Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith - Body Basics [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I own several of Kathy's videos, and this one stands out as one of her best. It is an excellent all-around workout. It has a good warm-up, followed by a section targeting the upper body, then a section of low-impact aerobics, followed by sections targeting the stomach, legs, and buns. You will tone your muscles and improve your cardiovascular system very well with this video. The aerobics are low-impact, so beginners should not have much problem with this video, and the muscle-toning segments have subtitles at the bottom for beginners to follow if they find certain exercises too difficult. This video is good for beginners, but more advanced exercisers should also find it a good, all-around workout.

Yes, this was filmed in the 80s, but a good workout doesn't become "outdated" just because of the date it was filmed. Don't let such criticism scare you away from this video.

This is the best home workout tape I've ever done for all fitness levels. When really fit, I do the aerobics section twice. Would recommend this tape to anyone. I'm buying my second copy, as the first one is worn out. Music outdated, but great workout.

I'm on my third copy of this tape. It's a well- rounded routine without a lot of tricky dance steps. The floor exercises are tough for a beginner but very effective. I lost 40 lbs. in 4 months with this tape and a low calorie diet.

I have enjoyed working out to this video for years. It is easy to follow and not to hard for the uncoordinated! I felt results very quickly - my muscles were more toned and, the most important thing, I felt better about my body. I recommend this workout video for anyone who is looking to tone and strengthen their body.

i've used this tape since 1988. the music is a little dated now, but the workout is great. it starts with stretching, then aerobics, and a relaxation period at the end - i'm buying a second copy because my old tape broke.

This review refers to : "Kathy Smith's Body Basics" (VHS)

Although this workout has been around for nearly 20 years,I found it to still be excellent for it's instructional value and effectiveness for getting started or get back into an all around toning and calorie burning program. With a little of everything for a total body basic program, it'll start you on the road to a good basic training routine. It is not one I would recommend for advanced, you will not even break a sweat, unless for some reason you have not worked out for a while. The workout is divided into several sections that includes toning individual muscle groups and a low-impact aerobic session. In total the program runs about an hour(which includes a 5 minute intro/instructional section), but I think that beginners should take it slow. You can do the warm up(each time) and then split the workout into 2 or 3 sessions. One day you can do the upper body and aerobics, and the next day the lower body segments which include separate sessions for abs, legs and buttocks. As you get stronger you can add more each time, maybe using this tape about 3 times a week.

The tape has some nice features that go along with the workout. Kathy, in the intro, teaches you how to check your target zone and heart rate, which is done at about the 6 minute mark of the aerobics and again at the end of that section. You may want to write this down, as there is a "formula" to remember, but after you have done it a few times you'll have it down. Several times during each section there are "footnotes".
A screen in screen shows an up close and personal look at a particular exercise or posture to help you do it properly and get the most out of each movement. This was good, although sometimes I felt it interfered with the workout itself, as the audio part of the workout is still going on in the background. Another helpful feature is the beat logo which flashes and helps keep you on track.

Here is the breakdown and approximate times for each section:
Intro/Instructional(5 min)....very helpful to listen to this at least the first few times through.
Warm-up(6 min)..... that will pump you up, stretch you muscles and get you motivated to continue. The music is invigorating and will get you up out of that chair.
Upper Body(6min)...using your own resistance, you'll start toning, arms(biceps and triceps), chest, shoulders and upper back. Intermediate may want to use light weights.
Aerobics(15 min)....low impact,not much jumping or jarring, good use of directional movements. Checks your target zone at 6 minutes and at the end of it.
Abs(5 min)....short but tough work out/get the legs up and off the ground, beginner may want to modify at first and keep feet on floor with knees bent. Eventually you will gain strength.
Legs(10 min)...legs are always tough. I found this section to be an excellent toner, and one that you will really feel you are working hard, but getting results. Once again, you use you will be using your own resistance to hit all those problem areas.
Buttocks(6-7 minutes)....excellent exercises for getting the back end in shape, including lunges and some good help for strengthening the lower back as well.
Cool Down..5 minutes..wonderful//always do this.

Just a couple of things that kept my from going 5 stars is first, that I prefer, especially for beginners, a workout that is the mirror image of you. When they say turn to your left, they should turn to your left, this tape does everything opposite and could get confusing at first. Just something to get used to. The other thing is that I would highly recommend to view the entire video through at least once before the workout, so you don't have to be straining your neck to see what is going on on the screen. I didnt feel the cuing was good enough to follow without looking during the first few run throughs.

Remember to breathe..Eat healthy...and...Enjoy.....Laurie
also recommended:Start up with Jane Fonda

So yes, this workout was done in the '80's. But it is by far one of the best workout videos I have. Kathy explains everything and the moves aren't too difficult to pick up. I would consider myself an intermediate when it comes to fitness and I still pop this video in the VCR. I love the aerobics and the toning sections are great! Don't let the '80's scare you away cause this video is great!

I found this VHS tape in a thrift store and decided to try it. This workout is dated, of course, but so much fun and effective. It will bring you back to the days of spandex workout clothes and 80's upbeat music. Kathy Smith is a very good instructor and her exercise routine is not harmful to the joints with the exception of a couple of stretches where she says to bounce, but we know better now. It is hard to find all in one aerobic/exercise workouts that are effective and easy to follow.
She starts with a warm up then moves right into arm exercises. It is good to use light wrist weights as they are wearing, hold light free weights--2lbs/4lbs, or no weights. Do not use heavy weights since the moves are done with quick reps. My arms are burning after this part! Next she moves right into the aerobics which are easy, fun dance moves with 2 brief heart rate checks. The aerobics are effective and got my heart rate up to at least 188 per minute towards the end. I just follow the direction of the group on the TV and ignore left or right directions. It is easier that way. This is simple, high reps, 80's aerobics, but it is not high impact. Next she moves right into abdominal exercises which are very effective and I feel the burn. Next she moves into leg exercise which, because of the reps, are very challenging and my hips are really burning after those! Next she moves into glutes which are are also lots of reps and make my glutes burn with the effort. Last is a cool down where she leads a stretch. The stretches are effective, but could be held a little longer.
Really, they don't make them like this anymore! If you are an 80's girl like me and were there the first time around for the aerobics craze, you may enjoy this fun workout to do when you are feeling like a retro workout.

One of my FAVORITES by Kathy Smith. I know this video is pretty old, but it is fantastic! I always really enjoy most of all Kathy Smith's videos. This video is great if you want to get a good, healthy (but light) workout. She keeps everything fun (as always).
Great for someone who is looking for a fun little workout that doesn't over do it.

I happened upon this tape about 15 years ago in some bargain bin. I have purchased a number of videos since then and I keep coming back to this one. Nothing fancy or gimmicky but if you have 60 minutes to spare it covers: warm up, arms, aerobic, stomach, legs, butt and cooldown. If you only have 20 minutes the warmup and arms is a great morning stretch. I am so psyched because my video is worn down and about to break and just found out they rereleased this on dvd!