This is the only Kathy Smith video I have kept. It is an beginning to intermediate-level interval-style floor aerobics video with no surprises, just straightforward, well-cued, athletic moves that anyone can do. Modifiers are demonstrated by various team members (people in green work hard on a more advanced level, people in blue do the modifiers for the beginners, and Kathy stays somewhere in between). While it's not nearly as much fun as the NAC Interval Challenge, it provides a good workout for an easy day and is an excellent use of time. After a brief warm-up, there are six minutes of regular aerobics, followed by six two-minute intevals interspersed with two minute recovery phases in which you can get your heartrate down. Kathy previews each interval during the recovery phases. Recovery work also includes lots of squats and balance work. At the end of the interval phase, there is a cooldown and a good stretch. Not bad for 40 minutes! I keep this tape on hand for days when I'm really tired, recovering from illness, am pressed for time, or need a good warm-up prior to doing a weight tape.

Instructor Comments:
Kathy Smith is a good instructor, cues well, but has a grating voice and an annoying tendency to yell "Ow!" just once too often. She also "cheats" on one interval by breaking off suddenly to run around and point at her fellow exercisers' form. No nonsense, but not intimidating.

Paula Weber