This video is comprised of two sections, an aerobics section (low impact) and a 30 minute strength training routine.

Charlene advises to do the workouts on different days, which you could do if pressed for time or do the strength training after the cardio (when the muscles are nice and warm).

I must note that this workout was filmed in 1997, when there wasn't a strong focus on postural alignment and the role of the core as there is today.

I will list the strength exercises and comment that there were no visible safety issues in viewing them. Charlene will comment to keep "a pelvic tilt", so very common in this era of workouts - as long as you keep a neutral spine, you should be fine. Interestingly enough when Charlene mentions a pelvic tilt, she is pretty close to neutral spine anyway.
The other comment is that sometimes Charlene is a little sloppy in technique, particularly in the static lunges on the step, however, on viewing newer videos, this has been eliminated. Her background exercisers can get sloppy with their technique as well, so keep your focus on Charlene. You will need to look out for the front/lateral raises where sometimes the weights are lifted up too high with the risk of shoulder impingement occurring.

STRENGTH SECTION:
Lunges on Step (keep hips stable!)
Abduction/Adduction - standing exercise requiring a lot of core stability
One armed Rows - good
Tricep Extension - good
Biceps - rotating conc. curl
Shoulder press - would have done these before triceps and biceps as already prefatigued.
Front/lateral raises - watch out for shoulder impingement
Post delt raise
Chest flyes - good, but concentrate on neutral pelvis
Glute lift - good technique, but doesn't mention keeping hips still
Abs - speaks about abdominal bracing and pelvic tilt - as I have mentioned previously, this teaching technique has changed since 97.
Hamstring Curl - nice technique, maintain neutral pelvis.

AEROBICS - LOW IMPACT: I am going to review this from my perspective of being a group fitness instructor (this year is my 18th anniversary). Charlene cues very very well and takes her time putting the routine together which is good news for those new to aerobics/workouts and connects in a very encouraging way. I felt like I could have easily been on the set with her. She builds the routine step by step and repeats it which is perfect for an intermediate exerciser. The routine is a very solid low impact workout and with concentrated effort could be advanced if you put every bit of energy into it.

Conclusion - This is a great workout for inexperienced exercisers as Charlene is so informative and encouraging. A person with an advanced level of fitness could also get a great workout by lifting the intensity of both sections. I would imagine it would get its best use in a situation where time was an issue - this is a good "holiday" workout.

I would give this a B, more because of the information available at the time rather than the competence of the instructor.

Instructor Comments:
This video was filmed in 1997 - with the available knowledge at the time, Charlene does a good job.

Liz N