Core Rhythms Four Workout Starter Set Review

The Core Rhythms Four Workout Set

I saw this four DVD set advertised late at night and endorsed by Dancing with the Stars' head judge Len Goodman as well as So you Think You Can Dance's Judge Mary Murphy. They ought to know what's good and bad, right?

Well, I have no doubt that these workouts do target the core and will help firm the area but I was a bit disappointed because these aren't really dance workouts. They are exercise ones that have a lot of repetition and a lot of very fast paced moves.

The instructors are world champion Latin dancers Jaana Kunitz and Julia Powers. There are a couple women and a couple of men behind them. There are no modifiers and really, they never suggest any modifications. Good things about the workouts are that you can choose to view them from the front or back and, on the long workout, can get help instantly by clicking the help button. That will show you the current move step by step so you can do it right. At all times, there is a screen behind them with a very thin, ultra toned torso of a woman doing the workout so you can see how your abs should look and should be moving. I hate that woman. She doesn't inspire me; she makes me feel hopeless!

The instructors have heavy accents but are understandable. The music is is what disappoints. It's just a beat, not good Latin music. It actually sounds more like Middle Eastern music at times.

The DVDs

DVD 1 is a Kick Start one where the trainers teach you each move in a slow-paced environment. You can see a split screen of the workout and "the torso lady" to be sure you doing the moves right. Generally, you will only need to watch this a time or two but some people actually use this DVD as a workout.

The second is the Quick Workout, which is 20 minutes long. There is no warm up. You just start and go from there. You will swivel your hips continuously as you follow along doing different moves and even banging imaginary drums. I like this workout best because 20 minutes is about all of the repetition I can take. Parts are very fast paced and you might get tripped up so go at your own pace and don't try to keep up if you can't! The cool down is actually the best part because the music is a sexy Latin instrumental and the hip swiveling feels sexy and more fun that the frenzied pace of the workout.

The third DVD is the Full Workout. That is 45 minutes long and again, you can see a front view or a back view and, on this one, you can get help at any point. I never stopped and got the help but I like that it is there. This one gets a bit boring at times. You are swiveling your hips very fast and doing the same moves repeatedly. It gets really challenging as well. Some moves are high impact so modify as needed if you have knee or other problems that preclude high impact moves. The cool down, again, is sexy and fun to do.

The last DVD is a Learning to Dance one. I haven't even watched it. Dancing champions Bob and Julia Powers (one of the instructors on the DVDs and her husband) teach three Latin dances - Salsa, Meringue and RumbLatin moves - for you to use on a real dance floor. I will get to that when my abs look like the instructors'.

This set was about $39.95 and is worth the cost. Although I much prefer Hip Hop Abs to Core Rhythms for standing ab work, this is a different type of workout. I do see similarities in movements though. Standing crunches are standing crunches no matter what spin you put on them.

The instructors are personable and almost too bubbly at times and the work is tough but not so complicated that you will be unable to do the work properly. Really all it is, is constant fast swiveling of the hips with some fancy footwork and arm work added for variety. But don't be fooled. This is WORK. You'll want to stop. You will want to give up. However, after a few times, you will get into it and just rock those hips.

I prefer better music like what is on the Latin dance workout DVD Zumba, but, for working the core, Core Rhythms is a good choice. If you like Latin type moves and want to trim the tummy without crunches, try Core Rhythms. I alternate this set with my Hip Hop Abs set and my abs get worked every single night. This isn't easy but it also isn't as tough as Hip Hop Abs Full Body Burn. The hip swiveling is key and the rest will come to you as you do the workouts. Although this isn't as fun as Hip Hop Abs, it's a completely different environment that has some good features and definitely works the abs.

My Viewpoint

This set is decently priced and somewhat innovative. I believe anyone can do the workouts if they just stick with them and I believe that your core will feel it. If you like Latin inspired workouts, this one may be for you. I do get a little bored with the repetitions but I also feel the work in my abs and that's what counts. I am going with 4 stars. I personally enjoy Hip Hop Abs more but it isn't the workout, it's just the style of the instructor and the "fun factor". Core Rhythms is definitely a high energy, belly fat burning workout set. You also get a little pamphlet with a suggested diet but I don't follow diets that come with workouts. You may like the suggestions.