Five 10-minute workouts, each with a different focus — cardio, toning, or flexibility - plus a "bonus" 10-minute kettlebell workout. Amy Dixon instructs.

Intermediate exercisers — these routines are quick, intense and you should be ready to work. You will need a mat and one or two pairs of dumbbells, somewhere in the 3 to 10 lb. range. You can also use dumbbells for the "bonus" kettlebell workout, if you don't have a kettlebell (but it will be so much more fun if you use a kettlebell!).

I love Amy Dixon — she puts together workouts that are athletic and challenging, but which still contain a hint of grace and femininity. Perfect for non-jock women like me, who love cardio dance but often find it lacks intensity, and who are bored by more tomboyish workouts. Dixon works you hard but unlike certain other instructors I won't name (although the initials JM come to mind), you don't hate her for it. Dixon wants you to feel good about your efforts, and her coaching style is positive, powerful and upbeat. But this is only the beginning of why this exercise DVD is great. Each 10-minute workout has a different focus — cardio, upper body, lower body, abs, flexibility (Yoga), you know, the usual — but the choreography and moves are very fresh and fun. You use your muscles a little differently in these very active, non-static exercises. They're great for functional fitness, strength and toning — yes, they cover all the bases. And the kettleball workout is a fab bonus, and while there is a modifier using regular dumbbells for the moves, this routine will make you want to go out and get a kettlebell if you don't already have one. The only caveat is that if you're not going to do the Yoga workout along with any of the other 10-minute segments, make sure to take a few minutes to stretch out all the muscles you worked, because you will have worked them very hard for just 10 minutes. I cannot recommend this DVD enough. It rules.