This 30-minute workout follows a simmple format:
3-5 minute cardio segments followed by 1-2 minute toning
portions. Both parts are very basic: the cardio is simple
and calisthenic based,with marches,chasses,some
rudimentary shadow boxing. The only "dancy"
moves are a grapevine and a slide/squat combo Gin calls
the ballet move. You can increase the intensity by doing
the higher-impact variations suggested and/or using light
wrist weights.
The toning is also fundamental-pushups,lat
raises,bicep curls,etc. You can up the "umph"
factor by using heavier weights.
The standout features of this tape are its
flexibility and its simplicity. It's very easy to follow
(Gin's famed cuing skills are very evident). There's a
certain amount of joking and banter,but it never intrudes
on the instruction.
Two samll drawbacks: no ab work (admittedly difficult
to work into this format) and a short series of rear leg
raises that have no apparent purpose (I substitute
lunges).
This is a good tape for beginners or anytime you need
a short workout that's not too taxing but still lets you
feel like you really did work out.
Michelle
Bourg
9/8/97
If this was twice as long, it would be wonderful.
Unfortunately, the total workout is only 30
minutes, and about 10 of those are devoted to
warmup/cooldown.
This is circuit training. You do high/low floor
aerobics segments interspersed with dumbbell toning
segments. She manages to pack a wallop into the
high/low -- I had no trouble keeping my heart rate
up. The toning leaves something to be desired, but
that is mainly because of the short timeframe
the workout is done in.
I would recommend the full-length Step Reebok
Circuit Training with Gin Miller over this one.
But if you're one who doesn't have time for a full
hour, this might be for you.
Annie S.
9/15/97
I love this tape for when I'm on a limited time schedule -
particularly to try and get a workout in before work. It
gets your heart rate up and gets in at least a little
toning. What I like best is the quick transitions between
aerobics and toning - a lot of tapes give too big a pause
while you get your weights, and meanwhile your pulse rate
plummets. Not so with this tape - Gin keeps you moving the
whole time.
At the same time, it's only an intermediate level workout -
not a great challenge to me at this point, but there aren't
a lot of advanced selections when only have 30 minutes.
The choreography is easy to follow, a tribute to Gin's
great cuing. You can do this tape without even looking at
the TV, just listen to the instructions. Nothing too dancy.
Instructor comments: What I like about Gin Miller is that she doesn't
take herself too seriously. She jokes around a bit
which makes the workout more fun, but it doesn't
sacrifice a bit of her top notch cuing. I also
like that she's not as incredibly tiny/petite as many
other instructors - which gives me more of a
realistic role model/goal.
Celia M.
2/15/98
This was my favorite One On One video that Shape put out. I just love circuits. Especially a great put together one like this one with Gin. Gin has such a great personality. Not too crazy like her New Body workout but more toned down like her Best of Step Reebok TV. She is full of laughs! I just always reach for this video when I need a great circuit workout but not Firm. In this video you do a few minutes of high impact aerobics and then toning and then back to more aerobics and so on. The aerobics are high impact but Gin tells you to do low if you want. She does some fun easy combo's like step together step hop. Some other moves are fun like boxing (jabs with a boxer shuffle and upper cuts) and then you chasse around the chair. This video was made before the kickboxing was in so Gin really was predicting the future. She also does high impact jacks, power squats and running forward with kicks to the side and scoops too. The choreography is very easy but high impact and Gin teaches it so well that it's very easy to do. The toning is pushups, lat rows using dumbells, side delt lifts with dumbells, tricep dips off the chair, bicep curls and squats and rear leg lifts. Gin says, "If you have big buttocks, have great big buttocks!" She has such great comments all throughout this video. I used my heavy weights since Gin only does 1 set of reps. The set is bright with lot's of tv's and some plants. This video is a great workout if you don't have an hour. It's a great all round video in just 30 minutes. The music is VERY GOOD! Jazzy and upbeat. The cool down is a nice swing jazzy tune. It is all instrumental. You will have to add ab work though. But I always add Firm abs or Keli's Abs and more to go with it. I love it how Gin gives a wink at the end right before the cool down. This is a superb 30 minute video that I highly recommend!
Instructor comments: Gin should have been a comedian! She has such a humorous way of teaching that makes you laugh and have such fun while working out! She has a great muscular build that is inspiring and her strawberry blonde hair looks great left long and curly. It frames her face nicely. She has superb cueing and safety tips all throughout this video. It IS really like Gin is right there being your personal trainer.
Mandy Lee
10/8/98
