Denise Austin: Fat Burning Dance Mix Reviews

• Actually pretty good :-o

  
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2006-12-14
  I'm not always a fan of Denise Austin; - not because she's not a good instructor (because she's a pretty good instructor), but because she is way too over the top with extra cheesey enthusiasm and she can be too in your face. Not this time however. Sure she is still enthusiastic (I guess you need some personality), but this is better than usuall and it's a great and easy (yet effective) workout.
  She also is an instructor that isn't always in sync with the beat of the music, which can be frustrating, but not so much this time. It's a great dvd with four different types of cardio work. You can do them in any order (the dvd lets you programm how you want to do it), and there is ballet toning, Latin, jazz and club funky aerobics. It's nice to have a variation going. In each segment, you start of simply and then slowly add on moves to make a longer combo. Then there is a toning segment that is easy to follow and uses usual kind of moves like crunches, planks and plies etc.
  I like this. It's good for days when you want a bit of a lighter workout and if you are a beginner or intermediate. If you are advanced you won't find this enough, but like me, it's good for the days where you can't be bothered with a tough routine. I really enjoy it and if you are normally put off by Denise like I sometimes am, then don't worry, she is less overpowering here, but does an excellent job and you'll have fun with it I'm sure.
  
  

• Pretty Good!

  
  By A1XJOSJN6FHFO0 on 2007-03-19
  I have worked out with Denise Austin's DVD's on and off for quite a while. I like Denise because I feel she is honest in wanting to help people get in shape and I believe she enjoys what she does. This DVD wasn't hard to do and it has variation which is nice and helps to keep your interest perked, especially for us 'older'ladies. Kind of a pick and chose type of thing. I liked the Latin dancing the best.Maybe this isn't everyone's cup of tea but I think it is pretty good.
  
  

• I doubt I will use this DVD again

  
  By A2LPF0CTPQ1HRT on 2007-01-10
  They say: the hottest body-slimming dance moves to help you lose weight and shape a smoldering, sexy body!
  Reality: These are not dance moves but rather sloppy derivatives of dance moves. Additionally, the instructor has extemely poor form, as do a number of the background dancers. They certainly did not get the bodies they have doing what they do in this video.
  
  They say: With her infectious energy, Denise Austin will have you twisting, jumping and bumping your way to a leaner, more confident you.
  Reality: This entire DVD seems eerily similar to the "workout" scene in The Stepford Wives (2004). The instructor appears fake in terms of her face and her personality. I found her voice and tone very annoying - a mix of sounding like she's smoked too much and a breathy, creepy "I see dead people" sound. With lots of smiles thrown in.
  
  They say: JAZZ & POP, LATIN GROOVE, CLUB FUNK, BALLET SCULPT
  They reality: Her movements were something, but none of these. The only reason that my rating is three stars instead of zero stars is that it a few of the backup dancers can dance and one of them (the African American male relegated to the very back) can REALLY dance. I'm assuming they put him as far away from the instructor as possible in order to prevent her from appearing as horrid as she really is to unsuspecting viewers who know nothing about dance. If you follow him, you will see correct form and get a much better workout than you would get looking at the instructor. I would buy a DVD with him as the instructor in a split second.
  
  They say: You'll feel energized, toned and fit all day long!
  The reality: You'll feel frustrated by the fact that the cameras rarely show the dancers' entire bodies (including their feet), so it is very difficult to catch on to of what entire movements consist. Also, the variety of camera angles is annoying and makes mirroring movements almost impossible. If you follow the male dancer in the back, then you might feel toned and energized during the segments in which he appears.
  
  I've read reviews of other tapes wherein people argue that the quality and authenticity of dance moves in a workout video does not "matter" because the tape is for a "workout". They are missing the point completely. Dancers are so flexible and sculpted BECAUSE OF the precision of their movements, not because they randomly bop around as the instructor of this video does. If you purchase this video, please choose one of the background dancers who does know what they are doing and follow that individual. Good luck!
  
