Kate's Cardio Combat [DVD] [2002]

Product Details

In Kate's Cardio Combat, the winner of Big Brother 3 Kate Lawler certainly looks the part; with a tanned and toned body, blonde hair and a natural affinity for cropped tops and trousers. Though obviously intended for women who want Lawler's body, and men who might want a physique to attract women with great bodies, it's unclear as to exactly whom this will really appeal. Lawler might claim this is for men who wouldn't be seen dead in a leotard doing yoga. But will they be seen dead flaunting this title on their shelves?

Trainer and copresenter Rhydian Lewis has created a 50-minute all-round session intended to work heart and lungs, burn body fat, develop strength, and tone the body. The session starts with an energetic warm-up and goes into press-ups ten minutes into the session, moves into lively kicks, then targets abs and thighs, and finally winds up with a cool down. It'll certainly work up a good sweat, but whether it wows or not depends on the extent to which Lawler can occupy the viewer's attention. Despite clearly lapping up the novelty, Lawler is by no means a natural presenter. Trying too hard to impress with lame comments and exaggerated facial expressions, she is too self-absorbed to engage in any playful interaction or flirtation--which is, after all, what she's best known for.

On the DVD: Kate’s Cardio Combat on disc comes with an extra ring workout where Lawler finally loosens up and is more natural and playful. As for the so-called interview, this amounts to Ms Lawler articulating a few sentences on allocated subjects. On Big Brother: "one of the most exciting experiences"; on love: "It scares me"; on boxing: "I really love boxing." Anyone who voted for her will wonder why they bothered. --Lorna V