956
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,754 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Exercisers in search of a basic introduction to cardiovascular fitness will find a straightforward, honest-to-goodness beginner's layout in Denise Austin: Xtralite, Beginner's Aerobics. Austin's simple choreography and enthusiasm create an encouraging and approachable workout that can have real results if done frequently (at least three times a week). This half-hour session includes five minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, and a five- minute cool down. In addition to being an incredibly time-savvy program, this workout illustrates a perfect example of gradually increasing intensity that will aid participants in reaching target heart rate range (not to mention staving off injuries). Safety is central throughout this session as lower back isolations and stretching play a key role in all phases of this workout. The movements within the aerobic portion are easy to follow and incorporate both the upper and lower body through choreography that lengthens and extends the torso and legs. Familiar steps like the grapevine, box step, and mambo are presented as singular moves without combining them or creating routines. This proves to be an accessible and simple approach to learning the basic format for any aerobic class. The music is not very motivational here, but Austin captures the true essence of a beginner's format both effectively and enthusiastically. This is a great place to begin any fitness regimen. --Olivia Voigts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Light Aerobic Workout, June 30, 2001

By 

Rebecca (Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Aerobics [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Nice and short, as well as not too tough. The steps she uses are NOT hard, and I am no dancer! Even if they are a little difficult for you, it would only take a couple repeats of the tape to get them down. I highly recommend this video for beginners, those who have fallen out of working out, and those who need to lose a lot of weight (talk to your doctor first, of course).

Denise allows you to get a workout without killing yourself. You feel your heart rate pick up and your muscles working, but you are not dying like you might be in an aerobics class. This great combination makes me want to get up and do the tape again, as opposed to other tapes where I just think how boring and painful they can be and decide to watch TV instead. After a while, though, this workout can get too easy, so you have to step up to the next level and buy a new tape. But if you are pressed for time and need to get in a light workout where you won't be drenched with sweat, this video is great. And, of course, Denise is her ever-enthusiastic self and does a fantastic job in motivating you to work harder.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This video made me a Denise Austin fan!, August 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Denise Austin: XTRALite Begnner's Aerobics [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If you have tried the Richard Simmons exercise tapes and found them too hard to follow, this is the tape for you. I don't find it boring,and I get a good workout in 30 minutes. I have been doing this video 5 days a week for 2 months and feel 100% better than before.Easy on your back and knees,makes you sweat, she gives you encouagement as you go. I don't think you could go wrong with this one unless you are at an advanced level of fitness.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Start (With a Little Cha Cha), February 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Aerobics [VHS] (VHS Tape)

After being overweight my whole life, I needed something that would get me started. I picked up this tape on a whim and tried it out. Denise is so motivating, even if you can't finish, you really want to! She really makes you push yourself. She repeats the moves enough to where you become familiar with them, but not bored. She also takes the time to do a proper warm up and cool down (Billy Blanks could take notice.) The scenery is beautiful and keeps you visually intrigued. If you're looking for somewhere to start, I would highly recommend this video. If you're past the beginner stage, you might find this to be a little too easy. But I still do it if I want a light workout. She erases all excuses for not exercising!