I am not sure if I will keep this one. I LOVE Simply Strong and Simply Endurance, they were tough and challenging and I won't part with them ! Simply Step does get your heartrate up and get you sweating - it'll give you a good cardio workout...but it's pretty basic. Again, not in intensity but in choreography. In Gin's own words, she says there are lots of repetitions but your heartrate will keep up.

For the fit beginner/low intermediate choreography-wise, this would be a good choice. She does some interesting steps like a three repeater becoming a three pulse squat or tap off the end, a cha-cha-cha on the step to a step touch on the floor, a floor Y step, and a 4 count hip shake straddling the step. The build up to these moves is a long process though, which would make it great for those not used to more complicated choreography. Gin demonstrates (while you are in a holding pattern) most of the more complex moves. Again, most of the moves are not complex, I've probably named them all in the whole hour of the workout !

What I like - Gin's chatty manner, her precise cuing (most of the time, a couple of mistakes), the fact that I sweat buckets and get a good workout.

What I don't like - taking it from the top for the whole workout, so much repetition, holding patterns, checking perceived exertion continually (something like 5 times or so).

Gin teaches like you are a total newbie, yet a total newbie wouldn't make it through the intensity of the workout. When I want to zone, I use Keli Roberts Ultimate Step or Kathy Smith's Step or Great Buns & Thighs, I guess if you really want to zone this could work for you.

FWIW, I'm more into Taylor & Friedrich lately for the challenge.

Instructor Comments:
Gin is obviously enjoying herself in this one and lets loose her personality. She really cracks herself up - but it's not annoying. She takes a lightheared approach to this video, but as usual, her counting and cuing are excellent.

CJ