Fitness sampler incorporates many disciplines in one DVD

HOT BODY COOL MIND

The Life Force Power Workout Level 1 with Jennifer Kries

Razor Digital Entertainment $19.99, razorfitness.com

What I liked: Aside from its lack of strength-training exercises, this lives up to its billing as a complete fitness library. The Waking Energy segments based on chi gong and tai chi are a nice start to the day. The Five Tibetans and Vinyasa yoga exercises are good for flexibility; Pilates moves for balance and core strength; jazz and ballet routines for basic cardio. Yin yoga and meditation are calming nighttime rituals.

As the first in a series, this DVD starts with expanded versions of each routine featuring lots of explanation and guidance from Kries. After you sample and decide which ones you want to use regularly, you can click on non-explanatory versions or combo segments.

What I didn't like: Kries is well-known for her "Method" synthesis of Pilates, yoga and dance, and she offers it here with additional options for personal preferences. But the effect is sort of overwhelming -- like a restaurant menu with too many good choices.

The bottom line: If you can zero in on segments that appeal to you, they're nice additions to a regular regimen. The Waking Energy routines (sitting and standing) are particularly noteworthy.

By Abigail Leichman

Source: www.northjersey.com