You know you should work out, but sometimes your heart’s just not in it. What do you want your workouts to be, a religious experience? For those who answer yes, you’re saved: Here are three Christian-based workout videos. (All are $19.95 plus shipping and available from Collage Video, www.collagevideo.com.)
1. The “Connection” video lets you get physical and spiritual at the same time–if you can stay awake. Instructor Debbie James, who is trim, blond-gorgeous and soft-spoken, and two assistants serenely lead viewers through a series of aerobic movements. But first you must survive the slowest warmup stretch in all creation. The workout is set to inspirational Christian songs, and a backdrop offers an array of vibrant nature scenes and stained-glass images of Jesus. James, who is easy to follow because she cues her moves so well, works into the routine plenty of Scripture verses and words of encouragement, such as “let go and trust in the Lord.” Finally, after another slow and sleepy cool-down stretch, she ends with a prayer (which she doesn’t skimp on, even in the alternate, 10-minute workout at the tape’s end). If you’re in a meditative mood, this could be the workout to squeeze in; otherwise, you might find yourself praying for something a little more vigorous. (45 minutes)
2. “Walk the Walk” offers a solid, smart workout. Host Leslie Sansone is friendly but not too peppy (we were sure all these instructors would be off-the-charts cheerful). As songs with upbeat tempos play in the background, she and two assistants lead viewers through stretches and upper- and lower-body exercises, including abdominal and weight work. She does a divine job of explaining the moves and showing proper form. And every now and then, it seems, she remembers this is a “Christian-inspired” workout and tosses out an appropriate line, such as, “We are `firm’ believers,” or “We must give the glory to God!” This was our favorite of the three videos; thanks to Sansone’s encouragement and her satisfying workout, we had faith that we could come back for more. (52 minutes)
3. “Donna: Sweating in the Spirit” is a joy. Famed instructor Donna Richardson doesn’t exactly take a back seat to our Lord and savior–even the opening video montage focuses on her (Richardson, not the Lord) getting ready to rock. But she sure does show what God and massive workouts can create. Energetic and buff, Richardson kicks off by saying, “This is about faith, fellowship and fun.” Then she and six assistants are off and running–and hopping and leaping and generally whooping it up–as a gospel choir, in jeans and T’s, sways in the background. Richardson’s style never wavers and her smile never dims; as she hollers, “Give it a little flavor!” and “Dip, baby, dip!” it’s clear she was made to inspire the masses to work out. (45 minutes)
