Rating: 
Summary: Best retail video on the market for cardio kickboxing
Review: WOW! I love this tape. I usually don't do a review after one workout, but I really enjoyed this. It went by so fast too. This is probably the best retail tape you can find and I am usually not a Kathy Smith fan (although I like her book) at all (Aerobox is the only tape I like and she doesn't lead it). Also surprisingly Keli Roberts, who recently released a kickboxing video, is in the tape with Keli and actual leads a little segment (as well as her co-star Keith Cooke). First there is an instructional section that explains the different kicks and punches, but if you've kickboxed before there are also pointers in windows throughout the video by the Kickbox expert she got, Keith Cooke, who is kinda like a Keanu Reeves looking guy. Then you have a ten minute warm-up/stretch (yes Billy Blanks could take a few lessons here). The warm up does the punches and knees in mini combos with a pretty good stretch. She also includes elbows up over the head which is one of my favorite upper body moves. You then have a 25 minute aerobic section with lots of simple, but fun combos. Keli and Keith each teach a little segment. There are jabs, crosses, elbows, hooks, front kicks, side kicks, roundhouse AND back kicks in various combinations. She also does boxer's weaves and shuffles. Then there is a brief cooldown and onto drills. The drill section utilizes a straight back chair and you do a lunge front kick combo on each side. These are controlled and more for flexibility and strength. Then a back kick. Switch legs and do the same thing. Onto side kicks and round house, and then other side. She then does a pretty thorough stretch utilizing the chair. Now I have only done the tape once but it seems she forgot to stretch one hip flexor, but I could be wrong (like I said only done it once). Then she has a "bonus" five minute segment of back/ab stabilization strengthening. Very much like Abs and More by Keli Roberts and similar to the plank in Power Kicks. Then it's onto your hip and you do these side kick crunch things on each side, and it gets tougher when you extend your arm. The music is pretty good. The set is a boxing ring with the ropes missing, but not dark like in Aerobox or Kick Butt with Kristoff St. John. I think this video is great for beginner through intermediate, advanced would probably need to do more power or tack this onto another tape. For the low-cost this is a great intro to kickboxing or a great addition to any collection IMO.
Rating:
Summary: A very motivating, fun workout!
Review: Let me start off by saying that I tried the Tae-Bo videos by Billy Blanks, and they are NOTHING compared to this workout. The Tae-Bo tapes didn't explain how to do any of the kicks or punches correctly, much less the correct stance. Kathy Smith's tape teaches the do's and don'ts of each punch and kick, and teaches the correct stance. She gives you plenty of notice before switching moves, which, I might add, the Tae-Bo tapes DO NOT do. I am an intermediate exerciser, and every single time I do this workout, (which I've done for the past 2 months) I'm drenched in sweat. Despite that, I feel good and energized,and not at all tired. Best of all, I don't get bored with this program. I'm looking forward to working out every day, which I couldn't say while I was doing the Tae-Bo, Reebok, or Buns of Steel tapes. This tape is very much worth the $.
Rating:
Summary: Kathy's Kickboxing
Review: I am kind of new to kickboxing and I think this tape is great. I have danced before so I am in pretty good shape. This tape gets me sweating, and I feel really good after I do it.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Start for Home Work Out Regimine
Review: I've never worked out to a DVD or VHS in my life, preferring to go to the gym and take classes, or to use exercise machines. This DVD was so FUN and diverse, not at all boring or annoying. Kathy Smith is energic but not overly so, and she avoids talking and counting constantly which I find distracting and irritating. What I like is the customized option in which you can choose you work out length-- perfect for when you need to save time or when you want a more vigorous, lengthy work out. You may find yourself flubbing through the first two go-rounds, as I did, until you get the hang of it, but once you catch on, you REALLY feel the burn if you do it right. Good work-out for beginner or moderate (I'm a moderate) exercisers.
Rating:
Summary: So THIS is why people love kickboxing!
Review: This was my first kickboxing video, and I really enjoyed it. I was a bit hesitant to try it because I don't generally like aerobics videos--I find all that "take it from the top" really boring--but I'm glad I gave this workout a chance. At the start of the video, Ketih Cooke, a well-known kickboxer, provides main instructor Kathy Smith with simple explanations of each of the punches and kicks that will be used in the workout. This brief overview was helpful, but once you learn the moves, you can skip over this part.Following the instructive segment, Kathy Smith takes over. The workout begins with a warmup which lasts about 10 minutes. This provides the opportunity for you to get used to the movements, but don't be fooled by the "warmup" label--your heart rate will definitely be elevated during this section, and you will sweat! Next comes the 25-minute kickboxing workout. During this section, you will practice punches and kicks, starting slowly and then building up to a faster pace. Kathy was easy to follow, and she gradually worked up to basic punch-kick combinations which were simple to learn yet to fun to do. I did find myself getting pretty tired during this segment, but I was able to keep up by modifying the intensity slightly (eg, keeping my feet on the ground during the hops from side to side). At the end of this section, two short combinations are presented by Keith Cooke and another well-known instructor, Keli Roberts. I liked that these combinations were a bit different yet still easy to learn and that the repetitions of each were kept to a minimum. Throughout the workout, there were times when I felt like I might not be doing the moves exactly right, but I still enjoyed myself--all that punching and kicking felt GOOD! After the kickboxing workout ends, there is a 5-minute section focusing on the legs and glutes. In this segment, you practice the kicks more slowly, combining them with squats and holding on to a chair for balance. This was a nice way to reinforce what you learned during the workout, and I think that continued practice of this section will help to improve my kickboxing skills. Finally, the workout ends with a 5-minute cool down performed seated in a chair. These moves provided nice stretches for the thighs and glutes (although at one point, Kathy forgets to perform a squat stretch on the opposite side), and when they were over, I felt thoroughly stretched. I can't compare this video to Tae Bo, as I've never tried those workouts. However, I CAN say that this was a fun, high-energy video that left me feeling strong and powerful rather than exhausted. It was perfect for a kickboxing beginner like me, but it was also challenging enough to provide even non-beginners with a great workout. Kathy Smith has a nice, easygoing style and provides good overall instruction. There were a few times when I thought she failed to adequately cue a change in movement, but the workout was so easy to follow along that it wasn't hard to replicate the movements after the first repetition or two. I'm thrilled to have finally found a cardio video that is truly enjoyable, and I look forward to doing this video as part of my regular rotation.
