CIA 2804: Athletic Step Jam (2008) with Sharon Twombly Review

Let me begin by saying that you have to be somewhat to completely fit to do this (otherwise you'll find it frustrating - although it will give you something to work towards).Sharon is a terrific instructor - you learn basic pattern that you can always stick with or return to, and then adds things like direction change and slides etc.
After a warmup, there is a step routine for about 60 minutes and that is followed by aerobic/toning interval training (using a stability ball).The choreography is not too challenging (although if you already have two left feet you'll be in trouble) and the pace is fast.I find that this is really geared for advanced exercisers and while I'm reasonably fit, it is still a challenge to get through all in one go for the first couple of times.
Sharon is friendly and motivating and this workout is fun.I really enjoy it and have done it a couple of times and feel good afterwards.I think you'll like it a lot if you are a step fan and if you are fit.You will burn calories for sure and have fun doing it.I highly recommend this.

Product Description
"Athletic Step Jam? is a powerhouse cardio step workout that uses 32-64 count choreography with an athletic flair. This workout demands maximum cardio output throughout the workout. The workout features high and low impact versions of the choreography throughout the entire workout, encouraging exercisers of all fitness levels to join in the fun. This DVD includes a BONUS Stability Ball Workout for quick and effective cardio/strengthening of the entire body. AS WITH ALL CIA DVDs, THIS DVD HAS MULTIPLE PRE-MIXES WHICH UTILIZE DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY TO BETTER TAILOR THE WORKOUT TO MEET INDIVIDUAL FITNESS GOALS.

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CIA 2801: All Cardio Step (2008) Review

Wow ... in order to purchase and do this workout, you MUST BE FIT already and also, extremely extremely coordinated.OMG.I do step aerobics often and I am an intermediate exerciser in general and fairly coordinated.HOWEVER ... this is almost impossible for me and I gave up after one try.
I gave this 5 stars because if you're looking for tough and want to get your heartrate up and have fun, this is an excellent workout.I couldn't deduct stars purely because I couldn't keep up with it.Gay is a supurb instructor who is proficient at what she does.She makes it fun and never misses a beat.
The music is great and makes you want to get up and do something even if it's your own routine.There are more males in the class than we usually see in exercise dvds, and it's a nice set as well.Trust me when I say, that this is an excellent buy if you are extremely advanced.I really believe that's the only way you can do this workout.(you may also want/need to do your own warm up first, as this isn't really included).

Product Description
All Cardio Stepping is a workout loaded with all new innovative step choreography. The workout flows with Gay?s precise breakdowns and friendly manner for an all cardio workout. Sculpting utilizes dumbbells and combines Gay's creativity with heavy muscle work to provide maximum muscle loads for a quick effective total body blast. A cool down and stretch is included after the cardio, and final stretch. AS WITH ALL CIA DVDs, THIS DVD HAS MULTIPLE PRE-MIXES WHICH UTILIZE DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY TO BETTER TAILOR THE WORKOUT TO MEET INDIVIDUAL FITNESS GOALS.

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CIA 2404 Step Till You Drop 2 DVD Review

The problem with this DVD is that you can't follow the workout at all. The instructors have horrible cuing - much of the time they don't at all. The couple of times that I tried the workout I got no exercise because I had to keep stopping to figure out what they were doing so I ended up going on runs afterwards. I was compeltely left in the dust. I don't do step classes regularly, however, I *am* familar with the basic step moves and I've taken enough classes over the last 10 years that I haven't been lost in that I think I should have been able to catch on to any reasonable video. Just to be sure I asked my sister - who *teaches* step aerobics to try it out and tell me what she thinks. She agreed that it had nothing to do with my experience level. My sister got lost also. These insructors seem like they would have a lot to offer if they could just keep the audience on the same page with them. If you buy this, you need to be prepared to spend a very significant amount of time learning it before you can actually get a workout in.

Product Description
Featuring Laura Downing, Melissa Cantillo, and Mark Hendricks. Laura is a Master Class presenter, member of Power Punch performance team, presented for City of Hope. Melissa, ACE, AFAA, Cycle Reebok and Aerobox Certified. Mark, AFAA Certified for over 6 years, Master class presenter in a variety of specialities..

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CIA 2703: Amazing Hot Stepping (with Nekea Brown) DVD Review

I've been doing IMAX2, LoMax, IMAX3 and other workouts for several years; I was looking for something to spice up my step routines. Nekea was the solution! This workout is so much fun to the point of being addictive for me. As others have said, Nekea has a great personality; she is very genuine and encouraging. Some of the "quick feet" steps were a little difficult the first time around, but I am catching on. This is a great addition to the collection of the intermediate or advanced stepper. I appreciate the fact that the cardio lasts for nearly an hour. Also, the stretching and abs section is wonderful. I REALLY love this entire workout.



