Search - Kickbox - Core Cross Train on DVD

High energy, good instruction, hard on knees

Sundari | San Francisco, CA | 05/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is really great in a lot of ways, and has many of the things you want from a workout video - beautiful location, great music (much of it a sort of bombay/hiphop/groove), good instruction that emphasizes correct form, well-chaptered, etc.

The only problem (and it's the same problem I have with a lot of these newer Gaiam DVDs) is that there's not really much attention paid to modification, or to people who might have issues like old knee injuries. While there's a lot of kickboxing workouts that are perfectly compatible with a relatively low-impact workout that is safe for your joints (especially your knees), this isn't one of them. There is a ton of twisting, all done in a semi squat position, which is very hard on the knees, and a lot of twisting to full stop, without any guidance on modification, etc.

If you don't have any joint problems I'd say you can probably do this workout and really enjoy it - it is a challenge and a good workout. If you have any knee problems or joint issues, I'd suggest try-before-you-buy if you can.
"

Very good :->

Little Miss Cutey | Melbourne, Australia | 06/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Patricia Moreno leads this workout and she's really good. She cues well and is motivating. I like that it's filmed outdoors instead of an indoor set - I for some reason find that more motivating because I'm thinking of Summer. It's geared for intermediate to advanced exercisers although the choreography isn't too complicated.
It's a great calorie burning workout that helps increase balance and strength. If you think about it, you can really feel your core engage while doing this. The segments start to get harder as the workout goes on, and I admit I found the kickboxing combos a little challenging and took a while to get more comfortable with it. You'll really feel your muscles the next day for sure. My favourite part of it all though is the stretch at the end. It's so relaxing and deserved after finishing this. I've even done the stretch segment at the end of a day without having done a workout because I find it so relaxing.
Overall, this is a great workout. It will burn fat and get you fitter. I really enjoy it and hope you will too."

Definitely a challenge

Dramastyle77 | Central Virgina | 06/10/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It seems as though most people give the highest ratings to workout videos to the ones that make you feel like you might die when you finish it. I like a challenge as much as the next person, but if you're like me and you basically hate to exercise in the first place and you're looking for a fun workout that you'll look forward to doing on a regular basis, I can't recommend this video for you. Just trying to perfect the correct form is a challenge and if you're the least bit uncoordinated you're going to have to rewind a couple of times. It is good for beginners because most of the tape is concern with teaching you the basic moves. Once she puts them all together, the combination workout isn't that hard. It certainly motivates you to become a better kickboxer, but it rates low on the fun meter."

A pleasant surprise

Janet A | Chicago, IL United States | 05/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been working out regularly for about 14 years and bought this on a whim. I've been trying to incorporate at-home workouts on the days I can't or don't want to make it to the gym. I consider myself a pretty tough critic of exercise videos/DVDs.

That said, I was surprised to find myself really sweating with this workout. It's not one of those jumpy-jiggly videos where you pretend to jumprope and all that jazz. It's low impact, but you'll be so surprised at how sore your core is the next day.

Some may find the instructor's incessant talking a little annoying, but I find it useful in keeping my form in check. Perhaps when I do the workout more it'll start to get annoying, but not yet.

I have found that my form has improved with my gym workouts and overall I am using my core more often in other exercises.

Highly recommended!"