A fun, intense boot-camp style interval workout with great music, but one basic flaw: the interval section is a short 24 minutes. I love and Helen's military and seeing the adorable Donna Read giggle can make my day. The step is vertical and some of the sprints, which are done in a pyramid format, are: lunges off the back, jumps over the step, squats from side to side, double jumps onto the step, fast shuffles off the step, super fast taps on the step and some jacks and high knees on the floor. I found the workout to be easier on my joints than both Interval Max and Intense Moves, therefore, I was able to get a super high intensity workout safely. I will probably add this 24 minutes to other workouts to extend my cardio. Next came the body bar (I used the Firm barbell unloaded) and a series of squats, interspersed with side to side fast steps and three count jumps (like in All Cardio), with more body bar leg work (more of an endurance nature, like BodyMax) and super speed straddles on the step. This was followed by six minutes of push-ups in different positions - I was dying and kept thinking it was over and it just went on and on - Helen is a real drill sergeant. Next, Donna does a 7-minute segment consisting of core exercises (I cracked up - my tush on the step with legs and arms up in the air in a holding position - am I glad hubby was in the bathroom), followed by tricep dips (different positions). Finally, a five minute ab segment by Helen - short and mediocre except for those darn roll-ups which are impossible for me, followed by a 5 minute stretch. I love the entire workout. Donna's step was a disappointment to me. I love 9701, but this workout was such a low intensity, it felt like a 35 minute warm-up. Her step combos have the same style as 9701 - working both sides of the step. It was a little confusing, but I know it can be learned by the next time, if I decide to do it again, and Donna's style, personality and attitude are an easy draw. There are six count turns, step knees, chasse off the step, reverse turns, arabesque/straddle/cross-over, L-stomps, and too many walks on the floor to keep the intensity up. This step workout would have to be an add-on for me, maybe combined with 9701. I don't have the time or patience to do 18 minutes of stretch, so Helen's, barefoot, tai-chi based segment was fast forwarded. I would rate the tape advanced for the first hour, and as far as Donna's step, beginner in intensity and advanced in choreography.

Instructor Comments:
Donna is a favorite of mine, with her bubbly personality and unpretentious attitude. Helen is new to me, but I enjoy her style.

maryann parker