Step Reebok: Step Rhythm and Moves

Petra Kolber
Year Released: 1998

Categories: Step Aerobics


The warm up and stretch was ten minutes long, stretching calves, hip flexors and hamstrings. I found the warm-up too repetitive; or maybe I just didn't care for it!

I enjoyed the main workout though! It was 35 minutes long, with three major sections eneding with a fourth incorporating everything put together. The first time I did the workout I found the moves very tricky, but did much better the second time around. Be sure to preview the workout first so you have an idea of what's coming! The workout is intermediate, and I find the choreography complex (I don't agree with Collage's view of it being moderate).

There were lots of fun new moves, and variations on standard lunges, U-turns and repeaters. New moves include Chug repeaters and knees, corkscrew, six-pointers, kick-cross, and stamp the bug. The only move I didn't care for was a ball change and quick straddle up onto the bench- I felt the move was much too quick for my comfort. Some arm movements I didn't like either, but were easily substituted with movements I found comfortable.

The cool down and stretch was five minutes, stretching hamstrings, hip flexors and quads. The choreography was nice and simple here.

There were no pulse checks during the workout- instead Petra periodically had you check your intensity level ("can you hold a conversation"?). The large room used had turned into a disco, with pink, blue and purple lighting. The sides of the floor were lined with little white lights. The music kept me moving (instrumental with some lyrics), and the camera angles were good, close-ups showed where your footing should be. The video was well produced.

Background exercisers showed good form as well, and showed their own style t the moves.The video can be improved with one of them having been designated to show modifications throughou the workout. You will recognize one person from Rythmic Power, and another from Intense Moves.

Although an intermediate workout, I maintained a good sweat throughout. The workout surprised me with needing to focus on my balance for some moves, and with practice I'll have all those steps down pat! Grade: A

Instructor Comments:
Petra seemed to enjoy teaching this workout, and I found her to be encouraging and reassuring ( "Always go at your own pace", move "only if you're comfortable"). She has a soothing voice- no whooping here. There was so much information given for the dance moves, yet she guided me through with excellent cueing. Not once did she leave me in a moment not knowing where to move or what foot to use!

Jennifer van der Hoeven

03/01/1999