I am the type of person who typically loves or hates a video. I LOVE this Step n' Stones. When I did Step n' Stones for the first time, I'd received it along with 3 other videos from Collage. I usually work out every-other-day and was looking forward to a whole week of doing new videos. After doing Step n' Stones the first day, I also did Step n' Stones the next workout and the next. It wasn't until the following week that I even tried the other new tapes.

What do I like about this video? First, Gay's cueing is top, top notch. She cues far enough in advance, uses the same words and tone of voice for repeated segments, and is very precise. For example, in most videos whenever there is a "walk around the step" move, I always have to do a stutter-step at the end to get on the right foot for the next step segment. Gay's cueing, "over the step, tap, 1,2,3,4, step" was so precise, I never ended up on the wrong foot (amazing for me). Second, the step component is fun, with enough variety and complexity to keep me interested, but not so many step patterns that I always feel lost. I prefer intermediate complexity for choreography, and that's how I'd label this tape. Third, I appreciate that the segments are longer than in some circuit videos (like Reebok Step Circuit Challenge) because you actually feel like you know what you are doing before moving on to the next segment. Fourth, I also appreciated the fact that Gay did the intermediate workout, with relatively few propulsions, while a background exerciser did the high propulsion moves. I think its easier for advanced exercisers to add propulsion than for those of us who prefer low impact to try to remove cued propulsion moves.

Let me also comment on my criticisms of the video. First, I like the music for this video a great deal, but I find that the audio levels vary considerably, with the music occasionally overwhelming the cueing. Second, I also dislike the set and camera angles. In fact, after previewing the tape, I almost returned it to Collage without actually doing the tape. When I actually did the video, however, I found these things didn't detract from the workout. The weird camera angles almost only appear when you are doing repetitions of moves you've already learned, so precise close-ups aren't as necessary. The steps are fairly easy to follow, so after the first time through, I enjoyed having the music be a stronger component of the tape.

A third criticism I have of this tape is one I have of some other circuit videos. Working your pectorals while standing upright and using an exertube just doesn't work for me. I find that at this angle I work my shoulders, but get very little fatigue where I'm supposed to. While I like the "keep your feet moving" style, I would prefer to do pushups or some type of reclined presses that actually work my chest. I have this same problem in Kelly Robert's circuit video.

When it comes down to it, the most important component is: among the 25 tapes I have, do I keep returning to this one? The answer to that questions is, YES! I give this video an A.

Instructor Comments:
Gay Gasper is an excellent instructor. Her cueing is precise, her choreography is enjoyable, and she's a joy to watch. Gay is one of my favorite instructors. I'd buy another Gay Gasper tape without hesitation.

Michelle Clark