Effective without boredom or torture
Fun & effective workout. Starts with an upbeat warm-up that gets you moving & stretched out right away (I thought the stepping was a bit fast-paced for a warm-up, but I got used to it). Section 1 is the longest--stepping mixed with toning & squats. Initialy runs the risk of being repetitive, but the second half is more interesting. Section 2 can be skipped if you're a beginner, but it's not tough--actually has less cardio than section 1, more toning & the step moves are more fun. Section 3 is floor work to target first the inner & outer thighs, then buns, then cool down. Overall, a fun workout that gets you sweating without a ton of jumping (although I have nothing against jumping). Try it--you'll like it!

Great workout, outdated clothing that can get annoying
I was looking for a step workout and bought this video based on previous reviews posted. Some items mentioned were absolutely correct, and I wish I had taken them into more consideration before buying this tape. first of all, this is still a great step workout with great cueing. I always get sore after I do this workout. On the negative side, I wish they had updated the DVD to only show Kathy Smith. She is fantastic! Everyone else looks totally outdated, they have these cheesy expressions that drive me crazy. I get so annoyed about the "spandex with thong" clothing that many wear that I cannot bear to use this video to workout regularly.

Incredible workout!
I absolutely LOVE this DVD! It's a great target workout for your biggest trouble spot-hips, butt, and thighs. It's very intense, highly motivating, and alot of fun! You most certainly will sweat and get your heart pumping-this workout will stay with you throughout your day and you'll really look forward to doing it all over again tomorrow!

LOVE IT!
I really love this step workout. It really works!. It is fun, the music it helps you to keep moving. I had this workout on vhs and now i purchased it on dvd. Quality is excellent.

Fun step routine with lower body toning...
I like this workout, it is about an hour long and while it is billed as a step workout, there are lots of toning moves for the lower body as well. Overall a good leg and bun shaper and you will feel it. Led by Kathy Smith, she is joined by a fairly large class, mostly female who are of various fitness levels.

The workout is broken up into 5 sections, the first being a 9 minute warmup which uses the step for part of it. Then you will move into segment one which is mostly step, broken down into 2 step sequences. The first sequence includes over the tops, tap up/downs with some variation, knee raises, side to side knees, side/rear leg lifts, and half squats later adding side and rear leg lifts, this combination is repeated once. The second sequence includes some more over the tops, rocking horse with straight and bent legs, can can (or kick the can) and charlestons. Power moves are demonstrated by some of the backgrounds and can be added if you choose.

Segment two includes more toning work with more traditional step moves performed in between. You will do squats, lunges (Kathy calls them dips), one legged squats, half squats, in between each of these you will do straddles with a side leg lift or front knee lift while changing over to the other side. Towards the end you will do 4 pulsing squats then hop to the other side and repeat 7 times alternating sides. This ups the heartrate a bit before cooling down and preparing for the floorwork.

Segment 3 is all floorwork, Kathy and her class uses the step as a prop but I do the routine without it. You will start with inner thigh lifts, then outer thigh lifts both which have pulses added. Then you will do an exercise where you bend your knees and keep your feet together and open up the knees. Other workouts I have seen that have this move refer to it as clams. These three exercises are then repeated on the other side. Some of the exercisers will use ankle weights or hand weights for added resistance, I personally would not recommend ankle weights for the 3rd exercise though. Then you move onto your back and do some work for the hamstrings and behind. The only exercise here is glute lifts, you start with both legs then alternate each leg. Cooldown and stretch follows.

Overall, this is a good step routine with lower body emphasis, I wouldn't call it a true "cardio" workout though, the total amount of pure stepping is rather short. While I don't have many videos by Kathy, I like her style and instruction, she is good with form pointers and helpful tips, as well as modifications. She does a nice job here.