Karen Voight: Strong & Streamlined (2002)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Starring Karen Voight
Produced by Entertaining Fitness, Inc.

Rating: NR

Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format.

My Advice: Buy it.

Note: As with any exercise disc or program, please check with your health care provider before starting this or any other exercise regime.

Strong and Streamlined consists of two main routines, each released previously on their own VHS tape. “Strong and Smooth Moves” is a 65-minute routine containing cardio, strength, and stretch segments. This routine requires a set of dumbbells or an exercise bar. “Streamline Fitness” is a 60-minute routine that contains mini-cardio, light weight sculpting, and an abs and back workout. Green Genies or dumbbells are necessary, along with a mat.

The great thing about these routines is that they can be done all the way through, for those days when you have more time, or you can do them piece by piece, such as doing the 25-minute cardio workout alone. The “Mix & Match Workouts” selection is what allows this personalization, and it’s a very nice touch for the disc.

There are also some secondary useful segments on the disc. Voight presents a solid group of walking tips--very useful given how inexpensive, easy to schedule, and popular walking is. There is also a “Yoga for Relaxation” program that can be done as part of the longer workouts, or done by itself, at the end of a long day. The “Abs & Back Matwork” routine is, as above, part of the longer routines, but it is nice to have the option here to do it alone. There is also a selection that gives an overview definition of the tools, such as the exercise bar.

The instructional quality is as high as you would expect from the veteran Voight. Her vocal cues are right on target with her physical movements, and none of her explanations are incomprehensible, even for beginners. She manages to keep exercise fun and safe, no matter how weak your muscles and heart may be going in to this program. Voight knows how to be upbeat and motivational without being overly cheerful and grating; would that more fitness instructors would learn this trick from her. While these routines are challenging and will definitely whip even the most confirmed couch potato into shape, Voight is skilled and wise enough to warn you when a given move might be too challenging for those of us with bad knees or backs, and she’s careful to warn you when something might hurt you. This is important for fitness beginners, but also for more advanced exercisers, who might neglect the basics of caution.

In short, if you’re looking for a way to work exercise into a busy daily schedule, then Strong and Streamlined should be just the ticket for you. The combination of solid instruction and flexible programs can’t be beat. It isn’t often that we viewers get such a variety of training types in one disc; whether your interest is in strength training, cardio workouts, or yoga, you will find something to help you. No matter what your current fitness level is, you should be able to find something here.