Karen Voight: Ultimate Step Circuit Reviews

• Good but Need to be Patient, Focused & Nimble

  
  By A3JN26OFW170XV on 2005-07-18
  I've used this DVD about five times now and am finally appreciating the benefits. It wasn't love at first sight - I was very frustrated the first couple times and even quit midway. In the cardio sequences, Karen often starts a new move before giving the signal, leaving you stranded behind your step. It's very off-putting. Nevertheless, I forced myself to hang with it and am glad I did. As other reviewers mentioned, the complete workout (55 min) is a nice challenge for an intermediate exerciser. I'm starting to be able to anticipate her moves so the poor cueing is becoming less of an issue.
  
  The weight-training component is unique, which keeps me interested (not your standard bicep curls...) and targets areas that my other DVDs do not (see my other reviews). However, I really have to pay attention to form (not that that's a bad thing) - some of the moves are unusual and a bit tricky; others are very subtle movements, requiring concentration to feel a burn. Also, there aren't many reps so you have to make the most of each.
  
  I find that the pacing on the step movements is unusually fast (normally, I want to move at the same speed or faster than the instructor). One one hand, I like that this routine makes me hustle but it's harder to keep good form and a bit taxing on the body. So I do not recommend it for someone who wants to minimize the impact on joints.
  
  The music, set, and background are neutral to good - nothing amazing but not drawbacks. I like that the set is simple and well-lit and that there are only two people behind Karen. I haven't noticed any poor form on their part, which helps me to concentrate on mine. The overall mood is serious/professional but they'll flash a smile here and there.
  
  I'd say this is a high-intermediate/low-advanced workout because the cardio movements are so rapid. By the final cardio sequence ("the tick/tock") I am approaching my breaking point. Karen works up a sweat in this workout, which I find comforting. Both the warm-up and cool-down (before abs) should be a couple minutes longer. The ability to split the DVD into two workouts - 34 minute cardio and 32 minute weight-training is a nice feature. While it has its issues, this DVD is a good value at around $10.
  
  
  

• Excellent & fun workout

  
  By A309NAXIRLYU1M on 2005-02-04
  As I am the first to review this, let me say that this is an awesome fun workout. Definitely intermediate to advanced. There's much variety with this DVD. There's a choice of just doing the 32 min cardio, which is just using the step. Then there's a choice of the 32 minute weights. Lastly there's a choice of the full 56 minute workout, which can also be broken down with the a la carte menu...
  
  Warm-up: 5 1/2min
  Cardio: 32 min (w/warm-up)
  Weights: 32 min (w/warm-up)
  Abs: 6 min
  Butt/Legs: 3 3/4 min
  Cool down: 3 3/4 min
  
  I'm new to KV and this is my second DVD of hers. My first is her Great weighted workout which is also really intense. The background to this Ultimate Step Circuit is a barn like set up but who cares, the workout is fun and the music is upbeat. She cues you in to all the moves. There's one guy and a girl, who may have been in her earlier workouts. You need a step and one set of heavy (5-10lbs) and one set of lighter (3-5lbs) weights. When u do the total workout, you do first cardio/weights combo...it's nice the way she breaks it down. KV is sooooooo defined and toned. Just to give u an idea of my level of workouts, I alternate with this DVD, and KV great weighted workout, Tamilee Webbs Weight Loss, Bootcamp and Crunch Pilates...all fun workouts. I hope all the dedicated exercisers buy this DVD or preview it on Collage. Always preview so you know what you're getting. I definitely give this 5 stars.
  
  

• Great DVD!

  
  By AOY6JFKIX1N3P on 2006-04-26
  I probably own about 100 exercise DVDS. I have so many that are horrible that it is really shocking when I get a good one. This DVD is really good. The choreography is interesting, but not too hard to pick up during the first time you do the DVD. The music is not annoying. Karen Voight is not annoying. It is fun and a good workout and worth the money. I've only done this DVD once, but I was pleased with the DVD. I will use it over and over.
  
