Good workout with Valslides!
589853
New to Valslides but find that it has helped me change up my exercize routine & you get a good workout!
2839290
Snippets of this program were available on Hulu for a while before being taken down. I was devstated! It's a great workout DVD, and I was able to get into my desired wedding weight and tone before the big day. You will need a couple of handweights (I bought a pair of 2 lb ones and a pair of 5 lb ones), a towel, and cold water for this workout. It's pretty grueling for the uninhibited, but I definitely had results you can see. Much cheaper than P90X!
922590
This isn't a fast-paced, heavy duty workout, but those aren't for everyone, are they?  Liz Gillies is a knowledgeable, cheery instructor.  The DVD contains three separate programs.  All of them are sprinkled with Liz's words of encouragment and instruction.  You will get a good workout and even sweat (especially in the first program) if you follow her instructions.  If this helps, I'm 42 years old and in pretty good shape, but I'm not (remotely) Karen Voight or Kathy Smith or Denise Austin...
In the Fat Burning workout Liz tells you how to keep your heart rate elevated--even while lying on your back.  It starts with brief instructions about the ball, a short warm-up, and continues with a cardio section that consists of a lot of bouncing on the ball and lifting your arms which is fun, but also works your legs (if you use them instead of just bouncing).  Then it has two segments that keep your heartrate up:  a standing leg work section--mostly lunge-type exercises--followed by a good arms workout--standing up and lifting the ball.  Maybe I'm a weakling, but it puts my arms to work!  The last part is a challenging (for me) workout for legs and abs lying on the floor with legs on the ball which also challenges your balance.  This is followed by a cool-down.
The second workout, Pilates on the floor, I don't do as often as the others.  My DVD is a few years old and I hope they've fixed the problem with the audio which cuts out part-way through the program and comes back later.  You miss the audio instructions on several of the exercises, but can follow along by watching.  Despite that problem I liked the ball workouts so much I kept the defective DVD.  The exercises are good for toning,especially abs, and there aren't so many repetitions that you end up hating life, Liz, and exercise.
The third workout is a toning workout on the ball.  I think it's a good workout, but I'm not as fond of toning as I should be, so I don't do it as often as the first one.  I like it that Liz says, "I know it's hard, I'm feeling it too" and "I'm glad that's over" during and after a couple of the leg exercises.  She mostly works the legs and abs--Pilates stuff--and not the arms.
I think these are good workouts though a little short, about 30 minutes each. The DVD is a better value than some because you get three workouts.
1034995
Really like this workout. It gets your heart rate up where it should be and also targets problem areas for women. My leg muscles were sore the next day which made me feel like I got in a good workout. I also like the fact that if it's not intense enough for advanced walkers, Leslie states in the dvd that you could do the 20 minute segment again, which would give you more of an upper body or lower body workout. So glad I bought this. It's one of my favorites. Keep the new workouts coming Leslie Sansone!!
4552003
I agree with a lot of the other reviews I read prior to purchasing this DVD.  It's fast paced, has some great toning moves you will not find in other yoga videos (it's like yoga and pilates in one to me), and it's not the super-serene Buddhist style yoga that dominates my workout library.  I enjoy her humor and lightness throughout the video, but if you are hardcore and are looking to chant and light candles during this DVD, it may not be for you.  I didn't think her poses or exercises were outdated in the least, and were in fact quite challenging!  The 30 minute routine goes by pretty quickly too so it's a refreshing workout where you know you accomplished something.  I look forward to doing the longer segment, but I generally only workout at lunch and 30 min is about all I can spare.  FYI - I am currently in my 8th month of pregnancy and was still able to do nearly everything in this video with confidence and w/out overdoing any muscle group.

The only complaint I have is the cuing, like others have said, it kinda sucks.  She doesn't give a lot of direction and in the beginning, I found myself having to look up a LOT to see if she had moved or switched sides.  Her counting is not completely consistent, which doesn't drive me nuts, but it can be annoying if you are a stickler for a perfectly clean workout.  Once you get used to the routine and know the moves, it shouldn't be a problem to follow along based on memory.  That's about the only thing that takes this from 5 stars to 4.  I really enjoy it and I think if put into a regular routine, it will definitely tone your body and hit some tough areas that are not easy to fix!
2317654
I love to have a few DVD type workouts on hand for those moments when I can't make it to the gym, the studio, or the sidewalk for a run.  This DVD made me sweat, it made me sore (in a good way, of course), and it was fun.  I danced when I was younger so it felt really great to be recalling a lot of my old ballet moves during the workout.  Although, someone with no previous dance training would certainly be able to follow along.  Jennifer Galardi is a pro and there's absolutely nothing annoying about her as she walks you through the workout (something I struggle with with many of the other dvds out there).  Try Barre Breakthru.  You won't regret it!
2253808
I bought this video because after trying&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Kathy-Kaehler-Basics-Workout-Class/dp/B00068WRNO/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Kathy Kaehler Basics - Workout Class</a>&nbsp;I became a fan of step workouts.
I needed some variety to add more options to my cardio and strenght training, in order not to get bored, and this workout has both.

