Kathy Kaehler Basics: Workout Class [DVD] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I love this workout DVD! I did it for the first time yesterday and can tell that it'll quickly become a favorite in my library of twenty some-odd videos. Kathy Kaehler has a great personality and it shines through in this production. I have three top criteria for choosing workout videos: 1) it HAS to be easy to follow (if I have to think too much about what's going to come next, I can't focus on what I'm doing NOW); 2) I want a challenging, but doable, workout that I can grow with; and 3) the instructor must not annoy the *&$# out of me. Kaehler's Basics: Workout Class passed all these criteria -- and more -- with flying colors. She is encouraging without being kindergarten teacher-ish, can laugh at herself, and has a real class following her (although they're all thin and in-shape, they don't look like silicone barbies with plastic smiles pinned on their faces). If you are extremely advanced and require complex choreography, this may not be the workout for you (unless you want to use it on an easy, no-brain day). But it's perfect for the rest of us! I was able to do this workout the whole way through the first time without fumbling, but it'll definitely grow with me. I've got a significant amount of weight to lose, so I had to modify by reducing some of the arm movements, etc., but that's a good thing because that means that the video will grow with me. Try it -- chances are, you won't be disappointed. There aren't many workout DVDs that make the time fly and this one does just that. It has my unequivocal endorsement. :) By the way, if you don't have a step, it's worth getting one -- it'll make the workout more challenging (you can always move to the floor when you get tired). The high-end ones cost around (...), but you can get copycats (that's what I have) for around (...) I think at discount chains. Happy sweating to you!

I love step aerobics and I own many dvds and vhs workouts. Kathy is normally a good instructer but what I really noticed in this DVD (and it made me realize that I've noticed this in past ones), was that she is often out of time to the music. This may not upset many people, but if you are using the music to help you stay motivated and moving, it's going to trip you up a bit. It's frustrating to see the class doing one thing and her doing another, because they've stayed in time and she's strayed a little. At the push-up section, all the class is moving at different speeds and it's totally off-putting. Sometimes, the music was simply way too fast for anyone to be doing step aerobics to. It's a good workout and you will definately get a sweat going, but try to put the timing out of your head if you can.

The other thing that I found to be a little annoying, was that the routines weren't structured. Most instructors give you little routines and then build those up to one big routine. Kathy in this DVD however, is all hickilty pickitly. It's almost like she's making up the routine as she's going along. There was hardly any building of a good flowing pattern. Nothing flowed well and this makes this workout seem a little unmotivating because of the sudden and bizare changes. She will cue you in well, (she is a good instructor), but it's not an exciting workout. Go for Kari Anderson or Christie Taylor. They are two of the best instructors out there.

What I love about Kathy Kaehler is her attitude. She's very reassuring about progress...encouraging you to push yourself as far as you can, but if that's not for the entire workout when you first try to do it, just to build up over time. She seems to have a warm personality, but low-key. I found her cueing to be very easy to follow. I also like the fact that she emphasizes fitness and strength...whether you're already slender or have weight to lose (which I do).

Some people have complained about the simplicity of her steps, but honestly, that was one of the things I enjoyed. You know yourself...whether or not you want a mental challenge while you're working out. Personally, I don't.

While I was able to complete the workout right away, I found it extremely challenging to begin with. By the end, I was thoroughly tired. The first time I was able to complete it with high energy from start to finish was a real thrill, because I knew I'd made a lot of progress to get to that point.

I think this is a great DVD to have in your fitness toolbox.