Sweat Summary: Sweat alongside figure skater and Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and her trainer, Erin O’Brien, in this fun and effective cardio/sculpt workout. Each circuit combines cardio blasts with strength-training moves for a total body workout in 10 minutes or less. Sweat Factor: high sweat Mood: Intense What We Liked: It’s separated into several 10-minute segments so you can pick and choose between circuits or do the entire workout (53 minutes) depending on how much time you have. What We Didn’t Like: The cardio steps can be a bit complicated and requires a little coordination, but are easy to pick up with practice. Calories Burned: 440* Based on a 135 lb. woman [sidebar]Rating: Sweat it, 5 remotes
Rating System More from Prevention: Get Kristi Yamaguchi’s Motivation and Fitness Tips Full Review: It’s an exciting day at the Sweat It or Skip It headquarters. After 3 months of posting weekly DVD reviews we’re finally awarding our first 5 Remote Rating, and it seems only fitting to go to the DVD that totes itself as a gold medal workout. The circuit workout is fast, effective, and fun. The routine is broken into 7 sections so you can mix-and-match depending on time, or do the workout in its entirety: a quick warm-up, three 10-minute cardio/sculpt sections, a cardio blast, core exercises, and a cool-down. Each main circuit combines a 4-5 minute cardio routine that starts with a basic movement, like stepping forward with a hop, and adds on multiple steps, increasing the intensity. Then you go directly into 3 or 4 innovative strength-training exercises with light weights (ranging from 3-8 lbs.) that engage multiple muscles to maximize caloric burn. The first circuit features a balance challenge exercise that works the entire body: side lunges are combined with a one-legged knee raise and shoulder press.The final 4-minute From The Top sections takes the cardio blasts from the previous circuits and combines them for a non-stop, heart-pumping routine. It feels like you’re giving your body and brain a workout since you have to remember choreography (although the trainer, Erin, offers exceptional cueing) and stay semi-coordinated during the quick-paced section.The workout is perfect for the busy at-home exerciser who doesn’t always have 53 minutes. While the circuits are great combined, you’ll still feel like you had a good workout after performing only one. Available at amazon.com ($9). More from Prevention.com: 8 Reasons that Boomers Should Try CrossFit [pagebreak] Favorite Move: Plank Walks Media Platforms Design Team 1. Start at the top of a plank position, arms straight, shoulders over wrists. 2. Take four mini steps back with feet, keeping core engaged, spine elongated. Hold for 2 seconds. 3. Take four mini steps forward with feet. Hold for 2 seconds. 4. Repeat movement four times.
Media Platforms Design TeamWhat To Wear: Sneakers and moisture-wicking apparel. Editor’s pick: Kristi Yamaguchi just launched her own collection, Tsu.ya, featuring cute-and-chic workout apparel. We’re eyeing the Capri Legging ($60) and T-shirt ($49) available at LordandTaylor.com and as of Oct 1 at Tsuyabrand.com. Get another fitness DVD review: Shiva Rea: Core Yoga
