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Instant Workout

If you have only 20 minutes to exercise each day, and you want variety, this video gives you three different, self-contained, 20-minute workouts. Instant Workout 1 is Toning, the best segment. Smith teaches extremely efficient, innovative exercises that work several muscle groups at once from a standing position. For example, you stand on one leg (using the quadriceps and abs to keep you balanced) and do leg lifts for the outer thighs with the other leg. Smith's class of assistants show both easier modifications (for example, holding a chair to help you balance) and harder ones (holding weights). The Toning section concentrates on lower body and abdominals more than upper body, although Smith's pushups will not leave you wishing for more. Instant Workout 2 is Cardio-Fat Burning, a surprisingly unimaginative assortment of light-intensity, low-impact moves, repeated often, finally building into higher-intensity, high-low impact patterns. Instant Workout 3 is a luxurious 20 minutes of stretching, perfect for winding down at the end of a long, stress-filled day. --Joan Price

March to Fitness

Walking is the number one fitness activity, but if weather closes down your outdoor walking routine, Kathy Smith's workout for all seasons makes a great substitute. She adds "a little music and a lot of flair" to make this 30-minute video fun. You'll warm up to march music, then pep it up to '60s songs, then dance to a Latin beat. Don't worry, this isn't endless walking--far from it. Smith turns the workout into a combination march plus aerobic-dance moves, but so gently and simply that you'll ease right into the moves, even if you think you have two left feet. Kathy Smith is one of the best instructors around, especially for beginning exercisers. She is warm, able, and unintimidating, and she cues flawlessly, making her moves accessible to everyone. This video will please beginners of any age or physical condition, even those who don't yet have the walking habit. --Joan Price

• MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.1 x 5.42 x 0.58 inches; 2.88 ounces
• Media Format ‏ : ‎ Color, DVD
• Run time ‏ : ‎ 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Studio ‏ : ‎ Goldhill Home Media