Victoria Johnson
Step with Style is part of Victoria's Diamond Workout Collection. This particular workout is broken down into Step aerobics followed by Weight Training.
The workout starts with a short warm-up (no step) and stretching session. The cardio session follows the warm-up with approximately 30 minutes of what Victoria refers to as 'stylized' step aerobics. By this she is referring to the option of using funkier moves mixed with traditional stepping to drive up the intensity factor, and believe me it works! She uses arm movements similar to the 'Cabbage Patch' dance movements while straddling the step, so beginners and dance-impaired may find this to be very difficult. That warning aside I believe it is worth the effort in learning the moves as it is a really fun way to step and the hard part goes by quickly. Love the house music too.
The definition weight session is approximately 15 to 20 minutes of compound movements using upper and lower body movements. Victoria is using 1 lb weights, I use 5 lb dumbbells and find the upper body is worked to failure with the amount of reps. While this is hardly a session to rival a Firm weight workout it is sufficient, if you are using the best possible form.
This particular video is made in 1994, but is worth a peek for step addicts. Victoria is working out in front of a draped backdrop with 3 other partners. The music is really fun. I believe most Cathe and Firm fans will enjoy the change of pace. As I stated under the instructor comments, I would really like to see Victoria is an updated step/circuit workout.
Instructor comments:
Victoria Johnson has a charming, warm and knowledgeable presence. I would love to see her again with a company that offers a higher quality finished product.
Sydney Haughton
sydney2462@netscape.net
July 8, 2003
The setting is a small "room" with fabric draped on the walls (like curtains). The colors are muted.
There are three background exercisers (2 female, 1 male) plus Victoria.
The DVD (a $1 find at Target) is "chaptered" into an introduction, warm-up, step and weights. Note: there is a DVD "glitch" on several of the DVDs where there is a voiceover of a broadcast of some sort in the warm-up portion. It is very noticable, but it only appears in the warm-up.
The outfits are dated...during the warm-up: leotards over tights. During the step/weight portion, they add men's boxer shorts or, in Victoria's case, men's underwear over them. I found Victoria's outfit slightly distracting, but not enough to keep me from enjoying this workout and actually loved the style of one of the background exercisers, so watched her mostly anyway.
This is a fairly basic routine, although there are some pivots and over the step moves and turns. I am choreographically challenged and was confounded by those a couple of times, but managed to get them after a few trys.
While the exercisers are using a decidedly "funky" style, Victoria encourages you to use your own style.
I don't remember the music, which means it wasn't distracting--it fit with the routine.
Overall I really liked this workout and will definitely be doing this again.
Instructor comments:
Victoria is a very up-beat instructor. She does "chat" a bit, but I did not find that annoying.
Donna (new2me)
1-31-05
