Crunch: Fat Blaster Plus on AllMovie

This 35-minute, mixed-impact video offers high-intensity, minute-long intervals called "power bursts." Like many of Crunch's workouts, the 25-minute aerobic section is divided into four parts (those few seconds between each segment are great opportunities for quick water breaks). Each section has its own choreography and its own "power burst." But the bubbly instructor, Tracy York, keeps things moving at such an energetic pace that the contrast between the regular choreography and the power bursts isn't all that big. While this somewhat minimizes the benefit of interval training -- it's supposed to create an aerobic/anaerobic combination that burns fat more effectively -- it certainly makes for a sweat-inducing workout. York overflows with enthusiasm, and her cuing is great. And while her group of exercises is all young, glowing and in great shape (a frequent feature of the Crunch series), this should not be intimidating for those without perfect bodies -- the choreography is very easy to grasp. Although the moves are basic enough for someone who's just starting to learn aerobics -- there are a lot of grapevines, and York talks the exerciser through mambos and box steps -- the energy level is closer to intermediate. This tape is best for those who already have some familiarity with aerobics and who want to intensify their workouts, or for those who have been using cardio machines (treadmills, stairmasters, etc.) for a while and are looking for a new challenge.