Celeb Fitness DVDs: Tried and Tested
Wednesday 12 January 2011
It’s that time of year again where any excuse of a celeb is showing off their newly toned figures and trying to flog us their so-called miracle DVD that helped them shed bucket loads of fat. There are so many it’s a mind field out there! But never fear; let us escort you to safety and help you find the right one for you with our tried and tested guide.
Title: NADIA SAWALHA’S FAT TO FAB WORKOUT 
What’s the story?
Presenter and 2007 Masterchef winner Nadia went from a size 18 – 10 using this DVD. Nadia was inspired to lose weight after seeing a picture of herself in a magazine eating on holiday while her stomach bulged over her bikini.
Who’s it best for?
Anyone who is ready to take on a high intensity work out and thinks they might enjoy having a jump about in their front room.
Best bits?
Easy to follow moves that you can feel working as you do them. It also includes an entire section on preparing slimmer meals and a booklet full of 7 low fat recipes. With several different sections you can work out for 15 or 30 minutes slots.
Worst bits?
Will she keep off the weight? Or fall victim to the celebrity yo-yo dieting cliché?
Rating: 4/5
Title: DEBBIE RUSH’S BULGE BUSTER WORKOUT
What’s the story?
Coronation Street actress Debbie has gone from a size 16 – 8 in four-and-a-half-months. In her DVD she employs the help of ex-rugby international player Andy Titterall, who is a sports science expert. Debbie decided on the sports science route because ‘you never see an un-toned athlete.’ Hmm.
Who’s it best for?
Rugby fans who will undoubtedly enjoy the rugby paintings in the background or women who simply like watching a burly man in small shorts.
Best bits?
Sections that work on the core of the body. They include exercises and moves that aren’t regularly found in celeb fitness DVDs, which push you to work hard.
Worst bits?
The inappropriate music, which is better suited to a techno-come-trance night club and Debbie’s extremely short shorts.
Rating: 2/5
Title: BEVERLY CALLARD’S BODY BLASTER
What’s the story?
Not just another Coronation Street actress Bev has a parallel career as a fitness instructor (we were surprised too) and is returning to her roots with this fitness DVD. It’s not her first - she sold over a million a decade ago. She returned to instructing to lose two stone.
Who’s it best for?
Those who prefer toning and gentle exercise instead of high cardiovascular workouts and who have time for longer work-outs.
Best bits?
Bev’s stringent encouragement of her troops and the music. Workout to classic pop tracks from the likes of Sugerbabes etc. It makes a change from the generic dance music usually found in fitness DVDs.
Worst bits?
Routines are quite long so not ideal for those who want short but efficient routines.
Rating: 3/5
Title: STEP UP FITNESS DVD 
What’s the story?
Inspired by Step Up the movies, it claims to be ideal for those who hate the gym but love to dance. Features Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Tobias Mead and a crew of the countries top street dancers.
Who’s it best for?
Best for the youth of the world, due to its back-breaking moves and ‘cool’ element.
Best bits?
The dancers aren’t too harsh on the eye if I may say so! But also, Step-Up really does work up a sweat and you most definitely feel it in the morning. All tell-tale signs of a good workout!
Worst bits?
You might want to do this one with your curtains closed and your door shut as it can, at times, make you feel a little silly, especially the end dance scene.
Rating: 3/5
Title: STRICTLY COME DANCING: STRICTLY FIT 
What’s the story?
Three of the show’s favourite pro dancers: Ola Jordan, Natalie Lowe and Artem Chigvintsev teach you how to get fit learning Samba, Cha-Cha, Jive and the Paso-Doble. During which you’ll lose ‘countless of pounds.’
Who’s it best for?
Fans of the show who want to learn how to cha cha while burning a few calories and any one who finds Artem Chigvintsev dishy!
Best bits?
The brilliant instruction, the gorgeous bodies of the instructors and the fun to be had. It is strangely addictive attempting (even badly) to pick up a new dance routine.
Worst bits?
If you don’t pick up the routines quickly it may be a while before you see results, as you won’t be working as hard stumbling around your front room.
Rating: 3/5
Title: DAVINA BODY BUFF 
What’s the story?
Ex Big Brother presenter Davina McCall is back with another DVD, not surprising considering the success of her last one. This one features cardio workouts, targeted toning and energising music.
Who’s it best for?
Fans of her past DVDs, as she sticks to her magic formula of keeping it real and having a few laughs while working out. This one is more focused on toning rather than fat-burning, so better for those who want stay trim and tone.
Best bits?
Davina’s two trainers, Mark and Jackie, who Davina clearly enjoys working out with and so will you. Plus its longevity – it doesn’t get tiresome quickly, like some fitness DVDs do.
Worst bits?
If you are for a serious fat-burning-sweat-dripping-off-you-by-the-bucket-load it may not be for you.
Rating: 3/5
Title: JANE FONDA: PRIME TIME FIT AND STRONG 
What’s the story?
Fitness DVD veteran Jane Fonda (who’s 73 in case you didn’t know) focuses on working your core, tummy and thighs and arms, designed specifically for the over 50s.
Who’s it best for?
Anyone over 50, obviously, and those who want an easier, low impact workout, rather than high intensity training.
Best bits?
It’s very easy to follow and Jane herself is doing it in what appears to be her living room using props everyone has at home.
Worst bits?
The music is monotonous and can be irritating at times, so keep your ipod handy.
Rating: 3/5
Title: MEL B FOR THE WII 
What’s the story?
Mel B has has collaborate with Fitness First to create this fitness Wii fitness dvd. It includes a personalised program of exercises in which you can insert all of your desired goals. Mel B is offers advice and a wide variety of exercises that will help you get fit using this 'game'.
Who's it best for?
Anyone can enjoy Get Fit With Mel B – it works to your own fitness levels.
Best bits?
The mix of dance, cardio, step, pump and tone and kickboxing exercises - it is never boring. Plus, there is a personal nutritional programme that is developed just for your type of fitness plan.
Worst bits?
We would have loved to have seen a bit more of Scary Spice in there. We know she has a huge personality and that just doesn’t translate in the game.
Rating: 8/10
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