Yay, I've just turned green! Still a baby amongst the ciao-ers but I'm moving up ;)
Yay, I've just turned green! Still a baby amongst the ciao-ers but I'm moving up ;)
Member since:23.07.2004
Reviews:9
Members who trust:2
I am a university student and needed something I could use to keep fit in my room on days when I wouldn't go to the gym. I've always loved going to Aerobics classes so I thought why not give a fitness DVD a go? All the fun without the hassle and (in some cases) the embarrassment! So I bought a few - Pump It Up, Dirty Dancing (the non-official workout) and unfortunately, since there was a deal going, one by Jade Goody - suffice to say I sold that off at the first opportunity!
Without a doubt Pump it Up has been the best one I've encountered for a number of reasons. First of all, like other workout DVDs, this one is very cheesy but what makes this alright for once is the fact that after you have picked up the moves you can turn off the commentary and play it just with the music. This is great as you can still see what is going on and really get into the music without the voices in the way! Also, if you have neighbours they won't start worrying about all the "encouraging" comments coming from your room!
The routines are led by the main host Deanne Berry and her seven assistants and it is performed on the same location as the video for Eric Prydz's 'Call On Me' - so yes, expect some very cheesy sexy moves. Naturally, the host does it the best but I found the background dancers particularly amusing, as some of them are trying so hard to be sexy and there is one single man (is that Eric?) who looks a bit out of place. Given that most people watching the DVD will be straight women, I'm not sure the sexy glances help - but I suppose they get you in the mood!
The workouts themselves are split up into neat sections comprising of: a warm up, three different dance workouts and a cooling down session. You can do any part you like and once you start getting fit and get used to it, the ambitious exerciser can run through the whole thing and it will give you a good hour's workout. The individual steps are incredibly easy to pick up as they are repetitive but fun as well. In the high energy section of the workout they do get very tough and I find myself wondering how the dancers stay looking so good while I'm collapsing all over the place. Nevertheless, the challenge does keep me motivated to try and get to the end!The music featured in the DVD is quite funky and really gets your spirits up but, and this isn't any fault of the DVD, it does start getting repetitive on a few run throughs and you will also find yourself remembering the steps whenever you hear the songs outside of your exercising! Songs are generally club anthems, which aren't really my cup of tea but they do get your heart racing. There are well-known tracks such as DJ Sammy's Heaven, and Boogie Pimps' Somebody to Love.
Being on the small side, I haven't noticed a great weight loss difference because of this DVD but I'm sure that it has helped - I've never been able to go so long doing dance without realising I'm tired, and believe me it will definitely tire you out. Combined with other exercise and diet methods, this is a sure-fire way to success as long as you can cope with listening to the same songs over again each time you play it!
There are so many advantages of fitness DVDs - you can start and stop whenever you like at whatever point (though being able to do this may decrease your motivation!) Also, you can do it in your own time and space and not worry about not picking up the moves in time, which can get awkward if you are at an Aerobics class. Pump it Up is a great introduction to fitness DVDs as it is fun, easy and very good exercise.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: being able to choose relevant sections instead of doing the whole dvd. Disadvantages: you almost dont want to start once you know what you're letter yourself into
Advantages: value for money, various sections, clear view of moves and routines and FUN! Disadvantages: hard to pick up moves and keep up in certain places
Advantages: Sexy & encouraging instructor! Extended 15 minute Bums & Tums section, music is more enjoyable than the 1st Disadvantages: Only one 30 minute dance section which is not as challenging as expected
Jan 7th, 2008
exceptional by (9%):
very helpful by (82%):
helpful by (9%):
