Step Ahead

Candice Copeland Brooks
Year Released: 1992

Categories: Step Aerobics


Despite the somewhat mixed reviews here, I decided to order this video because it seemed to be precisely what I was looking for: an intermediate level step tape, with a 40+ minute aerobic section and moderately complex choreography. I was not disappointed. In fact, I like just about everything about this tape, including the vocal club music. The choreography is nothing fancy, and everyone who has been stepping for a while will be familiar with the steps. It's the standard fare: repeaters, turn steps, straddles, knee lifts, kicks, diagonals, lunges, turn steps, propulsions, grapevines, etc. But Candice uses such a variety of steps that the routines just don't become boring. Time flies when I'm doing this workout, and before I know it I've stepped for 43 minutes, and it's time to cooldown. The cooldown, btw, is a little dancy and much more interesting than the warm-up which is really nothing special (but it get's the job done). I would most definitely recommend this tape to intermediate exercisers looking for a long and fairly intense step workout.

Instructor Comments:
Yes, as one reviewer pointed out, she does have that 80's "mall hair," (in fact, I must admit that her "look" had kept me from buying this video once or twice) but her lack of style notwithstanding, Candice is as professional as they come. Her form is impeccable. Her cuing is excellent. I'm always amazed at how easy it is to follow her. She also manages to motivate without being overly chatty, and she does not feel compelled to tell "funny" jokes that make me cringe (especially when I have to hear them again and again). Basically: friendly, likeable, and motivating, but fairly low-key.

Darian Stanton

04/26/1998