I've seen a lot of people asking about CIA videos recently, so I thought I'd share my experience trying CIA 9704 for the first time (Two Workouts with a Vengence with Franny).

I got this tape about a month ago, but I hate learning new stuff so I’ve been putting it off. I tried the hi/lo (which is not my most favorite thing to do) as an add on to another tape a while ago. I liked it, but I didn't finish the whole 36 minute segment. Tonight, I decided to try the step portion.

I started by warming up with Cathe Frederich's Step Jam because I thought Franny would start right in asuming you did the hi/lo segment already (like Cathe does in MIC). I probably could have skipped the warm up because Franny starts out pretty slow. I also could have probably gone up to 8" on my step (I usually step at 6" for most of Cathe's tape and 8" on any other). But after about 14 minutes, my heart rate started to get right up there.

I have to say I am VERY impressed with Franny's cueing. I even got the Pogo thing on the 2nd try! I was having a great time and was even able to add a little more impact on several of the moves. I did have a little bit of a problem with the pendulum across the short way on the step. I'm used to Cathe's move all the way across the length. I actually ended up tripping and almost turning my step over (that made my heart rate soar!). After a few more tries, I ended up substituting a step knee hop, which worked out really well. I loved the turning jump squats. Those really worked me!

Bottom line - this tape is a keeper, even if only for the step portion. Franny kept things interesting but lower impact than most of Cathe's tapes (which I appreciated, but I ended up adding some myself). I was surprised to find that I caught on to 95% of the tape the first time through! I would say if you are an experienced stepper (especially if you've done some Cathe Frederich tapes because some of the moves were very similiar), you'll have no problem with this one and it'll add a little variety to your collection.

Tami Skelton