  

• For the unmotivated and lethargic: there's good news

  
  By A2OZBKX9BWADBH on 2007-02-16
  To put it simply, I have a hard time getting motivated to do...anything. I'm usually down in the dumps about something or other and that makes me lethargic. Most of the time, I don't want to get motivated to do anything. If you're like me, you will LOVE this workout. It is not difficult to follow. Denise Austin's dance moves are very well-explained and she is extremely understanding and compassionate. The dance moves are really fun. I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to "dance," but they're more graceful moves than dance moves, which I really appreciate because I find that whole monotonous movement thing in exercise really....BORING. There is nothing monotonous or boring about these dance moves. She makes it really fun and exciting. The music pumps you up and makes you want to move. I'm actually excited to exercise which is a first for me. What I love about the dance programs is that they are short 10-minute bursts. Each 10 min. segment is a different theme--latin, club funk, jazz, ballet etc. I was also afraid that I wouldn't like certain genres, but I did! Becuase they are short and sweet, it keeps things interesting for you. Also, you can customize the order of the programs.
  I would recommend this to anyone...it honestly does NOT matter what age you are. I'm a complete weakling when it comes to exercise and I found these exercises to be energizing and effective...and not difficult at all!
  The only segment that is a little challenging is the ballet section because she has you doing push ups for a very short period of time. I can't do push ups. So, I just skip that part. :) But the rest of the ballet program is great.
  
  

• rehash of previous workouts

  
  By A5NC06PZ3J8QA on 2007-02-07
  While I found this DVD to be a good workout, it was unfortunately mostly a rework of a lot of the dance moves she uses in previous workout tapes. I have a lot of her earlier videos, and she uses the same steps, but just in different categories. If this is your first Denise Austin DVD, then it is a really good low impact workout; there is minimal jumping which is good for people with bad backs or knees. However, if you have some of her other tapes, then this is not a good investment. The best part of the workout is the ballet sculpting set which features towards the end of the disc and contains new material.
  
  
• Denise Austin is not a dancer
  By A1F3VRLGW5NAJB on 2007-07-18
  Denise Austin is not a dancer and it shows. She may be the instructor, but the talented dancers behind her are doing a better job of dance movement that is pleasing to the eye.
  
  Better dance videos provide instruction in a "mirror" format so they are easier to follow. For example, the instructor leads with his/her left foot, but cues you to use your right foot. Denise does not do this. She always leads with her right foot, which means that I have to lead with my left foot. It was awkward doing a dance video where I was taking off on my left foot all of the time. Perhaps left-handers would like this video. Most professional dance video let the audience lead with their right foot when learning new steps.
  
  This is a mediocre addition to an industry collection of dance videos. Denise's instruction is also poor in that she does not give adequate cues for what she is going to do next. Even the dancers behind her sometimes had a difficult time following her lead. Also, the camera work is sometimes lacking when Denise is teaching a step and the camera shot is from the waist up.
  
  As far as the workout goes, it is a low impact, low-medium cardio routine. Also be warned that Denise does some floor work near the end of the video. I've got four dance videos now and this is my least favorite.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• So annoying....
  By A1IB9K2UFLQND6 on 2007-08-29
  I was looking for alternatives to my usual 1 hour daily walk, and was hoping for something with higher intensity. I didn't want to use garden variety old-fashioned aerobics videos, so 'dance' style cardio seemed like an awesome option. This video BLOWS. Denise could not be more annoying... I am a tolerant person, but I'd love to punch her! She talks in a weird sultry sex-kitten tone the entire time, and her encouraging remarks are absolutely ridiculous. It is just way too annoying. And she can't dance! Denise's rhythm is atrocious. In addition, there is no cuing whatsoever. How hard is it to give us a quick reminder of what step comes next? Or a count of how many times we are doing each segment? They also move very quickly through the dance moves... I'm not ultra-coordinated, so it was extremely frustrating. I did start to catch on after using this DVD for the 3rd time, and felt more comfortable with the moves, but the bottom line is I really thought the moves were stupid, and didn't have fun doing it. It just wasn't FUN. Most importantly, I didn't even come close to breaking a sweat. If it doesn't give me a workout, what's the point?
  
  
• Not dance at all and if she says "Fosse!" one more time.....
  By AWHRJEUZTWAVV on 2007-01-17
  As an ex-dancer myself I purchased this DVD to add-on to the work I already do currently at the gym. I've never watched a Denise Austin DVD before and was lured in by the promise of "dance."
  
