Customer Reviews

Quick Fix: Total Cardio Kick

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've had my eye on this DVD for quite awhile now; I really enjoy kickboxing, but I was looking for a video that would help me squeeze in a short cardio workout when I didn't have time for a longer kickboxing session. This DVD fits the bill perfectly: with the bonus workout, you get 4 10-minute routines which work well alone or combined for an even more complete workout.

The first routine, Focused Upper Body, concentrates on punches. Instructor Janis Saffell starts slowly as she introduces each move, but the pace quickly picks up, and by the end of this segment, you'll be doing some double-time moves as well as some simple but fun punch combinations. The second routine, Focused Lower Body, is just the opposite in that it is all kicks, no punches. The kicks included in this segment are the front kick, the side kick, the roundhouse kick, and hip circles, a preparation for the hook kick (which she does not actually do). Again, the pace increases over time, and you end with basic combination moves. Workout #3 is called Cardio Kickbox Core, and it focuses on standing toning moves for the abdominal and back area. On the one hand, I was a little disappointed that this segment moves too slowly to really be cardio, but on the other, I thought it was an excellent core toning workout, with plenty of standing crunches, twists, and knee lifts. The Bonus routine combines all of the above--a mix of punches, kicks, and twists which provide you with an excellent cardio workout.

Janis Saffell is a great instructor: her movements are clear and her form is always precise. She cues well, although I thought she spent a little too much time doing the moves at a slower pace --I was ready to pick it up after only 1-2 slow reps. She and the two background exercisers all have wonderfully strong, toned physiques. One of the background exercisers shows low-impact modifications for the few high impact moves (eg, occasional jumping jacks). Although I believe that this video is marketed to beginners, I think it would be more appropriate for those who have at least a little prior experience with kickboxing, as little time is spent explaining proper form. I think that advanced beginners and intermediates will thoroughly enjoy these workouts, and overall, I give the DVD 4 1/2 stars.

I've been doing structured exercise for about 10 years, I'm fit and toned and consider myself near advanced level. I wanted a good cardio workout and I found it with this video. This is definitely the best cardio workout video I have ever used.

There are 4, 10 minute workouts. One for lower body, one for abs, one for upper body and the bonus workout is sort of like a combination of all three only more intense.

During each segment one of the instructors shows you how to do a less intense version of the workouts if you're a beginner. If you're just starting out with exercise, maybe only do one segment , following the modified, easier version. Then build your way up to intermediate being able to do all 40 minutes, but following the easier instructor. Once at advanced, do the 40 minutes the harder way. I suppose that if you're really advanced you might want to strap on some ankle and wrist weights, and maybe repeat the first and last workout so you get a whole hour long workout.

I do this workout for my cardio, and then the next day I do the 10 minute solutions: Pilates video for my strength training and flexibility. It's important to do both cardio and strength training so that you don't lose muscle mass along with the fat.

If you are looking for short cardio workouts this DVD is for you. Each section has a different focus- one for upper, one for lower and one for core. The upper section has lots of punching, lower has lots of kicking and the core section has a little of everything.
I like Janis' instruction and I enjoyed the DVD but it was pretty easy. Each section has its own warmup so if you do the dvd straight through you have to warm up and cool down three times which is irritating. I also didn't think the core section was particularly effective.
This is a great kickboxing dvd for beginners and for light workout days. I was really hoping for more, though.

after all those Billy Blanks moves, it was nice to find a lower intensity workout...although, if it's too slow you can work at your own pace and still use the moves laid out in the video...as a cardio kick instructor myself, i was really impressed with all the modifications and the easy transitions...it can be tough to get beginners into a new routine feeling confident in their abilities...i think this video does an excellent job...it's a fantastic instuctional tool...i learned a lot! and do the workout on lower energy days at home

At first I wasn't sure if it was good, but after I started exercising with it I felt better and started losing weight. It's not very difficult to follow. I am using this after I had my baby and it is working very well.

I really like this video, it is divided into 4 parts, you can do any or all of them depending on how much time you have. The first is upper body with assorted punches, jabs, crosses, hooks and upper cuts. The lower body section has some squats, front and side kicks, knees, etc. The core section has a different variety of moves to work your abs, crunches, knees raises, etc. There is a 10 minute bonus blast that is a shorter version of the 3 other sections. I would rate this video as intermediate, though beginners could use it too. Advanced people most likely would not find it challenging.

This workout is led by Janis Saffell who has led other kickboxing videos, she does a great job in this one. She is joined by 2 other exercisers, one who shows beginner modifications. They have very inspiring figures and execute great form. Good music in this workout also, for those who like kickboxing this is a good video for your collection.

I tend to get bored quickly by aerobic/cardio routines, and I have to switch videos often during my workout. This video is great for that, it has three seperate workouts: 10 min for upper body (I love this one) 10 min for lower body and then a bring it together workout. They all really make you sweat fast, and get you really pumped up. The only thing I wish this video had was a section on kickboxing form, a little more detail on how to do the moves so that when you do the workout, you are set and ready to go the first time. Besides that, this is a great addition to any exercise library.

I am an intermediate to advanced exerciser, and this video was a great one to add to my collection. It is a fun and different way to get in thirty minutes of cardio. The instructor is great - fun and energetic, yet not annoying. She cues pretty well is easy to follow. She smiles a lot and explains well what you should be doing, and the moves are very fun. Each segment goes fast. I was pretty new to kickboxing, so there were times when I was not sure if my form was correct, but she and the two women who exercise behind her seem to execute great form, which made me feel more confident when I followed them. Overall, this is a great DVD that gets right to the point and offers a fun cardio program at the intermediate level. It is motivating and enjoyable, especially for less intense days of exercise.

This workout gets straight to the point, and is a fast-paced fat burner! Janis Saffell has an excellent style and cues very well. I'm beginner to intermediate level, and usually work out 3 times a week - this had me working up a sweat in no time and it was fun as well as challenging. Fast becoming one of my favourites.

If your not familiar with kickboxing, this video is a great starter. Janis explains each move very carefully and includes many things in each workout that targets all the important areas of your body. I usually do all three segments plus the bonus blast which is also great. You can only get that on the dvd though. I do step aeorbics to as well as other some dance workouts but this is my all time favorite.