Classic Kathy Smith - Step Workout Reviews

• Great overall step aerobics video

  
  By A3EF8XVMLU20TI on 2002-11-19
  Fitness-wise, I'm at the beginner level because I haven't worked out for a couple of years after having my first child. However, I've done step aerobics classes before, so I'm not a total neophyte in that area. At the same time, I'm not into dancy moves & prefer easy-to-follow steps. When I decided that I needed to get back into shape, I bought this video at the same time I bought my step.

  Pros:
  - Movements are not difficult to follow & gave me a good workout even at my very first use.

  - Absolute beginners can benefit from one step model who is right at front & demonstrates simpler moves
  - It's not boring & most of the steppers look enthusiastic enough
  - Broken up into 12-14 minutes sections so you can customize your workout (when I started, I was only able to do segment#1, so I skipped to the cool-down section immediately. Now I can do all 3 aerobic segments).
  - Has cool-down segments & toning segments as well
  - Kathy Smith has fairly good cuing in this video (2 or 3 slip-ups, but it doesn't bother me anymore) & straight-forward instructions
  - Good intro at the beginning to give you safety tips for your workout. However, this is also a drawback since I don't need to watch this part anymore & have to fast-forward everytime I use the video

  Cons:
  - Movements may be too simple/boring for intermediate-advanced steppers or those who like a lot of dancy movements
  - The intro at the beginning of the tape is kind of long & you'll have to fast-forward through it to get to the warm-up segment

  Bottom line:
  This video is a good workout for beginners, beginner-intermediate, and for people who don't want to deal with complicated dancy moves. Combined with a low-fat, sensible & balanced diet, you can start losing that extra weight!
  
  

• Excellent Total Body Workout!

  
  By AD39QGHGWAOPQ on 2002-02-11
  I work out every day and use a step aerobics tape between 4-7 days a week. This one is one of my favorites in a rotation of 13 videos I currently use. Kathy Smith is one of the best instructors. Her directions are so good that, after using this tape a few times, one can actually complete the moves without having to watch the screen (which makes it easier to maintain proper body alignment). She mirrors her instructions (when she says "left" she means YOUR "left") and it's very fun. Smith and her crew seem to have a great time which, to me, rubs off on the viewer! The video starts with an 8-minute warm-up and follows with three step segments from beginning level to advanced (12, 13, and 10 minutes respectively). One can fast-foward to the 5-minute cool down after the first or second segments if they are just beginning step aerobics or if they are hard-pressed for time). After aerobics, there is a 5-minute ab toning segment which utilizes the inclined function of the Original Step. Finally, there is an 8-minute upper body toning segment using hand-weights (one can probably improvise with cans of veggies, etc.) Finally, you cool down with a 5-minute stretching segment. Few videos are as well-rounded as this one and, although it's about an hour and ten minutes long, it's over before you know it because it is so fun!
  
  

• From a clumsy girls point of view

  
  By AEA6CWXGT8IZT on 2006-01-28
  Okay, so I'm not a gazelle. I'm not graceful and I'm not light on my feet. We have an eliptical which is probably best suited to my skill level. It's hard to fall off of one. :-) But I hate it. I mean, I devise ways of not looking at the clock and the minutes just drag on and on and on. So I bought a step and I bought this workout as my introduction to stepping based on the stellar reviews here at Amazon.
  
  I love it! Stepping is really much less boring than the "eviliptical". Okay, so I fell down on my #@%#$% the first time I followed this tape. I would chalk that up to me, not the tape. As a child my grandmother put me in ballet. After two lessons the instructor met her at the door and told her I'd be better of in tap. The fact that I only fell once and didn't kill myself is actually a testimonial for Kathy Smith!
  
  I would advise anybody who is new to stepping and coordination-challenged like me to skip doing the arms when first starting. Just look at the feet and do those. Add in arms slowly over time. I still do just feet in some things. And be careful with the move "over the top" because that's the move that sent my feet "over the top" of my head.
  
  The ab section is short, but a killer. Don't start on the incline! Just start flat.
  
