Breakthru Body Blast

Tracy York, Michelle Dozois
Year Released: 2001

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


I recently acquired this video through the VF Exchange, previewed it once and did the workout once so far. I liked it immediately! It is a favorite of mine, although not as high at the top of my favorites list as Rock Steady Step, Step Works or Imax 2.

One of the things I really like is the step choreography. It's fun, on the complex side but doable if you're not seriously choreographically challenged, and isn't broken down very much so it shouldn't get boring once you know the workout. The second thing I like about it is the music -- instrumental versions of several recognizable songs. I recall hearing "Love Rollercoaster" (same version as in one of the Pure Strength videos and Step This Way), "Jungle Boogie," "Smooth," and "Superstition." The music is plenty loud enough on the video, too; just the right volume for you to hear it well, but not so loud that you can't hear the cues.

Speaking of cueing, I think it's pretty decent in this one. Michelle and Tracy's cueing skills aren't quite as good as Cathe's or Seasun's, IMO, but Michelle's cueing in particular is much better in this video than the only other cardio video of hers I tried -- Crunch Step & Sweat.

As far as the strength work goes, many of the moves are unique and interesting; however, it's one of the less appealing features of the workout for me. It's nice to have it in there as a little extra bonus, but I appreciate this workout more for its cardio side.

The workout includes a little bit of ab/ core work as well, which is nice. If you're looking for a video with fun step choreography that incorporates cardio, strength and abs with a focus on the cardio, this is a good one to try. I think it would be a little tough for beginners, but something to work up to. It's a good, solid intermediate workout that's still challenging enough for advanced exercisers who want a workout that's not cranked up to maximum intensity.

Instructor Comments:
Relaxed, natural teaching style. Might be a bit chatty for some tastes, but the chatter is related to the workout and cueing. Michelle's cueing is actually pretty good in this one.

Lynne Lounsbury

06/13/2003