Kathy Smith - Kickboxing Workout

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful surprise
Review: I Love doing the kathy Smith tapes which i started while i was pregnant. She is very amazing. This kickboxing tape was exactly what i wanted. When I first did it, I thought that it wouldn't work for me, because even though i was sweating tons, i wasn't out of breath. The next morning, my upper back, my arms and my torso felt so good - like that feeling you get when you work out and wake up feeling like you worked out, but you are not stiff. This is a wonderful tape and i would recommmend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Kicking it with Kathy
Review: Unlike many people, I actually find Kathy Smith motivating and rather sweet. I am at an intermediate fitness level, and I am drenched after this video. It helps me relax and release anger. I have not done any Tae-Bo, but I have another Billy Blanks workout tape and I find him to be far more annoying than Kathy.

Rating:
Summary: A great alternative to Tae Bo.
Review: In every way imaginable, this tape surpasses Tae Bo. Everything from the thorough warm up, safety cues, instruction, music, movements, class members, cool down and stretch...it's very thorough and very tough. I will say that this is a workout for an intermediate level trainer or above, and I think the intensity would be a bit too much for a total beginner, even with the modifications they suggest, but it is fun and well done. The women in the class are beyond buff, more into the realm of Superwomen but it doesn't come across as intimidating. The kickboxer teaching with Kathy is terrific, he's a bit more polished in his teaching skills than the boxer on her Aerobox tape (though I enjoy that one as well.) But it is fun, empowering and will certainly give you great cardio and toning benefits if done regularly and with attention to good form. They also do a terrific job of instilling the idea of progressing slowly and not worrying about the speed or height of your kicks at first. They're encouraging without being too pushy. If you like the basic moves of Tae Bo but feel the cheesy production value, terrible music and complete lack of a warm up, proper stretch and good cool down makes it unsafe for you then this is a workout you should try. Extremely well done.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Instruction
Review: I've done Tae Bo, Aaron Lankford, Janis Saffell, and every other kickboxing video out there. While I can't say this is the best, it definitely ranks right up there. I was impressed that Kathy gave a couple of form pointers that I had not known before, even with doing all the other videos. Now I can do side kicks much more easily than before. The workout is generally at an intermediate level -- not too easy and not too hard. I think all fitness levels could find some good use with this workout.

Rating:
Summary: Kathy Smith annoyed the heck out of me!
Review: If you're a Kathy Smith fan, then you can ignore this review. If you don't know who she is, consider yourself warned. After doing the Billy Blanks Tae-Bo thing, I liked it but wanted to try something new. I found Kathy Smith so annoying I had to turn off the video. And what's the deal with her hair-do anyway?

Rating:
Summary: More fun, more sweat, less annoying than Billy Blanks
Review: I have 4 Tae Bo tapes (and still use them), but this is more fun with more sweat, the cuing is better, the music is better, and Kathy is less annoying than Billy. Some of the combinations are tougher (at first) than with TB, but it only takes a few tries to get them right, and then they're a lot of fun. Only downsides are that there is somewhat less variation in movement than with TB; also, the abs/back floor work is much harder -- it's hard to do these exercises properly if you're out of shape.

Rating:
Summary: Great & Energizing Video!
Review: I have recently taken up martial arts and wanted a workout to get me in better shape and also improve my kicks, etc. The tape has a 10 minute warm-up, cool-down, and the workout itself. In all, about 45 minutes which will have your sweat glands working to the max. The music is energetic and the cueing is excellent. There is one section which breaks down each kick in slow moves that improves your form if done about 2-3 times a week. I have tried other kickboxing tapes and have found this one to be the safest. They encourage you to go at your own pace; there is a split screen informing you of the correct technique, and adequate warm-up and cool-down segments. I just love this workout as it is energizing and a lot of fun!

Rating:
Summary: Progressively Better With Each Kick!
Review: Four weeks later...I am seeing strength and definition to a once-toned body. The punches work the upper back and shoulders (great for an upcoming sleeveless wedding dress in 6-2000), and the kicks build slowly to great combos. Selfconcious at first, am now doing it with friends. More time needs to be spent on kicking back, and putting it all together for another 20-30 minute workout. I pause the tape and do some segments twice to intensify the workout. This tape is great for anyone who wants a different challenge, and enjoys trying new moves. This is my first tape to purchase from Kathy Smith, and I look to put her Aero-Box on my Christmas list.

Rating:
Summary: Energetic Workout
Review: I was debating over purchasing this video. This video is a good aerobic workout for a decent amount of time. So many say it is a 30 minute workout but by the time you warm up & cool down it is a 10 minute workout. I have only done the video once but look forward to learning the moves better to get my kicks higher and faster. This video also helps agility and flexibility in kicks. Don't worry about it being cheesy because it is not. If you have ever done Denise Austin you know what cheese is!

Rating:
Summary: A nice - quick workout for those non-gym days.
Review: I've purchased many Kathy Smith tapes in the past, and this is one of the best. She really researched the whole kickboxing idea to bring a fun workout to your home. I like to use this tape on the days I just can't seem to get to the gym. I definitely recommend this tape to anyone looking to stay fit.