***Quick View:*** I am a huge fan of [Core Rhythms dance workouts][1] and own all the DVDs. I recently purchased a set that included this workout, a lower body one, and an abs workout as well as a bonus abs workout. Fun stuff but more like exercise and less like dance. Also missing is the big screen with the person doing the moves behind the dancers. Still, this workout WILL tone you up especially the legs, butt, and, of course, the core. ***My Take on Core Rhythms Latin Cardio Jam*** This DVD is included in the set called ***Core Rhythms Body Sculting Collection***. I believe you can buy it separately as well. I will review the other DVDs in the set as well so look for those reviews! This workout is led only by Julia Powers (the blond) with two other women behind her. I must admit that I miss fiery haired Jaana Kunitz since the two work side by side on almost all the DVDs. There is no big screen with a ridiculously fit woman doing the moves so you can see up close how to do them. I suspect that is because this workout doesn't strictly focus on the core but on the whole body. The workout is about 40 minutes long. It starts with warm up and goes right into many, many different steps. I do like that there is a graphic telling us the name of the move we are about to do and that Julia starts slow and builds to a faster pace. Much of this workout concentrates on footwork with kicks,steps, and some swiveling. **Core Rhythms Latin Cardio Jam** has several types of Latin music as well as a few non-Latin types like swing which is a load of fun. Julia is a good instructor but she isn't as good as Jaana in that she goes faster and expects us to pick up some semi-complicated steps after just a run through or two. But don't worry. None of the steps are that hard and if you just keep moving and get into the music, you'll do fine. The workout ends with a nice cool down that stretches every part of the body. There is a choice to listen to the workout as it is or to raise the sound of the music and lower Julia's voice (although you can still hear her speak). Once you get the steps down, you may want to choose the music being higher but I actually found it annoying because I could still hear Julia talk. I prefer to let the workout run as it is. When I first tried this workout I had to look twice to see if I inserted the *Lower Body Scupt *one instead of **Core Rhythms Latin Cardio Jam**. It seemed to focus heavily on the lower body. However, it also focuses on the core and the arms do a lot of work. I suggest wrist weights to really engage your arms in this workout. This workout feels more like an exercise one than a dance one although we definitely dance. It just seems a little less loose and fun ad little more hardcore. But that's OK with me because I like variety and I like workouts that WORK! This one gets my heart rate up and really works my body. I like it and will do it in rotation with all of my other Core Rhythms DVDs. It's a great addiction to the basic four and I believe the Body Sculpting Collection is now being shipped with the starter pack of Core Rhythms DVDs so you get three and a half (the half is a very short abs workout) extra workouts for the price I paid for my four workouts. Can't beat that! ***My Take on Core Rhythms Latin Cardio Jam*** This isn't my favorite workout in the Core Rhythms series but it's effective. My butt and legs, especially, are feeling that burn! I enjoy all the DVDs in the CR series and this one is no exception. It is fast paced and you may need to do it a few times to pick up the steps but it's a lot of fun. ***4 stars.*** *Other Core Rhythms DVDs I have reviewed:* [Core Rhythms Four Workout Starter Set ][2] [Core Rhythms Latin Synergy ][3] [Core Rhythms Club Mix - Swing Sensation][4] [Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program, Secret to Sexy Abs ][5] [1]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Core-Rhythms-Four-Workout-Starter-Set-review-32e0 [2]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Core-Rhythms-Four-Workout-Starter-Set-review-32e0 [3]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Core-Rhythms-Latin-Synergy-review-b9100 [4]: http://www.viewpoints.com/Core-Rhythms-Club-Mix-Swing-Sensation-reviews [5]: http://www.viewpoints.com/reviews/Core-Rhythms-Dance-Exercise-Program-Secret-to-Sexy-Abs-review-6b045

PattyTherre

The heart of , NY