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I have a new favorite workout DVD instructor, and his name is Sensei Guillermo Gomez. Despite the fact that his accent is oh-so-sexy and fun (which we've noted before), Guillermo is just a loveable guy who packs a serious punch in his new Kickboxing Cardio Power workout DVD. (Get it "punch"? 'Cause it's a kickboxing workout? Har. Har.)
Flanked by two ladies (one of which is, no surprise, the lovely Jessica Smith, who appeared next to Guillermo in yesterday's video!), Mr. Gomez shows you how to punch and kick your way fit. With moves like what you'd expect in Tae Bo or any live kickboxing class, you get about a 40-minute workout that's mostly cardio with a little lower-body strength mixed in.
After a quick 6-minute warm-up that runs you through the punches and some stretching, Guillermo gets right to the good stuff—32 minutes of punches, shuffles, V-steps, jump rope, jumping jacks, squats and other kickboxing-inspired moves put together for some fun yet not overly complex combinations. After that, he cools you down with about four minutes of stretching.
The DVD also includes a short intro by Guillermo (more of that accent—growl) and a tutorial on how to do all of the moves, which has really good cues on how to properly punch. So many girls have noodle-arms when they punch, so it's a nice little primer on proper boxing technique. Punch with power! There are also not one, not two, but three bonus segments. While the sound quality on the bonus segments isn't great, if you're into martial arts, you'll love these. The first one shows you how to do a basic roll, the second gets more complicated with a roll back with lunge, and the third is a lunge to kick. All are fun, and make you feel like a bad-ass.
One of the best parts of this DVD (minus the accent and solid instruction, of course), is that you just need yourself to do it. For the bonus segments, you'll need a soft padded area or carpet, but besides that it's just you, Guillermo and your sweat (double growl). While there's nothing particularly ground-breaking in this DVD, it's done damn well. The music is a bit lackluster, but Guillermo more than makes up for it. It's high-energy, fun...and did I mention he has an accent?
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Fit Bottomed Line: If you love kickboxing workouts and/or a man with an accent, this intermediate workout DVD is for you!
We have two of Guillermo's Kickboxing Cardio Power workout DVDs to giveaway! Leave a comment with why you want to win it or what accent is your favorite, and we'll select two lucky U.S. readers to win a copy in about a week. ¡Buena suerte! —Jenn
