The sessions are designed to work together or separately and are certainly manageable enough to incorporate into a daily routine. The energising 10-minute postural warm-up is ideal for mornings, and can be followed by the 20-minute aerobic cardio calorie burn. Hall's original 10-minute chair workout using water bottles as props targets thighs and abdominals, while the 20-minute total body tone-up is an all round body toner. Finally the 10-minute flex and lengthen is good for realigning the body and for relaxation.

The classic fitness format incorporates details from the Alexander Technique (good for posture), Pilates (good for toning), and yoga (good for flexibility). Hall's own style is down to earth, with tips such as fixing a taut ribbon to the tummy so you know when you're slacking. It's the emphasis on technique that makes these sessions effective. --Lorna V

I find that combining the postural body warm-up, cardio-calorie burn-up and flex and lengthen section in a 45-minute workout make me feel great, especially since I spend many hours in front of a PC screen. The yoga-like movements in the flex and lengthen section and the emphasis on body control in all her routines are excellent. Joanna is really motivational and her method of alternating gradually more intense aerobic exercise in the cardio calorie burn-up, tailing down into body toning exercises, means that in no time at all you realise you've exercised for 25 minutes.

I'd recommend this all-round video to beginners and advanced alike.


Brilliant Video for new exercisers!!   January 25, 2003
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

This video is excellent for first time exercisers. It is based on sound physiological practices, and follows a well-researched programme of exercise; offering a choice for different fitness levels throughout the video. I was not at all surprised to see that Joanne has a degree in Sport Science (I am qualified myself.) I have recently been looking for an effective exercise programme that I can follow at home (lack of time etc) but was horrified at the number of downright dangerous offerings out there! Aren't these videos licensed at all ?!?
My only criticisms are that the music is a little boring, and more explanation is needed about working within training zones for maximum effect - after all, it is possible to still talk when working at over 80% of your MHR. It would also be helpful to describe which sections to put together for a complete workout - as, although I know, I think there are probably a lot of women out there who don't! It is rather easy to forget when you are in the sports industry that not everyone's world revolves around exercise! Overall, the best video I've seen yet!


Dull   April 19, 2002
 9 out of 12 found this review helpful

I found this video dull, repetitive and uninspiring. The cardiovascular section didn't get me warm let alone break into a sweat. Definately one for beginners.


great mix of aerobics and toning   February 25, 2002
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I purchased this video at the Health & Fitness show at the NEC in Birmingham after hearing Joanna's speech about weight loss. She was very motivational and inspiring. The video has a 10 minute warm-up, 20 minutes aerobics, 10 minute chair workout, 20 minutes toning and 10 minutes of stretching.

My favourite sections are the toning and stretching. The stretching section is great if you have spent all day at a computer like I do.

I think this a great video if you want to mix and match your exercise. I hope Joanna does another video soon!


Easy to follow, enjoyable, varied and uplifting.   January 31, 2002
 34 out of 34 found this review helpful

I bought this video in preference to some of the others available as I have watched Joanna Hall on ITV's This Morning and have been impressed by her knowledge, enthusiasm, and the results she has had. I also have tried her starch curfew diet and found it has improved my digestion and overall wellbeing, and has shifted some unwanted pounds. I wanted an exercise video which is varied and Joanna's certainly is that. There are 5 programs you can choose from: A 10 minute warm up, a 20 minute cardio aerobic burn, a 10 minute 'chair' exercise program you can do sitting down, a 20 minute tone up for your whole body, and a final 10 minute stretching and relaxing program. Of course, you can choose which one/s you do on any day, and I found that I could mix and match with how I was feeling or how much time I had available.

The exercise moves are not particularly difficult to learn (I'm a beginner) but are quite challenging to do well and Joanna constantly makes you feel aware of holding your body properly. I find I am now more body aware during the day, which is a good thing, as I spend quite a lot of time in front of a computer screen. The cardio workout was particularly challenging for me, as I'm quite unfit, but it is enjoyable. The music used is not too intrusive, but helps keep you in time with the exercises. The chair workout is a novel idea, working on the abdominals, thighs and bottom. The final relaxing flex and lengthen program helps to unwind all the tensions of the day.

Two of Joanna's star pupils are included doing the exercises along with Joanna, one at a more advanced level and the other a novice. This is encouraging as there are parts of each workout when you can do a more challenging exercise as you improve, but are not made to feel that you have to, and you can work at your own level.

I would recommend this video to anyone who wants an introduction to home exercise with variety and an enthusiastic instructor.