Videos to sculpt you: fresh ways to get your groove on and work your flab off, plus two sneak-peek moves - fitness bonus

Shape, Nov, 2003 by Linda Lewis

Whether you're a gym rat or someone who likes to work out at home, your mind and body both benefit from shaking up your routine. With an innovative approach to dancing yourself fit, these new videos won't just add a twist to your program--they'll give you the firm, lean look of a dancer and infuse your workouts with plenty of fun.

1. Hula Workout for Weight Loss (Naturaljourneys, 2003; naturaljourneys.com; VHS $15, DVD $20) What it is A warm-up, easy-to-follow instruction on basic hula steps that form the "Sunshine Hula" and a cool-down; 30 minutes Why we like it You'll practically feel the sun on your face as you learn to sway and swivel like a Hawaiian dancer.

The payoff A quality calorie burn with some light toning of the buns and thighs--hula steps are all done in a partial squat.

Level Beginning to intermediate (Novices also can try Hula Workout for Beginners.)

2. Red Hot Salsa Made Simple (dancewithlisa. com; VHS $20) What it is A warm-up, step-by-step instruction on basic moves that combine for a full salsa dance routine, followed by a cool-down and stretching; 53 minutes

Why we like it Accomplished salsa dance champion Lisa Nunziella's easy-to-follow cueing and live drummers really up the energy level.

The payoff Not only do you get a great calorie burn, you'll be learning moves you actually can take to the dance floor.

Level Beginning to intermediate

3. New York City Ballet Workout 2 (Palm Pictures in association with New York City Ballet, 2003; nycballet.com; VHS $15, DVD $25)

What it is Warm-up and stretching, an ab-training segment, extensive floor work for buns and thighs, and a cardio segment inspired by George Balanchine's choreography for Tarantella, followed by a cool down; plus a bonus video ballet glossary; 90 minutes

Why we like it The beautiful music, artistic production and graceful movements will uplift and inspire you (and make you feel like a ballerina) while providing a great workout.

The payoff Firmer abs, buns and thighs, and a leaner physique overall

Level Intermediate to advanced

4. Tamilee Webb's Fit to the Hits: Rock Hard Assets (Naturaljourneys, 2001; naturaljourneys.com; VHS $15, DVD $25)

What it is A straightforward low-impact cardio workout with warm-up and cool-down; 30 minutes

Why we like it It's tough to resist the energizing superhits of the '70s and Webb's enthusiasm for playing air guitar. And at only 30 minutes long, this is one workout you easily can squeeze into your day.

The payoff Fat-blasting fun

Level Intermediate

SNEAK PEEK: TRY THESE NEW MOVES

Add variety to your regular strength-training workout with either or both of these moves from Hula Workout for Weight Loss and New York City Ballet Workout 2, respectively.

1. kavell hula lunge Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, head and chest lifted, abs tight and arms by your sides. Step into a forward lunge with right foot, right knee aligned over right ankle, left knee pointing toward floor while gently swaying hips to the right to start a slight figure-8 motion. At the same time, bring both arms forward, palms up, in a scooping motion [shown]. Push off right foot, swaying hips slightly to the left to complete the figure-8 while bringing arms gracefully out to sides, even with shoulders, and return to the bent-knee standing position, allowing arms to fall gently back down to your sides. Repeat with left leg leading, swaying hips to the left, and continue to alternate. Do 2-3 sets of 12-15 reps. Strengthens quadriceps, hamstrings and buttocks

2. rolling crunch with ballet port de bras Lie faceup with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Slowly separate legs, lowering knees out to sides toward floor, and bring arms up and forward in a round position over chest. Contract abs and roll up in a crunch while twisting to the right, bringing arms toward right knee. Continue rolling up in a circular motion, and with abs still contracted, crunch toward center until you are reaching arms straight over thighs, then over left knee [shown], finally lowering to starting position. Repeat, this time beginning rotation to left and then over to right. Do 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps on each side. Strengthens abdominals; spinal extensors as stabilizers