Kathy Smith Timeless: Step Aerobics Workout

I have had this workout for a very long time. I still have my VHS tape of it -- a tape that is probably close to 15 years old now. But, my VCR recently quit working. Of all the exercise videos I had on VHS, this was one of the few I wanted to repurchase in DVD form. And that is saying something. So yes, first of all, you should know that this is an old (1990s) workout. And you can tell by looking at it -- the hair styles, the colors, the outfits (including men in short and/or tight shorts), the music. But, this is one of my favorite step workouts. There are a few reasons: (1) It's actually a long workout where you're moving the whole time (it is so hard to find good, long cardio workouts these days -- too many try to be "timesavers"). (2) It's suitable for beginners through advanced exercisers (Kathy offers some modifications to make things harder as well as easier, plus you have the option of increasing the step height to make it more difficult and/or stopping after one or two cardio segments (much more convenient, now that this is on DVD, by the way). Even though I pretty much have it memorized, I was challenged the last time I did it because I tried it with a higher step after not stepping for awhile. (3) The arms. Seriously. So many step DVDs have you repeating the same arm movements over and over while you do different things with your legs. But there are actually a lot of different arm movements here. (4) Actual water breaks between segments. No need to pause anything. Also, two heart rate checks and a perceived exertion check. The heart rate checks may be less relevant in an era when heart rate monitors are more common. But if you're low-tech, the option is there. (Or just use the time to get water.) (5) Choreography. I can actually follow what Kathy is doing. She builds up to things in my ideal way -- you learn one move at a time and build up to combinations. But even when you are learning the early moves, you are still working. (I am terrible at following choreography in exercise videos, in general...) There are a couple of different routines in each segment of the DVD. They're generally shorter routines, but that's fine with me. I have gotten lost in more complicated routines from other instructors, but I can remember everything in these. (6) Appropriate warm-up and cool down. Neither feels rushed. (7) Although it's old, the participants seem to be having fun and to know what they're doing. You are not distracted by someone who can't keep time (which is something I've seen in pretty much all Tae Bo workouts and at least one semi-recent Denise Austin DVD). (8) Production value. Yes, it's dated. But the music is at an appropriate volume so you can hear the instructor. The backdrop is pretty basic and clean. The camera work is such that you can always see what the participants are doing (no weird zooms or transitions). Video quality is not astounding for modern equipment, but it gets the job done. The strength/conditioning segment is pretty basic. You do moves like biceps curls, triceps dips, leg lifts, etc. It's not really new or innovative and if you have done more recent workouts, you will likely know more moves. I tend to skip this segment and just do P90X strength DVDs on other days. But, if you are new to strength training, you may find some benefit. If you feel that you need more instruction than you get during the workout itself, there is a tutorial at the end. I never even knew this existed because I would always rewind the VHS tape before I got to this part. But I was fiddling around with the chapter menu on the DVD and saw it. (Also, in DVD form, you can skip the silly skit at the beginning where the woman is looking for her step.) Equipment needed: *step (I recommend one of the longer adjustable ones, similar to what you see in the DVD -- these are a little pricey, but you don't have to modify the routine to use them) *dumbbells if you're going to do the conditioning part (if you're just starting out, try 2 or 3, 5, and 8 as you may find that you can handle different amounts of weight for different exercises; if you're more advanced, feel free to move up -- I can do biceps curls with 15 and sometimes 20 pound weights) *ankle weights (you'll have to stop the DVD to put them on but they can add some difficulty to the conditioning set) *mat (for floor work) Please note that you do not have to have any dumbbells or ankle weights, and you can skip the mat, if you plan to skip the conditioning section. The step Kathy uses is a style that's pretty common so if you find you like step aerobics, you can use the same one for other workouts. Overall, one of my favorite workouts and I'm glad to be able to do it again.

I'm so happy to see this workout on DVD. It is a safe, effective step workout; easy to follow and fun. I've found some step workouts to be too aggressive or complicated to be safe. This program was easy to follow and I could pick up the moves after a few sessions. The strength training is an added value. Love it!

