As an avid "stepper"", ( I own about 20
videos and have been taking 5 step classes a week for the
past six years,) I am always on the "look-out"
for a challenging, interesting step video. Although
"Life's a Bench" is advanced enough to give
even the most energetic "stepper" a good
work-out, it is undoubtedly one of the most monotonous,
most annoying tapes on the market.
The primary weakness of the tape is Prickett's endless
chattering. The steppers following behind Prickett (two
women and a guy) also contribute to the continuing and
inane chit-chat. In fact, the conversation seems far more
choreographed than the step routine itself. The steppers
frequently interrupt Prickett just when she is about to
introduce a new combination, something she fails to do
often enough.
To Prickett's credit, however, "Life's a
Bench" certainly offers a good intermediate/advanced
workout. The moves are basic and easy (too easy) to
follow, progressing from "knees to the corner"
to straddles to a challenging and lengthy lunge routine
sure to leave you begging for mercy. Prickett would do
well to stop talking so much and change her moves more
often. You'll do so many minutes of basic moves (the same
ones repeatedly) that you'll start incorporating your own
stuff to alleviate the monotony.
"Life's a Bench" is comprised of a 5-minute
warm-up, a 40-minute step section, and a 5-minute
cool-down. Purchase this video if you can tolerate
monotony and you like basic, "athletic" moves
that will get your heart rate up, but not tax your brain.
Vivian Jones
This is an excellent make-you-drip workout, but like
Charlene's other step tapes, she spends WAY too much time
straddling the bench, so your side is to the TV. I like
some of that, but I'd say a good deal -- maybe over half
-- of this workout is that way. It's hard to see if
you're on the right foot or not. But maybe that's okay,
because she does each routine for a fairly long time
before changing it.
The choreography is basic but the intensity is
advanced. You definitely get a good workout, but it's not
as fun as Kari A., for example. On the other hand, if you
don't like fancy footwork, this one might be for you. I
give it a B.
Annie S.
6/1/97