The Hotpants Workout [VHS]

I have real issues with exercise motivation, especially alone and at home, but this video is so much fun, I look forward to getting home from work and getting straight into a workout before eating. I do it every day (and those who know me will know how unfeasible that is!)

The sections are just the right length and pace, and I didn't feel threatened by the dancers behind Dan Karaty. They all have different figures, but look fit and fab! However, don't let Dan tell you that Rush is the hardest section...it's way too much fun to be hard! The abs and glute workout at the end is relentless, but necessary. Dan keeps you focussed by reminding you of your technique, so you really feel the effects. Two Step has some tough footwork in it, but is brilliantly lightened up by Dan encouraging us to freestyle with our arms, and pose (vogue style) in the breaks!

I love this video and it is part of my life now! Even though I am out of breath and sweaty when I finish this workout, it doesn't really register because I've had so much fun! And I feel a certain smugness at being able to do 40 minutes exercise everyday, which is more than my hardcore gym-going friends manage!

Thanks Dan, you've changed my life!

The Hotpants Workout is perfect for all fitness levels - you can vary the difficulty according to which dancers you copy. There are breaks every ten minutes, which helps when you want some water or need to get your breath back! It's the most fun I've had working out. Some of the moves are a bit tricky but the presenter (Dan Karaty, who's very easy on the eye!) explains them well and mixes in easy steps so you don't feel like you have two left feet.

I liked the feature on the girl who spends six weeks doing the video to lose a stone and a half. You can really see the improvement (although they don't mention whether she also went on a diet during that time).

I'd recommend you get the DVD version of this workout. That way if you're short on time you can just do a few of the ten minute sections (there are six) without having to faff around fast-forwarding.

One slight criticism - the 'cool-down' is quite tough - some intense ab work isn't very relaxing - you might want to do a few further stretches afterwords. Also, that hotpants bum shot (which appears at the start of each section) is quite annoying!

I'd recommend this workout to anyone who wants to burn fat and loves dancing - there's a lot of opportunity for 'freestyling'. It's also good for the inner thighs - lots of 'slide' movements. It's refreshing to have a male presenter who isn't dressed in lycra. Dan Karaty has a fun approach without coming across as a cheerleader.