KathAL79 gave such a good review (I completely agree with her assessment) so I will just add my own opinions of this workout. The workout clocks in at 28 minutes, which included a lengthy warm up of 6 minutes and a yoga-inspired cool down of 4 minutes, leaving about 18 minutes of actual cardio work. Karen led with two female background instructors, one who provided low impact modifications and the other who took it up a notch and provided the most intense modifications; Karen generally demonstrated with the more advanced modifier.

The real benefits of this workout are that it requires no equipment and that it is such a short workout from start to finish. While I tend to prefer my cardio Firm-style (4-limb and step) or kickboxing inspired (Turbo Jam or 10MS Knockout Body) this is a nice workout for a change of pace. Karen does include some hops and jumps throughout but most of the cardio impact comes from wide range of motion with the arms and legs. In that way it reminded me of WHFN Lean or Fast Cheetah (although perhaps not as varied as these).

The chaptered workout included two cardio segments, although within each segment (of nearly 10 minutes each) Karen kept an actual routine to 3-4 minutes within the chapter. As Kath said, there is no TIFTing or long elaborate combos. However, I did find the choreography to be just a tiny bit confusing (although Karen’s meticulous cuing kept me from stumbling) but I am also woefully choreographically challenged. There is a slight toning impact (like an easier Ellen Barrett workout) to the arms, legs, and abs, from the wide range of motions with the arms, some lunging and glute pinching for the legs, and several knee repeaters for the abs.

While doing the workout, at first I wasn’t sure I was going to get in enough of a workout, but it certainly caught up with me by the end. At my intermediate level, I would use this for a light day or a day when I have DOMS and want something to move my muscles but not overexert me. Beginners can follow this by keeping with the low impact modifier; intermediates will enjoy the advanced modifier; it would probably be beneath most advanced exercisers except for those who really love Karen and want to use it for a light day or elaborate warm up.

There wasn’t anything exceptional about the music and the set was uncluttered and not distracting in any way. The DVD does have a high production quality and like I said is well chaptered. The workout isn’t wildly fun nor does it have any super creative groundbreaking moves that no other DVD has (i.e., I wouldn’t say it fills a much needed niche in the fitness DVD world), but for what it is, a short cardio routine that requires no equipment, it is a good workout. The workout might be better than other run of the mill cardio workouts, however, due to Karen’s immaculate cuing and personality. For those interested in pedometer metrics, the workout gave me about 2,000 steps. Overall grade B+.

Instructor Comments:
I love Karen! She is one of the best instructors in the field, IMO. She has perfect mirror cuing, reminds you of your form like she’s standing right next to you, and cues immaculately. She’s not as playful as she was in her much earlier releases from the early 90’s (i.e., Great Weighted Workout where she jokes about reps and such), but she’s still encouraging and friendly. I also like that you can actually see her and her backgrounders sweating and working out with you.

Emily B.