This was on the cheapie DVD rack at Ross. Surprise, surprise this is one tough workout. It's not a sweaty cardio thing and it's not impossibly tough while you're doing it. An hour later your buttocks and abs will be letting you know you've worked hard.

The exercises are unique. My expectation was that this would be a Callan, Lotte, Bar Method rehash. It's absolutely not. It's a lot of balance work and precise dance moves. If you do the correct form it's a killer video. If you just flop your leg around, it's probably pretty easy. Sadly, the form isn't easy to decipher. Katalin Rodriguez-Zamiar does a good job cuing, but the camera isn't always at the right spot to capture what she's doing. That gets annoying, but you get past it once you know the routine.

The first section is all standing work. The moves are a bit too fast. If you have form or balance issues, you might want to go at half of the video's pace. Your arms aren't worked, however you do use the shoulders in holding arm extensions for a minute or two. Other than reminders to engage your abs, you don't seem to be working your core during the standing section. However, all of those balance exercises are subtly giving your core quite the workout. In the second half of the video it's about 15 minutes of floor work. Because you've already burned your core and legs in the standing section, this floor work is tough.

I would recommend this DVD for someone working on a toning rotation or someone interested in some new lower body work. You also need to have some sense of the importance of good breathing and body position. If you've done a fair bit of pilates or yoga you should be fine. I won't suggest this for someone who doesn't like (or isn't able) to maintain focus on form. This tape is only as effective as you make it.

This DVD definitely has a spot in my rotation. I'm happy to have found this one.

Instructor Comments:
Katalin Rodriguez-Zamiar does a nice job and I have to say her physique is inspiring.

honey