Bootcamp Boogie

I prefer to workout outdoors but in the midwest during the winter that is not always an option. This DVD provides a fun workout that does challenge you but in very subtle way. I always wear an heart rate monitor during exercise I was very surprised to discover the amount of calories burned during this workout didn't vary much from the same amount minutes spent jogging. My average heart rate was in the steady 80% range but it never felt like it during the actual workout. It could be because I was having a pretty good time and didn't notice the effort I was using.I'm very impressed by Petra the instructor. She motivates, cues perfectly, and her personality is charming,witty, and genuine.The workout itself is unique. It is done in intervals but it flows so well you don't notice it. I love the bootcamp but the dance moves make the workout fun. I'm not a dancer but Petra's coaching makes it very easy to do the steps.I own many DVD's by the heavy hitter's of the fitness industry. Their DVD's a truly effective but usually wath the clock type boring too. I've never been excited about an exercise DVD but Bootcamp Boogie wonderful.

I've a well-established, long-time aerobic workout devotee. As such, I'm beginning to be forced to slow down.....so trying to find some fun routines that are engaging and hold my interest as well as getting the heart pumping without disabling my knees, back, feet and other body parts. Sob....I dreaded this day!This DVD is kind of very simple and boring but it does get my heart pumping with some fairly high intensity cardio blasts so that is to its credit. However, Petra insists, after each blast, on slowing down to a "recovery segment' which is something with which I will never agree. Since the introduction of interval training, I've felt it is not good for the body to go from maximum cardio heart rate to immediately slowing down with no transition. I do jumping jacks or other higher level moves while she does this abrupt cut from high intensity to no intensity. Other than that, it's OK, she's quite nice and upbeat with a great, sunny attitude. The routine is well-organized and easy to follow. It's way too long which is why I think it's boring. She should do away with that heart attack inducing recovery. I'm afraid the "recovery" might have to include a call to 911!

This is the best workout DVD I've found in years! My situation is I'm 59, have gained a lot of weight from health problems that kept me sedentary for almost 4 years, after decades of working out at the Y or with DVDs. It's been two months, and of course I had to start quite slow and low impact. After the first two weeks of Mirabai Holland videos (which were excellent for absolute beginning) I moved up to several others, including Petra's Cardio for Beginners. It is awesome, especially the athletic move sections. Bootcamp Boogie just arrived and I did it last nite. WOW. I so love it. The woman's cuing is perfection, and her demeanor is fun and motivating. Plus, the African beat music is different and really cool. This is pretty darned intense and I do have to do the lowest level and even modify more a bit (which as a veteran I know how to do). Petra performs level 1 during the "blast intervals" and has two others doing the intermediate and advanced levels. The segments are unusual in a refreshing way -- you won't be bored! More Petra, please! And not on VHS where I'm finding so many of them.

Very good end effective workout that gets the heart beat up. Easy to follow and at the same time it is not too hard on the knees, which I find to be an advantage. I do agree with other customers that Petra Kolber is fun, motivating and that she cues perfectly.The downside is that I think the workout a bit too long. As a beginner, the first times I tried the DVD, I was unable to complete the entire workout as I got extremely tired after 40-45 minutes.The yoga-like stretches in the end are very nice indeed, but they might not be enough to prevent muscle soreness if you are a beginner or if you pushed yourself to complete the exercises. I found out that the traditional 8-10 minutes cool down and stretches work better for me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this workout. I'd never done a Petra workout before, but I will definitely be seeking out her other workouts. She's a fun instructor, without getting in the way of the workout. I'm an intermediate level exerciser, and I found the exercise well targeted to my fitness level. There was a nice blend of kickboxing inspired boot camp movements, simple dance choreography, and active stretching (if a little fast, honestly). I found my mind challenged as much, if not more, than my body. This was a plus for me, but may not be a plus for everyone.From the description and other reviews, I wasn't certain what body parts get the workout. If you were also wondering: this is an aerobic/legs workout.Added later: I've discovered that the 15 minute segments make great mini workouts, especially when the warm up is added. That's a little more than 20 minutes of good cardio. Very efficient.

I got this video because I love bootcamp style workouts. This is a dissapointment. I am ok with a little bit of dance but this one is very dancy. When I workout I wanta butt kicking, dripping sweat after the first 10 minutes workout. This workout does make me sweat, but I can't get past the cutsie 'sashay, sashay,' and 'give me those hips' If you are into dance, you may like this video. But if you're like me and want a straight forward heavy hitting bootcamp workout...think twice about buying this one.