Karen Voight: Burn & Firm (2002)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Starring Karen Voight

Features:

• Weblink
  
• Ads for other discs in the series
  
• Explanation of workout tools used on the disc
  

Released by: Entertaining Fitness, Inc.
Rating: NR
Region: 1
Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format

My Advice: Buy it.

Burn & Firm: Circuit Training is a solid program geared towards enhancing physical health, building muscle, and losing weight, all without getting bored by doing the same thing over and over. Exercise tapes have long been the refuge of those of us who cringe at the idea of publicly humiliating ourselves in gyms or pools. Luckily, we have Voight who can help us achieve the very important cardiac health and physical strength without exposing us to ridicule and flashbacks of third grade bullies. We might even have some fun along the way.

There are many options for your regime in this disc. There is a “full circuit” option that is about forty-five minutes long, a “double circuit” that is about seventy-seven minutes long, a “just upper body” choice for twelve minutes, a “just cardio” option at about twenty-five minutes, and an “abs, thighs, and butt” option that runs about twenty-three minutes. The latter three options have been broken out of the circuit training rondo to provide options for an even lengthier workout or a shorter one for busy or sick days.

The “Karen Explains the Disc” segment will answer some of the questions you may have about how this disc works. You learn what each of your options is and how they can be combined to target your own fitness goals.

The instructional quality is wonderful. As always, Voight is inspirational to watch without being bouncy. Overweight people do not want to watch bouncy. We want someone who looks to be in good shape, but whose voice isn’t higher than a chickadee on crack. Besides, anyone who can get me off the couch is probably a miracle worker.

The music for this disc is enjoyable and slightly unusual for an exercise disc. I like the Spanish-style music for its upbeat motivational quality, but also because it isn’t the same old soulless techno used on every other exercise DVD out there. The sound is always good, with the cuing quite clear.

To fully utilize the routines on this disc, viewers will need a set of dumbbells of a comfortable weight, and an optional stool. DVD-ROM links take you to Voight’s website where you can purchase the equipment used on this disc or any of her other workout titles.

This is another great disc by Voight and would work very well alternated with her other discs. Use this one with her Yoga Focus disc or any of the other available titles for a change, if you want. If you’re looking for a solid exercise regime that will help you achieve some cardiac health while also slimming down and gaining some strength then this one is for you. This disc would work equally well for men or for women, and for most ages, but as with any exercise program, check with your doctor first.