Search - The Method: Dynamic Cardio on DVD

Jazz-Inspired Routine That's Perfect for Lighter Days

blueyed puella | CT, USA | 09/08/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Workout Description: about 45 minutes of cardio (broken down into 3 segments, or "intensities": 1 of 10 minutes, 1 of 15 minutes, and 1 of 20 minutes) with 4 minute warm-up and 6 minute cool down for a total of 55 minutes
Workout Level: mid-beginner to low intermediate; low impact; complex choreography
Instructor: Lisa Wheeler (Has a degree in Dance and Theatre; certified personal trainer; has performed professionally for over 15 years). Lisa is very low key and encouraging. She breaks down each move, but adds them together fairly quickly to take it from the top of each routine. (You won't like this when you're just learning the routine, but you'll appreciate it once you've gotten the routine down and just want to do the routine.) She cues well, and she intends for you to mirror her movements.
Class: 2 women and 2 men, 3 of whom are professional dancers and 1 professional trainer (who will make you feel better about how you must look while doing the routine)
Music / Set: The mostly instrumental music is a little
cheesy. The interior set is the same as Dance to Fitness: fairly dark, with brightly-colored columns draped with swags.
Equipment Needed: sneakers or jazz shoes, although I often do this barefoot
Caveats: Be careful with your foot placement if you work out on carpet, particularly with the pivots (turns). This workout may take you a couple of times through before you get it down, maybe a little less if you preview it before attempting it.
Additional Comments: You'll need a bit of space for this workout. You should be able to take at least 2 steps forward and back and two big steps to each side. I can just squeeze this into my 6' by 8' if I do some of the moves diagonally across my space.
This is a strange workout in that those beyond high beginner-mid intermediate level of cardiovascular fitness won't get their heart rate up much, yet the moves are complex enough that those new to exercise, unless they have dance experience, will have a lot of difficulty completing the routine. Lisa says in the introduction that this is meant to increase your aerobic capacity; you are supposed to add on "intensities" as you feel ready. I was able to do the whole program my first time through, when I was at an advanced beginner stage. As a mid-intermediate exerciser, I do part of this as a warm-up before more intense cardio or strength training or the whole routine on days when I want to take it very easy.
The DVD allows you to select your workout (warm up, intensity 1, intensity 2, intensity 3, or cool down). The only extra is the Method's weblink."

Absolutely! Dynamic Cardio

Caroline | North Carolina | 10/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had owned the VHS of Dynamic Cardio previously but lost it inside a piece of lost luggage (I enjoy this workout so much I take it with me when I travel!). I have many other workout videos, but this one gives me the dance part of a workout that I was missing with all of the others. I wouldn't recommend this tape for beginners because the step combinations get complex rather quickly and it might not elevate your heart rate if your focus is on getting the moves right. I love the way this video combines some ballet, modern and jazz, so that I can put my own interpretation into it. I highly recommend this for someone who is looking for a workout that includes dance and is different from Kathy, Denise and Tammy Lee (whose tapes I have many and also enjoy!)."