I was very disappointed in this workout, having expected something much more intense. I'm an advanced exerciser and expected so much more from Cathe. The description on the back of this DVD: "MMA: Kickbox is a 53-minute high intensity workout that wil blast fat, build stamina, increase flexibility and muscle endurance." For me, this workout did none of those things.

I would rate this workout as a very low intermediate, or even an advanced beginner. To try and make this workout more intense, I used1 1/2 pound weighted gloves and did jumping jacks while Cathe was shuffling side to side. My heart rate didn't even get into the low end of my aerobic zone!

What I liked about this workout:

--Mark, one of the background exercisers, made some funny faces during the routine. He looks as though he's really trying hard not to mess up and it's cute to watch.

--the core exercises at the end. They are a nice switch from endless crunches or planks. They had more of a pilates feel to them.

What was neutral for me:

--the music. It wasn't annoying nor was it particularly motivating. It was just in the background so I didn't really notice it.

What I didn't like:
(Please note that my comments are from the perspective of an advanced exerciser. Most of these issues could be considered good points for a beginner or intermediate exerciser).

--the LONG warm-up. I don't think a 10 minute warm-up is needed for a 30 minute low intensity workout.

--the LONG pauses between each punching drill. Cathe kept saying somethig to the effect of , "wow, I'm sure you're tired from that last drill, so let's just shuffle a bit." I did jumping jacks to try and keep my heart rate up, but even that didn't work for me.

--the lack of cool down. For the low intensity of this workout, a cool down wasn't really needed. But, for an beginner or intermediate exerciser, I think a cool down is warranted. She could have cut 2 minutes from the warmup and used this time for a cool down.

--one of the core moves really tweaked my back. You do a bridge pose and then bring your fist up and over your body to rest it on the other side. Cathe does encourage you to do the prior move if something doesn't feel right, so that's what I did.

I was disappointed that this workout didn't meet my expectations. I would have been more forgiving if Cathe had billed the STS Shock Cardio series as workouts of varying intensity.

I'll use this workout as an easy cardio warm-up before weight work, or as a second workout of a day. So, I don't feel like I've wasted my money. I'm glad that I purchased this at the pre-sale price though.

Instructor Comments:
Cathe is rather subdued. The energy just wasn't there, both because of Cathe's attitude and the music.

I thought Cathe's cuing was okay. I pick up routines pretty easily, plus I'm used to Cathe's moves, so I don't notice if she doesn't cue as well as she used to.

Nancy Loderick