(Parade Video)
1998
What is it?
An hour-long dance-oriented step workout, with some toning included.
Who is it for?
Intermediate to advanced exercisers who enjoy learning new choreography - definitely not for the dance-challenged. You will need a workout dowel to use for balance during the toning segments (any pole will do, really), and there is some floor work so you will probably want a mat.
What to expect:
Guaranteed: No one will learn the steps in this tape on the first try. Does this statement excite you - are you anxious for a new challenge? Or are you already discouraged? Whichever way you feel immediately tells you whether you should give this workout a try or give it a pass. Lisa Wheeler's choreography is always dance based, so you'll find jazz and ballet moves interspersed with your basic-rights. It's a very creative routine, and between each set of steps you get a leg-toning segment. At the end of the workout you're expected to remember all the step combos and put them together. Once again, you will never get this right the first time. In fact, don't be surprised if you've completely forgotten the first combo by then. This makes it especially gratifying once you've mastered all the moves - you have a real sense of accomplishment, along with the ability to fly through a series of very fun cardio steps. There's a Pilates-based ab segment at the end, and Yoga stretches to finish it all off. This workout isn't for everybody, but those who love to dance and who are a bit bored with straightforward step aerobics will absolutely love it.