Lean, Strong, & Healthy

Susan Powter
Year Released: 1993

Categories: Step Aerobics


This is the tape I used almost exclusively when I came back to exercising a few months ago. It is a great tape for those who find even "beginner" tapes too difficult. Susan's philosophy is that fitness if for *everyone* and that all fitness levels should work together. She does a good job translating that philosophy into this routine. Working out with her are a variety of people at different fitness levels, including one man and an older female exerciser. The moves are slow and basic and most of the exercisers are using a step. Susan spends about half the time circulating around the class, giving pointers on form and technique. The beauty of this tape is that she teaches you *how* to modify and makes you feel great for doing it. If you find very fit "designated" beginners annoying or discouraging, as they smile through the routine without ever breaking a sweat, you will appreciate that these people are modifying because they need to. As your fitness level, improves you will increase the intensity by using a wider range of motion. The modification techniques learned here can be used in any other tapes you attempt. This tape is not without it's flaws. There are some obvious editing mistakes that are confusing. And as one reviewer, has already pointed out, the number of lateral raises in the warm-up and cool-down is ridiculous. (Here's a great opportunity to modify!) Finally, I question whether advanced exercisers will be challenged by this. However, if you are just starting out, are unfit and loathe complicated steps, you will probably get a lot of mileage from this tape. I am using it about once a week now and it is a real morale boaster to see how my fitness level has improved.

Denise B

07/30/1997