The first 30 minutes of the video are low-impact aerobics. You can use a step if you want, but you're not on the step all the time. The moves are basic, and to increase your heart rate you have to exaggerate the arm movements and put a lot of energy into the moves. It's easy to zone out during this workout because it's pretty simple and repetitive, but you can still work up a sweat. Near the end of the aerobics section, the three instructors add some toning moves, such as side kicks, abductor extensions, squats and lunges. After a cooldown with a few tricky moves (I just step-touch or march if my feet get mixed up), Jane Fonda leads you through floor exercises. Beginners don't need ankle weights, but more advanced exercisers will find them a big help. Jane starts with outer thigh leg lifts and variations, moves to inner thigh lifts and, again, variations, then onto your elbows and knees for a brief hamstring/glute section, and ends with abs. It's pretty comprehensive for your lower body. Her stretch-out is too short, so I keep stretching while the tape rewinds. I love this video when I want a refreshing workout but also want to lie down for half of it. You'll get some mild cardio conditioning and toning. Because of Jane's soft voice and the jazzy soundtrack in the toning section, I always feel relaxed after this workout. I highly recommend it for anyone's exercise video library. Grade: A.

Instructor Comments:
Laurel, Jeanie, and "The Guy" lead the aerobics portion of the class. All three are excellent at cuing. Laurel is vivacious; Jeanie is relaxed and having a good time; and The Guy is gung-ho to get your heart rate up. They make a fun team. Jane Fonda teaches the toning and stretches. Her voice and the background music are soothing. I like to close my eyes and concentrate on what I'm doing instead of the TV. Jane's cuing is so good you don't need to watch. She's excellent at getting you to work out with proper form, and also at teaching how to stretch properly.

Lilly Anderson