Step Reebok: Aerostep [VHS]

As the title suggests, Reebok: AeroStep combines the basics of a step class with more rhythmic aerobic moves in a shiny and polished 54-minute production. The result is a heart-pumping step workout, with a focus on lower-body muscle groups, and without the mechanical boxiness that can make step monotonous. Gin Miller, an experienced Reebok instructor, is a strong and friendly presence onscreen. She's clear and consistent with verbal cues and doesn't overdo her enthusiasm--no chirping, no giddiness, no perma-grins. Miller gets down to business.

Throughout the continuous eight-minute segments of AeroStep, Miller plays lightly with the choreography, including "caveman" arms, ponying on the step, and samba hips, but she's also helpful with form and safety reminders (keep an eye on your step, watch your posture, make full-foot contact with the platform). Reebok's active camera angles and quick edits may be a bit dizzying (the backdrop is a wall of giant spinning discs), but Miller's steady verbal lead should counter almost anyone's visual distraction. Unlike the backdrop, the music of AeroStep is understated--the perfect amount of percussion to keep you moving, but nothing to stick in your head all day. The video's final segment before the cool-down, called "Total Groove Plateau," mixes all earlier combinations--a fun way to reinvigorate the end of a workout. --Emily Bedard

Price: $9.98

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