As for beginner videos, I would suggest Kathy Smith's step video. It is very basic, choreography wise, and is broken up into three step sections, so a beginner can start off doing just the first section, and then add the other two as she advances. The moves get more advanced as the sections progress, though they never get too tough. I bought this video about 4 years ago, and did it while I was pregnant. It was my first step video, and though I was in okay shape before my pregnancy, I had never done step before and it was a good way to learn the moves. I think if you do all three step segments it comes close to 40 minutes of aerobics. I also has an abs section. I haven't done it in a long time, so I don't remember a lot of details, but it is the first tape I would suggest for a beginner.

Trish Ransom