Bollywood Burn
Looking for the perfect ratio of giggles to squats and stretches? Well look no further than Bollywood Burn. Fitness guru Hemalayaa bases her workout on aerobic adaptations of popular Indian dance moves, made famous in the Bollywood movie genre. Set to bhangra (Indian hip-hop), Hemalayaa and two backup dancers walk you through easy-to-follow routines that managed to have me sweating buckets within 20 minutes. This workout was so fun that my roommate actually stopped eating dinner and joined me halfway through the second set! Although I must offer a word of caution–this extremely high-impact workout features lots of jumping that may not be suitable for people with bad joints or those in walk-up apartments (or so my downstairs neighbors claim). I would recommend this to anyone interested in a unique and fun way to tone hips, thighs and lower abs.—Laura March, Production Assistant

$14.99; Available at AcaciaCatalog.com.

10-Minute Solution: Fat Blasting Latin Dance Mix
If you like to dance, then you’ll love this DVD. Who doesn’t have 10 minutes to try out a segment like the "Tango Toning Twist" or "Salsa Slim Down"? Even if you hate to exercise, it’s easy to do anything for just 10 minutes. I was having so much fun that I was motivated to keep adding on new 10-minute segments. After 40 minutes of cha cha, meringue and salsa moves, my waist and hips were definitely feeling it. The instructor has a relaxed, easy manner, and I really appreciate the fact that she’s not some dolled-up perfectionist. If you’re an intense cardio exerciser, the DVD might be too easy for you but if you’re like me—someone looking for an entertaining way to work out in half an hour—it’s a great go-to. The steps are relatively easy to follow, but she moves quickly so definitely don’t give up the first time you watch—I felt much more competent the second time around. And a big plus is that I can use many of these moves on an actual dance floor. Can’t wait for my cousin’s wedding now! –Leslie Fink, Recipe Editor/Nutritionist

$14.98; Available at Amazon.com

Zumba Fitness
Created by Zumba creator Alberto “Beto” Perez, the focus of the "Zumba Live" and "Zumba Flat Abs!" 19-minute segments is an abs workout; standing and moving to a variety of Zumba rhythms—salsa, merengue, samba, reggaeton, and funk to name a few. Each of the four segments—core warm-up, urban core mix, reggaeton and pop—have a different beat and focus on the core and upper and lower abs. Demonstrated once during each segment, the steps are not difficult to follow, although some took more time than others to pick up. I was comfortable following the routines and would certainly feel comfortable doing them in a gym. The music is a terrific mix and the people demonstrating the exercises were motivating, not too perky or over the top—which I hate. The movements targeted my core and alternated between my upper and lower abs. The arm work was also toning my shoulders and upper arms. The cardio is low to moderate intensity, depending on the effort you put into the routine. Anyone looking to tone their abs without working out on the mat will enjoy these DVDs. The package includes Zumba Basics, Zumba 20-Minute Express, Zumba Sculpt & Tone, Zumba Cardio Party, Zumba LIVE!, Zumba Flat Abs, and two Zumba Toning Sticks. (These weighted sculpting tools are based on maracas and let you make music while you dance.) —Anita Sado, Community Coordinator

$59.85; Available at Zumbafitness.com.

Dance Off the Inches: Hip Hop Party
Instructor Jennifer Galardi comes across like the fun, cool cousin that you want to go out dancing with. I liked how she encourages “freestyle” dancing and gives shout-outs to her backup dancers. A warm-up starts off with 10 basic moves that repeat throughout the 44-minute routine. In the main segments, Galardi performs each move several times at “tempo,” rather than breaking them down slowly, but they’re not too hard to get the hang of individually. Some moves include throwbacks like the “butterfly,” others focus on Beyoncé-like hip shaking, and influences from India and Brazil can be found in the world hip-hop segment. The energy and intensity of the routines builds with each segment. Although your whole body is getting a workout, the focus is definitely on your hips and abs. I didn’t do this workout enough times yet to report on “inches lost,” but I was breathing harder than I usually do in my 45-minute weekly hip-hop class, and I can’t wait to keep practicing to get those “dancer’s abs.” The one downside? I wasn’t crazy about the music. So next time I’ll just put on my favorite hip-hop playlist and turn down the volume on the TV. –Diana Kelly, Assistant Editor

$14.98, Available at Amazon.com

Prices and availability may vary.