I like it! I was unsure for awhile, because I'm not really a jump-roper, but I decided I can get good use from this without a jump rope. The tape is intense even without one, and if you do use one, watch out!

This tape is NOT produced by Sara's City, so it is a little better quality than some of Mindy's other tapes. It's still not "good" quality like Karen Voight or the Firm, but at least you can see Mindy's facial features now! And the music is also *a lot* better.

Speaking of music, Mindy uses the same soundtrack as Franny's high/low in CIA Boston Marathon -- one of my all-time favorites. But the sound is a little on the low side, and I think it would be better if it were turned up a couple of notches.

The workout consists of high/low floor aerobics alternated with jump-roping. It gives you an interval effect, but it's not as hard as Intense Step. On the other hand, since I don't use a rope, maybe it would be just as hard if I did! Mindy and her partner, Buddy Makua, are certainly sweating.

At the beginning of the tape, there is an instructional section where Mindy teaches you how to jump and hold your rope, and also shows several jump-rope moves. She incorporates these moves into the routine. A couple are extremely tough -- for example, there is a lunge-jump that practically has me screaming before it's over.

The aerobics are fairly basic in choreography, but intense enough to keep your heart rate up. The jumping is considered the interval, and the aerobics get you back to a more level state (but still in high-target range).

At the end, she does lateral moves where you move from side to side very quickly. If you have her Jump 'n Jab tape, you've seen some of them. Those are pretty intense, also.

One thing I don't like -- during some of the harder jumps, she doesn't go in time to the music. She says just do your own thing. I know it's harder for them, since they use a rope and I don't, but I still want to go in time to the music. So I just don't look at the TV for those parts, and I try to tune Mindy out if she's counting.

Her partner, Buddy, leads the final stretch. He's very good and seems like he might make a good lead instructor for his own video sometime.

This tape does not include the kicks or boxing moves like Jump 'n Jab does, but of course, this is not a kickboxing tape. If you want more jumping and less kicking/punching, I think this is good. Again, the production quality is on the lower side, but I think it has strengths that make up for it -- for example, the excellent instructional segment, good pointers throughout the workout, and fun music. Grade B+.

Instructor Comments:
In this video, Mindy is not as "goofy" as she is in some of her others. But she's very friendly and motivating. She gives excellent instruction and pointers for both beginning and advanced jumpers.

Annie S.