Customer Reviews

Jamaica Me S'wet the Workout [VHS]

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

 

 

This tape has a lot going for it. It's a big departure from much of the market, which often consists of sterile workout tapes with cookie-cutter models and bland music. You won't find that on this tape. As others have pointed out, this is essentially a dance tape. You'll learn some funky moves and boogie to pop/reggae tunes. You'll also see some lovely beach shots. The music is fun, the moves are fun, although a tad difficult to figure out at first. I found I enjoyed the tape most when I stopped worrying about whether I was "getting it right."

It's very laid back (very Jamaican, in fact) in its approach; there are even multiple short segments where you get to just boogie to the music and do your own thing. Whether you enjoy that approach or not will probably tell you whether you'd want to own this tape.

On the negative side, there are moves that probably aren't good for you to do unless you're supple and fit. For example, my knees aren't in great shape and I'm overweight. There are a few moves I have to modify in order to protect my knees. Also, these folks are dancing on sand, which behaves differently from carpet. One series of steps involves twisting on the balls and heels of your feet, something that's very difficult to do wearing tennis shoes on carpet.

Summary: whether you'll enjoy this tape depends on what you're looking for. If you like a heavy-duty workout with carefully specified instructions, this probably isn't the video for you. If you want to casually dance to fun music and learn some funky moves in the process, you'll probably enjoy it.

On the plus side: The reggae music and hot dance moves beat the pants off most other videos' marching steps and goofy electronica soundtracks. The instructors have fun and do a pretty good job of explaining the dance steps. However, prepare yourself to feel a little dorky at first until you get the hang of it. The beautiful beach scenes are a visual plus. As a bonus, a lot of the moves involve the abs and hips, not just the arms and legs. On the down side: The cool-down segment at the end is gorgeous, but has NO spoken instruction -- you're just expected to follow along. Also, the sequence involves a lot of yoga-type postures where you balance on one foot. Impressive but difficult. You might need a chair handy in case you tip over.

I tend to love Michele Lemay and her choreogrpahy. The choreography itself in this video is fun. I really would not call this a work out video at all. It is a dance video and you will learn the Gumby and some other dance club moves. If you just want to dance to reggae music, buy it - I would recommend it for this. But if you are looking for a real aerobic workout, get another one of Michele Lemay's tapes. I agree that the comments by Miss Jamaica are awkward and you can really do without them. All in all, this is a short, low impact, low energy dance video.

This was a waste of time and money. The instructors were more concerned about how they looked than how to INSTRUCT. I didn't even work up a sweat (maybe because I couldn't catch on). If I could return it, I WOULD!

I recently bought this tape, but I was a bit disappointed. It was a little cheesy visually speaking. They could've done without the intro by Pageant Queen, it made them seem like they're trying too hard. It was good to see Patra in the first 1/2 hr. On a good note, the moves were fun.

This is a really fun video that even a less adept person can get the hang of. The moves are well-cued and flow easily from one to the next along with the good music. The backdrop of Jamaica is beautiful to look at. One drawback is that periodically the exercise is interrupted so that Miss Jamaica Universe can babble for a minute or 2. It is a distraction especially when you are charged and moving, you need to march or do some sort of movement to maintain your heart rate during these pauses. Overall the video is a good one and enjoyable and definitely one to consider if you like to dance and exercise together!

Hey..I don't know what everybody is fussing about. i bought the video and i love it, i have been dying to know how the moves go. but anyway i agree on one thing it is not for people who want to lose weight. it is for people who want to maintain their weight and have fun doing it. beisde i am from the islands so maybe that is why i like it. the moves are kind of quick, but if you really look at what she and the guy does a couple of times. you will get kind of a grip on it. besides for anybody to do those moves that good, you have to watch the video more than once!!! i can tell you one think i know how to do the butterfly move and the turtle move now...

I collect interesting exercise video tapes. Having a variety of tapes to use keeps your motivation to exercise strong. This one was wonderful! The Jamaican backdrop is really beautiful, especially when it's snowing outside. The dance routine is great and I look forward to "getting it". It gives me something to shoot for. You do have to keep moving during Ms. Jamaica's comments but it adds to the flavor of the video. And once you learn the routine you can put more effort and ummphh! into your moves to speed up your heart rate. Unfortunately I didn't purchase the tape from this site and the price here is so much better! What do you have to lose???

I LOVED THE MUSIC,I LOVED THE MOVES; THAT'S IT. QUALITY OF PRODUCTION,& SOUND ...; AND I HAVE THE DVD! IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIANCE DANCING TO REGGAE YOU WILL GET LOST IN THE WARM UP FOR THERE IS NOT ANY EXPLINATION. IN THE SECOND HALF, GUS DOES LET YOU AT LEAST KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT THOUGH. AND THEY SO NEED TO LOSE THE "QUEEN". NOT TO MENTION, PATRA (AND I LIKE HER!), WHO IS CLEARLY DOING HER OWN THING. I WILL USE IT BECAUSE I LIKE TO DANCE BUT LET'S FACE IT , IT'S CHEESY.SERIOUSLY, IF YOU LIKE THE MUSIC AND LIKE TO GROOVE YOU CAN LOOK PAST EVERYTHING ELSE; I'M JUST SAYING DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH AND YOU WON'T BE DISAPOINTED.

I must admit that I'm not much of a dancer but this video made me feel even more clumsy than I usually feel when I'm dancing. Unless you already have rhythm, I don't recommend this. The music was pretty good though.