A 45-minute basic kickboxing workout that combines light cardio with light toning. Violet Zaki instructs.

Beginning exercisers who want to give kickboxing a try. This is a very basic workout, not for those who already do cardio kickboxing. It's more for newbies. You will need light dumbbells (1 to 3 lbs.), a body bar (one of the lighter weight ones — probably 9 to 12 pounds) and a mat.

If you have been nursing a longtime desire to try kickboxing, but are worried that you haven't worked up to the intensity level it requires, then this is the DVD for you. Zaki breaks up the 45-minute workout into brief segments, each with a different focus: punches, kicks, punches and kicks with weights, and abdominal work. She's very thorough in explaining form, and they're done at an easy pace so that you're confident in the moves. At the same time, she doesn't sacrifice the workout, and the weight-based segments offer good, light toning with some creative moves (using the body bar with a series of back kicks, for example). That said, this will definitely be a lighter workout for most. Once you have mastered this DVD — and it probably won't take long — you'll want to tackle more strenuous kickboxing routines. But it gives you a good, solid base along with a nice, not-too-heavy workout.

 

To Order Trainer's Edge: Killer Kicks