Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Breakthrough [VHS]

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've owned this video for a month, and already it's become one of my favorites. The aerobic portion consists of two five-part, 18-minute "waves" of varying intensity. Each wave progresses as follows: (1) lower intensity (but not wimpy) step aerobics; (2) intermediate intensity step aerobics; (3) very high intensity step aerobics; (4) low intensity step aerobics (to bring the heart rate down a bit, but your heart is still working); and (5) upper-body weights with optional cardio intensifiers. After the two waves is a series of exactly 100 sit-ups, followed by a thorough, relaxing stretch that progresses smoothly and logically from one muscle to the next. The total workout length is 50 minutes, about 37 of which are aerobic. (You remain in your working heart rate zone during the weight training portions.)

The variety, fast pace, and efficiency of this tape make it so attractive. The moves change with each part of the wave, so you don't get bored. Not a minute is wasted: the transitions are very rapid -- so rapid, in fact, that you need to have your dumbbells ready to pick up immediately after the step aerobics. Additionally, the instrumental, non-vocal music has a great, modern beat and is very motivating.

Sometimes Kathy cues a little late, but the choreography is so basic that it's not a problem after you do the workout a few times. Her instruction is pretty business-like and non-chatty, and she whoops only once or twice. I've always liked Kathy; she seems down-to-earth, smart, and sincerely interested in her fans' well-being.

This video is adaptable anywhere from intermediate to advanced levels. The more advanced can use more power moves or add heavier weights during the weight sections. I highly recommend this tape.

Equipment needed: step bench and at least two sets of dumbbells (5 to 15 pounds each depending on your level), plus towel to wipe off all the sweat!

I came on-line only to write this review because I would have found it so helpful for someone to let me know about videos instead of having a library of 30 videos, only 5 of which I use! This is the BEST Kathy Smith video in 10 yrs. I think it is a much better workout than Functionally Fit. It is along the lines of her first fat burning videos. The cardio is a step up (no pun intended) which is the real challenge/high point. I actually double both cardio segments because I really enjoy cardio. The weight portion is enough to get a little pumped up for the day (this time, pun intended). The abs are easy but a good maintenance. I am not gifted in choreography, but I was able to get a great workout the first time through. It does get hips and thighs with the killer squat segment on the step. For only 50 minutes, this is amazingly efficient. Not a minute is wasted, yet I never felt left in the dust as I have with MANY other step videos. I may not look like the exercisers on stage, but I also don't feel like a complete moron. I really look forward to doing this video and feel great the whole day through. I consider myself an intermediate to advanced exerciser but a beginner in choreography, in case this information can help. Hope this helps you decide! And if Kathy Smith reads this, I say "Thanks, and keep 'em coming!"

Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Breakthrough is an awesome low impact, high intensity step aerobic workout. It focuses on all the major muscle groups,and believe me, it works them hard. After just two weeks of using this video I noticed visible results in my buttocks, abs, and especially my thighs.

This video is based on a wave concept; in the first wave, your feeling easy as the moves begin to "wake-up" your muscles; the second wave gets you moving a little harder, putting a little more resistance on the muscles, particularly buns and thighs; the third and final wave zeros in, working your heart and muscles, creating a challenge that's sure to break through the toughest plateau.

Also included in the video are two weight lifting segments,which use light weights for sculpting and muscle building. This is great for beginners, but those with more stamina can use heavier weights for terrific results.

I recommend this workout for anyone who needs a challenge in their routine, but also needs fun choreography with hip hop music. It's great!

This is a great interval-type workout. The first 25 minutes includes a 5 minute warm-up, a step work-out that moves very quickly from low intensity to high, then a short recovery on the step followed by some upper body weight work--then you move right into another low intensity step routine that moves quickly into high intensity and ends with more upper body weight work and push-ups (a total cardio of 45 minutes). Next comes some ab work followed by a nice stretch. I love this tape because you start out so basic and before you know it, your heart rate is soaring! You really feel great when it's over!

I have just about every one of Kathy Smith's work out videos. She is there to help you. I love it when she says, "be sure you have enough room in your living rooms." I must say, that this one tops all the rest!! It is creative and challenging. It gives one the ability to increase their foot work abilities on the step.

In the warm up section of the video, you are given a small taste of what's to come. This is a clever and fun warm up exercise that prepares the muscles for a more intense workout.

