Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith's Kickboxing Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(113)
4 star:		(77)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(20)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

WOW! I love this tape. I usually don't do a review after one workout, but I really enjoyed this. It went by so fast too. This is probably the best retail tape you can find and I am usually not a Kathy Smith fan (although I like her book) at all (Aerobox is the only tape I like and she doesn't lead it). Also surprisingly Keli Roberts, who recently released a kickboxing video, is in the tape with Keli and actual leads a little segment (as well as her co-star Keith Cooke). First there is an instructional section that explains the different kicks and punches, but if you've kickboxed before there are also pointers in windows throughout the video by the Kickbox expert she got, Keith Cooke, who is kinda like a Keanu Reeves looking guy. Then you have a ten minute warm-up/stretch (yes Billy Blanks could take a few lessons here). The warm up does the punches and knees in mini combos with a pretty good stretch. She also includes elbows up over the head which is one of my favorite upper body moves. You then have a 25 minute aerobic section with lots of simple, but fun combos. Keli and Keith each teach a little segment. There are jabs, crosses, elbows, hooks, front kicks, side kicks, roundhouse AND back kicks in various combinations. She also does boxer's weaves and shuffles. Then there is a brief cooldown and onto drills. The drill section utilizes a straight back chair and you do a lunge front kick combo on each side. These are controlled and more for flexibility and strength. Then a back kick. Switch legs and do the same thing. Onto side kicks and round house, and then other side. She then does a pretty thorough stretch utilizing the chair. Now I have only done the tape once but it seems she forgot to stretch one hip flexor, but I could be wrong (like I said only done it once). Then she has a "bonus" five minute segment of back/ab stabilization strengthening. Very much like Abs and More by Keli Roberts and similar to the plank in Power Kicks. Then it's onto your hip and you do these side kick crunch things on each side, and it gets tougher when you extend your arm. The music is pretty good. The set is a boxing ring with the ropes missing, but not dark like in Aerobox or Kick Butt with Kristoff St. John. I think this video is great for beginner through intermediate, advanced would probably need to do more power or tack this onto another tape. For the low-cost this is a great intro to kickboxing or a great addition to any collection IMO.

I have never done kickboxing-style workouts before this, so I cannot compare it to Tae-Bo, etc. but I absolutely love this tape. It really motivates me to keep going and I actually look forward to doing it. Kathy is quite motivational and doesn't make stupid jokes. Contrary to what other people say, I kind of like the woman on the left (forget her name now), she gets really into it. The music isn't great but it's pretty good and goes with the workout. You should know that although it is a "25-minute workout" it takes 55 minutes: 10-minute warm up, 25-min actual workout, kicking drill of about 10 minutes, a cool-down stretch of about 3 minutes , and about 5-minutes of back and stomach exercises. In the beginning it was a little difficult to get some of the combinations, but not too hard. This requires you to have a little bit of coordination and be at least somewhat in shape. At the beginning I couldn't get through the whole video, I was too tired, but each time after I did it I would get through a couple more minutes. You will really sweat, I highly recommend this.

This was my first kickboxing video, and I really enjoyed it. I was a bit hesitant to try it because I don't generally like aerobics videos--I find all that "take it from the top" really boring--but I'm glad I gave this workout a chance. At the start of the video, Ketih Cooke, a well-known kickboxer, provides main instructor Kathy Smith with simple explanations of each of the punches and kicks that will be used in the workout. This brief overview was helpful, but once you learn the moves, you can skip over this part.

Following the instructive segment, Kathy Smith takes over. The workout begins with a warmup which lasts about 10 minutes. This provides the opportunity for you to get used to the movements, but don't be fooled by the "warmup" label--your heart rate will definitely be elevated during this section, and you will sweat! Next comes the 25-minute kickboxing workout. During this section, you will practice punches and kicks, starting slowly and then building up to a faster pace. Kathy was easy to follow, and she gradually worked up to basic punch-kick combinations which were simple to learn yet to fun to do. I did find myself getting pretty tired during this segment, but I was able to keep up by modifying the intensity slightly (eg, keeping my feet on the ground during the hops from side to side). At the end of this section, two short combinations are presented by Keith Cooke and another well-known instructor, Keli Roberts. I liked that these combinations were a bit different yet still easy to learn and that the repetitions of each were kept to a minimum. Throughout the workout, there were times when I felt like I might not be doing the moves exactly right, but I still enjoyed myself--all that punching and kicking felt GOOD!

After the kickboxing workout ends, there is a 5-minute section focusing on the legs and glutes. In this segment, you practice the kicks more slowly, combining them with squats and holding on to a chair for balance. This was a nice way to reinforce what you learned during the workout, and I think that continued practice of this section will help to improve my kickboxing skills. Finally, the workout ends with a 5-minute cool down performed seated in a chair. These moves provided nice stretches for the thighs and glutes (although at one point, Kathy forgets to perform a squat stretch on the opposite side), and when they were over, I felt thoroughly stretched.

I can't compare this video to Tae Bo, as I've never tried those workouts. However, I CAN say that this was a fun, high-energy video that left me feeling strong and powerful rather than exhausted. It was perfect for a kickboxing beginner like me, but it was also challenging enough to provide even non-beginners with a great workout. Kathy Smith has a nice, easygoing style and provides good overall instruction. There were a few times when I thought she failed to adequately cue a change in movement, but the workout was so easy to follow along that it wasn't hard to replicate the movements after the first repetition or two. I'm thrilled to have finally found a cardio video that is truly enjoyable, and I look forward to doing this video as part of my regular rotation.