  Kathy is fairly easy to follow, the music is cheeful, and the moves are challenging enough to keep you from thinking about how much it sucks to actually do them. All in all a great workout for me! The only annoying thing is Kathy does let off a high pitched "drill team" squeal once in a while and say things like, "Now that you've got that down let's pick up the pace" (Uh, wait, I don't got that down!) Thank God for rewind. But all in all she's a lot less "chipper" than some other aerobics tapes, so it's not bad. And Kathy doesn't have an annoying voice either--a big plus! She's also older. I find it easier to take instruction from somebody who isn't carded when the buy booze.
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Lots of fun!

  
  By on 2004-01-24
  I used to take regular step classes about 10 years ago, but apart from horseback riding have done nothing along those lines since then. Having just turned 40 I decided I should probably start doing something and began wondering what I would enjoy and stick with. Step aerobics popped into my mind and I went ahead and bought a Step, mat, weights and some videos.

  I had such a blast the first time, and even though it's been a while I found I hadn't forgotten most of the moves (a couple of goofs on my part, but Kathy's explanations weren't to blame). I even felt comfortable enough to complete the entire workout without having to skip through any sections.

  I need motivation, and Kathy and her crew gave me that. The moves aren't complicated, they are well explained and, in my opinion, the video is suitable for anyone from a total beginner (skip the more advanced sections) to an advanced-intermediate. Not to say an advanced stepper wouldn't have fun and get a good workout, but the moves are not complicated and the more adventurous sorts might want to have a more complex, highly choreographed workout.

  In summary, it's lots of fun and I look forward to my workouts!

  One minor point -if I had access to a DVD player where I choose to work out in the house, I'd probably pick that over VHS. It would just be easier to skip through the intro, which certainly isn't necessary to watch each time.
  
  

• Great & easy to follow

  
  By on 1999-12-07
  This is a great tape for beginners and more advanced steppers. I have been using it for several months now and still am not bored by it. Before I know it, I am halfway through the program. This is a tape you can grow with. Beginners can start with a low step and one of the three sections, then you can progress to doing all segments of the tape and alter step height. It is great if the amount of time you have to workout varies from day to day as you can do a section or two or all of the program.
  
  
• Finally a workout I can actually complete!!
  By A21FPBKCVF6ZIL on 2002-01-09
  After trying for months to find a workout I could actually complete I ordered Kathy Smith's Step aerobics workout. I had tried Tae Boe, aerobics, country linedancing aerobics, etc and found that either I was unable to complete the workout or I was so uncoordinated that I ended up just quitting. I am still in the beginners section of the workout but am able to complete the workout without getting discouraged. I love the ab workout (my problem area) and the upper body toning exercises. It has spurred me further and I have just ordered her Lift Weights to Lose Weight video. Kathy is a great motivator and doesn't have the annoying, overpowering voice that so many "weightloss guru's" have. Thanks Kathy!!!
  
  
• Great Step Video!
  By A3852W07DR0L7E on 2000-09-19
  I just bought this video a couple of weeks ago and WOW! I am fairly new to step and this workout really kept my heart rate up and I was really sweating. There are 3 segments to this video. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. I just got through the Beg & Inter the first time I did the tape. No really fancy moves, just your simpler steps that are more sports oriented than dancy. There is also a small ab segment and about an 8 minute upper body toning segment so you will need weights with this video. I definately recommend it for someone looking for a good solid step video.
  
  
• Finally...a good one.
  By AT7OEZ650FIEP on 2005-10-27
  I have been doing step aerobics for 10 years, both in the gym and at home with various videotapes. This is the first aerobics tape I have purchased that I have really liked. It's not a dance routine...just straight forward aerobics, which is exactly what I like. There are so many different moves and combinations that you don't get bored easily, you can do as much or as little as you feel comfortable doing, and Kathy is easy to follow. This is an excellent workout.
  
