I was really looking forward to this tape, since Karen is one of my favorite instructors, but this just doesn't cut it for me. I expected something harder and/or more effective.

It starts with some toning work, mostly for the upper body. She uses 3-pound balls. I used 5-pound dumbbells. I did get a burn on many of the exercises, but I never felt like I worked really hard, like I do after Cory's Arms and Shoulders tape, for example. I hate to say it, but this seems like a waste of time for someone who has been exercising for awhile. However -- for someone just starting a program, this could be very good.

The second part, abs and yoga-type stretching, is better, but not enough for me to want to continue to do this.

I've read that the "trend" is for people to want to get their exercise out of the way in as short a time as possible. That may be true, but I hope Karen doesn't desert her die-hard supporters in favor of this type of workout in the future.

Instructor Comments:
Karen, as usual, looks great, and she hasn't lost her knack of being able to explain a move so that you know *exactly* what to do. However, I don't think this workout meets the "hardness expectations" we've come to know her for.

Annie S.