Burn and Firm

BURN AND FIRM

    Those are two of the components of exercise. The “burn” refers to the aerobic activity – activity that increases heart rate and respiration – which “burns” calories. The “firm” refers to the anaerobic activity – weight-bearing activity that strengthens muscle and bone – which increases calorie burn by increasing muscle mass. “Burn” and “Firm” are the titles of the two half-hour workouts on Leslie Sansone’s 2013 DVD “Walk It Off In 30 Days”.

     I have tried a lot of video workouts, and I believe this is the best one yet. Here’s why.

     First, Leslie Sansone carefully explains the correct form for each activity. She frequently reminds us as the work progresses, to keep our posture correct. It is all too easy to glance at some toned workout leader on the screen, think we know what she is doing, and then do the moves all WRONG! Leslie does not let this happen. Having participated in many exercise classes over the years, I have been appalled to see folks flapping their body parts in any and every direction, obviously believing they are getting a good workout. I myself have sustained several injuries through not being properly attentive to correct form. I had come to the conclusion that the only way to learn to do an exercise properly is to hire a trainer, at least for a few sessions. Now I have changed my opinion. The activities on this DVD are so thoroughly explained and demonstrated that I am sure anybody could do them correctly. Buy or borrow the DVD. Watch it all the way through at least once before trying any moves. Then play it again, and join in!

     Second, although certain equipment is shown, it is possible to do the workouts without the equipment and still get benefits, or to substitute equipment. For example, free weights are suggested, but the amount of weight you use is up to you. Two pounds, five pounds and eight pounds are mentioned; you choose. Leslie even suggests that you try the workout a few times with no weights at all, to get used to the moves. I further suggest that, if you don’t want to lay out a lot of cash right up front, you can find suitable weights around the house. For example, a 20-ounce (600 ml) bottle of water weighs 1.6 pounds. This is a good weight to begin with. Just save 2 bottles from the pop machine, fill ’em with tap water, and there ya go! Right now I am using 32-ounce (1 litre) bottles from vitamin water, for a little extra effort. By the time you need more weight than this, you will have decided whether you like the program enough to spend the money on proper weights. Incidentally, you can shop at thrift stores, yard sales or in the classified section for weights, and save some bucks.

     Third, each workout is 30 minutes long. Many folks have trouble finding time to exercise, so they just don’t do it. But anybody can find 30 minutes somewhere in his or her day. Bonus:  if you can find 60 minutes, you can do both workouts! The DVD includes an introduction that explains the benefits you can get in just 30 minutes a day, for 30 days. It also includes a suggested schedule. Each workout includes a warm up, a cool down and a stretch phase, so you really are finished in just half an hour.

     Luckily I found this excellent DVD on sale at Best Buy for less than ten bucks. You know you can hardly get a restaurant meal for that! And the restaurant meal will go right to your hips, while this exercise program will have the opposite effect. You can learn more at www.walkathome.com.

     Get up and get moving! If you don’t start exercising today, you’ll just be one day older (and one pound heavier!) when you do.