5 Step Fat Attack with Claire Richards from Steps [DVD]

I've been working out at home for quite some time (mainly with Davina dvds and cardio box type routines)and would say that I'm reasonably fit as a result. But as I have two left feet and always found Steps kinda irritating I didn't exactly rush out to buy this dvd.However, after seeing several good reviews - and hearing rumours about the must-see backing 'dancers' - I decided to give it a shot.And I have to say that 5 Step Fat Attack is now possibly my favourite workout to start the day.Yes it took me three attempts to master ALL the moves but the whole point of a dvd is that you can rewind/pause if need be and that you're going to use it again and again so will get used to them!The best thing for me about this is how fun it is - Claire, the dancers and the production crew all seem to be enjoying the workout and you can't help but get caught up in that. In particular, the instructor Chris does a fantastic job of encouraging you to join in, keep going at the toughest points and 'wake up the neighbours'.Breaking it down: there's a pretty energetic warm up routine which includes some stretching too and an effective cool down. I've never felt any pain/discomfort after this dvd despite its intensity because of these two sections.There's a really fun aerobics section - which isn't too 'dancy' which I was initially afraid of - and will def have you sweating and singing along whether you later admit it or not.My favourite bit is the cardio box section (altho I found a couple of the combinations a touch tricky on the first attempt)which has a lot of kicking and punching while doing a great job of toning your abs.And finally there's a great toning section with various push-ups, crunches, planks and bridges.And one of the extras allows you to do the routine in any order you like which is a bonus!Oh...and yes the dancers (who perform all the same moves as Chris, while Claire does some simpler modifications) are pretty cute...particularly in the combat section when they're just wearing their combats and boots ;)

Below was my 1st review but want to apologise and admit this is a 5 star DVD. It might not be the best one for beginners, like I was, but I stuck at it and I am gradually finding it easier week by week. I still can't do all 12 push-ups in one go but it is good as I can see myself improving every week and have gone from only being able to do about 2 push-ups to being able to do about 8-10. I still find the "Are we feeling good?" comments a bit too much as the 1st one comes after marching and lifting the arms about twice but I am wrong about the routines and this actually gives a better all round workout than the Charlie Brooks one. I find this one slightly too long to do in the morning before work so I do the Charlie Brooks one in the morning and this one at night. My best advice to people that gave it a bad to average review is STICK AT IT... IT DOES GET EASIER!!!1st Review ****I found this one a bit too long as if you complete the 5 steps it takes well over an hour. Alos for people like me who left their co-ordination somewhere between the womb and the playground it is a bit too complicated.The constant " guys/team..are we feeling good" when you are actullay sweating like a pig with swine flu only winds me up even more. I must admit though that I won't get bored with it easily...I think I will still be trying to learn the routines in a years time. One thing that is good is that on some phase you can opt for a lower impact option. (Although I could do with a no impact option!)One thing I am looking forward too though...the team of dancers start off in army style t-shirts, for the 2nd step they are down to vests, for the combat stage they don't wear any top at all..... and I haven't got passed step 3 yet but I am REALLY looking forward to the 5th step!!!!

I have never done a dvd workout before so didn't know what to expect. I hired this dvd from the library (as it was the only one they had) and was so impressed I bought it. I don't believe Claire Richards or any other overweight celeb do these workouts when they first decide to lose weight. Certainly this one requires a level of fitness and agility you wouldn't have if you were 15st. However, you will quickly get fit if you stick with it and can soon start to see results. I started to notice a difference after 6 workouts over 2 weeks. The aerobic section sandwiched between the warm up and combat sections is a real workout. I like the combat section which works all the body although I found one of the combat moves a bit tricky to follow at first. I think the toning section is a bit disappointing and I would have given this a 5 star rating if there had been more excercises for the arms and upper body. Nevertheless, it is still a good workout.