The Ultimate Body Shaper offers up a variety of routines in a tough advanced aerobic/toning interval program (you won't get bored!). Stephanie also demonstrates exercises for core stabilization and balance so you'll get all this plus fat burning and muscle toning. You can choose to do the first 30 minute program that uses a high step, which is great for toning the hips & buttocks or the second which also includes the 1 minute "Intensity Bursts" but doesn't use the step (or for a Super Fat Burning Challenge, do the entire program).

The workout has a timer so you'll know precisely how much time you have left to exercise and a unique "pop-up" feature that offers additional training tips throughout the workout from Stephanie. (this option can be turned off if you choose) Stephanie also offers a bonus abdominal section that she calls her "V8", 8 of her favorite core exercises to trim and tone all areas of the abs including the obliques.

The main menu selections are as follows:

Introduction
Warm-Up
High Step Shaper
Mat Shaper
Full Workout
Cool Down
V8 Bonus Abs
Pop Ups on/off

The set is a bright, open studio with hard wood floors. The music was instrumental.

The workout uses intervals of strength training and cardio conditioning. You'll begin with a 5 minute warmup to generate heat throughout the body and prepare the body for the main workout. Stephanie uses big movements here (squats, lunges, step touches) which quickly raise the heart rate. You'll also get the core ready with a few twists.

High Step Shaper: Using a high step (with 2-4 risers depending on fitness level) and 2 sets of hand weights, you'll really get the heart rate up and burn serious calories in this 30 minute segment. Beginning with a march you'll progress into jump rope, heel kicks and high knees. Next you'll pick up your medium/heavy set of weights and perform a step up with biceps curl. (step ups are great lower body shapers) Next you'll perform a row to work your back and then make it harder by pulling your knee up onto step. Repeat to left side, expect this time you'll perform a set of hammer curls. Then you'll be ready for another cardio drill. Stephanie does a hop & reach and progresses into plank pushups. Grabbing your light weights, you'll perform a diagonal lunge with an overhead reach and a small triceps kickback. Shoulder combo is next consisting of a forward raise into side raise. A squat into a kick is next, building in intensity. Perform some jumping jacks then move to the other side for the squat/kicks. Grab one med/heavy dumbbell and stand on top of the high step. You'll be doing a one legged squat with a core/shoulder move. Next you'll do a squat off the side of the step, varying the rep count. Repeat opposite side. A bent over straight arm high V shoulder move follows. (you'll need light weights for this move) The next move is a side plank using the high step. It is an effective move that simutaneously works the core and shoulder. Jack & jab is next to boost the heart rate. Repeat the sequence to other side. Side to side jumps with elbow strikes follow. The next move is a plank row. You'll place the weights on top of the high step and walk your feet out into a wide V plank and hold the position. Then you'll perform alternating rows maintaining the plank. Next move is plies with a small rotation at the waist. Following this is a squat side leg lift. Next, seated on your high step with light weights, you'll perform a chest fly. (you'll feel this one) Triceps dips on the step follows. Stephanie then performs a yoga pose called Chair Pose. Seated ab work is next. You'll begin with knee lifts, using the core to do the work. The next move effectively tones the obliques which act like a girdle to "tighten you up". You'll grab a light weight and perform a "row the boat" motion. That completes this section.

Mat Shaper: Still using your 2 sets of hand weights, however you'll sub your mat for your high step in this section. You'll begin with a side to side step touch which turns into a skater move. Next is a plie move with chest fly. (you'll see lots of compound moves throughout the workout which keep the heart rate up all while toning the muscles, making it doubly effective!) Next is a balance move with toning. You'll balance in tree pose and do a shoulder raise. The next intensity move is a series of walking planks and mountain climbers on the floor. One heavy weight is needed for a lunge and double arm overhead press with a rotation. Overhead triceps extension is next. Next you'll work the core with some twists and chop moves. Jacks with forward & side arms and power jacks boost calories. Runners lunge and row with a heavy set of weights work both the front leg (working leg) and the back. Next you'll hold balance on one leg and row only. Biceps curls are next with various rep counts. Left side runners lunge/row sequence. A set of hammer curls follows. A quick jumping roll up is next. (this move was hard~if you have back issues may need to modify this move) Next using your light weights you'll perform a single leg dead lift with a V lift press with the arms overhead. Stephanie then does a waist toner side bend. High knee runs and tuck jumps follow. Perform single leg deadlifts, etc to other side. Another oblique exercise followed by squats are next. Stephanie then does a walking triceps dip move across the floor on the mat. Next you'll move to the floor for chest & ab work. You'll do a chest sweep with different crunch variations. Next is a plank with a kickback. Repeat the chest/kickback sequence to the other side. Finish this section in a low elbow plank hold.

The 5 minute cool down is yoga inspired and lengthens out the muscles gently. You'll begin with standing poses and conclude with seated stretches.

Instructor Comments:
Stephanie cues well and offers tips throughout. Her website is www.stephanievitorino.com. This was a review copy.

DeniseR