Ever wish you could try some of the heart-pounding, fast-paced combinations that dancers execute on those reality shows? Well, now you can.
My friend Caroline—a former dancer and diehard “So You Think You Can Dance” fan—recently tried out the show’s two “Get Fit” workout DVDs, which were released this summer. Each DVD features three contestants from the program as instructors, who lead routines in hip-hop, disco, cha-cha, contemporary and jazz. Here, Caroline fills me in on what she loved and what she wasn’t so thrilled about.1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an avid and loyal “So You Think You Can Dance” fan; I watch the show every week and have even gone to see the top 10 dancers on tour. In addition, I have a background in dance, and I took classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and modern dance for many years while growing up. These days, though, my dance experience is limited to the aerobics classes I take at my gym.
2. Which routine did you think was the most helpful in terms of the DVD’s promise to “Get Fit”? Which one did you find to be the least helpful?
I was initially skeptical, because I’ve tried similar dance workout DVDs in the past and have been disappointed to find that my heart rate never reached the aerobic zone. In general, though, most of these routines provided great cardio workouts.
I found myself breathing especially hard after Dmitry’s cha-cha. His claim that the dance routine will tighten your core and abdominal muscles rings true after just one session: My obliques were sore for two days after trying his workout.
Travis’s contemporary workout, while enjoyable, is probably the least effective in terms of helping people get fit. The routine utilizes a wide range of upper body movements, but the pace remains slow throughout and my heart rate never reached the aerobic zone.
3. Who would you recommend the DVDs to?
I think these DVDs can benefit people at any fitness level, with or without a dance background. The routines are broken down slowly into easy-to-follow steps, so even an absolute beginner can keep up. The complete routines are also performed at three speeds—slow, medium and fast—to accommodate viewers of all levels.
4. What else stood out to you about “Get Fit”?
The warm-up was one of the most effective I’ve experienced using a fitness DVD. It was around 10 minutes long and stretched out most major muscle groups. None of the warm-up exercises were intense, but I felt loose and ready to work out after it was done. The cooldown was just as good.
So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Cardio Funk and So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit: Tone and Groove are available on amazon.com. Suggested retail price: $16.99 each.
For more on reality TV dance shows, read Debi Mazur's exclusive More.com blog.