Leslie Sansone is a fitness guru who has produced a number of video programs designed to ease people who are sedentary into an effective exercise program. Walk Away the Pounds™ targets weight loss through in-home aerobic walking.

The program begins with an 18-minute one mile video, “Get Up and Get Started,” featuring an attractive, varied group of walkers following Leslie’s guidance. Only four main movements – walking in place, sidesteps, kicks, and knee lifts – are required. These are combined with upper body movements, some with weights, to increase muscle use and fat burning.

Because I am not the most coordinated person in the world, other aerobic workouts generally frustrate me. However, I immediately knew this program would work for me when I started the first mile. This beginner video has excellent warm-up/cool-down and varies the movements during the peak aerobic period is order to provide active recovery. Leslie also leads the group in a brief series of stretches at the end. The original music is interesting and stimulating.

The second video in the sequence, “High Calorie Burn,” covers 2 miles in 30 minutes, a slightly faster pace than the first video. It contains a warm-up and cool-down that are shorter than the earlier one so that the peak heart rate period is longer. The same four lower body movements are used, along with additional upper body involvement. The 2 mile video reaches a significantly faster pace and higher intensity, so some individuals may find the transition difficult. In that case, I recommend stopping after 1 ½ miles for the first week or two. Be sure to cool down and stretch though!

The system continues with the 3 mile “Super Fat Burning” program (45 minutes). Here Leslie really steps up the intensity! Using this video 5 times per week will, for most people, burn enough additional calories for a 1-2 pound weight loss per week, with little reduction in calorie intake. Leslie does tend to chatter a bit too much, which can become annoying over the course of 45 minutes. However, if necessary you can mute the sound and watch the walkers to get the pace!

Although I prefer to walk outdoors, I often want to enjoy the beauty of nature when I’m outside rather than focusing on my pace. Plus, the Walk Away the Pounds™ videos strengthen my upper body as well, which is a benefit I don’t get from ordinary walking. Therefore, I use Leslie Sansone’s system to maintain my fitness as well as lose weight (last year I lost 25 lbs.).

Leslie also has other videos available, some of which target specifics such as the abs, walking for seniors and pilates. I have not used these other videos myself, but if they are the same high quality as those mentioned above, I recommend them.



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