Energizing Workout by DK Publishing

Energizing Workout presents twelve workouts in one of three different categories: dance, calorie burning, and stretching. Each workout can be done in 15-minutes and is designed to be done at home. The accompanying DVD features 6 of these workouts.

I liked this book, There's plenty of variety in workouts and all can be done in a relatively short period of time. There are tons of photographs, which are very necessary in a book like this. Each stretch, step or move is explained in text as well as one or two photographs. Most of the photographs are large, clear and easy to see.

Each section starts with an introduction specific to those workouts. All of them are well worth the read. Twelve different workouts are featured in the book:
• Stretching workouts include: wake up, posture, flexibility, strength
• Calorie Burn workouts include: Boxing, Aerobics, Running, Freestyle
• Dance workouts include: Salsa, Ballet, Jazz, Street

Each of the three sections is written by a different author. I like that! I'd like to think that I'm getting an expert on that particular workout type.

I love stretching, but I don't do it nearly often enough. Because of that, the stretching section is my favourite. Not only does it best translate to the page (because the stretches are more static than say an aerobics step or a dance move), but it shows you how to modify some positions if you are just starting out. It also shows you have to fit it in while you are doing different daily activities. Even though the aerobic and dance sections don't translate to the page as well, there's an accompanying DVD, which features two workouts from each section. It should help explain the dance and aerobic sections better and help the reader understand what's going on.

Many of the workouts include a "at a glance" page where all of the stretches, moves or steps for the workout are photographically presented together in a layout that spans two half pages. I think this would be really beneficial once the reader/exerciser/dancer learns the routines and just needs a quick reminder as to what comes next.

If you want to mix up your workouts or learn new ones from time to time, this would be a great book to use. However, this book may not be for everyone. Some people might find it hard to learn from a book and might be better off in a class at their local gym or fitness centre. However, if you're not ready to join a class or find a teacher, this book is a good place to start.

The Table of Contents has major sections listed and is broken down into stretches/workouts and other items. It also marks which items are featured on the DVD. I love that!!! The index is pretty good and should help find some items in the book. Only one of the three sections, the Dance workouts, features a glossary. It's unique in that a few of the ballet terms are illustrated with photographs.

The book also has a list of some useful resources at the back of the book. I was pleasantly surprised to see some Canadian references.

Recommended. I'm hoping to learn and use at least one of these new workouts.

This book was previously released as 3 separate books.

Note: The cover on this book is slightly different that the cover shown above.

For more information about this book or to browse inside, please visit DK's website.

I'd like to thank those nice people at DK Canada for this review copy.

Energizing Workout by DK Publishing, Dorling Kindersley (DK), ©2012. ISBN 9780756675663(Soft cover, with DVD), 272p.