While I liked the 2 other recently reviewed “For Beginners” DVDs from Acacia, I really found Cardio For Beginners unsatisfactory.  The format is similar to that of the other DVDs in the series, with Kolber leading 2 other women in a cardio workout.  Watchers have a matrix of options and can choose between two 10 minute warm ups, Athletic or Dance, and then two tewenty minutes main workouts, Athletic or Dance, followed by an optional stretch.  The Athletic options are better than the Dance ones, but all are hard to follow, since the camera angles are all from the front so it is hard to see leg positions, and there is too much change of exercises, so that before you are used to one movement, you are onto the next.  In the background is somewhat grating high energy electronic music, and the studio is artificial.  Kolber’s style is overly cheerful and the workout moves will leave you feeling pretty silly, although they might give you some exercise. 

Links:

Yoga for Beginners

Pilates for Beginners

Petra Kolber homepage

Acacia For Beginners DVD series.

© 2010 Christian Perring        

Christian Perring, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Dowling College, New York