This step workout contains basic moves, but
they're put together in a fun way, so they don't get
boring. The music is great -- very upbeat and motivating.
You can choose your intensity level by varying the height
of your step. With 2 risers, I got a great workout.
The one annoying part of this tape is La Toya's inane
giggling. You would think she's on drugs or something.
She *constantly* giggles for no apparent reason. It
really makes you think she's not very bright, but after
the workout, she says a few words about exercise and her
own fitness level, and she does sound like an intelligent
human being. If you're looking for a tape with great
music (they're hard to find!), just do your best to
ignore La Toya and you'll have fun.
Annie S.
For $4.99, this tape is the bargain of the year! It's
an hour-long workout, complete with abwork and a
decent-length cooldown and stretch. Gay is really the
focus of the class; she gives a nod to LaToya here and
there but LaToya -- unlike Cher -- by and large keeps her
mouth shut. When she does say something, she's trying to
be helpful, not funny so it's okay. Another review
mentions her giggling which I would have never noticed if
not for that review; the music in this video is upbeat
and loud enough to enhance the workout and it serves to
drown out the giggling. As for the workout, it's typical
Gay style -- basic moves put together in interesting
ways, without a ton of repetition before taking the
routine from the top. There are three segments -- which
probably total close to 45 minutes -- one with the step
turned toward the TV. If you like variation, but shy away
from tricky moves, then this is perfect. I'd grade it an
intermediate tape; I had to add my own power to get a
good sweat going, but it was easy to do if you'r familiar
with power moves used in basics, v-steps, knee-ups,
straddles etc. Also, there are power moves demonstrated
by two class members (who BTW are the same ones in Gay's
Next Step videos) but Gay doesn't really focus on them so
you have to kind of check them out on your own. All in
all, if you can find this tape for $4.99, it can't be
beat. It's a great, safe, quality tape and LaToya -- who
I'm sure was considered to be the selling point --
doesn't appear to be much more than an afterthought for
Gay Gaspar, who does an excellent job here. As an
intermediate tape, A+
Donna Kahwaty
8/2/97