Kathy Smith - Step Workout Details

Intense fatburning cardio

I own this DVD and use it frequently. It's suitable for people new to step aerobics as well as for experienced aerobics&cardo exercisers who already do a lot of step work.

Kathy Smith is a good instructor, I find. Straightforward, no gimmicks. The routines are interesting, varied, offer a good pace, and use the step in varied ways, giving the legs a thorough workout. The arms are worked, too.

There's a short sensible warm-up section, three separate routines of varying intensity, and several other sections.

However, if you're new to exercise or to step aerobics, you will probably find even the 'beginner' very intense. I've been using this DVD for months, and am still doing the warm-up plus 'beginner' routine, and find it it the right level for me, heartrate-rising and challenging.

My advice for beginners would be: Yes, get this DVD, but take it easy. Kathy Smith suggests leaving out the arms when it gets too intense for you. That's sensible, but may not be enough. My suggestion: When your heart gets pumping madly, just do a bit of marching on the spot before joining in again. That's what I did, and it worked for me, and I'm now doing the routine properly. Or watch the DVD, learn some favourite moves, and put together your own, easier routine. I did that as well.

If you haven't done step aerobics before, get a step (it doesn't have to be an expensive one, just choose one which allows several height settings, and start at the lowest), and wear trainers (any kind of trainers will do, as long as they have mildly shock-absorbent soles - that's to protect your knees). If you have knee problems, you can still do step aerobics, just wear trainers with very shock-absorbent soles, use a low step, and place the step so that you're working out on a carpet or a mat.