I used to do Gilad videos in the early 90s when I was in high school and I always liked him. I thought his videos were challenging. I decided to purchase this dvd to see what the deal was with Gilad today, but this DVD is from like 1993. So it's pretty dated as far as their clothes go, but I still love it! If you like Gilad, you'll like this. You either love him or hate him. I love him! I think he's GREAT! Its a very challenging, fun video and it gives you the option to intensify the movements to make it even more challenging. The setting is at a beach resort in Hawaii and although some people might find this a little hokey, I was totally into it. I could almost imagine myself at this beach (yes wishfull thinking..) And even the best excercise dvds are pretty corny, this one is really good. I only gave it 4 stars because I would have like a little more difficult combinations, but they were still pretty challenging none the less. If you need to lose weight, this is the way! The ab workout is great too! Gilad defiantely stands the test of time! Definately purchase this workout if you want to burn calories (which burns fat!!) and also step aerobics certainly tones your legs too. If you don't have a gym membership and work out at home like I do, you can be pretty limited on what your equipment is. But step aerobics really tones up your calves and thighs. This is an excellent DVD and I definately recommend it for all fitness levels. If you are a beginner, don't do the arms and don't jump the movements and walk in place if you need to catch your breathe. If you are advanced then you can definately power it up and get a great workout! Step Aerobics
Although I think Gilad is a little goofy, this is the best exercise DVD I have used/own. The reason why is because:
- he warns you of a change in step before it happens and he's consistent about this
- his counting is never off - or at least I haven't discovered any counting errors
- the videographers don't try to get artsy with the cuts, so there is never a cut at the outset of a new step or a transition between steps (I haven't found any other exercise DVD that can boast this and this is important if you want to learn the steps and keep up)
- although the steps themselves are realitively simple, the way Gilad combines them is quite challenging cardio-wise
- the overall combinations are fun
The only thing you need to know about him is that he will say that you're getting ready to do the "last one;" and instead of meaning the very last step, he means the last combination of steps (one to each side, left and right). So for instance, if you are stepping up on the step and kicking with, first the left foot, and then you switch to the right foot (step up and kick). Instead of the final right foot kick being the "last one," Gilad means the last set of left and right kicks. (I hope that made sense. If you get the DVD, I think it will.)
I like routine and consistency (and not just in my step aerobics!) and Step Aerobics by Gilad offers that.
I have made a hobby out of building a collection of step aerobics workouts and resisted Gilad's DVD for awhile. Once I did buy it, the DVD quickly became one of my favorites.
Gilad's warm-up routine is among the best in workout videos and my personal favorite. It's low impact, but gets you moving right away. The step routines are very athletic and very repetitive. Personally, I like repetition because it allows me to focus on getting the most out of each movement (squeezing my muscles, keeping the abs in, standing tall). There's enough variety, though, to keep you interested and enough movement to keep you energized. But my favorite part about the step routines is that every time I do this workout, I feel challenged because of the athleticism required.
In addition to the very relaxing cool down, there's a separate ab workout that's a nice addition.
I like Gilad as an instructor. His cues are excellent and I find him motivating.
Here's a weird thing that creeps me out, though. The two female steppers in the video are wearing some weird support hose that bags up in a strange way. I know it's an incredibly dumb thing to notice, but I have to admit it's something I think about every time I consider doing this workout!
Until now, I have never owned a Gilad aerobic dvd of any kind. I always thought I'd prefer a dvd by someone not so extremely buff looking, but decided to give it a try out of the blue. I'm really happy with this workout (even though it's a little old and now days there are better choreographers).
He's outgoing without being over the top and he's a good instructor. He keeps the routine fresh by changing the steps often, but it's not too hard that you won't be able to keep up. The choreography isn't too complex. There is the usual pivots, knee lifts and taps etc so if you are already an experienced stepper, you'll have this down in no time. His setting here is stunning - Waikiki. That in itself is motivating.
Based on this particular dvd, I'm quite prepared to purchase and try other Gilad workouts because he's really good and knows what he's doing and makes the workout interesting. I highly recommend this one.
I loved Gilad from watching him on ESPN and LOVE the beach scenes. However, I felt like he went too fast; I was playing catch-up because he switched from one thing to another very quickly. There weren't a lot of repeats before moving on to something new. Maybe if I did it more and got used to it, I wouldn't mind. However, I much prefer my Kathy Smith and Cathe videos. This one is just collecting dust for me right now. Maybe I'll give it a try another time, but I regret buying it.
I used to work out with Gilad long ago when his show was on ESPN. When I found myself in desperate need of losing weight, I turned to him again. I never get tired of this workout - I have been using this video for about 3 years now, and I definitely credit this with my 85 pound weight loss. You get a great workout - but it's not so challenging that you want to quit. You can build on the workout as you become more fit. Yes, the clothing is dated, but it gets the job done - cardio and ab workout, too!
Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!!!'
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information