This is a good one for your collection if you look for some variety like me and you already have some experience working out.

I think this DVD is aimed for an intermediate/advanced exerciser who is familiar with step to be able to do the cardio circuit, otherwise you might be disappointed 'cause it is really hard to follow, at least in the beginning when you are not familiar with the moves.

It took me some time to be able to follow it, cause it's fast and Karen doesn't cue very much! Or she does it when she is already in the next move which is a little bit confusing for me. I think this is a very fun workout once you learn the moves, and Oh my! I sweat like crazy!

The strength training is very complete, but I don't like that you have to use a step mat which I don't have.
I wasn't too crazy about the stretch part, which in my opinion was hard to do and too short. I prefer something more traditional that allows you to relax more.
3518555
What a great DVD workout!  Loved it..  Haven't been working out lately but thought I could do all 3 levels first day, wrong!  Made it through the first level with warm up and cool down, and felt great, but there were some difficult areas because I was not up to par. I could hardly walk the next day !  I could see how it might get boring, so I'm glad I bought the 2 other dvds to mix it up.  I'm not a big fan of Yoga, so the cool down part isn't fun, but it's only 5 minutes!  Overall, very satisfied!
3679146
Leisa's workout is modern and fun! The salsa workout is really fun. I'm average when it comes to fitness, not everyday, but 2-3 times a week with walks on the days I don't do the cardio. This is perfect for a wide range of people from those who are just beginning - the moves are easy and Leisa goes through them step by step - all the way to the average workout person. If you are advanced you may find this dvd a bit slow.
4157057
This is a nice work-out if you have just a little time or if you want to combine several workouts for challenging intervals and a bigger bang for your buck.  The routines are not long enough individually to be boring so the time flies by.  You can program the DVD to suit your style.  The only reason I didn't give the workout 5 stars is that Denise's queing isn't very good compared to other instructors that I favor.  But she's very personable as always and once you do the workouts a couple of times you know what's coming.
1379455
Great workout that didn't get the best reviews.  Packs A LOT into 30 minutes!  I personally thought cueing was excellent~it just moves very fast (but not dangerously so IMO, even at 100+ pounds overweight).  This ended with a pretty thorough stretch for such a short workout.  I know I will love this workout even more the more I get familiar with it!
2398818
I recently purchased The Firm Ultimate Fat-Burning Collection, and this workout was one of the four selections included on that DVD.  Although Allison Davis is not my favorite Firm instructor (more on this below), overall, I found this to be an enjoyable workout that kept my heart rate up.  Allison works out in the newer Firm studio (wood floors, fake windows) with four background exercisers.

The 5-minute warm-up didn't drag like some of the Firm warm-ups tend to do, and it flowed right into the first cardio combination.  (Note: each segment of this workout lasts approximately 5 minutes, and although there are no chapter menus, there are internal chapter breaks so that you could uses the skip button of your remote to move forward & back if desired.)  The initial cardio segment includes step taps, knee ups with a leg sweep, and a "quad star" (rather than the usual tri star) with pony arms.  This is followed by the first AWT (aerobic weight training) segment, with Allison and crew using light weights.  The first move is what Allison calls the "back & bun burner," a side squat with row.  Other exercises in this segment include a clean & press with a front kick, a squat with biceps curl, and a front lunge with a side/rear delt raise.  The transitions felt a bit rushed here, but the HR does stay up.

After this, it's back to cardio.  The first move involves a side step forward and back with hip shake or optional skater jumps.  This is followed by a front/back/front kick, a glute/knee/glute raise, and finally, a samba with bow & arrow arms.  The next cardio section was my least favorite.  It was mostly high impact (although Sue Mi showed low-impact options), with power jogs, high knees, and plyos, but I just didn't find the choreography to be very much fun.