  I don't know WHAT Denise Austin is doing but it sure isn't dance. The "Broadway" section especially was a total joke. You can't see her feet, she doesn't explain correct body positioning and as a dancer....well, a dancer she ain't. She kept shouting at us to do "Fosse" arms but what she was doing was some strange aerobic arm-flailing.
  
  The DVD did keep me moving and did raise my heart rate but I felt utterly embarrassed doing what she called "dance"! She also talks NONSTOP in a perky, cheery voice that comes across as totally fake and it was very very unnerving to be constantly told to "do it with attitude."
  
  I guess I just like my exercise clear and crisp and to the point with no additional unnecessary theatrics...and when I buy a DVD that promises I can "dance" I'd like it to at least in some way resemble real dancing.
  
  
• Very Fun Dance Workout
  By A3DCP0WJEX5ZIO on 2007-02-06
  I love this DVD!!! Its a very fun workout that really gets me sweating. I love that I can customize my workout before I start. I've been doing this DVD for a couple weeks and haven't gotten sick of it yet. I purchased 4 DVD's and this is my favorite. The moves are fun and as you get more familiar/comfortable with the routine you can add your own style and flair.
  
  Denise's miscuing didn't bother me at first (actually I didn't really notice), but I have the more I do the DVD. Even so, this is still my favorite DVD.
  
  If you are looking for a workout that will get you dancing and sweating, this is the one for you. I especially like that the routines (10 min each) move quickly to keep your heart rate up. I hate when the steps are broken down too much and too slow - its not a workout then. This workout is great!!!
  
  
• This workout is so fun! Perfect for non-dancers!
  By A2BHIFUV2TGDFT on 2007-01-18
  I love Denise! I am a group fitness instructor that has always been influenced by her down-to-earth, cheerful style. Her cueing may not always be perfect, but that is part of what makes her seem like a real person with a genuine interest in getting people active. This is a fun workout that I enjoy and am incorporating into my own routines. I never thought I could do hip-hop style dancing, but Denise makes it easy to follow. The latin and jazz combos are a blast! If you are at a beginner to intermediate level and enjoy learning simple dance routines, you will enjoy this.
  
  
• decent
  By A3DP6OQB6P7OEA on 2007-04-09
  i don't know about anyone else who has used this dvd but i am an actual dancer and to be quit honest this video did not make me sweat one bit. on the other hand it is a fun way to get moving, i recommend it for anyone who is just starting out.
  
  
• Very fun
  By A2X3I50RR21SUL on 2007-04-09
  This workout was fun. I would rate it as a moderate cardio(not high but not low). U can mix and match the order of the dances any way u want. theres, latin, jazz, and funk.
  
  Denise is a little off on her steps in the latin number, but if u know how to follow a beat you wont have problems..
  
  I def. recommend this workout. It will get your heart rate up but it wont keave you gasping for breath. And it doesnt get boring!
  
  
• Love it!
  By A1PQCAPFTTIVF5 on 2007-01-21
  I really enjoy this workout. I'd say for cardio, it's a medium--it's not super advanced, but it's great to get you moving and sweating--plus I love to dance so it's great for me to have a workout where I'm actually dancing.
  
  Each dance segment is interesting in and of itself--and it moves quickly, which is nice. There's 2 combinations in each of the 3 main dance/cardio sessions (jazz, latin, funk). There's also a nice ballet workout that focuses on stretching and toning.
  
  I'm a Denise Austin fan and own a number of her other workouts. She's very light and supportive (although in one of the dance segments she keeps telling the viewer to "have fun!" which, although a staple instructor line, can be annoying: Yes, I get the whole idea that I shouldn't be loathing every second of my workout, but on the other hand--it IS a workout, and I figure as long as I do the best I can and get a workout, THAT is the most important thing, not to "have fun.")
  
  I look forward to the evenings when this workout is on my rotation.
  
