Kickbox Burn

This workout has already been broken down extensively, so I will just give my overall impression. Overall, this was an enjoyable, very sweaty workout! I didn't even need my weighted gloves. The combos were not overly complicated, and the time went by quickly. This is definitely a cardio, kickbox type of workout, so those looking for something that is more instructional or true to martial arts may be a bit disappointed. There were burpees, mountain climbers, tuck jumps, and the like dispersed throughout to keep the heart rate up. However, there were still plenty of kicks, jabs, crosses, and the like to keep it true to kickbox. I would say the cardio is even between upper and lower body. There wasn't a lot of instruction on how to do the moves, only cueing what is next (which she did very well), so those new to kickbox probably shouldn't pick this as their first workout.

What I Liked

This workout is broken down into four, 10-minute routines that you can mix and match. I like that, as some of the blocks are a bit easier than others. I also liked that the ab work at the end was a lot of plank work and not a bunch of traditional crunches.

What I Didn't Like

There were a few, nit-picky things I didn't like that may keep me from reaching for this one too often. Or at least, will keep me from doing the entire workout at once.

1. Heather is so enthusiastic sometimes it comes across as really yelling. Good grief. We get it. Kickboxing is awesome.

2. The music, while it has a driving beat and is enjoyable, kind of reminds me of music out of, say, those self-centered reality shows or like I just stepped into Express or Abercrombie and Fitch. One of those places that sells clothes but looks like it could be a club on the outside? I don't know. It was good music, I just wish I didn't have that impression.

3. Oh yea, back to the workout. There was this weird move in block four I believe where she has you in a low back lunge and then you kick up your rear leg, then step up and do a knee up with the opposite leg. What was the point of that, other than to throw you off your balance? There are better ways to get in some glute work and functional fitness.

4. If Patrick says "baby" one more time or makes another inane comment while Heather is trying to instruct. We get it. It's "Patrick Presents". But please. Be silent and pretty.

What You May Want To Be Aware Of

There is some high impact in this one, quite a bit more than expected, so be prepared to modify. She doesn't really demonstrate modifications or has someone show them (I think someone was supposed to, but she forgot), but you can always stick with the previous move. Also, there are some sections for burpees, mountain climbers, and plank work, so if you have sensitive wrists (or just dislike these moves with a deep passion in your soul), they show up here.

Overall, I enjoyed this dvd for the sweaty, sleep inducing effect it gave me. I may not reach for it often, but I will reach for it for days that I want to keep it short. Plus, loved the ab work!

Kickboxing workouts make me feel "BAD-A$$" LOL, so I was excited to receive a copy Patrick Goudeau presents Kickbox Burn with Heather Corndorf. Patrick leads the warm-up with marches, jogs, jumping jacks, alternating lunges, and boxer shuffles. He then hands the reigns over to Heather, who takes us through a series of jabs, crosses, knee strikes, and knee lifts (which change into alternating kicks.) Heather works one side first before moving to the other side.

Round One: Moves in this fun, energetic round include jabs and crosses, kicks with crosses, front knee with back kick, front kick with cross punch, cross punches to the front and back of the room, lunges front & back, body shots then add burpees (I HATE burpees, so I added squats.) Repeat everything on the other side. WHEW!

Round Two: Start with side jabs, front jabs with cross punch, side crunches (lift knee to elbow); add an uppercut, knee, roundhouse kick - then combine moves: knee, roundhouse kick, knee, uppercut. Take a "break" (ha-ah) by shuffling forward with jabs, then return, jump and switch sides. Finish with jumping jacks, squats, and uppercuts.

Round Three: Double side-step, add a jab/cross, add jumping jacks. Stay in position for one-armed speedbag, then alternate that with jacks. Combo: speedbags, jab/cross, boxer's slip. Repeat on other side, then jump rope. Jacks, hooks, knee raises, arm pull - then add all for combo. Two knees, roundhouse kicks, cross punches, repeat. Cross punches only, then crosses high & low. Jog in place, then repeat on the other side.

Round Four: Squat twist, add alternating cross punches then alternating knees. Squat and twist jump, then cross punches and add running in place. Lunge back with a front knee lift, then combine cross punches, running, and lunges for a combination sequence. Knee strikes to low lunge pulses. Jump rope, then burpees. Then other side.

At about 55-minutes long, this was a true fat-burning, cardio kickboxing workout! The music was great, upbeat and energetic; it really put me in the mood to work out! Heather's instruction was clear and concise, and her personality really shone through. I am looking forward to her next workout!!

Patrick leads the ten-minute Abs Workout, although he did not actually do the workout himself. The exercises included planks, planks with knee-dips, planks with dolphin presses, push-ups, mountain climbers, side planks and crunches. Nice if you want to add on additional abdominal toning, but I was beat (apparently so was Patrick, LOL!)