Because repetitive exercises can quickly become tedious and unappealing, it can be difficult to stick with home exercise regimens. Core Rhythms is designed to add another dimension to your exercise routine. Rather than isolated exercises, Core Rhythms users are taught dancing skills that build on one another, while getting a total body workout in the process.
Identification
Core Rhythms is a set of fitness DVDs that use Latin dance-inspired moves to help you lose weight and reshape your body. The series was developed by professional Latin ballroom dancers Jaana Kunitz and Julia Powers, both of whom are instructors on each DVD.
Features
Core Rhythms offers a beginning DVD that introduces the user to the basic moves, followed by a series of 45-minute videos that repeat and build on these moves, adding more complexity and variety. There is a shorter, 20-minute video you can use for a quick workout on days when you're pressed for time. The DVDs feature basic moves from Salsa, merengue, samba, bolero, cha cha and swing dancing.
Faster-paced dances, such as salsa and merengue are used for the main workout, and slower dances such as the bolero and the paso doble are used as a cool down at the end of each video. The DVD can be changed from a front view, where you are facing the instructor, to a back view, where you can follow the instructor from behind. It also has a help section, which takes you step-by-step through specific dance moves.
Benefits
Mayoclinic.com notes that exercising your core muscles -- those in your upper and lower abdomen and lower back -- benefits your whole body. Your core acts as your body's central support system. Strong core muscles give you better balance, better range of motion and a well-defined waistline and make it easier to perform day-to-day physical activities. The Core Rhythms series mainly focuses on building up core muscles, but the videos are energetic and fast-paced and do provide an intense aerobic workout. Aerobic exercises like those found in Core Rhythms encourage healthy blood flow, strengthen your heart, lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve your immune system, burn calories and reduces belly fat. They also release endorphins, which improve both your mood and overall sense of well being. When used as intended, Core Rhythms meets and exceeds Mayoclinic.com and the USDA's recommendations for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days of the week.
Considerations
Some dance steps in the Core Rhythms series can be complex and hard for non-dancers to follow, however users can improve with practice. The videos are fast-paced, and novices may need to take several breaks during each video. There are several high-impact moves, but the instructors do offer low-impact versions for those who need them. Core Rhythms does not offer a long-term, comprehensive eating plan to supplement the exercise.
Member Comments