Cardio for Beginners with Petra Kolber

I like this video quite a bit. I'm mid 40s and quite a bit overweight, but I found the level doable. I worked up a sweat but didn't feel at all like I was going to die. However if you aren't a "dancey" person, you might find it a bit hard to follow at least in the cardio dance part. I've done some zumba, taken ballroom, done international folkdance..when someone says "grapevine" I know exactly what that is. But I found myself fumbling a bit. None of the steps are hard or complicated..the issue is she transitions to fast. Sometimes there are only two of a thing before the next thing, and that's just too fast. I'm sure I'll get it after another few tries, but with the other stuff I've done I tend to expect I'll get most of it right off.That's one of the big differences between her and Leslie Sanson, Leslie always does several of a thing before the next one. One of the good things I like about Petra though is she does cue well and she's enthused and encouraging without being over the top or annoying about it. Most of her talk is about the cueing, not a lot of extra chatter. I like the music and the set, and that there are just 3 dancers so not a lot of visual clutter. It's also got a handy feature where you can program a workout ahead, selecting from the options on the dvd (10 minute cardio, 10 minute atheletic, 20 minute cardio, 20 minute athletic). I also like that there are 10 minute options. While 10 minutes may not be a great amount of time, its hard to get motivated sometimes and with this option I can talk myself into it "well just do 10 minutes, its only 10 minutes" and who doesn't have 10 minutes and with 4 workouts you can adjust the length and work up.

I am a clumsy non-dancer and I struggled mightily with this video the first several times. In fact, the first time I did it I was in tears. I thought, if this is basic I'm not going to be able do ANY cardio videos. However, with some encouragement from my husband I stuck it out and after about a week, I got the moves down.Here's the deal though, these really are basic. I watched a number of other videos for cardio and was in shock over some of the things that they expect people to do. Since I can barely move my arms and legs at the same time (outside of walking), a more comprehensive routine would be awful for me.Overall, I really like this DVD. For my workouts, I did the 10 min athletic cardio, 10 min dance cardio and two 20 minutes athletic cardio. I never was able to master the 20 minute dance cardio. It was too fast for me and a bit too complex. Again, I need to stress that the grapevine is a challenge for me LOL.After about a month, the hour workout was no longer a challenge, I could do the whole above mentioned workout without feeling like I was working out. As such, I moved to another program that is more challenging. However, for a beginner I highly recommend this cardio workout.

I usually buy things based on reviews and I'm glad Direct TV had a free preview playing on Demand to try out this DVD before buying. I usually look at the negative reviews and decide not to buy but I am so glad I tried the routines for free before ordering. Now that I've seen all the negative reviews for this DVD, I cannot believe people are saying it's not for beginners. Most of the complaints have to do with not being able to follow and not having enough reps of the routines to learn the different steps. Yes, I must admit, it was hard to follow at first, because I am truly a beginner, but I did not give up. After a couple of days I had all the steps down and was following just fine. Also, doing the same steps over and over again is, in my opinion, is very boring. Having her go from one step to another quickly and then putting it all together is fun, and, by the time you realize it, you're already at the end. This is the only exercise routine that I've been able to stick with for more than a week and that says a lot, for someone who has not exercised since her teens, now 40 years old. Thank you Petra, for making a video which is truly low impact, fun and easy. I can't wait to see the results in a month!

Just a warning - the instant video version has no menu option. It is arranged - 10 min cardio, 10 min dance, 20 min cardio, 20 min dance, 5 min cool down. So if, for instance, you want to do the 10 min cardio, 20 min cardio, and cool down (like I did today) you are going to spend a good amount of time in the middle of your workout scrolling around trying to find the correct segment. Glad I rented rather than purchased this version- I will definitely be getting the DVD with its menu option.That being said, I enjoyed the workout very much. I wish there was a little bit more of a warm-up, but the steps will be familiar to anyone who's ever done a cardio workout (step tap, grapevine, lunge, squat.) The steps build upon themselves so that by the time you put the routine all together, you've done them several times. Petra is fun and motivating - not annoying, like some other instructors can be. I can see how this workout might get boring over time, as it is very repetitive, but it will get your heart pumping in the meantime.Looking forward to trying the dance segments tomorrow.

There are 4 workouts 2 x 10 minutes and 2 x 20 minutes.The instructions are clear and Petra is very encouraging. There are two styles the cardio dance and cardio athletic. I find that for me the cardio dance doesn't get my heart rate high enough but the 10 minute cardio dance is a nice warmup for the 20 minute cardio athletic.I would have given this DVD 5 stars as it is now a firm favourite but there is no cool down, you go from your workout to the "5 minute bonus stretch" and it's quite a dramatic transition. Other than that I would highly recommend it.

This dvd is really worth every peny i spent on it! I love the "athetic workouts" more than the "dancing sections", all in all, it gives you a very basic yet effective light and fun workout!

Great DVD,fun and really easy to follow you soon get used to the routines.They are very enjoyable and it's great that you can choose between 10mins or 20mins.I really feel as though I've had a good workout.

I really enjoy these sessions - they're not too long, and keep my mind working along with my body.

I really enjoy this video. It is easy enough to follow along but definitely gets your heart going. Wouldnt be appropriate for someone who is used to high impact workouts