Shape: Ultimate Bikini Body Workout(Gaiam)
2009
What is it?
A 38-minute interval workout, with two additional toning segments and a “bonus” cardio segment. You can program these routines — do one, two or all of them. Dominique Hall instructs.
Who is it for?
Intermediate exercisers, and this workout can grow with your fitness level. You will need a mat and two pairs of dumbbells (anywhere from 3 to 10 lbs., depending on how much you can handle).
What to expect:
When you hear the words “bikini workout,” you immediately think of something sort of girly in the way of exercise. But be forewarned — there is nothing girly about this tough, no-nonsense workout. Dominique Hall builds on classic exercises to give them a new (and often harder) twist. The 38-minute total body routine alternates intense cardio with sculpting moves. Instead of rushing you through the segments, Hall keeps a moderate pace — all the better to wring the most out of each exercise. This also enables you to use weights that will challenge you; since you are not flinging them around, you can focus on your form. The two 10-minute sculpting routines zero in on your abs/ core and lower body respectively. Hall doesn’t need weights to challenge you and she hits every inch of the body part she is targeting. She also gives more advanced versions of many moves. The lower body routine has a lot of squats and lunges (including an unusual — and butt-sculpting — curtsy lunge, done in a figure-8 pattern). The bonus cardio segment uses athletic, whole-body moves to get you sweating and burn the maximum amount of calories. Those with bad knees may want to pass on this DVD — everyone else will appreciate how well it works you out. It’s versatile too — you can do just one segment, or program as many as you want (or have time) to do. The secret to a real bikini body is to ditch the girly attitude and get down to business.
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