From Exercising to the ‘Art of Whip Cracking’
There are videos that explore just about every activity imaginable--from Yiddish exercise workouts to horseback riding to the fundamentals of whip cracking. Here’s a look at some special interest videos currently in release:
If you speak Yiddish and want to feel the burn, check out “Shvitz! My Yiddisheh Workout” (the Workman’s Circle, $20). This 30-minute video--entirely in Yiddish--features simple exercises for toning up that fit all age groups. The exercises are set to traditional klezmer and Yiddish songs. Stage actress Shifa Lerer explains the exercises for the senior beginners. The video has English subtitles, and it’s nice to see an exercise tape where the participants are not all body beautifuls. To order call (800) 922-2558, Ext. 285.
However, step aerobic instructor Cathe Friedrich is so fit you may want to bury your face in a bowl of ice cream. Her latest workout, “StepFit” (Step N’ Motion Videos, $20), features challenging new moves she calls power circle, flying angels, the rock press and power scissors. Friedrich’s routines are always fast-paced and strenuous, so beginners should look elsewhere. To order call (800) 433-STEP.
Stressed out? Lacking energy? Nancy Zi’s “The Art of Breathing” (Vivi, $33) may just be the breath of fresh air you need. The 90-minute tape demonstrates 24 progressive breathing exercises to “improve performance, health and well-being.” A companion book is also available for $13. A boxed set is $42. To order call (800) INHALE8.
Communing with nature is another terrific way to relax. Mastervision’s “Audubon Society’s Butterflies for Beginners” ($20) and “Audubon Society’s Butterfly Gardening” ($25) are perfect for those who enjoy these beautiful insects. “Butterflies for Beginners” identifies 33 of the most common butterflies and “Butterfly Gardening” focuses on the garden plants, shrubs, flowers and herbs one can grow to attract butterflies. To order call (800) 876-0091.
For equine admirers, there’s “So You Want to Ride a Horse” (Mark Allen Productions, $20), an informative tape that covers such topics as the correct way to get on a horse, stable etiquette, grooming tips and trail riding. Harry Carey Jr., Barry Corbin and the late Ben Johnson offer safety tips. To order call (800) 858-5568.
Budding Indiana Joneses will enjoy “Learn the Art of Whip Cracking, Vol. I and Vol. II” (Mark Allen Productions, $20 each). Mark Allen hosts these instructional tapes, which feature the whip work of Alex Green, a movie stuntman and technical advisor. Vol. 1 teaches the four basic maneuvers; Vol. 2 covers advanced whip cracking, including multiple cracking, two-handed whip handling and target cutting.
“The Art of the BullWhip” (Mark Allen, $20) explores the history of the whip, styles and techniques and performances by whip crackers from nightclubs, Wild West shows and the circus. These three tapes can be ordered by calling (800) 858-5568.
If you’ve been making one too many bogeys on the golf course, “Dr. Patrick Cohn’s Make Your Most Confident Stroke: A Guide to the One-Putt Mindset” (Peak Performance Video, $23) could get your game back on par. Cohn and several tour players demonstrate how to be confident, focused and put your imagination to use to make more putts. To order call (888) 742-7225.
Winter sports may be fun, but they can also be deadly. “Surviving On a Winter Trail” (CineMedia, $20) demonstrates winter survival techniques. The video, moderated by former Green Beret and winter survival expert Rich Johnson, offers tips on how to prepare yourself and your car for a back-country journey, avoid hypothermia, recognize and treat frostbite, select the best outdoor clothing and recognize avalanche dangers in mountainous country. To order call (800) 383-8811.
