Fitness “guru” Hemalayaa releases Bollywood Burn and Beautiful Belly this month. Bollywood Burn incorporates elements of classical Indian dance and yoga with Bollywood moves in three 15-minute workouts of increasing intensity. By nature the movements are relaxed and there’s a strong emphasis on loosening the limbs. Bouncing in a wide second position for much of the workout will increase flexibility in the hips, although the focus is less technical and more geared towards cardio work. Beautiful Belly focuses more on yoga, incorporating a mix of standard and adapted poses. While it’s primarily suitable for beginners a few sections are more questionable for those who are anything less than ultra-limber. (Both £14.99 from www.acaciacatalog.com)

Juventus football team consultant Peter Roberts releases Pilates Unplugged as his wife, Liz Lark, releases Yogalibre this month. Roberts, who recovered from severe spinal injury through Pilates, presents Pilates Unplugged in the role of instructor – using Lark to demonstrate throughout various well-devised sections. As a result, the depth of instruction is second to none, although the visual focus does mean it’s necessary to watch the screen almost constantly, making internalisation quite difficult. Positioning yourself so that the TV screen is visible without craning your neck is also a challenge in itself – a big issue considering the fundamental element of postural alignment that’s required.
Liz Lark’s Yogalibre, or “Yoga for freedom”, is a concept based on Hatha yoga that’s pleasingly accessible for beginners yet suitably intensive for experienced dancers. Unfussily produced, there are several sections working through the entire body in an hour-long class, with the option to select separate sections and switch between voice-over and soundtrack. (Both £15.99 from commercial retailers.)

Universal Pictures launch their Countdown To Summer fitness challenge this month, with a range of new and re-released “celebrity” fitness DVDs including “Coronation Street” actress Vicky Binns’ Dance It Off. Comparison footage of the actress pre- and post-weight loss (now gyrating around a studio set wearing a pair of silver hotpants) – is certainly impressive, but unfortunately the DVD itself is less so, and although the sleeve suggests a focus on street dance, Dance It Off is essentially a basic aerobics workout incorporating vaguely “street”-flavoured moves in two 15-minute sections. As a result, dance technique is low to nil, although Binns is a likeable presenter and as a straight aerobics DVD this is fairly enjoyable. (Priced £17.99, available from commercial retailers.)

Lilia Kopylova’s fantastic Latinasize and Latinatone DVDs – which fuse aerobics with Latin American styles (both previously reviewed in Dance Today) – are re-released this month as part of Universal’s Countdown To Summer fitness challenge. See the May issue of Dance Today for details of how to win one of two sets of these excellent DVDs.
Other general DVDs available as part of the range include Natalie Cassidy’s Then And Now Workout, Coleen McLoughlin’s Brand New Body Workout, Charlie Brooks’ Before and After Workout, Claire King’s Ultimate Body Workout and Rosemary Conley’s Gi Jeans Weight-loss Workout and Brand New You! Workout. All available from commercial retailers.