Famously Fit
Sun Herald
Sunday November 30, 2003
Make the right choice and a work-out video can be a money saver. After all, exercising in your lounge room means no gym fees. Karen Fittall finds out how to unearth the best video work-out.
EXERCISE is one of those necessary evils unless you're one of those people who claim to love the stuff. You know it's good for you, but finding time can be tricky.
So, anything that makes it easier is a good thing. Work-out videos the good ones can fit that bill.
But not all exercise videos are created equal, and there are literally hundreds to choose from: Cher, Geri, Elle, Nicole's little sister Antonia, Claudia Schiffer , Rachel Hunter, Oprah , Christy Turlington , Angela Lansbury, even Barbie has one.
We asked Darren Shaw, owner of personal training company Ignite Health , how to spot a stand-out work-out vid from a mile away (and a few things to steer clear of).
• Choose one that matches your goals: ``There's no point opting for a balancing, stretching yoga video if what you really need is something to get your heart pumping," Shaw said. ``So you need to make sure you choose a video that will help you achieve your fitness goals." Work out what those are before you go video shopping if you know what you're looking for, you won't be tempted to buy the first video that grabs your attention.
• Ask for references: The best way to uncover a good video is if someone you trust gives it a good rap. ``Ask your friends if they've tried any of the work-outs rather than just trusting the description on the actual video." Alternatively, check out the reviews on websites such as amazon.com they call a spade a spade or try to hire one from your video store before you make a purchase.
• Be wary of older videos: Jane Fonda may be the queen of work-outs on the tele, but Shaw says it pays to opt for something a little more recent. ``The fitness industry evolves so quickly we're constantly discovering new and more effective ways to exercise, so what was recommended 10 or 15 years ago may no longer be appropriate." Try to choose videos that are less than a couple of years old.
• Choose celebrity videos that have professional instructors: Celebrities aren't fitness experts, so be wary of videos that don't have a professional instructor along for the ride. ``The best celebrity videos are those where the `star' is being taught the moves from a professional, or those that have at least been accredited by an approved fitness body."
• Choose a video with an instructor you like: if you don't, you're not going to stick with it. ``That's where celebrity work-out videos can come into their own you already have a relationship with the person on the television because you've seen them in magazines or movies, so you're more likely to continue using the video because you feel connected to the person putting you through your paces."
• Look for four key components: Shaw said a good work-out video should exercise four key areas. ``It should include some core stability work, some resistance training, some cardio exercises and then finally move on to flexibility and relaxation moves. If your video has all of those, you know you're on the right track."
• Choose the right fitness level: You may be working out in the comfort of your lounge room, but don't be fooled the right video can be as challenging as any gym work-out. ``For that reason, it's important to be realistic make sure you buy a video that suits your fitness level." So, if you haven't worked out for a while, don't be tempted to choose a video that's designed for someone with a high level of fitness. And, as always, if you have any pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or a back injury, consult your doctor before pressing play.
• Have a few videos to choose from: Think you won't get bored watching your favourite celeb bounce around on TV? Guess again. The trick is variety.
``If you rely on videos for your exercise, if possible, it's best to have a couple to choose from to suit your different moods."
Where to go shopping
Wondering where you can get your hands on a work-out video to call your own? If you're looking to rent one, pop down to your local video store, but if you want to splash out and buy one, check out either Kmart or Rebel Sport both have a good selection available. If celeb work-out vids are more your bag, however, you'll find the best selection on the internet. See the Video Warehouse at www.tvw.com.au or that old favourite www.amazon.co.uk an overseas site that ships to Australia for around $12 on top of the cost of the video.
The top five celeb work-outs
Which celebrity vids do people play the most? Here are shopping website Amazon's top five.
1. Elle Macpherson's The Body Workout: The Body, celeb trainer Karen Voight, and a 45-minute work-out promise to fight flab, firm up flesh and mould muscle, whatever your body type. Despite her perfect bod, Macpherson is refreshingly goofy at times it gives us mere mortals hope. ($18.89 on DVD from Kmart.)
2. Geri Halliwell's Geri Body Yoga : The follow-up to her first Geri Yoga video, Geri Body features the ex-Spicer being taught yoga by expert Katy Appleton. Easy-to-follow instructions come with a hint of Halliwell's infamous cheekiness which for once is entertaining without being annoying. ($24.95 on VHS from www.tvw.com.au. )
3. Cindy Crawford's A New Dimension : One of Crawford's three work-out videos, this is the one she used to get in shape post-baby. It has three different work-outs depending on your time restraints and fitness level, you can mix and match to suit your needs, which is great. (The exchange rate works out at about $21 on VHS from www.amazon.co.uk .)
4. Antonia Kidman Yoga The Power & Style of Ashtanga : Our very own home-based Kidman is another celeb who has stretched her CV to include the exercise video genre. Her yoga-based work-out is easy to follow she gives great instructions but it pays to have had some yoga experience before you begin, otherwise this work-out may be a little challenging. (About $24 on VHS and $35 on DVD from www.amazon.co.uk. )
5. Claudia Schiffer's Perfectly Fit Volume I and 2 : With one video dedicated to the upper body and one to the lower, the great thing about this ``pack" is that you can zoom in on a different body part each day. And while Schiffer does her thing, instructor Kathy Kaehler does the same work-out with weights perfect once your fitness has progressed. (About $35 on VHS from www.amazon.co.uk. )
What I eat
Leah McLeod , DIY Rescue presenter
What did you eat yesterday?
For breakfast, I had a bowl of apple and sultana porridge with Fibre Plus mixed into it, a strong coffee and toast and Vegemite . Later, a skim milk banana smoothie. For lunch, a chicken and mango salad, followed by fresh fruit yoghurt. At 3pm, I had half of my 16-month-old daughter Scarlett's Cheesymite Scroll and at 5.30pm finished off her mashed vegies. For dinner, I had a marinated T-bone on the barbie with a rocket and parmesan salad and a bit of mashed potato. God, I eat way too much!
You have one last meal left. What will it be?
Grilled lobster tails and garlic butter, with a huge baked potato with butter, baked beans and grilled cheese. Then, custard-filled profiteroles with warm caramel sauce and King Island cream. You'd die just from that but with a smile on your face.
What is your weakness?
Nutella , out of the jar with a spoon. My husband thinks I need my head read.
Fave recipe?
Spinach, tuna and ricotta lasagne: it's beautiful and really light.
The best meal you've eaten overseas?
Chicken jalfrezi in Soho in London with an unbelievable bloody mary . We went there especially to get a curry and it was so yummy.
And your strangest meal ever?
At a Japanese restaurant, we ordered a braised eel dish, and it was served in a coffin-like box. It was this weird slimey thing. I won't be going back.
Fried or scrambled eggs?
Definitely scrambled. You can go horribly wrong with fried.
Where can you find your favourite Sydney dinner?
One is a little Vietnamese restaurant in Marrickville called Bay Tinh . It does the most amazing pork and corn cold rolls. Or Rockpool [at The Rocks] for the blue swimmer crab omelette.
Coffee choice?
Skim latte. I've cut back, though, to just two on a bad day.
And what would you cook at home for a romantic meal?
It sounds so basic but a kilo of prawns and a good glass of wine with a candle after Scarlett's gone to bed. Heaven on a stick.
© 2003 Sun Herald