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CIA 2401 Cardio Crazy plus Bonus Core DVD Review

Pros:The repetition will allow you to catch on.The exercisers all move in synch.

Cons:I was expecting a high intermediate/advanced workout.The step routine was repetitive and perhaps more directed towards beginners.The neon green background with the big red circle was an awful combination-- considering the exercisers were wearing blue and black. I didn't really care for the music. There aren't many variations to the moves (ie. high impact vs. low impact) which I'm used to from many of my other videos.I got the impression that this was converted from VHS to DVD.I don't really know much about CIA workouts to be sure on this one.. but it wasn't crisp -- as newer dvds are.

Product Description
DVD. A step interval workout plus core training, led by Gay Gasper. Gay is an AVIA Fitness Athlete, BOSU Pro Trainer, 1994 IDEA Intn l Presenter, Inside Edition s Fitness Expert, and official Step Trainer of the New York Jets. Workout includes an 8 minute warm-up; 47 minutes of three interval segments consisting of step combos, strength exercises with tubing and weights, and hi-low combos; 5 minute cool-down; 15 minutes of core training and stretch

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CIA 2200 Series #1 DVD Review

This DVD is made up of 3 previously released CIA videos for a total of 5 different workouts. These are all for the advanced exerciser.
Mindy's Strength Express is super-challenging using a weighted ball and body bar. At the same time she is funny and entertaining to get you through this tough workout.
I can't believe it took me this long to discover Franny Benedetto. I had heard the name and read good reviews, but just never tried her. She is just awesome! Like a cross between Christi and Cathe. This DVD offers 2 routines: a fun step and a hi/lo aerobics workout. The time just flies by and her cueing is excellent.
CIA 2203 consists of a kickboxing and boot camp style workout. I'm not sure yet if I like this instructor and workouts.
My rating is based on the workouts with Mindy and Franny. Having these on DVD is totally worth it.


Product Description
CIA 2201 Strength Express is 42 minutes of strength training using a weight ball, hand weights and body bar. CIA 2202 All Out Hi/Low and Step is 45 minutes of stepping and 45 minutes of hi/lo. CIA 2203 Cardio Strike Zone plus Boot Camp is 35 minutes of boot camp training, then 35 minutes of kickboxing. Each workout begins with a warm-up and ends with a relaxing stretch.

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CIA 2704: All Body Attack (with Sharon Money Twombly) DVD Review

I have never bought a workout video that was this long before, but I thought it would be great for endurance. I was not disappointed!!
I would recommend this to home exercisers who are looking for more than just the 30-45 minute videos.
The step moves are not too bad (but then again, I'm a klutz)and her delivery is good and she is not annoying like some work out people can be.




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CIA 2701: All Out Infused Step (with Gay Gasper) DVD Review

This is the 2nd workout from this instructor and I love it as much as the earlier one.She's outgoing and encouraging and that helps you get through the workout while having fun.
It's pretty much non-stop from start to finish.She teaches you an easy move and then ramps it up by making the moves more complex.It's like other layering step workouts; you learn the moves and then add more but she cues really well and so it's easy to get them down right because you know in advance what's coming up and also you go over them a few times.You can pick your own level too because you can either do low impact modified moves, or power moves.It's about a 40 minute step routine (then extra time for your warm up and cool down) and the dvd ends with an abdominal workout.
She's a great instructor and it's a fun routine.There is good music here and trust me - when you get started, the next thing you know, it's done and you've burned heaps of calories.It's fun and I really enjoy doing this.



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CIA 2802: All Cardio Latin Xplosion (2008) with Carlos Arias Review

I usually stay far away from dancy workouts but previewed this at fitness gathering. It looked like so much fun and easy enough to catch on that I purchased.The instructor is a little nervous in the warmup but once the workout starts, he just shines. His cuing is good and there are enough athletic moves to up the intensity.He is clearly having fun and there are some moves that will make you smile (the bouncer where you cross your arms and nod your head is classic!).Even my normally sedentary 61 mother who was visiting and 4 year old son got up off the couch to practice the moves when I was previewing it.The next day, asked to borrow the workout and did the whole thing but the abs (followed the low impact modifier).

Just buy it and pop it in the dvd player, you will not be able to stop yourself from following along. I bet his live classes are jam packed and hard to get into.

Product Description
Get ready to shake your hips and let it all hang out with All Cardio Xplosion. This workout is a Latin flavored hi-low cardio workout seasoned with athletic energy moves. Be prepared to groove and sweat with Carlos and his Xplosive energy style throughout the entire workout. An abdominal workout and stretch segment round out this workout. AS WITH ALL CIA DVDs, THIS DVD HAS MULTIPLE PRE-MIXES WHICH UTILIZE DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY TO BETTER TAILOR THE WORKOUT TO MEET INDIVIDUAL FITNESS GOALS.

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