Anni Mairs
This was a tough workout! There is literally NO CHOREOGRAPHY. Anni shows you a move at intermediate level, another woman shows beginner and another shows advanced. THere's lots of hi impact but there is always a lower modification shown. It was a good balance of strength moves & cardio with some 4-limb movements. More sport-type drill cardio...very basic & easy to follow but I worked up a great sweat! Those of you who prefer complex choreography will probably be bored with this. I prefer no-brainer advanced cardio workouts, so this was great me. Also, those who prefer to go heavier will probably not like this either. THere are certain moves that Anni indicated that you could raise up to 2-3 lb weights. When I tried 3's it was too hard for me due to the fast pace. I think the weights were more effective in upping the cardio output rather than actually building muscle, though I am guessing that they will help keep the muscles tight! Also, I think I counted 7 jump rope sements, though I didn't use a rope due to my ceiling restrictions. :)
Ok, now for the negatives.. The workout takes place in what looks like the entry hallway of a mansion with I winding staircase behind the class. What's so bad about this, you ask? The sound echoes slightly, so it is a little annoying. Not bad enough to make me not do the workout, but if you are sensitive to sound quality you may be disappointed. In the body of the workout, the picture quality was better than what I was expecting from the clip at collage. NOT perfect, though. The lighting is a bit dark. No biggie though. I did the 5-min cooldown. (there is a 3, 5 and 10 min. to choose from, which is nice!) The picture got a little hazy for a few seconds, but nothing terrible. And one more thing that is very important to note. Anni yells alot...in more of a "whooping" kind of way. I know this will bother some people, but it didn't bother me. It seemed more genuine to me than in some other "whoopy" workouts. What I mean by this is that I think Anni has a natural enthusiasm for what she does, and she can't help herself! It seemed more natural and not like what I would call "artificial enthusiasm". SHe does talk through almost the entire workout, giving form pointers and explaining whch muscles are being worked. I don't see this as a bad thing but I know others might find it annoying.
The music is non-descript instrumental but upbeat. THe class consisted of about 15-20 (?) exercisers. I liked that thet all looked like real people. No ritzy workout attire or "artificially enhanced" bodies!
There is a 10 and a 45 min. cardio & 3 cool-downs. During the 45 min cardio, she lets you know when you hit the 25, 30, 35, 40 & 45 min mark. SHe just mentions it breifly so it doesn't interrupt the flow of the workout. I think this would be good for those with limited time to workout because you won't have to "watch the clock". To me, clock-watching can make a workout seem to drag on forever.
I enjoyed this and don't think the production values are not much worse than a sara city workout. If you don't like complex footwork and dancy moves on the step, and enjoy athletic type moves, you might want to consider this!
Instructor comments:
Anni is very genuine, and really knows her stuff! It's obvious that she loves what she does, and I hope she comes out with more workouts.
Adrien
6-27-05