  
• A terrific total body workout.
  By on 1998-11-09
  By far my favorite of the Kathy Smith series, this workout includes a thorough warm up, 3 separate stepping segments for beginner, intermediate and advanced level stepper, leg toning exercises, upper body toning and abdominal work before a relaxing stretch. Just the stepping segments (all 3 combined with warm up and brief cool down before the leg toning) is about 45-50 minutes. The whole workout start to finish is over an hour. The 3 stepping segments get progressively more difficult with more complicated choreography. Her instructions are clear and timely and all exercises are safe, with power moves as an option for the truly fit. The music is just right, the class working out with her the usual crew. All in all, this is my favorite step tape and my favorite Kathy Smith tape. END
  
  
• One Wheel in the Sand
  By A1E96BJ2K7T3AX on 2003-03-23
  I'm an avid step-aerobic exerciser and consider myself knowledgable and informed when it comes to this subject. I was excited to view this video after having read the comments about it on Amazon.com. Much to my dissappointment, it was not all that I had hoped it would be. I suspect that I may be a little particular when it comes to working out. This video is well over 50 minutes long, broken into segments designed to cater to individual workout levels, and never seemed to get started. The music is terrible and reminds me of some new age chanting...hardly motivation to get pumped up. The only redeeming quality is that the sculpting portion at the end of the video is pretty effective. I do not recommend this video to spunky people who are serious about their workout "working them out"!!
  
  
• Great video!
  By on 2000-07-10
  This one of my favorite step workout videos. It's a complete body workout. Kathy es very well coordinated and the video is adapted to all fitness levels. She is very dinamic and easy to follow. I'd recommend this video, specially if you are new at stepping, you'll learn the techiniques and all the different ejercises to help you shape your lower and upper body. Once you feel more confortable with this video, and become more advanced in stepping and want a more challenge workout try the Kathy Lee Power Stepworkout, which is a great one too.
  
  
• Effective step workout
  By A2AVP3UW5TPFP2 on 2000-02-01
  I bought this video about 6 years ago and although I have numerous aerobic workout videos, I always seem to come back to this one when I want to seriously workout. It is easy to follow, not too "dancy", and gives you a great aerobic workout. You will sweat no matter what your level of fitness and if you have slacked off for a while, this gives you a chance to start at the beginning and work up to your previous fitness level. If you are new to stepping, you can still follow it easily and get results. I highly recommend this video to anyone who wants to lose weight or improve their fitness level or both!
  
  
• Thanks to the Other Reviews!
  By A1OK9K0AJO8R4Z on 2006-02-01
  After reading the other reviews, I went ahead and purchased this DVD. I am sort of new to step aerobics and needed something for beginners. This was it. I have been doing this DVD and another one for 3 weeks now 4-5 times a week. And have had spectacular results! I have lost almost 10 lbs (a change in diet helped too)! If you are looking for a beginner step DVD, this one is it. In my opinion, this is a great DVD to start off with; I am ready for a more advance DVD. I am looking at Karen Voight's DVD's right now. Good luck with the battle of the bulge! I hope this review helps!
  
  
• I love it! WHEN WILL IT ARRIVE ON DVD!
  By AWUN1QGNT50K7 on 2000-08-24
  I bought this after my 2nd baby was born. This is THE BEST workout tape I've ever done. I use it all the time. I love the 3 part segments. If I'm feeling lazy on some days, I only do the first 12 minute segment. It's easy to follow & gives you a good workout. I like this tape because I can actually follow the moves without getting lost...and still get a good workout. All other tapes are either so difficult with moves that I can't keep up & it's no fun, or either so easy there's virtually no challenging workout. The biggest plus is that because I have a bad back, this is a safe workout that I don't feel I'm at risk of injuring my back. This is the best workout time I own & I'm desparate for it to arrive on DVD. Anyone know the answer to that?
  
  
• Not for me.
  By on 2002-02-25
  I rated this video as a 2 because I feel it's boring and annoying. Kathy doesn't step to the beat of the music and she seems to be overly trying to enjoy herself. I've tried this tape 3 times and have decided that it's not worth doing because I get too annoyed.
  
  
• Great Low Impact For Beginners!
  By A3LK41I8Y53MZJ on 2002-08-15
  I really enjoy this video!

  I am recovering from a back injury and have not been able to workout as I'm used to.
  I have been looking for a REALLY low impact workout and have tried Pilates but it left me wanting more.
  Something with Oompfh!
  This is it!
  No real jumping, just Basic Step.
  I have to admit that I have not used my step since the early 90's and it had cobbwebs on it!
  I forgot what a great cardio workout it was.
  Not trendy by all means, but if you are in search of a low impact workout, try this, gets your heart pumping without killing you!
  I am also using this video with The Quick Fix: Total Mix Workout System. You can do these exercises after the step workout for toning.
  Check it out!
  
