Refined_edge's Full Review: Denise Austin - Power Kickboxing Workout
When I went to the store to pick out an aerobic workout video, I found the choices are pretty slim these days. It's much more trendy to do Yoga or Pilates right now. Well, no one ever accused me of being trendy, and I wanted a workout, man. That Tae-Bo guy seemed a little too intense though, so I went with the kickboxing. I've taken a class before, and enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give it a try.
This video really suits my needs. I wanted the convenience and privacy of working out in my home. I wanted to not pay for a gym that I probably would never go to. I wanted something that didn't take a lot of time, wasn't too complicated, and didn't require any extra equipment. And if you have any doubts about "kicking" as a decent workout, think again. If you're doing it right, you're getting a complete ab workout without crunches, plus the recommended 20-minute aerobic workout.
It's divided into two (well, really three) parts. First is a breakdown of the basic kicking and punching moves that are used in the workout. This way you can keep moving through the workout without getting tripped up by complicated steps. You really only need to watch that part once, maybe twice if you're slow to catch on, and then you're ready to go.
The first 20-minute workout is in the typical style- warm-up, workout, and cool down. You stretch, you sweat, and then you stretch some more. Denise leads you through a series of reps of various kicking and punching moves, then works them into a combo, then starts over again with a different set of moves, building into a second combo. The whole thing moves along very quickly, but it's not overly complicated, so it's easy to follow along. I've been doing it about 3-4 times a week just when I get out of bed, and I find it really gives me a boost of energy to start my day.
The second 20-minute workout, I have not quite graduated to, but I have watched it. I think it's great to have two workouts like that, so you don't get too bored. It's basically the same moves as the first one, but with a lot more intensity. It seems to be more for building strength and muscle tone, with more reps, and added pushups and things.
Denise herself is the typical perky host. She leads a small, attractive group in the workout, keeping up a positive attitude throughout. I have to admit, sometimes at 6am I definitely picture her face as my "target" when I'm kicking and punching, but usually the 20 minutes with her is tolerable. Once I have the routine down, maybe I'll just mute her.
It's a quick, easy way to workout, and at $10 (assuming you already own a TV, VCR, and some sneakers) it's a bargain.
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