I ABSOLUTELY LOVE GILAD!
LibraryLady of Chocolate City | Rochester, NY | 08/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I used the video tape of this exercise routine for several years until I wore it out. I started using it when I was very out of shape and unable to use a step. I then progressed to the step, adding on levels, then to weights, and then to heavier weights. As you can tell, this video is great for use from beginners to those experienced enough to use weights while aerobicizing. It is a lot of fun, and I never get bored with it."
Great Basic Step Workout
S. Montgomery | South Riding, VA | 01/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This step workout is great for those who don't want a lot of dancy moves. The most complicated foot work is a grapevine and a turn step. So if you don't have a lot of room for running around the step and performing dance steps, this DVD is perfect. Cueing is good, routine is fun, and offers good variety. Intensity can be increased by using heavier weights and raising step height. Music rather upbeat, although not really predominate in the workout. Overall, a good basic step workout with weights for toning."
Beginner level, pretty good
L. Christopherson | 10/07/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I think the DVD says this is an Intermediate/Advanced level workout. I would disagree with this. My heart rate barely moves up past the normal range. The moves are incredibly simple, which is probably good since you're dealing with weights the entire time. It's nice in that respect. In other words, it's not one of those DVDs where there is a stint of cardio, then a stint of weights, then a stint of cardio, etc. You are stepping and using hand weights the entire time. (Mostly the stepping consists of the basic step with some sporadic high knees and leg curls.) I suppose you could make it more challenging by raising the step, using heavier weights, or putting ankle weights on your legs (which might not necessarily be safe, so I'm not recommending it). In that way, it is also nice - you can control the level of intensity. Personally I like to do this DVD when I'm feeling tired because it isn't too challenging but will give me about an hour of workout time. So I use it when I want a lengthy but undemanding workout."
Exactly what it says
Doreen Ellinwood | NJ, USA | 07/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've always heard of Gilad, but never tried his videos. I only joined gyms to go to the step classes, so I'm a huge fan of step. Most of the videos I've tried haven't really interested me. But this one is easy to follow but really gets your heart rate up. I was sweating like crazy by the end and really felt like I had a good workout.
This video does not have fancy step choreography, but it is a solid workout and REALLY works the muscle groups. The stepping part is secondary to the tone, but you're working out nonetheless. In fact, you barely notice you're doing step during the routine, but afterwards you really feel it.
I gave it five stars because it is "step and tone" and it is a great workout. He breaks the workout down into pieces, so you can do 30 minutes, 40 minutes or a full hour. I also found that after the second time I did the video I was completely familiar with the routine enough to be focusing on my form instead of what the next step was.
My husband complains that it sounds like he's barking orders...but that could just be because they're out on a beach (I noticed that about his other step video too). I don't feel like he is. Also, I have worked out in gyms before, so I know how to do a lot of the weight lifting parts, but he doesn't actually go over proper form except for on the step. So if you're not big on weights, watch the video carefully so you know you're form is correct.
All in all, I wish I had this video years ago."