  

• ultimate Step Circuit - Karen Voight

  
  By A23FAYNY2SNZI5 on 2005-08-04
  Eight weeks ago I was an absolutely beginner for step but with Karen Voight energy I have learned and improved a lot. I love everything on the DVD, the exercise makes me sweat like mad. I have notice that my waist get smaller and my clothes fit me better. I have not get on the scale yet as I would like to concentrate on the fittness first. I would like to recomment and share this fun step exercise with all fittness lover and also for anyone who would like to lose weight.
  
  

• The best out there!

  
  By A3NKGWJZ1286J1 on 2006-04-02
  This is a great workout for someone that gets bored easily while working out. The constant cardio then weight segments keep my mind off the clock. I have only done it 5 times and everyone is noticing! This works fast! If you want to buy just one DVD, get this one!
  
  
• Corny
  By ABDRQK06GEEI0 on 2005-12-22
  I think this DVD was corny. I've been getting DVDs and VHS for years, as I would rather exercise at home then spend time getting to a from the gym. I've seen some with poor cueing, and others I do long enough that it's time to move on to something new. I'm not sure how to pinpoint or put words to my impression of this, but Karen seemed very unreal, and I want something more down to earth. I like seeing strong women that I would like to be more like, and while the guy and gal in the back were fine, Karen was just too annoying up front.
  
  
• Works your nerves at first, but overall a great workout
  By A20J4FB33G3X4X on 2007-01-31
  The first time I tried this video, I was extremely annoyed - her cuing is absolutely awful on this one. She tells you what she's doing next as she already starts doing it - no warning at all! So the first couple times I did this video, I cursed her the whole time. However, once I got it down, I realized that it is a really good, high-impact workout. I have a lot of step videos, and this one keeps my heart rate higher than any of the rest. It is really fast-paced, as other reviewers have mentioned. You're definitely stepping quicker than in most other step videos, and the routines are strenuous, with a lot of jumps - however, you can usually substitute lower impact moves if you don't prefer to do the jumps. As for the weight section, if you do it in conjunction with the step portions, it is somewhat difficult, because your heart rate gets up pretty high and then you go right into weight lifting - this makes the weight lifting parts seem hard because you're already huffing and puffing, but on their own, I don't feel like I get a good total body weight lifting workout from this video. Some of the body parts are only worked on for a few minutes, and in moves that don't seem like they're doing much for me. I recommend this video more for the step aerobics than for the weight portion.
  
  
• I Love Step
  By AQLKVOO89XTSQ on 2005-02-18
  I must say that this workout was better than I expected,not too easy and not overly intense. Everything seem to be just right. I've always been a fan of step arobics and I will always continue to be with Karn Voight. I haven't tried out the weight parts yet but I'm looking foward to it. If you enjoy a good step workout this is the one for you.
  
  
• Another Karen great :-)
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2006-04-23
  Because I exercise at home rather than a gym, I need motivation, fun and yet a tough enough instructor to make me sweat. Karen is such an instructor. She is such a clear cuer and talks ahead of the next move so you know what's comming up.
  This workout alternates fast cardio intervals with toning moves. They are tough but worth it. The aerobic intervals are between 7-9 minutes and each one gets a little tougher. The toning segments are shorter but work multi muscle groups. There is a great workout for the abs that will kill. You'll need for the workout some dumbells, and a lot of energy. This is a great workout to do often as you will definately get the results you want. I love this workout.
  
  
• Outstanding workout!
  By A3OED82OJI8QLO on 2006-07-10
  I'm 35 years old and started stepping in the early 90's but I haven't stepped in 5 years. This workout took me a few workouts to catch on and if I had to give some advice to make it easier to learn I would say...set the step up so you're facing the TV and mirror her feet and body to get the moves. I was really confused trying to decipher left and right and when I mirrored her, I got it instantly! I got this DVD because of the great reviews and doing this workout brought all the reasons I used to love to step back and made me sweat. I'm not very articulate with giving a review and I rarely do but I have to say, in the past 7 days of doing this workout (everyday because I'm addicted!) I have trimmed down a great deal and I'm more relaxed and happy. Probably just a release of good endorphins from doing something that is thoroughly enjoyable. I love it and just thought it deserved some credit.
  
