I think this is Franny's best work yet. I have really enjoyed all of her previous tapes, but this tape will get a lot more use from me than the others. It appears that she has really paid attention to the reviews and tried to improve on some of the things that might have bothered people in her previous tapes.

Cardio Parties includes a full step workout with warm-up, cooldown, abs and stretching. It also includes a full hi/lo routine with a fun warm-up, but is missing a cool-down stretch. Both workouts are a lot of fun. The routines have a little bit of everything - kickboxing moves, dancy moves, and athletic moves - and they all fit nicely into her routines.

Improvements over previous tapes:

• Much less TIFTing. The method of putting the 2 workouts together is great IMO. The step routine is two section (3 combos and 4 combos). The hi/lo routine has 6 combos that are put all together in the end, but she only TIFTs after teaching the 3rd, 5th and 6th combos. You do not get sick of the first few combos like often happens in CIA routines (including Franny's 9704).
• Both routines are pretty well balanced between the right and left.
• The impact of the hi/lo routine does not start out super high like it did in 9905. It is still definitely hi/lo and you can get an advanced workout, but you ease into the higher impact moves. Your body is warm before you start into the jumping around and it feels great.
• The step routine is a slightly slower pace than 9905, which felt a bit frantic to me on a few moves.

Other good points which are consistent with a traditional Franny workout:

• Great music (not found in other videos). The choreography goes well with the music. I love the ending of the hi/lo "These Boots are Made For Walking" when the whole routine is put together. You are having so much fun by that time and the music and choreography fit so well.
• Great choreography. Some of the moves are slightly familiar, but there are many new moves.
• Good cueing. (Usually.) There are a few points where a new move is thrown at you with not much warning. The first time through it was a bit frustrating, but the second time I had no problems.

Minor Negatives:

• New moves are taught very quickly and not broken down much. Actually this is a plus not a negative for me, but others who are not as familiar with Franny's tapes might find it a negative.
• I can see some people getting frustrated with parts of her choreography. There are some sections where you are spinning around and learning things with your back to the TV. These parts are great fun, and it is worth the effort to learn the moves, but be warned that you might get a little confused when learning the routine.
• I didn't like the abs after the step routine. My abs are a bit weak right now, and I could not keep up with Franny. Many/most of the moves are working upper and lower abs at the same time and are performed quickly and I felt very uncomfortable throughout.
• No cool down and stretch after the hi/lo routine.

Overall, I love this tape! I purge my tapes frequently and have a very select group of tapes I will never get rid of , but I am predicting right now that this tape will be joining that select group.

Instructor Comments:
Franny is great as usual and she looks awesome.

Lisa C

09/20/2000