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: This is the first kick boxing workout I have tried and I am absolutely delighted. I am a long time fan of Kathy Smith and have about ten of her exercise videos. This workout really delivers! After only ten minutes I have a good sweat but do not feel tired. Kathy Smith has a knack for keeping all her workouts interesting and varied and this kick boxing routine is energetic and effective. The time flies by and before you know it the workout is over so I sometimes repeat it. after doing this every day for about 10 days I can see more muscle definition in my arms and legs and my stomach is firmer. The big plus is that I have lost 6lbs since starting this exercise routine.I liked this workout so much that I bought the Billy Blanks 'get ripped' kick boxing workout but after doing it twice I donated it to the library. Billy Blanks video was very hap hazard and although longer than Kathy Smith's it was monotonous and annoying. For anyone just starting Kick boxing I highly recomend Kathy Smith's workout. I hope that Kathy brings out a Kick boxing II soon.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent high-energy workout
Review: I have never done kickboxing-style workouts before this, so I cannot compare it to Tae-Bo, etc. but I absolutely love this tape. It really motivates me to keep going and I actually look forward to doing it. Kathy is quite motivational and doesn't make stupid jokes. Contrary to what other people say, I kind of like the woman on the left (forget her name now), she gets really into it. The music isn't great but it's pretty good and goes with the workout. You should know that although it is a "25-minute workout" it takes 55 minutes: 10-minute warm up, 25-min actual workout, kicking drill of about 10 minutes, a cool-down stretch of about 3 minutes , and about 5-minutes of back and stomach exercises. In the beginning it was a little difficult to get some of the combinations, but not too hard. This requires you to have a little bit of coordination and be at least somewhat in shape. At the beginning I couldn't get through the whole video, I was too tired, but each time after I did it I would get through a couple more minutes. You will really sweat, I highly recommend this.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent workout for Beginner -Intermediate !!!
Review: I have been working out with Billy Blanks videos for almost 4 months and was beginning to find the Basic version too slow but was not getting a safe and maximum workout from the Advanced. I was looking for a faster and well-coordinated routine and found it with Kathy Smith's video...Her program is very well coordinated from warm up to work out and the transitions to new punch/kick combinations are easy to follow and safe. I actually learned how to move better and safer with this video, even though I have been doing Tae-Bo for 4 months. Dance music is very upbeat and motivational ...my heart rate stayed up throughout the entire workout. I was disappointed in the last section where she engages the help of Kelli and Keith to lead some great but complicated combinations. These are great fat burning moves but don't get enough sets. By the time you master the combination, it's over. Still, highly recommended for beginner to intermediate levels.
Rating:
Summary: Great WorkOut
Review: Let's face people. I've read the review. This tape is great for beginners, especially if you have several pounds to lose. It's not as fast as Tae Bo (Thank god) but the same basic movies. The music is on tempo. I like it because she gives instructions to each move before going into the move. If you are an intermediate or advance person, this option may bore you. But once you get the moves down, oh boy, you really get a good work out. When I purchase a workout video I don't look for the people, what they have on, what they look like, the chatter. You can turn the volume down. I look for a quality workout that gets results. This tape gets you results, but you have to do the work and hang in there. If you are really new to working out and have a lot of weight to lose and just want simple moves try the Leslie Sansone Walking video. Leslie's "Walk Away Pounds Express Super Challenge 4 miles is great. You can walk 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending on you fitness level. It easy on the knees as well. The moves are simple and repetitive but you get a good workout. Advance fitness folks probably would not like this video. I lost currently a total of 25lbs just with Leslie's video. I added Kathy Smith video to add to kick my workout up a notch. Just remember as your fitness level increases you will purchase different videos to challenge the body. But for beginners..these videos are great.
Rating: 
Summary: Just not fun
Review: I love tae bo, and thought I'd give Kathy's version a try. I thought it might be more challenging, or just add some variety to my workouts. I did the DVD twice and yes, it got my heart rate up and all, but it was just dull! The "advanced workout" was a joke - the same workout, but with "challenge" moves at the end, after my heart rate had gone down! My advice: try TaeBo II instead. The basic tapes are easy but the advanced ones are tough, and a lot more FUN to do than this workout!
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