This review is from: Shapely Girl: Let's Get Stepping with Debra Mazda (Beginner Step Cardio Workout) (DVD)
I really like this workout. In my 20's I used step aerobics to lose some weight and had the legs of my life. Fast forward 15 years later . . . I got away from working out and I have gained weight. I bought this DVD because I hoped that it would ease me back into working out.
I first did the DVD yesterday. I thought the DVD was going to be below my fitness level. I walk every day and use the elliptical. I can't say that I push myself hard--I just do it and try to enjoy it. I also rotate in a Firm DVD. So, I thought I was in good shape--decent at least. So, I started the DVD and was exaggerating the moves intending on getting a good workout. I assumed this DVD was a little below my level. Well, I was wrong. A couple of times I had to march in place to catch my breath. I insisted that I was going to use my arms and that I was in good shape. Clearly, I am not--I about killed myself and should have dropped the arms at some point but refused. After the workout I felt exhausted--not in a good way--in a I am not going to do anything a while way.
Today I did the DVD without raising my arms above my head and got a good workout. I love the DVD. It is simple and straightforward. Exactly what I was looking for. I would have liked a more thorough stretch but I just do my own after the DVD. I like Debra. Again, she is straightforward. I do not like the Denise Austin type of rah rah DVDs--the first couple of times that rah rah is OK but after doing the DVD over and over again it is way too much and annoying.
With Debra, she just tells us what the next steps are, counts, etc. Nothing over the top just a good solid workout. Also, the people on her "team" or regular people. They aren't the perfectly toned size zero's that we see so often in other DVDs. I use to think that the perfectly toned people in other DVDs were inspiring but I found that these women inspired me more. I would want to take a break and march but I wouldn't let myself . . . I would say "OK, Gina, if they can do it you have to be able to do it--toughen up--quit whining".
I think this is an intermediate DVD. I have the firm DVDs and feel that this got me sweating more and working harder. If it is too hard you can drop your arms like I did or use a shorter step. If you are not getting enough of a workout you can use a higher step.
There is a toning segment after the workout that I haven't done yet. It seems to be about 10 minutes. I watched it and forgot to time it. Just solid basic moves. If you are new to stepping there is an intro that will show you all of the moves and help you ease into stepping. Stepping is a great way to shape and tone your lower body. Stepping also gives you a more intense workout. I am looking forward to reshaping my body again and think this is just the ticket.
The workout is just under 40 minutes with a 4 minute warm up and a 3 minute cool down. The music isn't overwhelming--just right. I wish Debra would make more step DVDs to integrate with this one!
Gina