I love how the video is divided off into 2 18 minute sections of Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, respectively. You work up to peak fat burning exhausting yourself. Then, as the intensity lowers, so does your heart rate preparing you for some weight lifting to tone those hard to reach areas (underarms)!! The weight lifting segments are excellent and really work!

Finally, the 100 sit ups and back-strengthening exercises are great and have tremendously helped me with back problems.

This is the 14th Kathy Smith video to be added to my collection. I don't usually have as much trouble executing the steps correctly as I did with this one. It's fast-paced, and there's not much practicing of each move before adding on extra parts (e.g., arm movements, a hop, a turn) or the next move. I found myself doing a lot of rewinding so I could try again (sometimes multiple times per step), and still occasionally found myself unable to learn the sequence, so I would have to give up and move on. Perhaps I will get it with practice. On the other hand, the setting is a lovely outdoors location, and the players are low-key, both of which are nice features.

This video gives the body a wonderful workout, however it has its flaws. One, Kathy's cueing is a bit off and the moves are at times a little difficult. I had to lower my step and then I even did a little on the floor 'cause the moves were so intense. However, the weight portion of the video is great and the abs portion is also very good. Kathy does exactly 100 situps but they're varied, so it's not hard, but it is challenging. All in all, I think this video is a good addition to any workout, but just be careful and work at your own pace.

Is this video the answer to your weight loss plateau? I can't promise that, but it will make you sweat and your muscles burn! Kathy Smith's tapes are often a little too simplistic for me. (I'm a Kari Anderson fan for this exact reason) But this tape is actually fun, intense, and different than some of her other tapes. First of all, the setting is beautiful- a platform surrounded by giant emerald green trees. This is a refreshing change from the indoor set we're all used to seeing. The workout is done in two waves, and each wave contains 4 levels. The first level is considered a warm up, the second gets your heart going, the third kicks but with high-intensity, cardio-fat burning challenges, and the fourth is a recovery period. The first wave is followed by weight resistance training, and the second with abs (100 to be exact). I did the entire workout (both waves) and actually felt like I had been challenged. This is one of the few tapes I've found that models the intensity of my live step classes. I gave this four stars out of five, only because Kathy Smith cueing can really [stinks] during the last wave. They try to make up for this by dubbing her voice over the tape, but the timing is all wrong. Also, the video is impossibly bright and I found that adjusting my t.v. monitor didn't help the blurring of her bright red outfit at all. All in all though - this tape is worth it. The music is great, the workout is varied and intense without being painfully complicated, and the natural setting is easy on the spirit.

Super cardio work out! Expect to work very hard, although Kathy gives less challenging alternatives. Kathy Smith is extremely knowledgable, her instruction is safe, and she is not annoying at all. I now have 6 videos of hers, and I have tried Many other videos, and I find her to be the absolute best. This is an intense but fun video. I was looking for a more difficult step video and I was totally challenged by this one. I love the "wave" format where you work your way up to wave 3 where you are puffing hard and loving it! Kathy pays great attention to safety and form and her instructions are super. Nobody's perfect so if a cue is slightly late it doesn't bother me because I appreciate the workout so much. I recommend this tape for an intermediate or advanced stepper. Her regular Step Workout is great for all levels because you have total control over the intensity. I love her Great Buns and Thighs step tape, her Power Step, and her Timesaver- Lift weights to lose weight. If you want to lose weight, tone up, and feel great about yourself- check her videos out. I don't think you'll be sorry. She will remind you that you can do it- and you can with these tapes! Thank You Kathy!

Three years I've had this workout...and just until I spent the last three months doing Kathy Smith's Power Step Workout have I been able to complete her "Fat Burning Breakthrough" without losing pace or without injuring myself.

The levels, cardio, weightlifting, and "100 Sit-Up Section" are all excellent. You will see results. You will work your heart and lungs and legs and arms and abs.

What is not so good is the cuing. I believe she is going on the premise that you should know what you are doing with a step workout. However, once you have completed the tape several times, you know what's coming up and can move through all her sets on the tape pretty seamlessly without stopping or saying "huh?" "You want me to do what?"

If you are new to step or a novice, purchase her "Power Step" and master it for several months until you are used to a step, and the cardio it brings. Then, move on to "Fat Burning." She uses some of the same moves in Fat Burning as she does in "Power Step" but at a higher intensity.

With these two tapes, I've knocked off about six inches off my thighs, bottom and hips.