tf-galYear: 2009
Distributor: Gaiam
Instructor(s): Valerie Bertinelli and Christopher Ross Lane
This is a random DVD I have come across when I saw a user uploading the Jenny Craig: 28 to Motivate CD. Valerie Bertinelli and Christopher Ross Lane have designed this program to assist you in your weight loss goals. The Jenny Craig Exclusive version of this DVD was probably sold at their weight-loss centers in 2009 before they were all shut down in late 2023. Two of the member-exclusive workouts are a 15-minute chair workout (for beginners), and another one with Christopher showing modifications for beginners. Because of my curiosity, I learned more about Valerie’s weight loss journey over the years and decided to share my thoughts about it.
Getting Started
Valerie and Christopher use a chair for this Jenny Craig exclusive workout, which is great for beginners. If you have some exercise experience, you might find some of the moves to be easy (like the lunges and plie squats). The chair was previously used for the Power 90 Sculpt! routines for a few moves, but I find the chair to be quite useful for this routine.
The exercises are somewhat reminiscent of the Start it Up! workout from Slim in 6, but Valerie and Christopher aren’t talking down to the viewer. Instead, they act like they are next-door neighbors who work out together, which is a nice touch. Chris shows some modifications to assist with certain exercises, along with the Building on Basics segment.
Building on Basics
Christopher shows the viewer modifications for the Body Basics workout, which might help you if you are a beginner. Personally, I wouldn’t need this segment if you have some exercise experience, so it’s optional.
Losing It: Body Basics
It seems that Valerie and Chris have some occasional gossip when they’re doing the workout, but it doesn’t get to the point where it irritates me completely. The exercises in this 20-minute workout are simple, but effective as you feel a slight burn in certain areas of your body. They demonstrate a few Pilates exercises while using the mat, while other exercises are a throwback to the Power 90 program which adds some charm to it.
Keeping Fit: Bikini Ready Workout
On the other hand, the 40-minute* intermediate workout combines cardio, floor work and toning with some hand weights. (How the heck do the mats and the hand weights appear after a few minutes? I guess the producers did make some cuts when they were filming the workout.)
Chris does pulsing for some exercises to further engage the muscles that you’re working, but it still adds to the fun here. Valerie, Chris, and I were sweating our butts off when doing the high-intensity movements! On the mat, we do some floor exercises and some ab work, while keeping the heart rate steady. It’s a great example of cross-training which they demonstrate with this workout.
*When I checked the workout itself, it only lasted for about 35 minutes.
Bonus: Bikini Abs Sculpting
The “Everyday Abs” and the “Abs Challenge” segments show Valerie and Christopher doing some of their favorite ab exercises, which are similar to the Ab Rippers 100/200 (from Power 90) and Slim & 6-Pack (from Slim in 6). At first, I was expecting this to be a bonus 10 minute workout, but it’s actually 5 minutes of ab work. I usually add this to the end of the Bikini Ready workout for an extra challenge.
Bonus Interviews with Valerie Bertinelli and Christopher Ross Lane
I felt like the interviews were well-produced and might be a good source of motivation for those who struggle with their weight loss journey. Some of the advice that they gave me can be very useful if you integrate them in a way that helps you in life. In general, I think that health is the greatest gift that you can give yourself, and you should pass that gift to others when you get older.
Final Thoughts
Valerie and Chris were great friends to each other during the workouts, and the set was filmed in a sunny Mediterranean home. Their confidence radiates from the heart and soul so you can reach your goals fast! I would recommend this for everyone who is looking for an instructor that is cheerful and supportive.
Rating
Instructor(s): 10/10
Set: 10/10
Outfits: 8/10
Music: 8/10
Production Value: 10/10
Overall Benefits: 10/10
Exertion: 10/10
Ease of Movement: 8/10
Audio/Visual Modifications: 6/10
Special Features: 10/10
Use of Equipment: 8/10
Total Score: 98
Intensity Level: Light to Moderate Intensity
Impact: Mixed Impact