Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable workout...
Review: I did this video a couple of days ago for the first time and I really enjoyed it. It flies by so fast (which is the best part for me). Also, her active recovery routines (which follow the 2-minute explosive ones) help to shape the lower part of the body with plenty of squats and some lunges (though not too much, thank God). You're given the choice of low-impact or hi-impact so this video is good for beginners and intermediates (and maybe even advanced). For a total-body workout, combine this video with some exercises for the upper body, and you can get a terrific workout in a short amount of time.
Rating:
Summary: Functionally Fit
Review: The video is a good workout for beginners. It is challenging but not too difficult especially with the two minutes of aerobics followed by two minutes of active rest. The cool down stretches are my favorite part.
Rating: 
Summary: A keeper
Review: I have had this video for several years and it is the only one that I do not get bored with. I used it throughout my pregnancy (low impact) about 3x's/week and stayed in fairly good shape--got back back down to my pre-pregnancy weight in no time. Now, I do the high impact version to get my blood going and stay in shape. This is the only video that I have stuck with. I do add stomach cruches at the end so that I feel like it was a complete workout, which is really the only drawback. Since I do not like step aerobics, this one was perfect for me. I hope she comes out with another one just like this (with different routines) soon. If so, I'll be the first to buy it!
Rating: 
Summary: Not What I Expected
Review: Having had success in losing weight and burning fat with Kathy Smith's motivating videos, I was sorely disappointed I spent any money on this. This tape is oriented towards homemakers with little time to workout. Unfortunately, I found the references to this during the workout distracting and the workout itself mundane. I was attracted to the concept of a high-low workout to burn fat. The particular format of this video might work well in a class setting, but trying to motivate oneself to jog in place at home is as much a mental effort as the physical act of running in place. This might be a good beginner tape if you don't need to get your heart rate too high to lose weight--otherwise, I highly recommend Kathy's basic step workout tape or Ultimate Video Workout, an arcane aerobics tape, but effective and fast-paced. In short, not up to par with Kathy's usual effective and fun routines.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: This tape focuses on interval training--bursts of aerobic activity, followed by a cooling-down period. There is also some lower-body toning during some of these cooling down, or "active recovery" periods.In general, I felt that it was a decent workout, and I do return to this tape when I am not in the mood for my other aerobic tapes. The moves are explained and demonstrated very well. They are not too dancy or complicated. But Kathy Smith is constantly talking! Granted, she's obviously very knowledgeable, explains everything clearly, and definitely knows her stuff, but I hate the incessant chatter from her and being given a count-down during every single interval! ("OK, we've got 5 more of these, four more--you can do it--three more, two more, and one, OK!") A clock occasionally shows on the screen, letting you know how much more of the interval is remaining. This, too, annoys me. I feel it makes me focus on the time, and therefore I enjoy the actual exercise less because I'm thinking about it in a negative light--"is it over yet?" This tape does give a pretty good aerobic workout, yet not as thorough or tough as I'm used to, or have done on other tapes. It's probably a good stand-by, but is not one of my favorites.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites!
Review: This is a great video for those who are short on time. It's a great 40 minute workout that really gets your muscles working. I'm new to workout videos, but the choreography is easy to follow and very vigorous. She covers a good warmup, 6 intervals, and an adequate cool down/stretch time. I use this more than any other exercise video. My only complaint is the really insipid music used in the background. Put your favorite CD on instead!
Rating:
Summary: Great Motivation
Review: I bought this video about 3 years ago and used it maybe 4-5 times. It was tough back then but I was in fairly good shape. Recently I experienced a weight gain and wanted to get back on track with my diet. Boy, am I HAPPY to have this video, it is such a great motivator and Kathy's explanation of each move really makes you "work it" to your advantage. She stresses form and posture throughout the video and makes sure you are working at the correct intensity. I recommend it to anyone interested in getting into a fitness routine. I started with the beginner's routine and after 3 weeks of using the video I felt stronger and could see the definition in my legs. It was a very natural transition to the mid-range routine. I feel so great after the workout is finished and feel pumped for the rest of the day!
Rating:
Summary: Great for everyone!
Review: I admit it -- I HATE to exercise! But this tape is great! I actually look forward to doing it. The routine -- a mix of regular aerobics with 2-minute spurts of high-energy moves -- is easy to learn, gets the heart rate up and goes very quickly. Every level is included, from beginner to advanced. Kathy is upbeat but not obnoxious. This was my first Kathy Smith exercise tape, and have since purchased the weight lifting tape plus plan to get one of her step tapes.
Rating:
Summary: I love this video...
Review: I was an exercise drop out and recently started up again. Since I hadn't bought a new tape in years, I decided to go with my favorite, Kathy Smith. I am so glad that I did. This workout gave me the best workout I have ever experienced from a video. Smith's directions are clear and concise, though sometimes I was tripping over my own feet. She has good modifiers that are still challenging. Since I hadn't exercized in a while, I didn't think that I would be able to keep up, but the modifiers do help and her encouraging attitude kept me going. The cooldown definitely should have been longer and the stretch section should be longer as well. But all in all, this video is more than worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Diverse
Review: I am a mother of two, the youngest is a year old. I bought this tape to try and get back into my pre-pregnancy weight. I enjoy the video because it is diverse, and seems to go fast because your changing exersizes often. By the end I am tired, but I set up a timer, so that motivates me when I get fatigued, knowing that I've only got 7 minutes left. The cool down is a little too short for me, but on the whole I think anyone will like this video. I sure do feel great after having done it, and Kathy recommends only 3 times a week with this workout-not too bad. Good luck!
|
