Kickbutt Steamin Cardio

Heidi Tanner
Year Released: 2005

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights)


This workout has already been broken down, so I am just going to add my own opinions. I am reviewing this workout after having done it a small handful of times. I adore the WHFN workouts (as well as the older/original Fitprime series circa 2002) but haven't been crazy about the cardio oriented selections based on my experience with Lean and Fast Cheetah. They seemed overly strength oriented for a cardio workout and monotonous and repetitive with the choreography. In fact the first time I did Steamin' Cardio (both versions) I wasn't crazy about it. But I recently did it again and have fallen in love with it. The music is superb, I like the wide variety of aerobic tunes and exercises, it is much more intense than Lean or Fast Cheetah, the floor work was timed at the end (my preference), and the floor core work was really unique, effective, and fun (probably the best of the WHFN).

Heidi leads with 5 or 6 female background exercisers (the same women you see in most or all of the WHFN workouts). One of the things I like about Steamin' Cardio with Heidi is that you can see her sweating and panting right along with you, reminiscent of Firm Volume 1! I know that's uncouth for videos these days but I like to see the instructor working hard along with me.

Like all WFHN workouts, the production values are excellent and the set is like an updated mansion Firm set with classical statues, torches, and a uniqueness that is often not found in the simplistic sterile sets in most new workouts. Heidi uses light hand weights (I used 5# which is the heaviest I would recommend) for two 4-limb segments, and she used the tall step for a couple of tall box climb tunes. She had two fairly dancy sets that were a little hard to follow (pivots, etc.) but I was able to follow along. There was also a few kickboxing moves which got the heart rate up there. My heart rate was up almost the entire time (falling slightly with the dancy tunes), the time flew by, and it was intense! The floor work included clams to work the side waist, an interesting pilates move (star I think?) to work the buns, and some great ab work (leg walks and reverse crunches with dumbbells held behind the knees).

I would consider this an intermediate workout suitable for those who enjoy AWT and/or cardio with a strength flair, and for those who enjoy Anna Benson productions. Overall grade A+!

Instructor Comments:
Heidi just shines in this workout. I was very pleased to see she lead several of the WHFN workouts and she does a great job in all of them. She looks just as exuberant and healthy as she did in her Firm Cardio workout from years before. She gives clear instructions, is always encouraging, and demonstrates the moves with good form.

Emily B.

10/01/2010