  
• No thong leotards, PLEASE
  By A2CXDSSHQ0L8BK on 2006-06-19
  Oh my gosh, this is probably one of the best workout DVD's EVER and I'm addicted to The Firm. The instructor is upbeat and she is REAL... she's even SWEATING along with the rest of us. There are nO thong leotards to be seen, and each exercise was easy to follow... I love the movements, everything.
  I recommend, however, that if you're relatively new to step, WATCH each segment for a minute to figure out the step routine and then rewind and try it yourself.
  Also, if a move is tricky, try it on the floor before going up on the step. When you're trying to learn a new move - Like I was with this DVD - it's safer and easier to try the steps on the floor. This was extremely easy to follow and I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to work out to it tonight. :)
  
  
• for athletes
  By A17K3KCNLCAFK3 on 2006-02-27
  It is suggested for people who have been exercising for a long time specially athletes
  
  
• Karen is one of the best
  By A13WUVYP5IBDVW on 2007-02-04
  Karen Voight is excellent in this DVD on multiple levels. She cues early enough, but not too early. Her techinque is impeccable - always reminding you of proper form so as to avoid injury. Her cardio is challenging, and she offers varying levels of intensity. Her weight training is awesome, and always gives a good burn. This DVD is one of my favorite b/c I always know I'm going to end up with a good workout in the end. Being an aerobics instructor myself, I would say that Karen Voight is one of my favorites. I have many of her workout DVDs. She rocks.
  
  
• Gives you a good sweat
  By A2TN3PFY5178HF on 2005-06-22
  I am an intermediate exerciser who runs 30min. and does weight lifting 30min. alternatively. My goal is losing 10 pound combine with sensible Japanese diet plan. I find this DVD helps me to achieve my goal as a part of my exercise routine. It consists of both cardio and strength for 30 min each. I found the Strength Circuit may be a little too easy and short. The Cardio Circuit on the other hand provides good sweat, not for beginner. Interestingly the concept of this cardio section is slightly similar to the gKathy Smith: Power Step Workouth!! I like Karenfs version better because it is not glong-same-move-forever-feelingh though give me a similar sweat.
  
  
• Voight is fantastic
  By A17GMCP36X1CPZ on 2007-01-15
  Karen Voight is one of the best trainers I have in my collection. This one in particular is well rounded. Karen is easy to follow and keeps you motivated. I love step! and this one is good. If you don't like jumping on a step, don't get this one, but if you do, you'll love it. I have done step for years and this workout still makes me sweat everytime. The circuit has great intervals and flows perfectly. Anything negative I could say is that it might need a little more weight training.
  I'd recommend this, or honestly any Karen Voight workout.
  
  
• Not for beginners!
  By A3IP68WD79EM52 on 2008-06-22
  I got this after I finished taking an aerobics class to keep with it, and I thought it was okay after several tries, but it's definitely more advanced than I was ready for. I've used it a few times, but often get frustrated and just turn on some music for my cardio circuit instead. I read all the great reviews, but nothing (at the time) was mentioned about it being for a more advanced stepper. My issues with it (as a beginning-intermediate stepper) were that she switched to new choreography too quickly and often without a good explanation of what she was doing (mostly during cardio circuit, she's better at describing during the strength circuit). I also felt like I had to keep my eye on the TV the whole time because there weren't enough audio cues, which is really difficult when you're constantly switching directions. By the time I figured out one step, she'd moved on to something else, so I wasn't getting a complete workout. I'm sure it's fine for advanced steppers or maybe just more coordinated people, but I'm going to try a different video for now.
  
  
• Terrific full body work out!
  By A1EIFFYQHTYIZX on 2006-07-05
  It took me about three sessions to be able to follow the whole routine. Sometimes she goes to the next move without much of an intro. But once I "got it", I loved it! This is definitely for the intermediate or advanced stepper. Karen Voight does it right - warm up, aerobics, heavy weights, aerobics, light weights, aerobics, abs, and cool down. It is a lot of fun and the hour goes so fast, you are done before you know it! I highly recommend this DVD.
  
