I have benefitted so much from reviews on this site, I promised myself that I would start writing them! I have chosen to start with this tape because I don't think it has received the attention it deserves. I consider myself an intermediate / advanced exerciser, with a love of complex, dancy choreography. For me, the step portion of CIA 9808 is right up there with Christi Taylor's 9801 and Franny Benedetto's 9905. It really deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, at least for CIA fans.

I have done the hi/lo portion of this tape only a couple of times, and don't think I'll do it again. Compared with the hi/lo segments of 9801 and 9905, it is disappointing in terms of both interest and intensity. The step section, however, more than makes up for this lack!

The step workout consists of four combinations of 32 counts each. According to Collage, it's 36 minutes long. From the opening sequence, Sherry Catlin's dance background is apparent. Her step choreography is extremely creative, full of graceful, flowing moves, rhythm changes, and surprising transitions. The first combination begins with two knees up, a front-back straddle, and a flying leap-squat-leap across the step. There are several sequences in the workout that involve moving over and around the step in very innovative ways, incorporating dance moves I haven't seen done on a step by anyone else. (The "shoot out" is one of my favorites.) The joy of the movement itself is really enhanced by the music: a mostly-vocal selection that includes some old favorites from the 70's ("We Are Family," "Fame," and "Let the Sun Shine In"). The beat is an easy one, allowing for a full range of movement and expression. Still, Sherry manages to keep the intensity high through the use of power, locomotion, and variations in pace.

As others have said, Sherry is not great with cuing, and those who are challenged by complex choreography will certainly find this a source of frustration. Sometimes Sherry cues late, sometimes incompletely. For example, she'll say something like "do that again," and it's not clear how much of the sequence she is talking about. She often neglects to specify "left" or "right," but sometimes helps out with a non-verbal cue.

Another flaw in Sherry's instruction is her tendency to give unbalanced attention to right and left sides of the body. The warm-up and cool-down are exclusively done on the right, and the left lead is neglected in some of the combinations. A final complaint is the length of time devoted to teaching the simple moves at the beginning of each combination -- especially the first one! Combination #3 is also belabored in my opinion, but that may just be because it is my least favorite of the four.

In the end, there is only one chance to put the four combinations together, alternating right and left leads. The result is exhilarating, making it easy to forgive any flaws along the way. I always rewind at least once to repeat the four combinations in sequence, and end up feeling extremely satisfied with the cardio workout -- as well as the esthetic experience!

Instructor Comments:
As others have commented, Sherry Catlin is not the cheerleader type, and this is fine with me! As an instructor, Sherry is low-key, calm, and easy to "live with" over time. I love the obvious dance influence that Sherry brings to this workout, and appreciate the fact that her background exercisers are also dancers. I'd like to see more CIA videos featuring instructors who have a dance background and also know how to put together a solid cardio workout.

Nancy A