  
• Waste of money
  By A26LD9FQHTM8ZH on 2007-04-30
  This is the 2nd and last Denise Austin dvd that I've bought. I gave her the benefit of the doubt after buying the boot camp one and thought maybe she'd do better with this one since it's a different style...but it was just as horrible. Her voice and how she uses it is aggravating, she's clumsy and doesn't instruct well, you have no idea what she's doing next. I didn't make it through the whole thing, not because I couldn't phsyically, but mentally I just couldn't tolerate her anymore. It wasn't energizing like a dance video should be. Any time I dance I feel energized to keep dancing, but with this I just felt annoyed by her. I think all the positive reviews are written by her staff or the other dancers on the dvd or family members.
  
  
• Good and fun exercise.
  By A3QQY6H53QDPXH on 2007-01-09
  This workout DVD from Denise Austin is great! You have a 5 minute warm-up, three 10 minute dance routines, a 15 minute ballet sculpt segment, and a 5 minute cool down. You have the option of going through all the workouts, choosing them one at a time, or customizing your own workout in any order you like--which is a nice feature. The three dance workouts include latin, jazz & pop, and club. The dance moves are really basic and great for beginners.
  
  
• Not for Everybody...
  By A5F3ORE6T5PS7 on 2007-01-11
  I agree with most of what the other reviewers said about this video.
  First of all, you have to like Denise Austin's quirky personality or you will find yourself reaching for the mute on your remote. She is very over-the-top, but atleast that is consistant with the other videos I've seen of her.
  Secondly, like one of the reviewers said, the movements were not well executed... and at many times, the backup exercisers will "mess up" a movement. That in itself wasn't so distracting, they are human after all, but there is one lady in the video that may become a complete distraction and annoyance to you as she did to me. She is to the left of Denise, with short chestnut hair, and she seems to be fighting for the camera with Denise, by outdoing her in the exercises lol...
  I think what annoyed me the most is that the 'dance' segments were much too simplistic and then BAM out comes the ballet toning segment which goes way too fast. Denise is hardly encouraging with the "Do your best!" comments when I'm struggling to not hurt my knees with the lunge/plie transitions lol.
  I give this video 3 stars because it was very good for getting my heart pumping, and the ballet workout seems decent enough, but I probably could have jumped from couch to couch in my livingroom and gotten the same workout.
  
  
  
• Love this DVD!!
  By A2GMSB2MKCMG64 on 2007-02-04
  I'm not a dancer so I won't be critical of her dance moves, music, etc., and haven't scrintinized the moves of the other dancers - I'm not asking for perfection. However, this is perfect for what I was looking for. I found it difficult in the beginning, but the good thing about a DVD is that you can do it over and over. To me it's great exercise that's fun and not boring. I actually like her lightheartedness and carefree way that makes it more fun. My favorite is the club funk segment, especially the second dance number. I have a blast doing it.
  
  I haven't really gotten into the ballet, dance sculpt. That's the only one that really seems difficult because she doesn't go into it slowly and do it move by move so you can get discouraged.
  
  
• YES I AM FINALLY EXERCISING AGAIN
  By A25I7BN97C7M2W on 2007-02-12
  I really enjoy doing this dvd. It actually keeps you going and Denise Austin really makes you want to get up and dance. You feel like you really are doing something but you don't realize that your exercising. You just feel like you are dancing.
  
  
• nice and easy
  By A61OIIVIKFDUU on 2007-04-05
  nice and easy for beginner
  you will enjoy dancing latin ...etc
  burn calorie
  
  
  
• Denise needs to give more directions
  By A3RF9AYOSWI3R0 on 2007-05-03
  This is definitely for someone who has NOT been exercising. The dances are relatively easy except the ballet sculpting. I found Denise a little annoying and she didn't really give good directions before changing directions or counting steps. Overall, it's OK and is something different to do and should be used for someone who hasn't been exercising.
  
  
• Good DVD, but will take practice to get all the dance moves right...
  By A32FPRCZOZOH3P on 2007-08-03
  I got a good workout, but it wasn't really easy the first time. They moved pretty fast. And i had to keep scrolling back on the dvd to see the move again. I think she should have been more specific and shown more details on how to do the dance moves. And they should have danced in a different view like in front of a mirror or something so you can see the moves better. Other then that it's a pretty fun DVD.
  
  
• Disappointed this time
  By A2I0BE90DLM87J on 2007-02-02
  I have used Denise's dvd's for years and was excited for a routine that would allow for some dancing. However, I was so disappointed that these dance moves were hard to follow, difficult to learn as there was very little footwork shown. I won't use this dvd again when she has others out there that are easier to learn while giving a good workout. I love Denise's workouts, you will too.
  
