Customer Reviews

Denise Austin - Xtralite:Beginner's Aerobics [VHS]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Having been familiar with Denise's older step videos, I was pleased to have found this workout tape when I was looking to get back into excercise. It provides an easy-to-follow, 35-minute workout (so that I have time to do it in the morning) which provides just the right intensity level for burning fat. It's great because you can do it without any equipment, and I can do it indoors (and out of the cold Michigan winter). It's nice to see the ocean (the workout is on a beach) when all I have is snow outside my windows. I've been using this and a toning video 3-5 times a week, which along with a healthy diet, has allowed me to lose 3-4 pounds each week!

Between a long bus commute and my work schedule, I have only a few spare hours in the evening. Combine that with an early sunset and cold wet winter weather and that has left me desperate for an exercise outlet!

I am at least 50 pounds overweight and very out of shape, but since this video is only 30 minutes, it is easy to squeeze in at night and I end up drenching my teeshirt each time. This video is too short to be tempted to skip!

The first time I did the video I wondered if it was "enough", since it seemed easy, but I think it is since I am sleeping well, I've got some light muscle aches in my butt and legs (3 weeks into it), and I find it a lot easier to tolerate the sitting on that long bus ride.

I cannot do the moves as smoothly as Denise does, but the key is to "keep moving" - and she reminds you often! I also notice that as I keep doing the video, I see more details in her moves, I incorporate more details into my own moves, and I get better at doing the video! For example, her cha-cha metamorphasizes into another move which requires that you stand up on your toes as you turn from side to side. I did not immediately see that the first week I was doing the video.

I like Austin's "whole body" approach too, in that while she's moving she talks about drinking lots of water and eating healthy food. If you keep playing a short video several times a week that reminds you of those things, pretty soon it starts to have a positive impact on you. If you feel dumpy and depressed about your physicial condition, it's got a good psychological effect.

Austin suggests doing the video 3 times a week, preferably 4. She also says you should start seeing results in 6 weeks, but I assume that means you've also cleaned up your eating habits enough so that the exercise will have some effect!

Great for a beginning exerciser-low impact, but a good work-out. After a few viewings, the moves are easy to follow. After a few weeks you're ready to progress to something a little bit harder. Very motivational and warm up, exercise, cool down all in only 30 minutes. I can do it in the morning before work and still not be late!!!

Because I had been sedentary for so many years, I was hesitant to use workout videos. On the recommendation of a friend, I tried Denise's "X-tra Lite" videos and fell in love! I never enjoyed exercise before, but Denise's enthusiasm and bubbly personality encouraged me to start an exercise program that has helped me to lose 20 lbs. I've since moved on to Denise's more advanced tapes (wow! what a workout!), but this initial tape was a fantastic start!

This is a great beginner's video. The exercises are easy but still give you a great sweat. After gaining 40 pounds, I considered my physical fitness days dead. But because it's low impact, there are days when I am doing the tape in the morning and evening. I loved this tape so much that I bought another copy for my mom, who also has high praise for it. We are both addicted! There are only two things that reduces it from a five-star tape. The background noise of the beach is a bit distracting and, therefore, it is sometimes difficult to hear Denise Austin's instructions. Additionally, the tape does a lot of repetition. But if you're a beginner like me, that's also very comforting. All and all, GET THIS TAPE.

This is a great video for those who don't exercise much. it is easy to follow and not too hard. You will break a sweat, though! I am not a dancer so the simple moves were great. If you are not blessed with grace and rythem this tape is wonderful! More advanced exercisers will want more of a challenge but this is perfect for a beginner.

This video has the ocean as a backdrop and is easy to follow along with the program. No complicated steps here. I love this workout tape and do it at least 5 days a week, religiously. It helps me relax and get in tune with myself. Not, to mention, I've seen results after only 4 weeks!

I highly recommend this for beginners and intermediates alike! You'll enjoy it!