I was lucky enough to receive this video the day after it was released. I am a big Karen Voight fan, so I expected her usual excellence. "Streamline Fitness" is split into two workouts. The first is 25 minutes of light cardio (warm-up)and toning/weight-ball work. The second is a 35 minute Pilates/Yoga style work-out. No cardio here -- just lots of moves and poses that require strong abs and back to stay in them. This work-out also uses the weighted balls, but to a lesser degree. I suspect most of us would benefit from these moves even without weights. I used two- and three-lb. dumbells through both work-outs, but a couple of moves may be better-suited to the weighted balls Karen sells. I just have a little trouble forking over 30 bucks for another pair of light weights. The first work-out had me questioning the “intermediate-advanced” rating on this video. I’ve only been using videos for a couple of months, and I can still get a good work-out from the likes of “Your Personal Best” and 40 mintues of “Firm Strength” (using only 10 lb. dumbells max!), so I’m probably at a representative intermediate level. I finished the first work-out with no trouble, and barely broke a sweat. I used the 3 lbs. that Karen used, and paid attention to form, but I only “felt the burn” a couple of times during arm work, and only once when I was doing hamstring curls with the weight tucked behind my knee and got a cramp in my foot. Karen states this “streamline” work-out is intended to do more in less time, but I think we all know this is a pipe dream. I can't get away with a mere 20 minute work-out, even at high intensity. The second work-out is an entirely different story. This is a more intense ab and back program which made me struggle. For those of you who are familiar with “The Method” tapes, you will feel right at home. The poses are relatively easy to attain, but holding yourself there for a while is another story! There is “Enya”- esque music at a low level through the program, which I liked. Karen finishes with a good stretch, and I finished feeling very relaxed.

Overall, This video is a beautiful production. Karen is working out solo on a lovely draped set with rich colors and cool (but not too loud) music. Karen's cueing is right on, but I know some people find her rep counting and "in-out" style a little annoying. She uses fundamental low(er)impact moves which are easy to follow. There are video cuts to Karen working in other locations (outside, “at home,” at the KV studio, etc.) which are somewhat distracting (especially on one miss-timed edit at the beginning -- you can’t miss it!) at first, but I got used to them quickly. I will probably use the first work-out on mornings when I do a 5-mile walk later in the afternoon. The second work-out can stand on it’s own as a solid ab/back program. I would be inclined to use it to relax after a shorter walk or a less-than-perfect day at work. Don’t get me wrong -- this is a real work-out, but you get to stay on the floor a lot, and you finish with a good stretch. Running through both work-outs consecutively did fatigue me, but I would have to augment them with a good 3 or 4 mile walk to feel like I did some cardio work.

All in all, I like the tape a lot, and I will be using it frequently over the next several weeks. Karen gets another 'A' from me.

Instructor Comments:

Ann Marie