Jane Fonda: Stress Reduction Program

That's why I love this video so much. In a brief 20 minutes it gets my pulse going and works my lower body. Lots of side-to-side moves focus on inner and outer thigh muscles, which is great. The music is upbeat but relaxing, although some might find it dated (and I have no idea what genre I'd put it in - sort of R&B I guess...?). The moves are smooth and not too hard to learn. There are alternate methods which can increase or decrease your intensity, although there would definitely be an upper limit to the effectiveness of the moves. Jane is refreshingly low-key (I have some Kathy Smith tapes as well and, although I respect her expertise, my GAWD does that woman get annoying!) - the cueing is decent and Jane emphasizes correct form (and demonstrates it as well). The models (besides being tastefully color-coordinated!) are of varying levels of age and physical fitness (although none are patently UNfit), and include a token male. While they're a bit annoying from time to time, for the most part they're quite tolerable.

At the end of the aerobic section, you'll enter a brief stretching program, which is gentle but comprehensively thorough, and enjoyable. The only part of the tape that I never use is the relaxation segment at the end. I'm too impatient to relax THAT much!

I use this video in combination with basic strength training three times a week using dumbbells (based on Kathy Smith's 10-Week Fitness Makeover workbook) to provide a complete basic fitness program that works for me - meaning it doesn't take too much time from my more beloved pursuits of reading, stitching, or playing Diablo II.

The bottom line is, if you are not a hard-bodied gym rat or a habitual jogger, this tape will get you moving just long enough to get some benefit, particularly if you do it every day and/or in combination with other activities like walking, cycling, or dancing.