Review of Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance Workout DVD

I'm not sure if it was the crush of K-Mart shoppers, the cute pink cover on the box, or maybe, a secret, undiscovered desire to do a little Go-Go dancing, that had me impulse buying the Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance workout DVD. In any case, I grabbed it, hit the checkout line and headed home to get my Go-Go on (or something like that). Surprisingly, it was not a bad purchase. Here's the rub.

Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance is a 44 minute workout DVD directed by Andrea Ambandos that promises to help you "dance your way to a great body". The box is pink (which made me a little wary). Even the Crunch logo is multi-colored pink. Instructor Gypsy Clark is featured on the cover wearing a corset, top, booty shorts with chain links, and of course a head scarf (how could she resist). So, right away, you know this isn't your average workout video. The DVD has a warm up, five aerobic dance segments (with varying degrees of intensity), and a cool down. It is a good beginner to intermediate workout with fun choreography. There is quite a bit of jumping, so you may have to make some adjustments if you have joint problems. The music is classic Go-Go beats with a little hip hop and Latin flavors mixed in. Gypsy guides you through workouts featuring a broad range of moves like shoulder rolls and other isolations, the pony, pelvic thrusts, the swim, hip swings and much more.

The best thing about this workout is that it combines fun dance moves, great music, and a good workout. You will feel the burn and get a good cardio workout. Just a note, the video is so entertaining you probably won't notice the workout part until later. The five aerobic segments are quick enough that you will not get bored easily. The video is well organized and professionally done. Director, Andrea Ambandos, is well know for her successful videos and Crunch Cardio Go-Go Dance is no exception. Gypsy Clark,despite her fun and over-the-top peppy image is a well educated fitness professional. One cool thing about this video is that the whole cast looks like real people. They are all different shapes and sizes, and even the thin ones look like the girl next door. The outfits really aren't normal workout attire, so you can feel free to break out your legwarmers and headbands without a second thought.

On the downside, this is not a video to do with your hubby or boyfriend. Moms, I'm not sure you want your kids watching a bunch of scantily-clad women thrust and roll through their workouts. It's not too sexy, but these are not moves you want them showing off in their Kindergarten classes. It is a fun workout to do with friends, though. Also, if you are hard-core workout-aholic, the sequins and positive affirmations might get on your nerves. Gypsy repeatedly refers to all the "sexy ladies", and makes a lot of cutesy remarks (I cracked up when she used the word "cutesier" in a sentence). So, be prepared. Finally, if you (like me) trip on your own feet when you do workout videos, the choreography will probably take you a few times through the DVD to pick up. Once you get it, though, the dancing is a blast.

Overall, I recommend that you buy this video. Try to get a deal on it of course, because after a dozen viewings you will probably get a little irritated. You can find this DVD at most retail stores that have Crunch videos. It is also widely available on the web (try www.amazon.com or www.overstock.com ). The price ranges from seven to fifteen dollars.

If you are in the mood for a little fun, but still want to get a work out in, this is a great video for you. So grab your girlfriends and go, Go-Go!