Richard Simmons: Latin Blast-Off [VHS]

Comment: I bought this tape recently and threw it out after watching and attempting the first few routines/dances. Richard Simmons spends more time trying to attract the attention of or look as sexy as the male dancers than he does giving solid exercise instruction (instruction? What instruction???).

The music isn't particularly good and the visuals are cluttered with too many people attempting too many individual moves. Anyone trying to exercise to the video had better have a solid understanding of how to exercise safely, since you don't get that from Richard Simmons. The video lacks his usual empathetic encouragement, and the moves aren't explained or user-friendly for the typical home exerciser.

Worse, the sexual gyrations in this video are inappropriate and idiotic. I doubt anyone is going to mistake Richard Simmons for a Latin lover, so why have various women rub up against him suggestively? What's the point? How does this help any of us get fit?

I'm sorry I wasted my money, but by tossing the video in the trash maybe I saved someone else from doing the same.

Comment: It's great. Nothing like he's ever really done before. Makes you feel like your at a Latin dance club.

Comment: As a Hispanic, I thought the music could have been better but the video is still worth it. My mom has been a fan of Richard Simmons for yrs (and even met him!). I've been lacking on cardio and the gym at the University here is always packed from noon 'til midnight. I didn't know Richard Simmons had other tapes besides Sweatin' to the Oldies (still great!) and was thrilled to find this! The moves r hard to follow until u get the hang of it but I worked up a real sweat trying. The background dancers r great and they make Richard look like the odd white guy in a Latin club knowing the moves but without the natural Latin flair (which I suppose he is). I think I burned calories just laughing. It's definitely worth the buy!

Comment: I have just finished my first attempt with this routine. Sure, the dance steps were a bit hard to get down, so I just did my best to mimic the first time, but what fun. There are real dancers in Latin costume, and because the men were in pants and the women in dresses, I could see their legs well enough to see the dances. It was easier to learn than when I first tried the Richard Simmons Dance Your Pants Off. I had so much fun, that I didn't realize I was sweating until the cool down. The routine went fast too, because of the fun. Don't let the dance steps discourage you, just do your best and you'll be dancing away in no time. These dancing excercise tapes have been better than just a way to excercise. I have become better coordinated, more graceful, and learned dance steps, too.

Comment: I own several Richard Simmons tapes, and this is definitely my LEAST favorite. In some other reviews, people mentioned that the camera work was great. I strongly disagree with this. For some other type of video, it would be, but this is an EXERCISE video. You need to be able to see the people's feet/full body when they introduce a new step. However, the editor of this video often cuts to shots of people's muscles, faces, etc. at this critical time. I am usually very good at picking up aerobics moves, but I have trouble with this video because of the showy but poorly thought-out editing. Unlike others, I like the toning section (get Simmons cool weights!) but I agree that it is not enormously effective/strenuous. However, I think it helps to get your muscles ready for more effective toning later down the line. This section and the music are the main things I like about the video. However, if you are looking for an easier and more fun tape, get Disco Blast-Off, which I highly recommend.