Product Details

• Actors: Method
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Parade Video
• VHS Release Date: November 4, 1997
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 157713284X
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,596 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
This dance class performed to live drums is similar to an aerobics class in that you elevate your heart rate with movements done to music, but it is different from what you'd see in an aerobics studio. The dancers are barefoot, the moves are more reminiscent of modern and jazz dance than an aerobic routine (though your heart rate won't know the difference), and the warm-up and all the moves are leading to a progressive routine. This video contains two separate workouts, each with its own warm-up and moves. The first emphasizes body rhythm and dynamics, led by Jennifer Kries. The second is a continuously flowing workout of modern- and jazz-dance movements, led by Lisa Wheeler. The goal of both is to increase physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and lengthening of the body. The video ends with a yogalike cool-down. If you want to get your exercise, and you'd prefer a dance class to traditional aerobics, this could be your workout solution. --Joan Price

From the back cover
DANCE TO FITNESS. Two different low impact, firming and toning dance-based workouts to release the dancer in you. Achieve the body lines, strength, and flexibility of a dancer without years of training. Strengthen and length your body's major muscles without weights or exercise machines. These easy-to-follow workouts integrate firming and toning techniques favored by teachers of jazz, modern dance, yoga and aerobic fitness classes. Dance To Fitness features Jennifer Kries, from the Method's Precision Toning and Precision Sculpting videos, and Lisa Wheeler, internationally known fitness specialist and choreographer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, well thought out video that mere mortals can do!, September 15, 1999

By	deranged but cute (outer limits) - See all my reviews

As disappointed as I was with Step Up To Dance, that's how happy I am with Dance To Fitness. The moves are done slowly, with posture, balance and strength being emphasized. The first segment is about 35 minutes long and is considered the "warm-up". I, for one, was dripping sweat by the end of that segment. The second segment is done with Lisa Wheeler who I really like. Then there is a wonderful stretch. As a 44 year old former aerobics instructor/belly dancer with osteoarthritis in my back and neck and with another disability that is a daily challenge, this is a workout that I can do, enjoy and feel that I'm getting alot out of. I highly recommend this tape.

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 2 Different Dance Classes That Hardly Feel Like Working Out, September 8, 2004

By	blueyed puella (CT, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Method - Dance to Fitness (DVD)

Workout Description: Jennifer's "Body Rhythms" = 22 minutes dance warm-up, 8 minutes of dance aerobics, and 5 minutes of cool down and stretching for a total of 35 minutes; Lisa's "Body Lines" = 6 minutes dance-inspired warm-up, 15 minutes jazz dance aerobics, and 12 minutes yoga inspired cool down for a total of 33 minutes
Workout Level: low to mid-intermediate; low impact; fairly complex choreography
Instructor: Jennifer Kries (Certified Pilates instructor; has taught and choreographed a variety of performances; founder of the Balanced Body Center at New York's World Gym.) & Lisa Wheeler (Has a degree in Dance and Theatre; certified personal trainer; has performed professionally for over 15 years). Both instructors are low key and cue well. They are instructing their class rather than the viewer, so when they say left, you have to decide whether to follow along or mirror them while ignoring their clues. Both use dance terms liberally without much explanation of their meaning.
Class: Jennifer's class has 5 women and 2 men; Lisa's class has 4 women and 2 men. All class members are professional dancers.
Music / Set: The music is performed live and is (bongo type) drum-heavy instrumental. The interior set is fairly dark, with brightly-colored columns draped with swags.
Equipment Needed: sneakers, jazz, or ballet shoes, although I often do this barefoot
Caveats: Be careful if you are on carpet, particularly with pivots (turns). Some of the camera angles are not helpful, cutting away to the musicians or focusing on the dancers' faces instead of their feet. You may have some difficulty figuring out Jennifer's leg moves because she wears a long filmy skirt. These routines will take you a couple of times to get down completely: Jennifer's because you will not be able to look at the TV a lot and Lisa's because it will take a few times to pick up the choreography. I recommend previewing both segments before attempting them. Dance experience is helpful but not necessary.
Additional Comments: You will need a lot of space for these workouts. Ideally you should be able to take two fairly large steps forward and back and three fairly large steps to each side. Jennifer's aerobic segment takes more room than Lisa's, which I can just barely squeeze in my 6' by 8' space if I do a lot of the moves diagonally.
This is a strange workout in that those beyond high beginner-low intermediate level of cardiovascular fitness won't get their heart rate up much, yet the moves are complex and quick enough that those new to exercise will have a lot of difficulty completing the routine. As a mid-intermediate exerciser, I find these routines perfect to use as warm-up routines (particularly the warm-up and aerobic segment of Lisa's routine) or on days when I want to take it easy. I've only done Jennifer's class two or three times, as I much prefer Lisa's dance routine and instruction.
The DVD allows you to select Jennifer's workout, Lisa's workout, or Lisa's yoga cool-down. The only extra is a weblink for The Method.

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great dancing to the rhythm of drums!, June 7, 2000

By	Sima Uyar (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews

The execises in this video is made up of two parts led by two instructors who are great, both as dancers and instructors. I have several other fitness videos but I cannot help but reach out for this one whenever I put on my tights to start exercising. It is addictive :-) Seriously, I think that it helps if you have some dancing background but even if you don't, don't worry! The instructors are very good and you will learn the steps and get to enjoy them more with every exercise. One more word though. I used to dance classical and modern ballet as a hobby but had to give it up due to personal reasons. I restarted my fitness program with an easier dance workout video and then moved on to this. It may be a bit hard for a first time exerciser. The only thing that I criticise about this video is that the camera focuses on the drummer a couple of times and this causes problems for the continuity of the dance, especially if you are a beginner. But on the whole, I greatly recommend this video for everyone.