Customer Reviews

Fitness Formula: Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You can adapt and switch intensities as Kari shows you. She also cues very well so you'll get the routine down in a couple of viewings. I'm not bored with it despite using it for several years. One of the reasons I like this step video is the short sesson of ab work following the step routine. It works all the stomach muscles well. There is a segment at the end where Kari simply encourages you and gives her 10 guidelines to fitness. It really helps to keep you focused. I feel great after I have done this workout!

This tape is really fun. Kari Anderson comes across as very warm, she has great cueing, and the music matches the choreography perfectly. The people working out with her seem to be having fun, too. It takes maybe 2-3 times through the tape to catch on to the steps but it's worth it. The workout is fun and thorough and the abs section is very challenging.

Fitness Level: Intermediate/advanced

Impact: both high and low impact moves are shown for the entire routine

What you get: Introduction that includes quick review of stepping basics, 5-6 minute warm-up; about 25 minutes step aerobics; 10 minutes abs/back work; 5 minute stretch. And, oh, yes, the "Deep Thoughts" lecture:)

Pulse checks: 1

Music: Dynamix aerobic music. On my copy of the tape, the music is so low it doesn't really stand out very well.

Choreography: moderate once you get used to how Kari builds her combinations.

Setting: studio with wooden floor and almost sepia-toned photography. Mercifully, the camera people keep it simple and don't dance around as much as Kari does:)

My one and only caveat: while Kari is a great teacher, IMHO, if you're new to stepping, you're better off starting with a more basic tutorial-type workout before moving into this one. She does review basic technique in her intro, but this workout doesn't seem geared to a beginning stepper. The first few times I gave this a whirl, I was really glad that I already knew what "basic step", "straddle", and "repeater" meant. I was busy enough catching on to Kari's unique way of building her routines. If I'd had to try mastering safe basic technique at the same time, it would have been more frustrating than fun.

This workout is a good one for just getting over an illness,coming back from a few days off, or just plain too tired/unmotivated/lazy to kill myself with Sweat Express or Energy Sprint. It's a great way to ease back into the old routine. The 25 minutes of aerobics can be as easy or hard as you want to make them. You've got one side of the class doing power moves, the other side sticks with low-impact. (Kari does a little of both, and so do I). The workout includes about five or six different combinations. In addition to the workhorse moves mentioned above, Kari breaks it up with grapevines, Charleston-style kicks, and lateral moves on the floor. Kari wins the Donna Richardson Award for including a variety of body types in this tape--and for mixing them up in the class. Whatever your body type, you'll probably find someone who looks just like you on either side of the group! I don't do the abdominal routine because for some reason, it strains my neck and shoulders to move that slowly. But it looks like an excellent one, nonetheless. "Deep Thoughts" doesn't really give me anything new, but during those periods I'm feeling REALLY unmotivated, I tune in for a little kick in the pants.

Kari has finally put out a beginner/intermediate level video with Linda Evans, so hopefully those new to fitness can get an earlier introduction to her than I did. But I will say that she was worth all the hard work I had to go through to reach intermediate/advanced level for this tape and those beyond it. If you're a somewhat experienced stepper who occasionally wants a shorter aerobic workout with abdominal work included, and love choreography that's a bit more dancy than basic step tapes, this tape could be for you. It's definitely a keeper for me!

Grade: A

This routine is fabulous for beginners, but also offers high-impact options for intermediate exercisers throughout the tape. A step workout is followed by a challenging abs section that you'll feel the next day. Kari's personality is warm and encouraging, and the workout is fun without being too complicated and dancy.

The only equipment you'll need is a step and a decent mat.

I had never heard of Kari Anderson, but thought I'd give this video a try. I was tired of all the others (and I have several)....I played this tape for two weeks straight. I fell in love with Kari's style & the music is different, refreshing. I am hooked on Kari & will eventually buy all her tapes! She gives great cues. The steps are not hard, but you do have to think & follow along. Great tape.

After ordering & receiving this tape - I played it eveyday for about a week and a half. I have several tapes from various instructors & this is my favorite. Kari gives excellent cues; the music is upbeat & different; the class is full of normal people. I would recommend this tape to beginners up to advanced. I've been working out for many (10+) years & this tape makes me sweat.

I only wish this tape was longer. After years of doing only The Firm, I ventured out and tried this workout. The instructor is marvelous and the cueing is superb.I doubt that one could get tired of Fitness FOrmula. It has held up well considering it has been around for years now.

This video has received many rave reviews, and believe me, they're all true! I first purchased the tape (my first step video) approximately 7 years ago and I still use it once a week in my five day routine. It still remains challenging and is a good solid workout.

Having just gotten back into aerobics after a long break, I found this video to be just what I needed. I liked the choices it gives you to work at your own level. I also appreciated the camera work, which mercifully stays still and lets you focus where you need to. And finally, Kari is an excellent instructor who neither bores nor condescends. The steps are not too complicated and the interest level remains high. Highly recommended.

Kari Anderson is such a great instructor; she never gets boring nor is she annoying! This video can be used for all levels, beginner through advanced. You can heat it up or cool it down and no matter what it is a great workout and fun, fun, fun! I still enjoy this video and never get bored even after doing it for over a year!! This is a great all around STEP workout!!