29-Minute Step Workout

I've had this video so long I don't even remember how I got it. I think it may have come with my turquoise and pink step. :^)
First of all, let me say that I love this workout. I have a backup tape of it in case it ever dies. This is THE perfect workout for those of us who cannot "get" choreography. The stepping is simple, and she doesn't "take it from the top" ad nauseum. What really makes this tape a standout for me is that for the entire half hour (excluding the warmup and cooldown) you are working your upper body with weights. Way back when, I only used Chicken Noodle Soup cans. Then I graduated to Cream of Chicken Soup, then one pound weights. After years of lifting, I can still only use 2 pounders with this workout. Your shoulders, biceps and triceps will be COOKED by the time you are done. There is no high impact in the workout at all, which is nice. You never turn away from the tv, there are no pivots or dance steps. Just the basics. With your arms and the weights going the whole time till you will be sweating a river and your arms will be almost falling off. I know this workout by heart and could do it in my sleep. And I still love it with the fire of a thousand suns. Gin is my hero. :^D

Instructor Comments:
This tape doesn't mention Gin on it anywhere, and the cover shows someone else. But its Gin! A very young Gin who doesn't goof around at all. She is all business in this tape, and cues flawlessly as usual. She's just the best.

Peggy T

On cardio work, I am an intermediate exerciser who is playing with advanced choreography. I have found that I LOVE step and enjoy hi/lo workouts. As I have moved into more advanced choreography, I have found that I perceive more basic workouts, especially step workouts, boring and have less tolerance for them. I saw this tape glowingly referred to in a General Discussion thread and decided to try it.

First off, it reminded me of Step & Tone by Gilad, probably because you are stepping at a quick rate using weights. Step & Tone is a strength workout and this one as a cardio workout though. Also, I love Step & Tone, but didn’t get into the 29-Minute Step Workout.

Basically, you warm up and then do a series of moves where, as you step up and down at a brisk pace, you do a move with the upper body. Gin groups the upper body moves into logical combinations and you’ll do one combination for awhile and then move onto the next. She does give form pointers throughout the workout and suggests modifications, or how to rest and then rejoin.

This tape was done in the late 80s, but doesn’t look _too_ dated. There is some big hair, but not one pink legwarmer! Gin leads the workout with a class behind her. The set is pretty simple – it looks like a workout studio with a hardwood floor. Don’t ask about the music, I don’t remember a thing about it.

For people who want a basic, simple step workout, this tape might be a good one for you. The pace of stepping is fairly brisk, so keep that in mind.

Instructor Comments:
This is a young Gin Miller, but her demeanor and cueing was apparently always the same. She is supportive and gives alternatives as the workout progresses.

Laura S.