A half-hour of very basic cardio and light strength training.

Exercise newbies, especially those who are, let's say, a little ways past the first flush of youth.

QVC star Leslie Sansone has been a godsend to older people who want exercise videos but don't want flashy, obnoxious music and a bunch of hardbodies flexing at them from the TV screen. Sansone, with her warm encouragement and easy beginner's cardio workouts has reached out and embraced this audience. This particular tape adds light (1 to 2 pound) weights to the mix and alternates the cardio sections with strength exercises. Strength training is an extremely important element to fitness (cardio is great for the hearts and lungs, but it won't keep us strong), and this is a nice introduction for those who are out of shape and reluctant to pick up a dumbbell. Sansone's good nature keeps you going. Like her other videos, the cardio moves are very, very basic — there are no confusing dance moves ("that's for other exercise instructors," she reminds us), so anybody can follow along. The exercises are also basic and, for the most part, very safe (although those with bad knees may want to be careful with the lunges). One note: Sansone tells you not to use anything heavier than a two-pound weight — believe her. You are holding the weight (or wearing a pair of weighted gloves) throughout the whole workout, including the cardio section. A heavier weight is not safe to carry around when you're moving. If you need more than a two-pound weight to get a workout, then you just need a more intense video. If you're new to the fitness game, however, this tape — and Leslie's other workouts — will keep you occupied for quite a while.