I really enjoy this Hi-Lo workout. Featuring a tag team approach, sisters Shannon and Alison do a great job of presenting and leading the workout. And the best thing about the video is that there is not a lot of taking it from the top. There are nine full combos. Shannon leads the warm up, which consists of lots of step, touch moves and knee up repeater moves. The warm-up isn’t fancy, but it does do the job.

Alison leads the first combo, followed by the second combo lead by Shannon. Then the 2 combos are repeated twice. This is the cycle that is followed during the whole tape with the exception of combo 9. Combo nine is the last combo of the aerobic section and it stands alone without a lot of repetition or a “matching combo”. The only complaint I have is that there is not real cool down. You do a few step touches and deep breathing with Shannon, then its on to the Power Mat Science section of the tape. So you have to do your own stretches and cool down if you are not going to do both sections at one time.

Most of the combos and moves are moves that you have seen before, but they are put together in a new way. The style of the hi-lo is very similar to what you may find at a good health club. Slightly dancy, but more straightforward with variable intensity without a high learning curve. This is a tape that you can do the first time, but the moves lend themselves to modification that can make them more difficult while keeping your interest over time. None of the moves are super tricky. Lots of moves based on grapevines, knee repeaters, step touches, squats and hamstring moves. The aerobics are easily modified to low impact or even all hi-impact. A participant often shows options for impact during the video.

There were a couple of really fun combos. I especially liked combo 4 with Shannon. She does a great power squat hesitation move with impact. This combo really fit the music and I liked the way Shannon kept saying bam! It really just fit with the combo.

But for those space challenged, I really think this tape fits the bill, with the exception of combo 5, which has those dreaded double grapevines. But since the segment is short, it’s easily modified. And since most of the moves don’t use a lot of pivots, it was easy to do on my carpet.

I did not do all of the Power Mat Science. But what I saw I didn’t like. Shannon shows poor form on moves like the one leg circles. You can see her whole body including midsection rocking and rolling from momentum. Not a very good example of Pilates principles. But the exercises were well put together. I suggest this to those with Pilates experience who know how to execute proper form. Also I though they looked uncomfortable with their shoes on and doing the exercises on that tiny mat (the mats that CIA usually uses during AB work) I think they really needed a full-length mat.

I give this tape an A for the aerobic section. I liked the straightforward hi-lo. This is perfect when you don’t want to have to think too much about tricky choreography. Shannon and Alison were great instructors. They are motivational without being overpowering. I can see myself doing this tape for a while without boredom setting in.

Susie F.