  
• Great Workout!
  By A11PUT622E0IQA on 2006-08-24
  This was one of the first step workouts I purchased and I absolutely loved it! I still mix it in to my routine and sometimes just do the weight section or just the cardio section. The entire workout is 56 minutes, and there is a great ab workout at the end. The butt workout at the end could be better but I mainly use this for cardio and strength. The cardio segments are very short, so sometimes I mix it in with something else, like 15 min of high/low if I am not doing the weights that day. Karen is a great instructor and I am pleased with this dvd~
  
  
• Step Workout review
  By A3PABB7IZEQKRV on 2006-08-31
  Overall not a bad workout video with more than one type of workout to choose from. Fairly easy to follow but I would have enjoyed some more energizing music. Karen is a good instructor but in this video I don't find her to be as motivating as I would have liked.
  
  
• good overall
  By A3G0SLM28ZLODX on 2007-05-15
  Its was good overall workout. It was easy to follow not alot of complicated dance moves. I liked the weight segments throughout, was a nice variation. Some of the positions on the bench for stretching I didnt care for, position bothered my knee. So I did it on the floor. I enjoyed it.
  
  
• Fun cardio workout
  By A1TMQ5QYIJZRV1 on 2007-07-05
  I love this step workout! It took me a few times to get the hang of all the steps, but now I feel like I know it by heart. As other reviewers have noted, there are a few times where Karen starts a step before she cues the viewer in, but after just a couple times of doing this workout, you get the hang of it.
  
  Personally, I'm not as crazy about the weight segments. The great thing about this DVD, though, is you can select which segments to do. I usually just do the three cardio circuits in a row and then do my own free weights. I also own Elle MacPherson's "Your Personal Best" video which features Karen. I'm familiar with her style of exercises and enjoy her coaching and fun, upbeat workouts.
  
  
• Overall effective and challenging
  By A1ZUK82SVPB3MX on 2007-08-20
  This DVD is very similar to Karen Voight's "Burn & Firm: Circuit Training" video content-wise, except the cardio segments in these routines involve a step. I actually prefer the cardio portions of this workout to those on Burn & Firm, as the use of the step offers a greater challenge which actually elevates my heart rate.
  
  The toning segments on this DVD deliver an overall body-toning workout using one set of lighter (3-5 lb) weights and one set of heavier (5-8 lb.) weights, which includes several combination moves (such as doing a bicep curl with one arm while doing a triceps kickback in the other). The lower body toning exercises mostly involves some squats and lunges off the step. However, the abdominal section includes raising the step bench on one side as to create an incline, and while this is supposed to offer a greater challenge by working the lower abdominals against the increased gravity of the legs, I feel it places unnecessary strain on the back. There are just as effective and less strenuous ways of working the lower abdominals than this. The accompanying music and look of the set is nice, but as with a lot of Karen's other exercise DVDs, it somewhat lacks the fun factor in my opinion (her personality doesn't really click with me for some reason). Her cuing also isn't the best (she's already on to the next step before instructing you to follow her lead), and you may have to practice doing the cardio routines several times before finally catching on. However, I do like how you can pick-and-choose which exercise routine, or which combination of exercise routines suites your needs.
  
  Despite a few flaws, I'd recommend "Ultimate Step Circuit" as an effective total body cardio & strength workout overall, though personally I prefer Cathe Friedrich workouts for this sort of routine.
  
  Rating: Good
  
  
  
• This is a hard one! Intermediate/Advanced exercisers
  By A3ECKE6F81OF0R on 2008-08-15
  I bought this video because after trying Kathy Kaehler Basics - Workout Class I became a fan of step workouts.
  I needed some variety to add more options to my cardio and strenght training, in order not to get bored, and this workout has both.
  
  This is a good one for your collection if you look for some variety like me and you already have some experience working out.
  
  I think this DVD is aimed for an intermediate/advanced exerciser who is familiar with step to be able to do the cardio circuit, otherwise you might be disappointed 'cause it is really hard to follow, at least in the beginning when you are not familiar with the moves.
  
  It took me some time to be able to follow it, cause it's fast and Karen doesn't cue very much! Or she does it when she is already in the next move which is a little bit confusing for me. I think this is a very fun workout once you learn the moves, and Oh my! I sweat like crazy!
  
