Wow!
I saw an article in Newsweek a month or two ago about Lotte Berk, who had just died. It mentioned her "method" of exercising and how it was very popular in Swinging 60's London.
So I looked it up online, and there is a whole series of her workouts available individually or as a boxed set, I guess it's had quite a revival over the past few years and there are some studios in NY and London now. So I ordered the "Basic Essentials" DVD for myself for Christmas.
That kicked my butt!
It's very low-impact, lots of muscle work, strength and stretch, but it's HARD. Easy to do, it's explained very well, but HARD. My thighs are still feeling it! There is also a short "intense" workout that I couldn't get through. (Try this- place feet wide-like three feet- apart toes pointed out. Then, raise onto your tiptoes. Then, raise and lower your pelvis and upper body, bobbing slowly up and down. OMG!!!)
But it was actually kind of fun. No equipment needed (except a towel for the stretches) and the girl who hosts it is good...not too happy, but happy enough, and she tells you right where you should be feeling each exercise. Plus, the instructors are in absolutely fantastic shape...really amazing looking, which is helpful to motivate you.
I'm going to get the others of this set, and I'll let you know how I do!