Type: Interval training, using step, weights and strength training
Length: Approx. 60 minutes, but the warm-up, aerobic workout, and cool-down totals just under 40 minutes.

Out of the 15 exercise videos I currently own, "Burn Fat & Get Fit" is consistently the best. It is absolutely the least boring, best tape workout I have ever done, and I go back to it over and over without getting tired of it. I began using this tape when I was fairly out of shape and about 20 lbs less than I am now. Despite the fact that I am now working out at an Intermediate+ level, Powter's tape has virtually grown with me. It is so adaptable that everyone from a beginner to an intermediate (and maybe even advanced) exerciser will get something out of it.

The hook here is the variety of the interval training. After what she terms an "active warm-up" (and it is), Powter leads the viewer through a workout consisting of 3 minutes "cardio" on the step to 1 minute of weights/strength work (either lifting hand weights or doing squat-type exercises using an optional chair). The workout continues to alternate between the cardio and strengthening segments, so that you won't even feel as if you've done a workout at the end. But don't get me wrong--this is a major fat-burning workout. The key is that the variety makes it less boring than other workouts.

Cuing is excellent--part of Powter's allure is that she gives very down-to-earth, basic direction that is easily understandable for beginners, yet is not condescending to more advanced exercisers. The style is straightforward--nothing fancy, not too dancy, and no tricky moves. The tape of course features Powter's dynamic personality, which is very motivational. She is joined by two other exercisers--a man and a woman--both of whom are "real people"--in other words, they don't look like models and they don't exercise like hard-core pros.

The setting for the video is the interior of Powter's home. She reasons that since this is where she works out, what better place for the viewer to join in the workout. The music is extremely subtle--nothing loud or hard. Based on what I've read in "Stop the Insanity", Powter's bestseller, she is very concerned about the safety of each move, and it shows on the tape. Every move is explained fully and there is nothing here that seems the least bit risky.

Following the warmup, aerobic workout, and cool-down (approx. 40 min), the tape includes other sections, ie, a stretching/relaxation portion. I am truthfully not all that familiar with the last portion of the tape, as I usually focus on the basic workout due to time constraints.

To sum up, "Burn Fat & Get Fit" is a great workout with tons of variety.

Nicole Moshiri