CIA 2401: Cardio Crazy

Gay Gasper
Year Released: 2004

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights) , Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance , Step Aerobics


This is an interval workout consisting of step, hi/lo, and strength sections using tubing. This workout is expertly led by the very enthusiastic Gay Gasper. The total workout time is 70 minutes including warm up, intervals, core training, and cool down. Gay is very good with cueing, often cueing a count or two ahead of time and using the "watch me" style of cueing. Her choreography style reminds me a lot of Petra Kolber, where she starts with a base block of choreography, changes one or two moves by layering or upping the difficulty (adding a plyo move, directional change, etc.), and then weaving and splicing all together. I thought the music and choreography was fun, although there was a bit too much TIFTing at time.

What I Liked
I liked how Gay taught (basic block, then more difficult), and I loved her personality and enthusiasm. The combos were simple to pick up because of her excellent cueing. I liked the combo of hi lo and step. I loved that there were different levels of intensity shown, and that the modifier was in the front. I liked that Gay demonstrated different options for people who didn't want to turn or do triples around the step (if you have carpet for example), different intensities, keeping it low impact, etc. There was an option for everyone!

What I Didn't Like
Although it seemed like a good idea, the strength section with tubing wasn't really executed all that well. I couldn't see what she was doing with the tubing when she was arranging it to do the strength moves, so I couldn't get my tubing in place quick enough before she was 3-4 reps into whatever move she was doing. She also didn't explain it that well. I got frustrated and used dumbbells. There really wasn't enough strength for this to count as interval training, in my opinion, and could have been kept out. The hi lo was not very creative either, it just felt like a lot of the same moves done side to side. It wasn't bad, just could have been better. Finally, there was more TIFTing than I like. I was just on the edge of getting bored with the section, when she would change it up. So although I didn't turn the dvd off, there was ALMOST too much TIFTing for me, someone who generally doesn't mind it.

What You Should Be Aware Of
There is some impact, pivots, and turn steps, so be prepared to modify. Luckily, Gay has a great modifier in the front row! Also, I know this is a deal breaker for some so I'll mention it: there is some whooping. Quite a bit of it actually. It's not as bad as, say Amy Dixon's Women's Health workouts, but it is noticeable.

Instructor Comments:
Gay's enthusiasm is what kept me going throughout the dvd, although there was a bit too much TIFTing for my taste. She cued very well.

bubbles76

02/17/2015