Bollywood Burn with Hemalayaa: 3 Sizzling 15-Minute Dance Workouts DVD Review

What Amazon.com says:

"Spice up your workout and boogie to the bhangra beat. Inspired by the sassy, sexy moves seen in hit Indian films, this isn't the same old boring exercise routine. It's playful, seductive, and leaves you feeling high on life. Think of it as yoga with a triple-espresso twist or a double-chai high.

"Fitness star and yogini Hemalayaa leads you through three 15-minute programs, from low to high impact. The first gets you in the groove, the second ups the cardio to optimum fat-burning range, and the third has you shimmying and bopping like a Bollywood film beauty. As you dance, you'll lose weight; tone your core, hips, and thighs; and kiss stress good-bye. So liven up, let loose, and laugh like Hemalayaa does. It's that much fun!"

What Jenna says:

"Just as the title indicates, there are three variations of traditional Bhangra (or as Hemalayaa calls it "hip-hop style") dance in 15-minute increments. The first one is a lower-body toner that begins pretty slowly with stretching and basic dance moves like pliés. The choreography is easy to follow and surprisingly heart-pumping. Hemalayaa and her backup dancers have great bodies and welcoming faces (not too smiley, not too serious).

"The third 15-minute increment of the DVD is a lot more cardio capacity requiring, although just as easy to follow. Hemalayaa does lots of signposting and doesn't over-talk. Also, Hemalayaa gives you all kinds of options. You can do a combo of the three instructional sections for a 45-minute workout or you can jam out to the freestyle dance portion.

"Bottom Line: I love Hemalayaa. She is my new idol. She has such a positive attitude and amazing body.

"But the best part about this workout? It's got all of the requirements for me in my search for the perfect DVD -- it takes zero equipment (you don't even wear shoes!), has a limited time commitment, and doesn't require my apartment be an uptown mansion. This baby is a keeper!"

Originally on FitnessMagazine.com, December 2007.