Well you’ll be thrilled to hear that after the excesses of earlier in the week, I have indeed returned to the gymnasium. And not just that. Oh ho no. I have also grappled with Rosemary Conley’s Real Results Workout DVD. And let me tell you, I was mighty impressed. First things first Rosemary (having done her workout we are now on first name terms), looks a million dollars. She is 63 and looks at least 20 years younger. Oh that I could look as good as her now. So that is a major selling point. But the thing I really liked about the DVD is that it is aimed at women of all ages and abilities. Basically the workout is split into four sections. The warm-up, aerobics, 10-minute body toner and 10-minute whole body floor toner.

The Warm-up

It lasts for 7 minutes and is perfect as a pre-amble to the fat-burning session. It’s easy to follow and Rosemary is an excellent instructor. She explains everything very clearly and you don’t feel like you are about to have a meltdown (like I did with Coleen Nolan). As I started the DVD, Rosemary was explaining who the six women behind her were. They represent all ages from teens to 50’s and Rosemary explained in great detail that each would be working at their own pace. She identified one woman called Sue (who I'm told is 50 - she's also looks 20 years younger) and said she would be working at the lower end of the ability level. Well there’s no change there then I thought grimly. My husband happened to wander in at that precise moment, snorted with laughter and promptly left. He knows me so well.

Aerobics

Billed as a 23 minute workout, it is actually a little shy of 22 minutes. I am splitting hairs here and the only reason I can, is because there is a clock on the bottom of the screen. What a simple yet brilliant idea. You always know where you are and in a peculiar way, it actually encourages you to work harder. But as Rosemary is at pains to stress, you can do it at your own pace. Again you don’t ever feel like the routines are getting so complicated that you are going to do yourself a serious injury. It is easy and fun and immensely likeable as a result. During this section we also get a glimpse of a woman called Kerry who was bouncing around happily. Rosemary informed us solemnly that she had lost 8 stone. 8 stone!!!! Blimey. I have never seen a woman look that happy. And she looked great too, which again was another inspirational nugget. And Rosemary did not stop. Blimey what a gal.

10-minute body toner

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Easy to follow and something you could do on a very busy day when you might not have time to do the whole workout. I think I shall be using this one all the time. Work those abs girlfriend.

10 minute whole body floor toner

Again as above. One of the recurring themes of the DVD which really hits home is how easy it is to fit into your daily routine. As Rosemary says, you can do the whole lot as a serious workout, or you can just pick up a 10-minute routine to top up your fitness programme, if time is pressing. Simple yet effective and again easy to follow.

Overall I am a major fan of this one. The music wasn’t as good as Coleen Nolan’s. Sadly no ABC or Thompson Twins. But I loved the exercises, because I could actually do them and follow the DVD. Call me old fashioned, but I think that is key. FYI, it is released on December 28th and costs £19.99. Apparently this is to be Rosemary’s last DVD after 30 years of releases. Well if so that is a shame, because I think she rocks.

Speaking of rocking I am of course getting hysterical about tomorrow night’s Strictly Final. Chris will have to learn four dances, which is doing his head in. They include the Viennese Waltz, a jive and that famous Charleston routine. That dance was the moment I think he arrived in this year’s series and I defy you not to have a massive smile on your face when you watch it. It is absolutely brilliant. So good in fact it reduced Vanessa Feltz to tears and I'm not joking. So as an homage to my dear chum and in the hope he does indeed pick up the glitter ball on Saturday night (and not drop it), I have popped up the video of the Charleston for you, just to whet your appetite. Enjoy and keep everything crossed for the little ‘un. He so owes me a latte if they win...... Oh and on the weather front, not much snow here in London today, which is a bummer. I wanted to build a snowman with the kids....

Tags: Rosemary Conley, Coleen Nolan, Chris Hollins, Vanessa Feltz, ABC, Thompson Twins

Post Views: 267