AeroSpace NYC: AeroBarre (DVD)

I was curious to try this "fusion" ballet and boxing workout, to see if it was either gimmicky or good. It turns out that I thought it was quite good, in that it cycles in a series of 10 or 11 "Rounds" (as in boxing), each interval lasting about 4-5 minutes in length. In the beginning, there is a 10-minute tutorial that teaches the user the basics of boxing movements (jab, upper-cut, "ducking" to avoid a punch). There are true-to-form ballet movements (arabesques, plies, releves, changements, and a more complex "coupe-tambe-assemble" sequence at the end) using light weight for sculpting as needed (light hand-weights and a body bar is used, but I just used 2 and 5 lb dumbbells). I don''t have a boxing background (although I have experience in martial arts), but the "Aerobox" intervals were technically sound, vigorous and required fast coordination. There is a short 4-minute abdominal floor workout interval, and the last round is stretching (I usually do my own abdominal toning and stretching routine, so I skipped these rounds). The first round is a warm-up and stretch, which is decent, but I don''t usually like stretching muscles unless they''ve first been warmed up, and it seems like the demonstrator (Leila Fazel, a former professional ballet dancer and Michael Olajide''s business partner) seems to be stretching muscles while still "cold". Otherwise, this workout provides a fun, intense variety of cardiovascular and sculpting moves choreographed to very urban, edgy, up-tempo music (I think Michael Olajide created the soundtrack himself). It does keep one engaged and free from the boredom of repetitive movements seen in some home aerobic workouts. For an extra challenge, one could choose to repeat some of the aerobic intervals to make for a longer workout (the workout clocks in at about 50 minutes from the warm-up round to the stretch round). I would certainly recommend this one for the unique variety it offers to those seeking an integrated workout.

OH MY GOSH!!!!! I had to get this when I first saw it. I used to dance ballet when I was younger. I KNOW how hard it is. I just for the past 6 years got into kickboxing. I have a few of Michael''s AeroSpace DVD''s this one has to be by far my all time favorite. Ballet and boxing mixed, . . .sounds crazy but it is absolutely brillant! You do it all in this DVD and if you focus on your form you WILL feel the burn. If you don''t then you are extremely fit or you are probably doing it wrong. The great thing about this DVD is that every exercise works your core. You have to have your core engaged. There are boxing moves jabs and punches in this mixed with some basic ballet moves plie, arabesque, and changement to name a few. You will need a set of light weights (2 lbs or lighter) with the fast moves heavy weights would probably compromise form and a weighted bar. I used a 5 lb bar. I know I care about the music and queing in exercise DVD''s so my review of the music is that it is surprisingly good. I''m very picky about music. Hard to explain but a it is a mix of classical and up beat music. Michael provides a voice over on this while Leila Fazel performs the moves in front of a boxing ring. This is 50 minutes long with a warm up and 9 rounds of cardio and a short abs section followed by a stretch. The only thing that I wondered about this was what the heck kind of shoes do you wear? Ballet or boxing? Well I wore Taekwondo shoes, . .if you have them dance sneakers would probably be another good option but you will need something that can cushion your feet for jumps (at least I did) but not too bulky like running shoes. I would love to see more of these. I think Michael is fantastic! There is a bit at the end where Michael and Leila are boxing together, . . holy moly they are fast! I hope this helps some.

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I consider myself at an intermediate level of fitness and have a martial arts background, no ballet.

My thought on seeing this was that is was a risky idea. I felt a bit skeptical but the video clips online were intriguing and I decided to take the chance.

PROS: Worked up a major sweat. Interesting and fun.

There is an intro/explan segment before you get into the workout.

For myself, this was just the right amount of ballet: It was more about the ballet moves that work your muscles, flexibility, and coordination than being on your toes or graceful hand motions (sacrilege, I''m sure to the purist but I doubt they would be interested in this workout in the first place.) The turnout is something that you can''t seem to escape from --and that I am leery of since doing it wrong is a strain on your knees especially --but I just keep a modest one going and focus on control and the entire form of the actual move.

Music was the best I have ever heard in a workout video. Just a modern beat that motivates you and will not get tiresome so quickly.

Thighs were burning in a good way from some of the leg workouts. I used light wrist/glove weights to add to the intensity since it is all punches. Was a little hard to keep up since the moves were lightning fast but it was more fun than frustrating for me. Liked all the segments and wish the mat routine were longer.

This has been one of the only workout videos where the voice over style actually worked for me because it was almost --I don''t know --like rap or something since he spoke on the beat most of the time and just blended with the music.

CONS: The major con for me was that, considering this is a voice over (which could be done after the fact and improved upon), the cuing was simply awful.

Half the time a new move or sequence would start and there was no cuing that it was coming up or even starting. The only reason this is not a deal breaker is that the moves were simple and logically progressive enough to follow along a couple beats after seeing it and not feel frustrated or lost.

The other problem (which is probably not a con for most people) is that I was running out of room for some of the ballet moves but I am using a very, very limited space that would not be a constraint for others.

I actually think both men and women would find this challenging but I would assume most men into boxing would not be interested in the ballet aspect (despite it being a good workout.)

Would love to see what they could do with a kickbox routine.

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I am known for getting bored with my workouts. This DVD is fun with just the right amount of instruction. I can''t see this DVD for beginners to workouts but you don''t have to be advanced either. Some previous fitness experience is all you need.

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This video is excellent. It provides a cardio workout and muscle building as well. I love the music, too!!!! Am very happy with this purchase.

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