Jane Fonda: Prime Time – Walkout

I'm 37 y/old and for the most part I would avoid anything as old school as Jane Fonda.In the past I've done Shiva Rhea, Kundalini Yoga, Tennis, etc. But a few auto accidents into my life my body is now telling me my limitations. I have a neck injury and now some scoliosis in the neck and upper thoracic and lower area. I am currently dealing with the neck as even real walking, too fast, causes headaches and neck grinding. So basically I have the body of a 80 y/old:-) Well, I've seen 80 y/olds get around better than me, so a body of a near deceased person:-)So thank goodness for YouTube because I had a chance to look at many different fitness videos and I had eyed this video and another Jane Fonda workout. I decided this would be the best for me because:1) You don't need a lot of room in your home to do this workout.2) Its a gentle workout but you can break a sweatPROS:1) Its a gentle workout- I didn't get much radiating pain from this workout and she doesn't ask you to do crazy stunts (like stand ontop of your head)2) I LOVE the fact she has you warm up before walking3) I LOVE the fact she has you stretch as a cool down4) I think her cuing isn't bad and the steps she has you do aren't complicated in learning5) There are two sessions, each only 20 minutes of exercise so you can easily do this before going to work.6) I enjoy the setting of this video7) Every part of the exercise program does what she says its suppose to do/feelCONS:1) Not many cons. I just wished she had included a 2 mile walking program too.2) There are some overhead exercises with the arm (and for me, this causes some discomfort).She does talk a lot, but its nice mindless chatter for me because its during the walking and its important stuff... sometimes she repeats it over and over again... but I don't mind because I found her DVD to be less annoying than many other aerobic or walking DVDs out there.I am really happy Jane did this DVD... after my recent accident, other than pilates, this DVD is the only other thing I can do without feeling much pain afterwards. So this DVD is my personal blessing.

When I read the reviews I was hesitant about getting the Jane Fonda WALKOUT DVD because some said she was a little out of beat, and others said it was a workout for beginners, or elderly. I ordered her two Prime Time DVDs anyway. I'm very pleased I did. I am impressed because although it is low impact, the more advanced workout in her program is plentiful, especially if you pay attention to her movements, and stay strong. I've been faithful at staying fit through the years, but in my 60's, my life became hectic for a period of time, and I slacked off a bit, and felt like I needed a new program. After a month of using Walkout, followed about Jane's Prime Time Fitness, I've lost weight and inches, and I can see definition coming back, and I feel great, even sleep better. For me, it's a far better work out than Curve's roundabout. I like Jane's positive attitude, and her encouragement. She stresses good posture, which after a few weeks became natural. I'm feeling confident and ready for all that comes my way. This is a great workout for Baby Boomers who want to be fit and fabulous, like Jane Fonda.

I love this video! I do it every Sunday with an old lady. The first couple of times, she couldn't make it all the way through the workout, but we kept trying. Now, she does the whole video without taking a break. We originally had to do it with her holding on to the back of a chair, but she's letting go and following the arm movements now. She can now walk without assistance (no cane, walker or physical support from me). She has used a walker or a cane for the past decade, but we leave it at home when we go out now. Her breathing is better, as is her balance, and she doesn't seem as bothered by her arthritis.I don't think the video does me much good, but I've found it provides a good recovery for me if I do it the day after my toughest workout. Jane is a ray of sunshine with her quips and encouragement.

If you are prone to plantar fasciitis, then you know that often getting out of bed and taking the first few steps in the morning can be quite painful. I found, quite by accident, that the first workout on this dvd eliminated that for me. I just happened to do it before going to bed one night, and the next morning as I gingerly stood on my foot bracing for the inevitable tightness that causes limping, found it was completely gone!!Now, I have to note that the second routine does not have the same results for me. I think it might have to do with the large number of "heel digs" that Jane does in the first routine which causes the first routine to be so effective for this particular issue.I am knocking one star off because this dvd does have severe editing issues. It is obvious that they taped Jane a few times doing the routines and then cut and pasted what they thought were the best "takes". However, the cutting and pasting was done poorly with oftentimes no transition from one exercise to the other. Also, Jane's movements are oftentimes not in time to the music, which on occasion drives me nuts, so I have to look away from the screen. Finally, in the "extras" section, when she describes the Kegel exercises and how you should hold for 10 seconds, she then states that if you are just beginning, you may have to hold for 3 MINUTES and build up. Woah--can you imagine holding for 3 minutes--especially as a beginner!! Really, how much would it have taken to have a voice over and have her correctly say "seconds" instead of "minutes". Fortunately, later in the routine she does state "seconds" but by that time she could have scared someone off. ;)Despite the editing issues, though, this is definitely my go-to dvd if I feel the calf/heel problems starting and to prevent it from progressing to full blown plantar fasciitis. If you have a severe case to the point you may be using crutches (been there), this wouldn't work as you do need to move around on your feet.