Review: The Bollywood Dance Workout
December 12th, 2007 @ 12:49 pm by Mrs. Jasmine
This is the first in a series of reviews I’ll be sharing of workout DVDs. I easily get bored at the gym, so I’ve grown to love the variety of workout DVDs. I went on an Amazon and Collage spree several months ago and bought a bunch of different DVDs to try. Over the next few months, I’ll be reviewing them for Weddingbee readers who want to tone up before the big day.
The first DVD I tried was The Bollywood Dance Workout. I was so excited to try this DVD! It’s an exercise DVD that incorporates bhangra dance into a cardio workout. For those who aren’t familiar with bhangra, it’s fast-paced Indian dance music with a great drum beat (download Punjabi MC and Jay-Z’s Mundian To Bach Ke/Beware of the Boys for a great example of bhangra + hip hop).
I popped in the DVD, pushed my furniture out of the way, and sent Mr. Jasmine away so I could dance like no one was watching 
The host of the Bollywood Dance Workout is Hemalayaa, an upbeat instructor who loves to encourage viewers to “shimmy, shake, and play” to the bhangra beat. Although she’s a bit cheesy, she gets major points from me for having a real-woman’s body. She has curves, even a bit of a tummy, and she looks fantastic. She starts with a nice warm-up, leads the viewer through several dance routines, mixes in a freestyle bhangra session, and closes with some relaxing yoga-inspired stretching. The dance routines involve some dance moves she calls “feeding the chickens” and the “gorilla walk”, which will definitely make you feel like an idiot. And that’s before she asks you to do the running man. Let’s just say I was really glad I didn’t have a roommate to witness my sad, uncoordinated hip-shaking. But it was also really fun to be so silly and the music was upbeat– I actually had a really great time. And while I wouldn’t call the workout extremely intensive, I was definitely sweating and had a bit of soreness the next day.
The Bollywood Dance Workout is not for someone looking for a high-impact cardio workout. But it’s really fun and could be a great DVD to try if you like global dance/music and want something unique to mix up for your gym routine.
Image courtesy of Amazon
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15 Responses to “Review: The Bollywood Dance Workout”
I actually have this DVD! I’ve done it a few times when i’ve needed to shake things up with my workout.
Love that you’re reviewing workout DVDs! I’m always looking for something new.
Thanks for the post!
I have a cardio dance workout video - I think its by Crunch studios - and its pretty fun for days when I don’t feel like doing anything high impact or too crazy, or hauling myself to the gym (a whole 20 yards away…). But it definitely makes me feel like I could not be more white, cuz its all to reggae and hip-hop music, and like I am the least coordinated person in the world. My roommates used to make fun of me. But if it works, don’t knock it!
Sounds fun… thanks for the awesome review!
I’m glad that you’re doing these reviews!! I’m always on the lookout for new DVDs to get.
Quick question–how long is this workout (mn)?
Thanks! (A fellow Chicagoan)
I have to say that I know nothing about this type of music, but I like the bhangra (didn’t know that’s what it was, so a very educational post) part of that Punjabi MC/Jay-Z song better than the Jay-Z part! I think I might pick this one up. Thanks!
What a great idea, reviewing workout DVDs! Heaven knows a lot of us have weight loss on the mind, with weddings coming up….
This DVD sounds like a lot of fun, and I’ll have to give it a try. Though I’m terrible at dance workouts — it all seems to make sense when the host explains it, and then they kick it up to normal speed, and I’m left a hopeless, flailing mess perpetually 3 steps behind!
FYI for those with Netflix — Netflix has a TON of exercise DVDs, and it’s a good way to either try something before you buy, or keep things rotated so you don’t get bored. (Or, if you’re me, let it sit on your coffee table for a month while you feel guilty, then send it back in return for the movie you really wanted.)
Aw, see when I was going to audition to be a bee, I was going to do workout tips/exercises because my fiance’s a personal trainer and I have TONS of moves up my sleeves for working the glutes, abs and arms. Now I wish I would have.
Maybe I’ll put some of them on the boards! Anyone interested?
And also, great idea to review workout tapes, Miss Jasmine!
I should drag out my “bellydancing for fitness” videos. Those things hurt!
mediagirl: I think we would all *love* to read about your tips. Maybe post them on the board or contact Bee about doing a guest post?
what a wonderful idea.
[...] My previous DVD review [...]
Mrs. Jasmine, Chicago/LA
Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Attorney
Engagement Date: March 24, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 20, 2007
Venue: Hotel on the westside of Los Angeles
About Me: I'm a happy-go-lucky, imaginative spirit trapped in the body of a lawyer. I love reading, shopping, dining out, and exploring my beloved adopted city of Chicago with my fiance. We're planning the wedding of our dreams in my hometown of Los Angeles and we're excited to incorporate our cherished Indian/Pakistani customs and traditions.
aww, you’re so cute, miss jasmine! (in my imagination, haha) i am guessing this is the workout video equivalent to my morning song and dance in the mirror with my hairbrush? (shh, don’t tell!) looks like a great way to let loose!
have you ever tried to re-enact any film dance sequences? dola re from devdas always gets my heart thumping!