  

• Great if you want a low impact, total body workout
  By on 2002-10-01
  "Step Workout" is a 5-star tape for beginning to intermediate exercisers, or for advanced steppers on low-energy days. I usually do the much more high-energy, high impact "Fat Burning Breakthrough (Kathy Smith)" and "Reebok Intense Moves (Gin Miller)." On days when I want an easier tape but still get a complete workout, this is my favorite.

  If you have never followed an exercise tape before, this tape will get you started and will be the only tape you need for cardio, weight loss, toning, and stretching for quite a while. There is a lot of instruction on proper stepping technique, especially in the special "learning strategies" section at the end.

  It is low impact, so there is almost no jumping. When you become ready for more intensity, you can jump the moves and/or raise the level of your step.

  Eventually you will get tired of the repetition and need more intense cardio and more intense strength training. The workout is less interesting than some of Kathy Smith's other videos, but the cueing is easy to follow.

  You can easily vary the length of the workout from 30 minutes to 70 minutes, depending on how much of a workout you want. The final 5-minute stretch segment is very good, so don't skip that.
  
  

• Excellent step-aerobic video!
  By A184XLGH5S0X2T on 1999-01-09
  The video is comparable to step workouts provided by the local YWCA, therefore Kathy provides an excellent workout without having to leave home. Fun steps providing an effective workout for hips and thighs!! Kathy's timing for calling step changes enables a smooth flow helpful especially for those just becoming acquainted with the video. This is just the step-aerobic video I had been looking for!
  
  
• I was wrong
  By on 2004-01-14
  I'm a Brit and a daily home exerciser who was looking to add some American variety to the daily routine; this is one of the DVDs I chose, pretty much at random from reading reviews, as I don't know your fitness gurus. I am editing this review, as I have revised my opinion of Ms Smith since doing her (wonderful, IMO) Pregnacy workout and subsequently returning to this. I said before that while I have had to admit that many of the American exercise programmes are way better than the British, and I did think this a good, solid workout, I was NOT keen on Ms Smith: she seemed patronizing, knowing none of us is ever going to have either her body or her fitness ability, and seriously chuffed with herself. But I can see now that I simply hadn't tuned into her style, which is professional in the extreme rather than chummy. In fairness, even in my first version of this, I couldn't give the workout less than four stars: it genuinely builds from beginner up, it is fun to do, and - for me at least, who normally does other kinds of cardio than step - I definitely broke a good sweat without huffing and puffing. And now, I have to say that while this will never be my fave DVD for various reasons, I do now like Kathy Smith and have in fact just ordered another of hers.
  
  
• Kathy Smith: Step Workout
  By A2XUWV1S56VRU9 on 2005-09-13
  This workout video is perfect for my daughter and myself. We are beginners to step aerobics. With the Kathy Smith Step Workout we get a full exercise session at a pace we can handle. I give 2 thumbs up for this product.
  
  
• amazing low impact workout
  By on 2000-04-29
  I had been looking for a low-impact workout that really gets my heart rate up. I found it! Even with heel problems I am able to do this video. You can easily adjust it to your fitness level because it is divided into three sections. Kathy smith not only has excellent queing, but she is very good at teaching the moves. It is very easy to follow, fun, and a great workout for weight loss or just general cardivascular heath. I highly reccomend this video.
  
  
• Great all level step video
  By A325P9JX9WCWJI on 2000-03-18
  This tape is great for all levels of stepping. The choreography is easy to follow, yet it's not boring and you can get a decent workout. Definitely worth the price.
  
  
• Decent Workout for Beginners, but Annoying Host
  By on 2004-06-22
  As a beginner, this tape was quite effective and a great introduction to Step-Aerobics, but now that I have been doing step aerobics for over a year at the gym and using other tapes, I find this tape very boring and too easy. I find myself adding "power" moves to the moves Kathy is doing to make it more challenging, even during the advance portion.

  Speaking of Kathy, she seems very uncomfortable in front of the camera and it is almost as if someone off camera is telling her and her crew to look like they're having fun. It doesn't seem real. Especially with her half-embarassed forced sounding "Uh-huh's" peppered throughout the tape...and how about Richard's mullet and sweaty hanes t-shirt...ew!

  That's all, if you don't mind the awkward fake enthusiasm, you will have an effective beginner's workout.

