Xtralite Beginner's Aerobics with Denise Austin

Easy to follow 30 minute workout that provides the right intensity level for burning fat. There is a cha-cha/mambo combo that works the waistline and hips. Great program for a beginner of any age.

Exercisers in search of a basic introduction to cardiovascular fitness will find a straightforward, honest-to-goodness beginner's layout in Denise Austin: Xtralite, Beginner's Aerobics. Austin's simple choreography and enthusiasm create an encouraging and approachable workout that can have real results if done frequently (at least three times a week). This half-hour session includes five minutes of warm-up, 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, and a five- minute cool down. In addition to being an incredibly time-savvy program, this workout illustrates a perfect example of gradually increasing intensity that will aid participants in reaching target heart rate range (not to mention staving off injuries). Safety is central throughout this session as lower back isolations and stretching play a key role in all phases of this workout. The movements within the aerobic portion are easy to follow and incorporate both the upper and lower body through choreography that lengthens and extends the torso and legs. Familiar steps like the grapevine, box step, and mambo are presented as singular moves without combining them or creating routines. This proves to be an accessible and simple approach to learning the basic format for any aerobic class. The music is not very motivational here, but Austin captures the true essence of a beginner's format both effectively and enthusiastically. This is a great place to begin any fitness regimen. --Olivia Voigts