A rebounding DVD that is varied and suitable for all
Review by Julie Chapman
I was really looking forward to rebounding to the PT Bouncer
Complete Body Workout DVD before I'd even got it out the box. The
combat and dance sections were what had done it... but would it live
up to my expectations?
They look and talk like real people, which I love - I hate it
when you feel intimidated by an instructor on a video. They explain
what to do as you go along and give you a chance to get the hang of
each move before changing to the next. Then the individual moves are
put together to do a mini routine.
Be under no illusions, there is no stopping and starting, you are
continually moving which is what you want from a workout, and I for
one certainly worked up an enjoyable sweat!
So here's what I thought of each section:
1. Warm-Up/Beginners Workout (Yellow)
This is nice simple stuff that you don't have to be too
co-ordinated for. But by "beginners workout" I think they mean
"beginners to rebounding" as it's still quite challenging. If you
haven't exercised in a while start with section 8 rather than
jumping straight to this one.
2. Short Stretch (Black)
This sure is a short section, but it is really important to
stretch after exercise and this quick section still on the rebounder
gives us no excuse not too.
3. Cardio Fat Burner (Red)
Karl tells us the aim is to get our heart rates up and burn
calories, and it certainly did that. Great fun, but have a glass of
water at the ready.
4. Cardio Combat (Green)
This is done by David, one of Karl's assistants, but he's very
good and was as excited about doing the section as I was.
If you've done Body Combat or similar you might find this a bit
tame (although that depends on how good your balance is), however I
still really enjoyed this and think it also works well as a good
stepping stone to do before starting Body Combat classes. It's also
an excellent way to get rid of stress or anger if someone's been
annoying you at work or the kids are driving you up the wall. In
fact, I can see me doing this section quite a lot!
5. Urban Dance Workout (Orange)
The other assistant, Emma, takes this section and she's great at
it. I love dancing and found this section not just fun, but natural
as well, you really get into it which is what you want when
exercising. The style of dance is urban (funky) but it works so well
with rebounding as it's that bouncing type of movement. If, like me,
you have a dance mat and like
dancing on that, you'll definitely like dancing on a rebounder.
6. Pure Abdominals (Blue)
Karl talks you through this while Emma demonstrates so you don't
get your instructor struggling to do and talk at the same time. The
rebounder gives you the same type of support as a fitball would
which makes you work the muscles more effectively than if you were
working out on the floor.
But the real bonus is you are told and shown exactly what
position you should be in to start with and during the exercise,
ensuring you get this right is key to getting a flat tummy.
I also like that this is nice, quick and ideal for doing in
between the other sections as you are lying on the rebounder and can
rest your legs for a couple of minutes.
7. Kids Workout (Purple)
This is split into two mini sections. The first part is martial
arts/combat style and the second is more funky dance in style. It is
definitely geared toward the early teens and below, the first bit
for boys, the second for girls. Although there is nothing stopping
us adults from doing this section I would only do this again if I
wanted to do sections 4 & 5 but didn't have time and I'd be tempted
to do it without the sound on.
8. 50+ (Black)
Not just for the over fifties this is what you want to start with
if you are new to rebounding or aren't particularly fit. Great for
building confidence and I think a good one to start with if you are
doing a combination of sections to create your own workout.
9. Mind + Body (White)
If you've got time for a fuller cool down than section 2 this is
what you should be doing. Very yoga/pilates orientated and if you do
anything like this you'll find this really easy. Again, this is a
great way to give people a taste of a different exercise discipline
while showing you how to properly cool down and giving your heart
rate time to return to normal. Again I really liked this section,
it's so easy not to cool down properly or to half heartedly do it,
plus this one is so relaxing.
Well in summary this gets my vote and is definitely one of the
top exercise DVD's I've seen. Karl, David and Emma make you feel
comfortable not just with the workouts but your individual ability
too. Once you've got the moves down, turn on your own music and just
copy the routines, but with such a range to choose from this is a
workout DVD you wont get bored of quickly.
