I'll start by saying that I'm generally not much of a fan of workout DVDs. The instruction is typically either too perky or too blissed out for my taste. I also find that they require some uncomfortable neck twists to follow the onscreen instruction during the workout. Nevertheless, after recently thoroughly enjoying Pilates for Indie Rockers, I decided to sample a couple other workout DVDs. Star Trainers: Ab Blast definitely falls into the perky camp, but doesn't overdo it.
Star Trainers: Ab Blast provides five separate 10-minute abdominal workouts each led by a different instructor. The workouts may be played sequentially, individually, or may, through the DVD startup menu, be programmed to play in any order selected. Each segment begins with an identical twenty-second intro followed by a half-minute pitch by the instructor for other workout DVDs and for a particular brand of energy water. This is followed by the 10-minute abdominal workout led by the instructor and featuring four students. The instruction takes place in a large, well-lit studio. Bottles of energy water appear prominently throughout all the routines, but would go unnoticed if not for the annoyingly repetitious pitch at the start of each routine.
The instructors, two men (Rob Glick and Kendell Hogan) and three women (Violet Zaki, Gay Gaspar, and Kimberly Spreen), are all personable and peppy. The instruction is easy to understand and follow, and the routines are generally fatiguing without being too complex or overly strenuous. The accompanying music is the standard techno-lite found on many workout videos.
Although they can be foregone, a pair of light dumbbells and an exercise mat is useful.
The DVD
The Video:
The image looks sharp, and the colors are bright and clean. The DVD screen format is 1.33:1 which continues to be the norm in exercise DVDs, though will inevitably make this product look dated in a few short years.
The Audio:
The audio is presented in a serviceable 2.0 stereo mix that puts the instruction front and center and backgrounds the music.
The Extras:
Other than a trailer reel for other workout DVDs, there are no extras.
Final Thoughts:
Star Trainers: Ab Blast provides five solid 10-minute abdominal routines that can be played sequentially, individually or programmed as desired. This DVD can be used for an extended ab workout or as a supplement to other exercise. Although the heavy and repeated pitch and product placement for energy water was incredibly annoying, Star Trainers: Ab Blast is recommended.
Buy: