Customer Reviews

Kathy Kaehler Basics - Workout Class

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

 

 

I love this workout DVD! I did it for the first time yesterday and can tell that it'll quickly become a favorite in my library of twenty some-odd videos. Kathy Kaehler has a great personality and it shines through in this production. I have three top criteria for choosing workout videos: 1) it HAS to be easy to follow (if I have to think too much about what's going to come next, I can't focus on what I'm doing NOW); 2) I want a challenging, but doable, workout that I can grow with; and 3) the instructor must not annoy the *&$# out of me. Kaehler's Basics: Workout Class passed all these criteria -- and more -- with flying colors. She is encouraging without being kindergarten teacher-ish, can laugh at herself, and has a real class following her (although they're all thin and in-shape, they don't look like silicone barbies with plastic smiles pinned on their faces). If you are extremely advanced and require complex choreography, this may not be the workout for you (unless you want to use it on an easy, no-brain day). But it's perfect for the rest of us! I was able to do this workout the whole way through the first time without fumbling, but it'll definitely grow with me. I've got a significant amount of weight to lose, so I had to modify by reducing some of the arm movements, etc., but that's a good thing because that means that the video will grow with me. Try it -- chances are, you won't be disappointed. There aren't many workout DVDs that make the time fly and this one does just that. It has my unequivocal endorsement. :) By the way, if you don't have a step, it's worth getting one -- it'll make the workout more challenging (you can always move to the floor when you get tired). The high-end ones cost around (...), but you can get copycats (that's what I have) for around (...) I think at discount chains. Happy sweating to you!

This workout is very basic - and that's a good thing. If I wanted to dance, I'd go to a club. When I work out, I want to be able to create resistance while concentrating on the motion and the muscle groups I'm using. This sort of simplicity in Kathy's workout has allowed me to drop to a size 4 in three months without any sort of dieting (I enjoy food too much to give it up.) I have to admit, though, because I usually work out at 5 a.m., I generally follow along without sound. On the few occasions I've worked out with the volume up, I felt like the music must have been added in later because there were places she was awkwardly out of rhythm. I still think it's an awesome workout that one can make as easy or hard as they want by adjusting their energy level or adding wrist and ankle weights.

What I love about Kathy Kaehler is her attitude. She's very reassuring about progress...encouraging you to push yourself as far as you can, but if that's not for the entire workout when you first try to do it, just to build up over time. She seems to have a warm personality, but low-key. I found her cueing to be very easy to follow. I also like the fact that she emphasizes fitness and strength...whether you're already slender or have weight to lose (which I do).

Some people have complained about the simplicity of her steps, but honestly, that was one of the things I enjoyed. You know yourself...whether or not you want a mental challenge while you're working out. Personally, I don't.

While I was able to complete the workout right away, I found it extremely challenging to begin with. By the end, I was thoroughly tired. The first time I was able to complete it with high energy from start to finish was a real thrill, because I knew I'd made a lot of progress to get to that point.

I think this is a great DVD to have in your fitness toolbox.

I love step aerobics and I own many dvds and vhs workouts. Kathy is normally a good instructer but what I really noticed in this DVD (and it made me realize that I've noticed this in past ones), was that she is often out of time to the music. This may not upset many people, but if you are using the music to help you stay motivated and moving, it's going to trip you up a bit. It's frustrating to see the class doing one thing and her doing another, because they've stayed in time and she's strayed a little. At the push-up section, all the class is moving at different speeds and it's totally off-putting. Sometimes, the music was simply way too fast for anyone to be doing step aerobics to. It's a good workout and you will definately get a sweat going, but try to put the timing out of your head if you can.

The other thing that I found to be a little annoying, was that the routines weren't structured. Most instructors give you little routines and then build those up to one big routine. Kathy in this DVD however, is all hickilty pickitly. It's almost like she's making up the routine as she's going along. There was hardly any building of a good flowing pattern. Nothing flowed well and this makes this workout seem a little unmotivating because of the sudden and bizare changes. She will cue you in well, (she is a good instructor), but it's not an exciting workout. Go for Kari Anderson or Christie Taylor. They are two of the best instructors out there.

I did this workout not knowing what to expect as I have read the reviews. I am an intermediate exerciser who likes to work up a sweat without the steps being too complex. I do this video on risers. It is 30 min of pure basic step so if you're into complex choreography, then you'll be bored. Some say it is repetitive, but I like doing the move enough times to know what I am doing and to benefit from it! I am not at the point where I want fancy footwork. The stretch at the begining and end were good and it was set to classical music which I thought was nice! The class seemed like a real class of exercisors. I recomend it to you if you want a good heart pumping workout without complicated moves! The negatives of this DVD is the production quality such as some blurry spots and the music is rather faint. In any case, it's still a good buy!

Love this DVD. I, like some of the other reviewers, like the uncomplicated steps. I like that you really work a muscle group without feeling like it's an audition for a Broadway show.

The best thing about this DVD is Kaehler herself. She's really positive but down to earth. She's NOT just another ditzy aerobics instructor! Reinforces at the right spots, makes it really feel like you're part of the class, and she wants you to do your personal best, at whatever level that may be. After several rounds of it, I'm still not bored and look forward to working out with the DVD further.

Oh... and you will SWEAT!!

This workout is incrediable and it makes you sweat! Very intense workout that is easy to follow and instructor is very motivationg, but not to annoying. This workout is also challenging but not to the point that you can not get through it without feeling like you are going to pass out. In the end you feel like you have really acheived a complete and thorough workout while sweaty and energized!!! I also love the fact that she has a segment set aside for a water break, although you will need to drking plenty of fluids through out the workout.

I just got this DVD and it is excellant! It is a fast paced workout and easy to follow. I own some step aerobic DVD's and I felt I wasted a lot of time just trying to learn the routine. With Kathy's workout, you can get right to work. I highly recommend this enjoyable work out.

I am no stranger to step aerobics. I saw this DVD and thought I'd give it a try. I found her instructions very clear and her moves very basic and easy to follow along with. Other instructors can have you moving all around the board,spending most of the time trying to follow along. For that reason, I think you get a better workout from Kathy's video. However, the lack of variety lost my interest. I found myself watching the clock most of the time. I think this is a great choice for a beginner and an ok workout for the more experienced stepper.

Kathy Kaehler takes you from Ballet and Pilates to Aerobics and then completes the workout with a relaxing stretching routine. Her unique and somewhat elegant approach at the start allows you to relax, therefore causing less stress during the step segment, where you can use a step, or simply follow along without one.

You can still workout comfortably and enjoy the exercises, perhaps even adding in some of your own moves or adding in walking here and there, where the exercises become less effective without the proper equipment.

Throughout this vigorous routine, you will stretch, breathe deeply during the stretching routines and find yourself rather relaxed within 50 minutes. There are no weights needed, but a step is definitely recommended. A short routine on the floor and ballet stretches at the start make this an elegant and relaxing workout. The music is especially good as it moves from calming to energizing and then you return to total relaxation. I will definitely be looking for more Kathy Kaehler workouts!

~The Rebecca Review