Totally Cool Step 2

I am 56 years old and I do my exercises every other day, inside my home, and in front of the TV. I do both hi-lo and step aerobics. My favorite fitness instructor is Christi Taylor. I love her choice of music and her routine or choreography. It is fun and lively. If you like to incorporate dancing in your exercises then you will love her DVDs. Though you will get a pretty good exercise from her DVDs your legs or lungs or both will not feel like giving up. Here are my favorite exercise DVDs from Christi Taylor.
1.Totally Hot Cardio – my personal favorite among the three.
2.Fantastic 4 Workouts – best value for your money with 4 workouts (2 hi-lo and 2 step)
3.Totally Cool Step – my favorite Step Aerobics DVD.
These DVDs are for intermediate and advanced aerobics people. But if you have good stamina and enjoy dancing GO FOR IT.

I only recommend exercise DVDs which I normally use. The following are my criteria:
•It should have at least 40 minutes of cardio exercises excluding the warm-up, cooldown, and stretch. For both 1 and 3 you should do the Cardio Bonus to get the minimum 40 minute exercise.
•There should be at least 3 persons in the DVD doing the aerobics.
•Use of popular dance music.
•DVD cast show enthusiasm.
•Enjoy and look forward to exercising.

Both 1 and 3 have exercise tutorials called Move Master. I did not use it. Just went straight to the exercises and rewinding to master the steps. I mastered it on the 3rd day.

Christi likes to do spins or 360 degree turns. Even though I wear eyeglasses I do all of her spins. But for newcomers I suggest that you avoid exercising on the carpet. Also, do the spins after you have mastered the choreography. This applies specially to spinning on the steps.

Jaime Suapengco

Christi leads this 40 min step video in a nice open space w/ cute Asian art on the wall behind. Christi works out w/ 5 backgrounders, some of which provide modifications. This dvd also contains a "move master" segment where Christi shows the combo's while counting, and a 13 min yoga & 13 min pilates workout. You will only need a step bench for this workout.

Step: The music in this workout is great- fun & high energy. Christi leads you through six fun choreographed step routines. This is the perfect addition to her original Totally Cool Step and is perfect for all you steppers out there that love fun and unique choreography. Exercises include: ham curls, straddle, L's, reapeaters, slap step, twists, pony, revolve, corner stomp, marching on the step, and Christi adds fun claps and arm movements. She does a fantastic job of utilizing the space all around the step for these fun step routines.

Yoga: Led by another instructor this is a nice flowing yoga segment. Exercises include: half moon, vinyassa flow adding some unique twists, airplane, triangle, chair, and warrior variations.

Pilates: Led by another instructor this is a tough core focused pilates routine. Each exerciser works at a different intensity so you can choose your level. Exercises include: roll over, hundre, lying windmill, pilates bike, leg circles, teaser, double leg stretch, pilates V, plank pushups, pike superman, & side planks.

You can really tell Christi is having fun in this workout- which makes it more fun for everyone. I rate the choreography in this one advanced and the intensity high intermediate- though you can easily adjust your intensity (by adding hops or keeping it low impact) to suit your needs. This is great for those that love choreographed routines. Christi is a great lead- great cuing and has a fantastic energy! I would love to take a live class with her one of these days! I received this dvd to review.

lindseylu8