Tim Culwell is very consistent with his videos.
He includes a "cheat sheet" that goes over some
of the tougher moves in the video at the start of the
tape; this is definetly a good thing to do before you
attempt the workout. I didn't find the tape hard, but the
moves are very easy to get once you review the
"cheat sheet". This tape consists of three
sections; the first is basic, with the second section
being the toughest of them all. The last section is not
as tough but fun. All of Tim's videos have a cardio
section that lasts for at least 40 minutes; I believe
this one lasts for 41, so you'll get a sufficient
workout. I recommend this video for the intermediate to
advanced exerciser who wants a good step tape to add to
their tape repertoire. Grade: A
Kathy Lapinski
Tim Culwell is a great instructor. Creative Steps 3 is an
advanced step tape, not a killer tape, that is
challenging and fun. Gay Gasper participates on this
video. Tim goes through his Cheat Sheet like he does on
all his videos. This gives you an idea of what the moves
are, like "pump it up." There is a 9 minute
warm-up and three sections that add up to 43 minutes
total stepping. There is a cool down, five minute ab
section, stretch and relaxation. I always liked Tim
Culwell. I have Club Cardio Jam and Creative Steps 2.
Since I got hooked on Cathe, he was on my back burner,
but after doing the tapes again, I realize how great he
really is. Also, the music on this tape is really good,
gets you to really move. Looking at the tape as a
observer, you may think it's not that intense, but don't
be fooled. I really sweat by the time I got to Section 2.
After Cathe, Tim is the next best step instructor.
MaryAnn Parker
I'd like to add a few personal comments to Kathy's
review. This workout is slower and more controlled than
Cathe Friedrich videos, yet it's fun and funky. Tim has a
great personality, cues extremely well, and the
interaction between him and the other 3 exercisers (one
is Gay Gaspar) makes for a lively atmosphere. I feel this
tape gives me as good a workout as Cathe videos even
though the format is different. I add some power moves to
make the workout more intense. Unlike Cathe videos, I
have enough energy early in the morning to make it
through this video and get a good workout. The funky
music helps wake me up! Grade A -- Intermediate/Advanced
Joni O
Wow - this is a killer. This step workout is divided into
3 sections, and section 2 is the toughest cardio workout
I've *ever* done. Many will have problems getting through
it the first few times, I know I did. But it's worth it,
because this workout is really a lot of fun.
Tim
doesn't take time during the workout to teach the steps.
Instead, there's a segment at the beginning of the video
that shows them to you. It's definitely worth watching --
you'll need it. It's not that the steps are overly
complicated -- it's just that Tim refers to combinations
of step patterns with a single name, and if you haven't
watched the introduction, you won't have a clue what he's
talking about.
For example, The L Thing is a straddle-lunge-repeater
combination. The L Thing is also the killer part of the
workout that will take your heart rate to levels off the
map! When you learn it in the Intro, you'll think nothing
of it, because the combination is composed of familiar
moves. Wait till he sets it to music! When doing section
2, where The L Thing occurs, you might want to take your
step down one level until you get used to it.
Besides being tough, this workout is also fun. I
prefer Tim's Club Cardio Jam as far as music and just
having a good time, but this one certainly will not put
you to sleep. The music here is upbeat as well -- one of
the tunes is "We're too fit . . . We're too fit to
quit," sung to the tune of MC Hammer's Too Legit to
Quit.
The cardio section is 43 minutes, and there are
warmups and cooldowns in addition. There's also a
5-minute abdominal
section. The total workout is an hour and 5 minutes. This
workout gets an A+ from me!
Annie S.
3/97
Back in the days when I went to health clubs and never did videos, Tim was my favorite instructor here in Atlanta. His classes were always packed, he had fun music, great choreography, and I thought he was very cute! Alas, at some point he disappeared from the schedule, and I haven't found out where he went.
When I first did this video, I thought it was a lot easier than his "live" classes. But after doing it two more times, I realized that was inaccurate - the intensity level is just as high, but the choreography is not as complex as I would have liked. I would like this tape better if each section had about one more combo in it. There are couple times that he says, "From the top" and I just want to scream, "Again?"
I do like this tape, and frankly it is a nice break from twirling all over the place at top speed with Cathe. I do wonder, though, if I will outgrow it soon just because I've memorized all the moves. I also feel I have to warn people - Tim often puts in "funky" moves or says, "Now with a little attitude." I don't really do anything funky, and it doesn't bother me because I think that's just Tim's way of enjoying himself, but I think this could drive other people nuts.
Jen Blaske
6-12-98
This is a good, solid intermediate/advanced step tape that will challenge you, but will not wipe you out. The choreography is interesting but fairly easy to learn (hint: view the "cheat sheet" at the beginning of the video so you can see the moves broken down). The music is fun! The pace of this video is slower than many advanced step videos (such as Cathe Friedrich), but you will still get a good workout. The slower pace makes it easy to add power moves if you like (they are demonstrated as well). Tim does "take it from the top" a lot, so if you don't like that you may not like the tape. This is a tape I probably won't do often (I wonder if the tape would become a bit repetitive over time), but it's enjoyable just the same.
Instructor comments: I, too, used to take Tim's classes when he taught in Atlanta. I felt like I was right back in there--kind of like I was home again! Tim has a wonderful, laid back attitude, and really seems to be having a good time. He's always "checking" on his exercisers (and you, too). His cuing is excellent--very easy to follow. I wish Tim would do a CIA video!
Kristin Aziz
KAziz@prodigy.net
2/17/99