I am reviewing this workout after having done it twice in the past week. Barefoot Cardio by Ellen Barrett is a fun, low impact, cardio workout. Ellen is an engaging and affable instructor. This workout is one of the ones that makes me ask "Why did I wait so long?"

What I enjoy most about this workout is that I can get my heart pumping without too much effort or impact. Ellen strings together a few moves on the right side and then repeats the moves on the left side. Then between each combo she does her signature 'happy feet' move from other workouts which is a plie squat out to the side and then feet together. But in Barefoot Cardio, you can do happy feet or step it up a notch and do ponies (a sort of triple step side to side). Returning to the pony move between each combo might irritate some, but I don't mind it. I guess I like the idea that a new combo is coming.

One detraction for me in Barefoot Cardio is the amount of instruction. Ellen is a friendly instructor but if I'm going to keep this workout, I'm going to learn the moves better and turn down the volume. After about a half hour, it's just too much of a good thing.

If you are deciding on whether or not to get this workout, don't let the amount of talking be the deciding factor. Barefoot Cardio is a great workout. An advanced exerciser can use it on a light day, a beginning exerciser can use it any time and an intermediate exerciser can modify it by taking the moves up a notch.

Instructor Comments:
Ellen is great. I love that she designs her workouts to make exercise accessible to everyone. She is inspiring.

Nat