Bollywood Booty
Happy New Year, everyone! After a fun night ringing in the New Year, I’m sure you’re ready to keep the bum shaking going with Bollywood Booty. Like the previous Bollywood Dance Workout, this DVD is about 50 minutes of Bollywood-inspired fun and also features voice-over cuing. The DVD is divided into four workout segments, but I felt that doing the whole video got me sweaty without being too much to handle. Silly dance moves with funny names disguise the many pliés throughout the workout that target your buns and thighs, and although it doesn’t say so in the name, your core is definitely the star of the show. (And speaking of the star of the show, watch for our Q&A with instructor Hemalayaa Behl tomorrow!)
The DVD starts with a warm-up walk that is repeated throughout the workout. Instead of a “walk in place” like many aerobics videos, it’s more of a hip sway back and forth, which is a lot of fun. Baby pliés get your legs warm while you’re introduced to the arm moves—flicking arm moves, goddess hands, turning light bulbs and Bollywood vogue moves.
You start the main workout segment with “butt monster” moves—plié bounces adding in toe taps, torso twists and shrugging shoulders that hit multiple muscles at once. The combinations of the arms and constant bouncing and pliéing of the legs really get you warm.
Side-to-side lunges with “painting the walls” moves (and painting yourself with love) add to the fun and silliness of the workout…and to the inner-thigh work. A series of hops get your heart rate up, and then you get to make like an elk and practice a mating dance. (My hubby really enjoyed trying this one after he saw it on Ellen. It totally worked.)
The swan move—swaying your hips in a figure eight formation—really worked my hips because it’s definitely not a move I do often. Hip flicks to the side let you shimmy, and holding your hands over your head really works the arms and shoulders. Both times I did this workout I got a stitch in my side during this part, the mark of me doing cardio outside of my norm.
At the end of the workout, you put together all of the moves you’ve learned, but in a fun way, not a “I’m stressed out and I have to remember all of the moves … what comes next?!” way. The cool down could be longer, in my opinion, but it includes some nicelight yoga-inspired stretching.
Although I do wish Hemalayaa would cue live, it’s still a fun workout that doesn’t feel like 50 minutes of cardio. Also check out the bonus features, which includes a 6-minute super-fun samba reggae segment and a Liberation Dance, which is quite interesting to watch.
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★
Overall: ★★★1/2
Fit Bottom line: Both easy to follow and sweat inducing, Bollywood Bootyis a solid way to have fun and work out. Add the arms and give it your Bollywood all, and I guarantee a sweaty you. —Erin
We’ve got an astounding FIVE copies of Bollywood Booty to give away this week. Leave us a comment in today or tomorrow’s post and you’ll be entered to win! If you’re a shy non-commenter (we know you’re out there!), shoot us an email at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com or buy it new or used on Amazon.