I received a preview VHS version of this video. Tamilee has always been one of my favorite instructors, but I found this workout to be a mixed bag. The first section, Fat Free Cardio, consists of 2 cardio segments. In both segments, Tamilee mixes low impact cardio moves with "power" sections--basically, about 30 seconds of focused toning at a quick pace. Tamilee leads you through several different movement combinations and than goes back and starts the entire routine from the top. This is repeated 2-3 times, sometimes with the power moves, sometimes without. Cardio 1 is 20 minutes long, and although the moves are simple--marches, box steps, mambos--the combinations are often fairly complex, and I had a hard time following along, especially given that Tamilee's cueing was not optimal. Cardio 2 is a bit longer at 25 minutes, and although the choreography was still complicated, I found it slightly easier to follow along here. Again, the moves are pretty simple and include knee lifts and charlestons, but Tamilee's cueing suffers more here, and she is sometimes using the wrong leg at the wrong time. In both segments, the power moves consist of squats, leg lifts, and kicks. Overall, the cardio section provides a good, low impact, low intensity workout which would be best suited to someone who likes going through several repetitions of various combinations.

The second section of this video is called Metabolism Jump Start and is toning/strength focused. This section uses a fitness band (included with the video) and is divided into three segments: lower body, upper body, and abdominals. The 10-minute lower body section may be worth the price of the video alone. It begins with simple side steps with the band around your ankles, and within two minutes, I could really feel the burn in my outer hips. A series of leg lifts from various positions ensures that all of the muscles of your legs are worked in this short, intense sequence, and the "penguin" move finishes off the hip area. The 11-minute upper body segment is performed using the band in a seated position. For each move, Tamilee performs one set slow and then one set fast, first working each arm alone and then both arms together. Again, she makes sure to address every upper body muscle group, including the biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest, and back. This difficulty level of this segment is variable depending on how you hold the band. Finally, Tamilee ends the workout with a 12-minute Pilates-inspired abs segment (without the band). This segment is quite challenging, largely because Tamilee moves very quickly through the movements. She begins with a side plank, moves on to a challenging leg scissors move while on your back, continues with full plank and all fours moves, and then repeats the entire series. This is an intermediate to advanced abs workout which is best suited to those who have prior experience with Pilates or other core-focused work.

I definitely liked the toning section of this workout: the addition of the band helped me to really feel the lower body work, especially in my hips and thighs. However, I found the cardio to be disappointed and am not likely to use this section on a regular basis. If you have liked Tamilee's cardio work in the past, this video might appeal to you, but the main reason to buy this video is for the lower body strength training.

Instructor Comments:
Tamilee has always been one of my favorite instructors; I like how she's down to earth, matter of fact, and calmly encouraging. She's starting to look a bit older in this video, which I found kind of sad. Also, even though her strength work is still excellent, I was surprised by her poor cueing in the cardio section of this video. Her cardio style here actually reminded me very much of Denise Austin's Blast Away 10 Lbs. video; I expected more from Tamilee.

Beth C (aka toaster)