Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies

Sporting the highly recognizable "For Dummies" logo, signifying the oxymoronic smart system of learning, this tape will have an enormous built-in awareness--so thank goodness it's great. Tracy York, fitness guru and co-host of ESPN's Fitness Pros, is the amiable instructor in this step-by-step outline of the "Daily Dozen," i.e., twelve key exercises for both upper and lower body fitness, such as the squat, the one-arm row, the lunge, etc. The program contains instruction for both the basic workout and ‘challenge' training, with York explaining each exercise, pointing out what muscles are affected, and then launching into 12 repetitions (reminding viewers that correct weight use is important--quality of reps counts more than quantity). In keeping consistent with the popular book format, the program employs the print edition's "Jargon Alert," "Myth Buster," "Beware," "Tip" (the bull's eye) and "Remember" (the string on the finger) icons throughout. Not only are the production qualities all top-notch with nicely paced, well-organized segments, but the program is inspirational as well: seeing a close-up of York's perfectly toned tummy during the stomach crunch workout, I thought "now that's the ripple effect this soft-bodied dummy is aspiring to!" Highly recommended. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)