This is an excellent tape, and under-appreciated. The tape has two parts: a step workout and a weight workout. Both are excellent.

The step section has good music, and relies on rather basic step moves. I enjoy this tape for days when I don't want to think about complex moves, but still want to work hard. I am able to increase the intensity to an advanced level by really lifting my knees, swinging my arms, etc. - i.e., making sure I use full range of motion on the steps. In addition, I do a lot of power moves with this tape, more than Cathe asks for. One unique thing about this step workout is how Cathe organizes everything. First section you learn a number of moves. Second section you put all of these moves together in a pattern. The third section is a "bun blaster" series similar to that in Mega Step Blast - very effective for getting your heart rate up. The cool down is probably my favorite of Cathe's cool downs (I am not big on the whole funky cool down idea. I just want to bring my heart rate down and stretch, period.)

The second workout is the weights workout. Being a user of the Firm for over six years, I didn't expect much from Cathe's workout. Surprize! Despite the fact that on its surface it looks easy, it is a terrific weights workout. Cathe pre-exhausts the muscles with a series of quick pumps or pulses, and then moves to the regular weight reps. I am not sure of the science behind that, but I do know that my muscles are always worked to fatigue with this tape! I use 5 lbs for much of it, 8 lbs for bigger muscle groups, and 5 lb ankle weights. The one thing I am not crazy about with this tape is the warm-up for the weight workout, so sometimes I will go for a short run (20 minutes or so), then skip the warmup and just do the weight workout. There is a final section of the tape for discussion of Met-rix. I wish Cathe hadn't included this, but at least it is not her leading the segment.

I did not expect to enjoy this tape as much as I do - it is definately one of my favorites, and I get a great advanced workout from it. At the same time, it is appropriate for intermediate exercisers and to people new to Cathe's tapes. One thing that does take getting used to is the wedding talk. I am already married, so it didn't apply. But I just substitute my own words over hers - getting ready for a particular summer dress, rather than a wedding dress. During the video clips from her wedding I get water. Some of the comments continue to amuse me, including her comments on mother in laws, pets, and this one great line "We've got work to do, girls!" There is one point in the weights workout where she overdoes the corny lines - even she acknowledges that. Overall, I would suggest that people try this tape (both workouts) at least three times before making an opinions. Once you realize how great a workout it is, it is easy to ignore all the wedding stuff.

Instructor Comments:
I always enjoy Cathe's tapes - she is a great instructor. Because her workouts are among the only I have found that challenge the advanced exerciser, I am more than willing to ignore the "whoops" and chatter. One of Cathe's strengths is that she recognizes that advanced workouts need to be FUN as well as challenging.

Loleen