All tapes lead by Gin Miller.
Review by Cheri Sicard

Here are the tapes that started the step training revolution, led by the woman who invented it. Even though I've been doing them for years now, they are still among my favorite workout tapes and I come back to them again and again.

What I especially like about all three of these videos is their almost "industrial" look and feel. The lighting and sets are very modern and the attitude is "we're here to workout." Which means there won't be any cute, bubbly, perky instructors constantly reminding you of what a "good time" you're allegedly having. There are plenty of verbal instructions, but it's just the facts.

Also of merit is the heavy percussion, jazz based soundtrack that allows you to get into a zone. Listen to the drums and before you know it, you've done the entire workout. I think this is an important reason why I don't get bored with these tapes, even though the choreography is basic and easy to do.

Gin Miller's cueing on all three videos is excellent. The choreography is simple, nothing dancey, and she breaks down each combination so you can learn as you go.

Step Reebok: The Video
Equipment - A step bench is needed to do the workout.
$9.99 *
Step Reebok The Video: Click to Order from Amazon.com

The tape that started it all, this is an excellent first step training tape -- which is not to say that it's only for beginners. This video can actually grow with your fitness levels for a long time, as you can modify it to make it more difficult. That's one of the great things about step training, as you become more fit you can add height to the step or modify many of the moves to add intensity. All the moves shown on this tape, however, are low impact.

The video ends with a short toning section, which also utilizes the step. This consists of 3 sets of push-ups, 3 sets of tricep dips, and a short abdominal routine. The entire workout is 50 minutes long.

Step Reebok: The Power Workout
Equipment - A step bench is needed to do the workout.
$9.99 *
Step Reebok: The Power Workout: Click to Order from Amazon.com

This is a tough workout! The basic moves of Step Reekbok are presented in a new routine with power or high impact moves like hops and jumps. The power moves really raise your heart rate quickly, but if you know the basic steps (which you will if you have the first tape) it's easy to modify down, as your personal level of fitness requires. I've been exercising regularly for about 2 years, and there are still a few places in this video when I have slow down. It's a always a challenge and really gives me sense of accomplishment after I've finished.

The entire workout is 50 minutes with the emphasis strongly on aerobics, although you will get some lower body toning in the process.

Step Reebok: Circuit Challenge
Equipment - You will need either a few sets of dumbbells (3 and 5 pounds will suit most people, if you're more advanced you'll probably also need a set of 10 pound weights) or a esistence tube. A step bench is also necessary to do this workout.
$9.95 *
Step Reebok Circuit Challenge: Click to Order from Amazon.com

It has been shown that circuit training actually burns more calories than working out a steady pace. For example, if you jogged for an hour on a flat course, you would burn fewer calories than if you jogged for an hour on a course of hills and valleys. The reason is your exert more energy on the hills than you save on the valleys.

Gin Miller puts the principle to good use in this innovative, 45-minute full body workout. In this case the hills are represented by 1 minute of intense step aerobic segments that alternate with 1 minute toning intervals. There's no time to get bored and you work all the muscles in your upper and lower body as well as abs and back.

Gin also gives modifications throughout the tape for beginners, and part of the class always works out at the beginner level while others do the high intensity moves. This is another tape that will serve you well for a long time, as you can modify it as your fitness level progresses by adding more weights or height to your step.

The video ends with a short 4-minute abdominal routine and 3 minutes of stretching.

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