I purchased this video about four years ago. I have used it during summers and when I was home on breaks during college. This was a good purchase, as this video has received much more use than many in my collection.

20 minutes? Really?
The time-20 minutes-is one of the video's best features. I believe the length makes the videos accessible to a wider variety of users. Beginning exercises should definitely be able to use these videos, as twenty minutes is not too tough of an amount of time to keep your stamina up. Additionally, the workout isn't too hard. If you can't go the whole twenty minutes, you can always go ten and then try to go further the next day.

These tapes can be used by more advanced exercisers as well. As a very regular exerciser, there are days when I don't have time for the gym but need some aerobic exercise, and the twenty minute time is very easy to squeeze in first thing in the morning or after work, before showering. In addition, if weather is bad or other conditions call for an indoor workout, I sometimes do both segments together for a forty minute workout. If you are an advanced exerciser this isn't as challenging as, say, running for forty minutes, but it will get you sweaty and raise your heart rate enough to burn some calories.

The Workouts
There is little difference between the cardio elements of the two workouts. Denise takes the viewer through a series of cardio 'combos', much like one would encounter at an aerobics class. Some of these combos are kind of dance like, with a little mambo or charleston. Others are reminescent of Tae Bo or kickboxing, with punches, kicks, and bob and weave. While they are generally fairly low impact, there is a certain amount of jumping. One segment features numerous sets of jumping jacks, and another has the exerciser pretend to jump rope. If you are unable to do certain high impact activities such as jumping, you can adapt to these moves by marching in place while moving your arms only. If you require a really low impact workout, you really might be better off with a different tape.

Denise focuses on legs a lot in both videos, with plenty of kicks and squats. However, arms are primarily dealt with in the second workout, which uses weights. This video is structured the same as the video that is cardio only. In between each cardio combo, the viewer will pick up their weights and go through a series of arm exercises. The weight workout is definately not very intense. In fact, this is one element of the videos which I feel could be turned up a notch, as the lifting segments are not very long or difficult at all. However, you can always increase the weight you are using, and I generally continue to lift weights a little longer than Denise does for each segment. I generally prefer the second workout which includes the weight training, as the weight lifting segments seem to break up the cardio and make the workout go much faster.

There is a brief (very brief) warm-up for each session, as the videos are only twenty minutes long and not that intense. The cool downs are slightly longer. They involve slow marching and stretching while standing up through a series of poses.

Weights Not Included!
This is probably fairly obvious, but the video set does not come with weights. Denise recommends three to five pound weights. You can purchase small handweights at a sporting goods store or even a Walmart. Worst case scenerio, if you do not have weights you can start off by lifting two one liter water bottles. However, hand weights are a good investment for fitness in general, not just this video. Keep in mind that for maximum results, you should take a day off in between weight lifting workouts, so alternate the weight workout with the one that is cardio only. No other equipment is needed except plenty of floor space to move side to side and front to back and plenty of water to drink.

Denise
I've got to tell you, this woman is PERKY! I personally kind of enjoy this and think its cute, but some people may find it very annoying and off-putting. Denise is constantly encouraging you to "burn the butter", and telling you "you're doing such a great job!" She also has the tendency to tell how much she loves every combination, and that many of them are her favorite. If you respond well to this type of encouragement from your TV screen, this is a great video for you. After you've replayed the video a few times, there is always the option of muting the video and replacing it with your favorite music. Sometimes Denise can be a bit off beat with her cuing, which is also annoying, but after a few times I was able to stay on beat even though she is saying the wrong thing.

I enjoy Denise personally because most of her videos are short in duration. She stresses that exercise can be fit into your day in small amounts. I think this is a great approach for people who are new to exercise, because it is a lot easier to carve 20 minutes out of your day than an hour and a half to go to the gym if you are new to fitness. If everyone just worked out twenty minutes a day, the overall health of our country would be greatly improved.

AudioVisual Aspects
Nothing is very exciting about this video aesthetically. In both videos, Denise is in a studio with several backup dancers. After owning her abs video which is shot in a beautiful beach setting, I was disappointed with the drabness of this video. Music is basic generic workout music. One can recognize some of the tunes, but there are no words.

Overall...
Overall, this video is an excellent choice because of the time versatility. In addition, one can adjust the intensity according to personal fitness level by extending more effort or changing the weight level used. This is a good addition to a fitness video collection, particularly if you are just starting out at fitness. Happy workout!

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day