I've done Tae Bo, Aaron Lankford, Janis Saffell, and every other kickboxing video out there. While I can't say this is the best, it definitely ranks right up there. I was impressed that Kathy gave a couple of form pointers that I had not known before, even with doing all the other videos. Now I can do side kicks much more easily than before. The workout is generally at an intermediate level -- not too easy and not too hard. I think all fitness levels could find some good use with this workout.

Let me start off by saying that I tried the Tae-Bo videos by Billy Blanks, and they are NOTHING compared to this workout. The Tae-Bo tapes didn't explain how to do any of the kicks or punches correctly, much less the correct stance. Kathy Smith's tape teaches the do's and don'ts of each punch and kick, and teaches the correct stance. She gives you plenty of notice before switching moves, which, I might add, the Tae-Bo tapes DO NOT do. I am an intermediate exerciser, and every single time I do this workout, (which I've done for the past 2 months) I'm drenched in sweat. Despite that, I feel good and energized,and not at all tired. Best of all, I don't get bored with this program. I'm looking forward to working out every day, which I couldn't say while I was doing the Tae-Bo, Reebok, or Buns of Steel tapes. This tape is very much worth the $.

This was my first Kathy Smith tape and I'm glad I bought this one first. I have rented her earlier workouts from the library and glad I own this one. She is down to earth, motivating and the others in her 'boxing class' are cool role models. Keith is cool but the red hair (Australian?) lady gets a turn to work you out and it's a cool variation. I really like the techno beat music and the photography is good because you can see their whole body. Not like in other videos where you are supposed to be jumping but you can't follow the teachers feet. Kathy instructs the poses well but doesn't waste good calorie burning time because you are always moving or in this video 'boxer shuffling' I like to do this video before going to the office, it's a quick sweat making workout that doesn't waste my time with all the fluffy crap. The warm up (really does get you warm & hot) is 10 min., the workout is 25 min of nonstop shuffling, punching and kicking, then another 10 min of buns workout doing chair lunges and slow motion side leg extensions, burns the leg and hips! There is also a bonus of abs workout, sometimes if I'm in a hurry I skip this part but have done it and the tummy gets a nice firm workout. The first few days after I was sore. Now the workout is still challenging but much easier for me to keep up. I've lost 10 lbs so far without changing my diet. You should enjoy it.

This video is the best kickboxing workout on the market right now. It is much better than Tae Bo. Kathy Smith's videos are always high quality and this is no exception. In this video Smith has enlisted the help of Keith Cooke, a kickboxing champion so that the moves are done correctly. The people in this video look like actual kickboxers (unlike some other videos out there). Before the workout, Smith and Cooke take the time to teach correct form and how to do all the moves. The routine is very easy to follow with good directions and choreography. It is not at all boring - I use this video all the time. It is perfect for beginner through advanced and Kathy shows modifications for all levels. At the end of the 30 minute workout there is an extra "buns and thighs kicking drill" which is great for toning. I highly recommend this video!

I have recently taken up martial arts and wanted a workout to get me in better shape and also improve my kicks, etc. The tape has a 10 minute warm-up, cool-down, and the workout itself. In all, about 45 minutes which will have your sweat glands working to the max. The music is energetic and the cueing is excellent. There is one section which breaks down each kick in slow moves that improves your form if done about 2-3 times a week. I have tried other kickboxing tapes and have found this one to be the safest. They encourage you to go at your own pace; there is a split screen informing you of the correct technique, and adequate warm-up and cool-down segments. I just love this workout as it is energizing and a lot of fun!

I like having variety so this workout is an excellent addition for your kickboxing video collection. Great routines, good combos, on-time cues, and great explanations given by a real Kickboxing contender (by using an instructional inset for proper form alongside the ongoing routine) make this one of my top recommendations. The verbage is helpful not annoying, the energy level is refreshing not lacking and, Kathy's workout team especially Kelli Roberts (famous L.A. fitness personality) and Keith Cooke (Grand Champion Karate expert) are absolutely exceptional; so much so that they should contribute their own videos! Kathy includes a kicking drill section that can enhance and ease your workout, too. I use this video to compliment my workout mix (or even when I can't get to the local rec center b/c the kids are sick or if I have to wait for incoming service - you know, the riduculous 3-4 hour service windows). Include this workout, you won't be disappointed.

I have been working out with Billy Blanks videos for almost 4 months and was beginning to find the Basic version too slow but was not getting a safe and maximum workout from the Advanced. I was looking for a faster and well-coordinated routine and found it with Kathy Smith's video...Her program is very well coordinated from warm up to work out and the transitions to new punch/kick combinations are easy to follow and safe. I actually learned how to move better and safer with this video, even though I have been doing Tae-Bo for 4 months. Dance music is very upbeat and motivational ...my heart rate stayed up throughout the entire workout. I was disappointed in the last section where she engages the help of Kelli and Keith to lead some great but complicated combinations. These are great fat burning moves but don't get enough sets. By the time you master the combination, it's over. Still, highly recommended for beginner to intermediate levels.