  Good luck!
  
  

• EXCELLENT STEP WORKOUT TAPE
  By on 1999-08-07
  This is a great workout. It's easy to follow and it works. Do it regularly and you'll sweat off the pounds. I've been doing it for a couple of years and will continue to use it for many more years. Even my teenager uses this workout!
  
  
• Effective and easy to follow
  By A7AE8GN39SBW6 on 2002-12-12
  I can not say how much I love Kathy Smith's workouts. Her cues are excellent, and she isn't obnoxious like a lot of the other instructors out there.

  This video, in particular, is excellent for those just beginning stepping, as Kathy explains each combination thoroughly. However, as someone who has been stepping for years, I quickly found myself becoming bored with the simple combinations.

  I would highly recommend this video to those who are new to stepping or unable to perform the high impact movements required in other aerobic videos. If I use this tape I usually add propulsion to the moves in the combinations to make things a little more interesting. But, you really can't go wrong with Kathy's workouts and this is a great addition to anyone's aerobic video collection.
  
  

• Hard To Follow For a Beginner
  By on 2003-08-20
  Although I do believe that this video would be great for an advanced person, I had a hard time following the instructions. I have never attempted step aerobics and this is not the way I wanted to begin. I had to make up my own steps because the video was too confusing and hard to follow. Maybe I am too uncoordinated, but I wanted a video that would be easier for a beginner to follow.
  
  
• Fun, lots of sweat
  By A25PDK2XUANUPZ on 2004-10-23
  Another Kathy Smith success - interesting but not too complicated, adjustable and effective. I am an experienced exerciser but have no stepping experience; I find this workout quite easy to learn, although some coordination is required... I think it's a fun hard (but not too hard) workout that's a great addition to your Cardio training DVDs.
  
  
• A Good, Thorough Workout
  By A34FX9YXE3UXXS on 2005-04-07
  Every once in a while, I like to rotate my exercise routine to a step workout. Step aerobics isn't my favorite way to exercise, but, I have to admit, it's an effective way to boost the heart rate and workup a good sweat. And I like to feel as if I've done something!
  
  As step videos go, this one is excellent, IMO. The choreography is basic and not dance-like, so most people will be able to catch on to the moves quickly. It's divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced sections, with a thorough warmup and a toning/strengthening cool down. For a total body workout, the toning section requires hand weights and, of course, a basic step is used throughout the video.
  
  Kathy does a good job of cueing before each move and recommends adding more height to your step if you need more of a challenge. I use a standard step bench, at a height of 8". This is a great way to exercise the muscles of your hips, glute, quadriceps (front of thighs), hamstrings (back of thighs), and calves. Common problem areas for many women, including me! She combines this with frequent arm movements, as well.
  
  All in all, I give this DVD two thumbs up! With the mix of cardio and strength training, this is a good workout to add to your rotation.
  
  Wow Scale: 9
  
  Difficulty: Best for Intermediate - Advanced
  
  Studio setting: basic studio, with hardwood floors; clothing is a little out-dated, but not too bad
  
  
  
  
• Kathy Smith-Step workout
  By A1RGTE1NHGPMO3 on 2005-08-23
  This is definitely one of the best Step workout videos available. I purchased the video cassette in the late 90's and was thrilled to find it in Amazon.com on DVD!
  
  
• I'm feeling the burn!
  By AV6ZT2MC9DCJI on 2000-03-01
  I've taken step aerobics classes at the gym before, and always dropped out before the entire class was over, mostly because I had trouble following the routine and got winded (and not to mention embarrassed) shortly into the routine. I was a bit leery about trying "step" again, but reading all the good reviews encouraged me and I ordered Smith's tape. I've been using the video for a week, and am still having a little trouble on some of the moves, but what the hey-- I'm alone in my living room and no one can see me go right instead of left! So far I'm pleased with the tape. The music is a tad "eighties" and there's a long commercial/skit/info session at the beginning they could have done without, but I'm feeling the burn just hours after I shut off the tape. My treadmill might just start collecting dust!
  
  

• Step Aerobics
• Classic Kathy Smith - Great Buns & Thighs Step Workout
• Karen Voight: Ultimate Step Circuit
• Kari Anderson: Go - Step Workout for Beginners
• Christi Taylor: Totally Cool Step