Sweatin' to the Oldies 2: An Aerobic Concert with Richard Simmons [VHS]

This video misrepresents itself. Although the title is Low Impact Aerobics, it is not low impact. The cardio intervals include jogging, jumping jacks, and other moves with hops. This is a 65-minute reissue of a 1988 video that features Janet Jones-Gretzky, who is so slim that you can count her ribs through her white leotard, leading a class of fit, gorgeous exercisers (female and male). This aerobic interval workout combines fast cardio (no patterns) with more controlled cardio plus weights, though still at a fast pace. We've learned a lot about exercise since 1988, and these two-second reps with weights are not as effective as slower reps. They are also more likely to lead to injury. Although the video is targeted to all levels, unless you're an experienced exerciser, it's too easy to lose correct form when you're doing such fast reps and aerobic moves at the same time. You might find the weight intervals repetitious (tons of lunges and shoulder presses). A floor-work segment uses ankle weights, followed by a stretch. Unless you miss the old Firm workouts, choose one that is more up to date (and therefore safer and more effective). --Joan Price

Price: $14.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Richard Simmons Deal a Meal Program Interactive Cd-rom

Richard Simmons, the popular and comical exercise and health nut personality, who has shed many pounds himself, operates the "Deal-A-Meal" diet and exercise card game program, sold mainly via TV infomercials/mail order. This food program is based on the American Diabetic Association's exchange list, and categorizes foods into various classes. The dieter moves cards within a wallet, from one side to another, during the day as meals are eaten. When you run out of cards, that's all the food you're allowed for the day. The Deal-a-Meal card game was specifically designed to help obese dieters obtain fast weight loss.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies [VHS]

Richard Simmons is the king of motivational exercise, especially if you're a beginner. This video workout is a dance party simulating a class reunion, with an energizing live band playing lively hits from the '50s and '60s, such as "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To," "Great Balls of Fire," and "Dancing in the Streets." The singers and musicians sometimes come offstage and dance with the exercisers, adding to the energy and festivity. The choreography is very simple, low impact, light intensity, and appropriate for beginners and overweight exercisers. (You may not get your heart rate up if you're very fit, although you'll enjoy the music.) Richard doesn't do much in the way of cueing--he assumes you'll just follow along. His onscreen class has women and men of all body shapes and sizes, and everyone is having a blast. You will, too. At the end, the exercisers dance down the floor and the screen flashes how many pounds they've lost--several have lost more than 100 pounds. (22 minutes of aerobics, total 43 minutes with warm-up, cool down, and stretch.) --Joan Price

Price: $9.98

Click here to buy from Amazon

Richard Simmons - Disco Sweat

DISCO SWEAT - DVD Movie

Price: $14.98

Click here to buy from Amazon