This video is absolutely fabulous! As a beginner if you get familiar with the calls and stick with it, it gets better. As an intermediate stepper who,was a little rusty it took me a few days to get back to fun land. It is a very good exercise if you are consistent. I added this routine to my regular walks to kick up my metabolism and it worked like a charm! I am 20 pounds lighter in less than 5 months. I am as fit as I want to be and my energy is amazing. I am 60 and this exercise has added more spring to my step! I recommend it very highly but not to a beginner unless a patient beginner who will grow with it.

This is the third copy of this workout I have bought . I used the first two so much they started skipping. I have loved step aerobics since the beginning and this is one of the best I have found . The instructions are easy to follow, there is a good warm up section and there isn't a lot of spinning or turning around. I can't spin around or make repeated turns without getting dizzy . This workout checks all the boxes for me.

This is a solid workout, although there are a few minor issues that I believe might be quirks particular to Kathy Smith. I've been doing step for about 10 years and found this video to be fairly easy to follow. Kathy's cuing could be better -- some moves are identified by name only (with no breakdowns ahead of time), some cues are late, some moves are not cued at all. Her form is also not the best so for form pointers, I would suggest following the folks on either side of her. This workout will make you sweat, and modifications (if needed) are pretty easy to make. I would recommend this as a decent home workout video.

I have been doing various workout tapes and classes for 15 years, and really love step aerobics. I needed somethng with no impact, and simple moves. I also enjoy feeling like I am part of a 'class' without having to leave my home, esp. in the winter, but not all facilities are doing 'step' any more. I found what I wanted with Kathy Smith's 'Timeless-Step Aerobics Workout'. I was not put off by the music nor the 90s style workout wear. The cues are well timed and unlike one other reviewer, I found hearing her a little breathless reassuring! I am sweating from every pore by the end,but not breathless or overly exhausted, and love the way my muscles 'feel it' the next couple of days. It is now a regular part of my workout rotation. Only downside is when she passes off the cues to others in the class, but that only threw me the first time through. Definitely worth the $.

This step workout is just what I had been looking for. I used to take step aerobics classes back in the ninties when I was younger and thinner, to stay in shape. Now, fast forward to today. I am 70 pounds overweight, joined a gym and enrolled in a step class. OMG!!! This class was way too advanced and nothing like the classes from the past. Finally, I found a begginers class that was more in my speed, only to have them cancel it after 9 months of me joining. I started to search the internet feverishly looking for a begginers step aerobics DVD. When I stumbled across Kathy Smith's Timeless Collection. A blast from the past! These are the moves that I remember, with the right amount of cardio. I am able to follow Kathy's lead without fear of injury. Kathy Smith's timeless Collection, STEP WORKOUT DVD is GREAT!!!!

good work out

I did buy some from this trainer in the past I like her Q's good dvd

No me ha servido

Ottimo! Faccio palestra da molti anni e adesso per motivi di lavoro non riesco più a frequentare un centro fitness.Così ho acquistato questo dvd. Le combinazioni degli esercizi sono facili da ripetere e molto efficaci. Mi piace!

This step DVD is great. It's just the right amount of content for each section. It's well put together and simple to follow. Great instruction with variations for users at different levels. It also gives tips and advice at the end. The arms & legs toning is also great as each part be it push ups', arm & leg exercises, stomach exercises etc are not too long so you don't over kill it. Warm up & cool down also good. I have to change my TV/Recorder settings (NTSD to PAL) to play this DVD but this is only a small annoyance. I didn't realise I would have to do this when I made the purchase. There are instructions on the internet for anyone to use.

An excellent step DVD. The instructor is great and a pleasure to listen to, giving very clear instructions well timed for the next change in move. Easy to follow. The DVD is broken into progressive sections of about 13 minutes each at increasing levels of intensity. This enables both new starters and fitter steppers to get the best from a workout. Very good workout routines.