  
• Denise Austin Fat Burning Dance Mix
  By AOPEFTUFT180H on 2007-02-09
  I love this workout program! The routines including the warm-up and cool down are executed enthusiastically and professionally. I make this part of my daily routine and love the happy 'never give up' message Denise provides. I like to follow Denise and from time to time the back up dancers who all display the happy, energetic message Denise conveys. Denise and her dancers clearly demonstrate the routines and within a few days I was handling these exercises and dance moves well. Attitude is sooo important for motivating my exercise routine and I find Denise and these girls so friendly and inspirational. My favourite segment is the warm-up where I exercise with the three of your smiling faces. This is how I begin my working day!
  
  
• Nice Idea, Lame Execution
  By AX476GL6X0GV8 on 2007-03-17
  Why waste your time when there are so many better dance workout dvds? I like the idea of four dance types in one workout, but this did not meet my expectations. The jazz routine is pretty fun, but the Latin and 'club funk' are lame. I do not recommend attempting these moves outside your living room. The music is an afterthought: synth tunes reminiscent of elevator music will not help you get into the routines. The 'ballet' is just a generic sculpt routine, except the squats are referred to as pliés. Actually, there are several instances when Denise refers to first position as plié, which is rather amusing. It is pretty clear that she does not have a dance background. Moreover, this is not even a very good workout. I hardly broke a sweat, and I'm not in particularly stellar shape. There a plenty of workouts that are more fun and more effective.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Denise is awesome!
  By A177R0L76V2M0M on 2007-03-22
  Denise Austin always has great workouts. These are really good because they're fun, too, so it doesn't seem like just another task to get done during the day. And, as always, Denise is always positive and encouraging.
  
  
• Denis Austin
  By A26BN6G6HFL3V5 on 2007-03-22
  I love her - she is spunky - sometimes to a fault - but she gets me moving. This tape is more fun than other exercise. I haven't danced since my 20's and I really enjoyed the moves. A very fun way to get your heart rate up.
  
  
• Awesome
  By A2CRDGWL50T1CT on 2007-03-30
  I like the tape because you can choose what type of dance you want to do. And also there is a warm up and cool down.
  
  
• Low-Intensity work out
  By A1YFAOR8PQ9LIA on 2007-05-06
  I chose this because I like dancing and thought it would make working out fun. It is fun to do the dance moves but requires some coordination skills to keep up. It's a low intensity work out which sometimes feels like a waste of time to me as I like to sweat and push myself, however, low-intensity burns fat and it is always good to use this video to alternate between strength training and high-intensity cardio workouts.
  
  
• Funner than most cardio DVDs --
  By A3UX94ZN7DFL6X on 2007-01-11
  Overall I found this DVD pretty fun for cardio, it kept my heart rate up and in a constant, steady sweat. The ballet-sculpt segment was pretty good for (mostly lower body) muscle toning, esp. considering no dumbbells are needed.
  
  I agree with the other reviewer that the moves aren't authentic dance but dance-based/-derived movements, which I can live with since it's a cardio workout first and dance second (yes, precision of form and movements are important, but moreso for sculpting and not so much for a cardio exercise). The routines are pretty varied, but kept brief enough so that I remembered all the moves.
  
  Not so much a con, but I found it funny that the jazz, latin & funk background music sounded pretty much the same with just a few nuances that are different. Another nitpick is the backup performers aren't in sync with Denise's movements from time to time (you would think they'd at least take that out during editing!)
  
  All in all a fun workout, but don't expect to get positive looks if trying to pull these off in a club.
  
  
• So much fun
  By A159WD5WWW4ZVP on 2007-01-18
  Even though it will take you a little while to learn the routines this DVD is fun fat burning. I do the entire 50 minutes and noticed a difference in flexibility right away.
  
  

• Denise Austin: Boot Camp - Total Body Blast
• Burn Fat Fast - Cardio Dance & Sculpt
• Shrink Your Female Fat Zones
• Denise Austin: Hit the Spot - Core Complete
• 10 Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Dance Mix