  The strength training is very complete, but I don't like that you have to use a step mat which I don't have.
  I wasn't too crazy about the stretch part, which in my opinion was hard to do and too short. I prefer something more traditional that allows you to relax more.
  
  
  
• you will sweat!
  By A1XAGHWUW1J1NM on 2005-11-20
  This is my first Karen Voight DVD & will definitely not be my last!
  
  PROS:
  - a great intermediate step workout
  - a challenging weight workout
  - almost a full hour! I am tired of tapes that SAY they are an hour, but the workout is only 40 mintes!
  
  CONS:
  - poor cueing makes the workout hard to follow the first few times, but once you get the hang of it you will be one step agead of her!
  
  
• Great Workout!
  By A17RRLYKUIHPG5 on 2007-03-14
  This is one of the best at home dvds I have ever used. Very easy to follow with, works up a great sweat!
  
  
• Excellent workout
  By A1MRM3JDDTYG4M on 2007-06-07
  This workout is excellent to move, tone, sweat it all. You feel every muscle working, and Karen is very good explaining the moves.
  I have a complete collection (taebo, zumba, step) and this is one of my favorites because I know I'm working everything with it.
  
  
  
  
• A little more cardio, please
  By A34C7SOQL935W3 on 2007-07-02
  You can always count on Karen Voight to give you a well-developed workout and Ultimate Step Circuit is no exception. I bought it because I was hoping that I'd get a great step workout from an instructor that brings a lot of positives to the field of video exercise. Unfortunately, there's only about 30 minutes of stepping and even when I chose the option where you do all the step segments at once, I couldn't hit my target heart rate for long enough to make it worthwhile. Likewise when I chose the combo (step segments alternating with toning) option on the DVD. But it's still a good overall workout option (vs. sitting on your couch and eating Cheetos) from one of the best instructors out there.
  
  
• Great Workout!
  By A1JRC9OYKC46QA on 2008-02-11
  This workout makes me work hard, which I need. I'm 53 and in pretty good shape. It was hard to follow Karen at first, but the second time around, I was right in step with her. I was already into weights before I got this DVD, so the weight portion wasn't a challenge at first. After raising my weights a bit (she recommends 3-5 and 5-8, so I do 8's and 10's) I saw an immediate difference! If you want to sweat and burn calories, this DVD will do it. Love it.
  
  
• Keeps you interested and works up a sweat!
  By A2VKVZECU1X0CJ on 2008-06-02
  This is a great aerobic workout for a strong intermediate or advanced person when it comes to teh cardio (and abs section). The aerobic circuit is a great challenge but not impossile. I am always sweating profusely after this workout. You have the option of doing teh entire circuit alternating between cardio and weight training for a total of 56 minutes or doing each circuit separately at about half an hour each. I liek doing the full circuit becasue it works almost like interval training, and it keeps the workout from getting boring. I also like the workout because Karen incorporates som moves on the step I have never seen before and she transitions a lot to keep you from getting bored. The abs section is a real toughie becasue it is done on your step at an incline. You definitely feel the burn.
  
  My reason for giving a 4 instead of a 5 is that she doesn't cue very well, so the first time you do it, it is a little challenging to follow. Also, I feel that the weight training portion should be more difficult.
  
  
• Watch your step!
  By A1ANXCF5IOZUUA on 2008-07-18
  Overall, this is another great workout by Karen Voight. I'd be in better shape if I had been doing the workout regularly.
  
  One thing I don't like about this workout is that it asks for 2 different sets of hand weights: a light set and a heavy set. A light pair of dumbells was sufficient for me.
  
  Although the themed sections provide variety, some of the moves required too many reps, causing me to lose interest at some points. Perhaps it's just my cheap equipment or lack of coordination, but I also felt as though some of the moves were dangerous. I have almost slipped off of, or missed the platform many times.
  
  Other than suggesting less equipment, making some of the moves safer, and including more stretches in the cool down, there is nothing I would really change about this complete cardio/toning workout.
  
  

• Step Aerobics
• Christi Taylor: Totally Cool Step
• Kathy Smith: Step Workout
• Classic Kathy Smith - Step Workout
• Keli Roberts: Step it Strong