To start off, I have lifted weights, run and worked out regularly at the gym for several years. I bought this DVD during a very busy semester so I would have something on hand when I wasn't able to make it to the gym on time or was stuck inside due to weather. I also wanted to learn some toning exercises specifically for the lower body. I have been using it on and off for 6 months and am very happy with the results.
The first section (no step) is my favorite part. It consists of 15 minutes of squats and lunges variations. Because it works the lower body continually with no rest, it is surprisingly challenging and gets your heart rate up. The first few times I completed it, I was surprised how sore I was the next day--I couldn't even sit down properly the first time! I have used the DVD less over the past few months, but when I do, I still feel noticeably 'worked out,' especially my glutes, although I have gotten much stronger. This is one of the few exercises where I feel noticeable results focused squarely on my butt, not just my thighs, even compared to jogging on the stairmaster! I have incorporated several of the squat variants into my gym workout by adding more weights. Typically I will do the first section and the bonus butt blast section (5 minutes of glute and ab exercises) together when I want a great lower body workout and some mild cardio without going to the gym.
I do not like the step section as much, however, it is a good thigh workout and cardio. As other reviewers have pointed out, at times the pacing, camera angles and voice-overs are not conducive to following along. This was also a slight problem with other parts of the tape, but it is more problematic during the fast paced step workout.
Whether you find Kim's personality charming or grating is really a matter of personal taste. She comes across as ditzy but likable to me, and I actually prefer it to many other fitness tapes where the instructors are overly perky or aggressive. Her trainer is more no-nonsense but still likable. As a curvy but fit woman, it is also nice to see a body type that is not typically represented as strong and fit (even though many women are athletic AND have that body type, as I do) on a workout tape. I also like the generally low key music and set, however the camera work is sometimes too 'low key' and not fast and workout oriented enough.
Fitness results: after adding this DVD into my workout routine at least twice a week through April and again through June, I thought my butt looked and felt significantly firmer and rounder. The back of my thighs also look more cut and I can do more squats during a squat test. Also, a boyfriend commented on how firm my butt is--maybe TMI but if you're considering buying the tape it might be useful information! ;)