A DVD of customizable workout segments that can be arranged according to intensity level and desired workout length. Denise Austin hosts.

Beginning to intermediate exercisers — this workout system will grow with you. Beginners will probably want to start off with 3-pound hand weights, but you can use heavier weights as needed. You will also need a mat and a sturdy chair for some segments.

The great thing about DVDs — and a feature that still isn't used often enough — is the ability to allow the viewer to combine workout segments for a customized exercise session. This Denise Austin DVD takes full advantage of that feature, and as a result it will grow with you as your level of fitness increases. There are 10 segments in all: 2 20-minute cardio routines (low-intensity for beginners, higher intensity with light weights for more advanced exercisers); 10-minute upper and lower body toning segments for 3 levels, beginning, intermediate and advanced; a 10-minute abs segment; and a 10-minute stretching session. If you do a cardio segment, an upper body segment, a lower body segment, abs and the stretch, you get a full body workout in an hour. If you don't have an hour, you can just pick one or two segments for a targeted workout; if you have more time you can do both cardio routines along with the toning segments (the cardio routines are very different). There are dozens of ways to put these segments together. The exercises themselves are simple and effective and you can also add intensity on many of them by using heavier weights.

 

A lot of kudos for these workouts should go to choreographer Lisa Wheeler, who has been designing Denise Austin's workout DVDs for a while now. As for Austin's instruction, some people like her peppy, slightly ditzy attitude while others find her grating (she was probably that hyper blonde cheerleader that got on your nerves in high school). For those in the latter category, there's good news — when you customize the workout, you can turn off her voice once you know what you're doing. Even if you're not the biggest Denise fan, this is really a great exercise DVD.

 

 

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