Next comes another AWT segment.  This one begins with a dip and scoop combination and then a side/front lunge "corkscrew" move.  Moving on, Allison adds knees up with a triceps press and crunch plus a side step with upright row.  After this, there are just two more cardio sections to finish.  The first begins with a back V-step and moves into jacks and knee repeaters.  The second starts with a back-side-front step and then adds in a leg swing, a glute extension, hamstring curls, and twists and swings to finish.  The 6-minute cool-down consists of flowing moves and dynamic stretches, bringing the total workout time right in at 46 minutes.

This is a decent workout that I would rate as low intermediate.  My heart rate stayed within my working zone the entire time, yet I never felt worn out or like I was gasping for breath.  I found most of the choreography to be fun, but sometimes the Firm's arm movements feel a bit "fussy" to me, and some of the moves in this workout felt overly rushed.  Still, I thought this was a solid cardio workout, and I would recommend this DVD.
412298
I consider myself a pretty fit person and have been working out for 25+ yrs, and I was very happy with this DVD.  The moves can be as challenging as the amount of weight or form you chose.  The trainer clearly explains various levels to accomodate beginners thru advanced and each of these is performed by people in the group she is leading, which is very helpful.  It utilizes basic moves so its easy to follow but the pace is fast and the music is fun.  I really enjoy Jeanette's style too - not sappy sweet like some trainers - fun, peppy and no-nonsense.  Its the total package of cardio and toning all in one!
772135
I love this workout. I own many FIRM videos and this is my new favorite. I alternate between 5lb and 8lb weights depending on the move. I wore my heart rate monitor while doing it and my heart rate stayed in the 160's for most of the workout - estimated that I burned about 500 calories! Not bad for 55 minute video. I won't go into details about the moves because another reviewer did that already. But I like Alison as an instructor although she has been known for occasionally mis-cueing. At this point, I'd say I'm an advanced exerciser when it come to FIRM workouts and I am still sore after doing this workout 3 days ago. It is definitely being put into my weekly routine.

I would not recommend this one for beginners. I think intermediates should start with low weight until you do it a few times and know what weight will work best.

If you like this one, I also recommend Get Chisel'd and the 500 Calorie Workout.
3817799
This is a good workout DVD but not my absolute favorite.  I am 24 weeks pregnant with my second child, and I am quite picky when it comes to prenatal exercise DVDs--I like a kind but realistic trainer (i.e., the fake, preppy pregnant ladies drive me crazy!), and I like a high intensity workout (at least, "high intensity" in the context of pregnancy). I would not say I am incredibly fit, but when I do exercise I want to be challenged! I bought this DVD because I also own Suzanne Bowen's Slim & Toned Prenatal Barre Workout, which I love! Slim & Toned is still my favorite workout, primarily for two reasons. First, I am partial to the barre method. I like how challenging it is, but how safe it feels even during pregnancy. I also own a set of Core Fusion DVDs, and I like to alternate the Slim & Toned workout with some of the Core Fusion segments that seem appropriate for pregnancy. The Long & Lean DVD is good, but it doesn't feel as difficult to me, and I was a little bored with parts of it. Second, I like how the Slim Upper Body & Core section of Slim & Toned uses weights. I only use 3 pound weights for the arm section, but I feel like I get a much better arm workout than I do with the Long & Lean DVD. I'm still glad I own both DVDs, however, if only for the variety provided! And the stretching section at the end of Long & lean is quite thorough and helpful for the lower back pain I've been experiencing lately.
1617131
I bought it for lighter days when I don't feel like working out hard but I want to get my body moving and burn some calories! Good purchase for Beginners! If you are totally new to exercise this is a good DVD! I really love Petra as an instructor. She is so pleasant and upbeat without being overboard. Kat is the girl to follow if u are brand new to fitness. I have over 300 fitness DVDS and she is always the person who shows level one modifications. I love that that set is bright and colorful and that they use just regular ladies in the dvd. The twenty minutes will fly by and the steps are very easy to learn. There are five twenty minute workouts that you can rotate during the week or do one longer workout, Fat Burning Basics, Pilates/Yoga Conditioning, Cardio Dance, Toning, and Abs in 10. Great for an early morning workout when u you want something quick and fun to do!
1384571
This is a solid workout for toning, lengthening, and balancing. It's fun and not too long.  It's essentially a basic barre class with some pilates at the end.  I did it for the first time yesterday and am really feeling it today - it's hard to sit down, but in a good way.  I know if I keep at it it will make a difference in my body!  My only dissapointment is that I did not break much of a sweat.  Would be great after a two mile run.