Easy, fun step workout...
This step workout is about 45 minutes long and is led by four of Jane's top instructors, Jane herself doesn't appear in it at all. There are several step sequences, plus warm up and cooldown, each led by a different instructor and has a different song.
Laurel leads you through a simple warmup consisting of step taps on and off the step, step touches and mambos, all with simple arm movements. Then the first combination is led by Michelle, easy routine where you will see more step touches, basic steps, alternating tap up/downs, then going into turn steps. Then Linda comes in for the second combo with tap up/downs off each side of the step, with traveling basic steps to get you from one end to the other, gradually adding on heel pulls, tap scoops etc.
Laurel comes back for the third combination with more tap up/downs, hamstring curls alternating corners, over the tops and heel digs. Then Jay makes his first appearance for combo #4 with more tap up/downs on alternating corners, adding side leg lifts with basic steps in between. Then you will change the side leg lifts into inner thigh lifts, then knee lifts while adding repeaters. Michelle returns for combo #5 with some new moves, step kicks on each corner, traveling across the top to get to the other side, then tap up/downs into mambo steps with simple arm movements to go with it. Linda leads combo #6 where you will see V-step, step kicks into lunges with the back foot alternating corners, then adding alternating knee lifts, then repeating the knees twice before adding jumping jacks to the floor to up the intensity a bit.
We see Laurel again for combo #7 where the step is turned the long way, you will do over the tops, rear leg lifts (or bootay lifts as Laurel calls them), rock steps, step kicks with some jazz arm movements and optional pivot turns. Then Jay returns for combo #8 with more over the tops, straddles, knee lifts, tap up/downs off the side and back of the step. Then it's time to slow things down, Linda comes back with some alternating step taps, marches on the floor, step touches, etc. Then Michelle comes in with the cooldown and final stretch.
This is a fun routine, the steps are quite easy, but there seems to be enough of a variety and each combination is relatively short so it doesn't get boring. This would be best for beginner/intermediate levels, advanced would likely find it boring although the left side of the room does add intensity to the workout to make it more challenging. Those less advanced would follow the right side of the room. I thought all the instructors did a good job, the entire class seems to be having a good time as there are lots of woo's during the workout, normally this irritates me a bit but it was tolerable for this workout. Overall a decent cardio workout in 45 minutes.
Jane leads the 15 minute stretch segment following, it is just her and she does most of the stretches while sitting on the step though you stand for the last few stretches. She also recommends having a towel close by for some of the stretches. Most of the stretches are held for at least 10 seconds and most of the major muscle groups are stretched out nicely. She offers tips and information throughout and points out not to get discouraged if you aren't as flexible as you would like to be. Overall a decent mini stretch routine.
This tape is a good buy if you can find it used. I would recommend it.
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