Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith - March to Fitness [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Level: Novice/beginner. Composition: 5 minute marching warm-up; 20 minutes aerobic dance and marching steps; 5 minute "warm-down"

Impact: Low--no dangerous moves here--just some fun ones!

Choreography: Simple but fun variations on marches and dance moves

Music: Energetic march, rock, latin, and funk Setting: Beautiful sunny atrium overlooking what must be a tropical setting (or at least Southern (California!)

Kathy and two other women (one of them a choreographer on this production) lead this 30-minute walking-based workout which includes dance steps from the 60's (no Twist or funky chicken, though), conga and some Latin-inspired hip-grinding moves, and a very basic, easy introduction to interval training. She doesn't include heart-rate checks but periodically asks "how are you feeling? Go drink some water, and let's keep moving." Also she reminds you that you can drop arm movements and not lift your knees as high if you are getting winded.

This is definitely a beginner tape--but in my humble opinion beginners can't go wrong with Kathy. It could work for an older person who's new to exercise, one who's overweight, or pregnant or recovering from childbirth (that's when I used it--with my doctor's approval, of course!). I recommended it to one of my colleagues, who's 50 and likes to walk outside, but can't do it during our cold weather. She loves it, too.

And you can't beat the 30-minute time limit. As Kathy says, leave your world of stress and strife for 30 minutes of feeling right. You won't be sorry!

Grade: A

This video integrates marching/walking with arm movements that really get the heart to pumping. The movements are easy to follow and the entire workout is NOT boring. A great video for beginners or for more advanced who want a moderate workout. I own 4 Kathy Smith videos and enjoy each one for their diversity of content. "Marching to Fitness" is one of the best "walk videos" I have seen.

I am a true beginner. This was the first tape I ever tried. I am not coordinated, and found that after a couple of times, I could follow this tape! I even work up a good sweat! You will love this tape especially since it is only a 30 minute workout. I also use Kathy Smith's "Starting Out" video which is an hour long when I have more time. Highly recommend both videos.

I have stacks of aerobic videos that only intimidate me. All the moves in this video are easy to follow, and after becoming comfortable with them, it's easy to increase the intensity.

This tape while on the short side and not overly challenging, works great for me. I'm able to get in an energizing workout before heading to work without getting up much earlier than I normally do. While you don't get all the calorie burning benefits of a longer workout, I will definitely be able to do this tape more often than some of the longer ones and pick up the intensity as I improve. This is a great companion to her other fat burning tapes(I have one of her older ones and intend to purchase 2 of her newer ones). I will rotate this in for variety or use it on the days when I just don't have time for the 50 minute to 1hr workouts.

This is not my favorite Kathy Smith video, but it is a very good one for beginners. It is made to get the same kind of results as a outdoor walking workout, so if that's not what you want, don't get this video.. it's low impact. I have used it because the moves are easy and the workout is fairly short. Kathy Smith has a great variety of videos, and they are always well-instructed and fun!

This is the perfect video for anyone. For beginners the movements are easy, and for more advanced this is the perfect I don't feel like doing to heavy a workout. It is fun and the scenery is beautiful. A must have.

For those of us who are in reasonably fair shape (like to walk and treadmill), but want a short, simple and fun 30 minute workout first thing in the morning, this is the perfect video to have at home. I do this video at least 3 to 4 mornings during the work week (in a long tee-shirt and bare feet -- what could be easier?), just to get my heart rate and metabolism up a little; you'll feel energized but not too "sweaty." I find I don't really need "the latte" , as much as I would without this very pleasant, and user-friendly fitness video. Robin, Seattle, Washington

March To Fitness was my second exercise video. The original Buns Of Steel was my first, but turned me off to exercising. Kathy Smith's video, on the other hand, motivated me to exercise on a regular basis. I have been doing her workouts for almost 6 years. She consistently adds fun into her workouts.

I found this workout to be fun and very unintimidating. My fav part of it is when she does the 90s funk exercises!

I have never been one to enjoy exercising. But, I have always had a struggle with losing and maintaining my weight. I thought I would buy this video after reading all of the reviews on Amazon.com. I am VERY happy that I did buy it. Kathy Smith is great. She has an entire segment (before the actual workout) where she explains what the video entails and what kinds of movements, etc., you will be doing. During the workout itself, she explains every move and goes over it several times before incorporating it into a mini routine. She also educates you on how to tell if you are over-doing it, during the workout; and she stresses to slow down if you are over-doing it. Finally, she is always reminding you to drink water and rehydrate yourself. I highly recommend this video to someone who usually dreads exercise, but knows they have to, if they want to lose or maintain weight. I know it's something I will continue WANTING to do... and for me, that's an amazing thing... and a first!!!