Top Shape Top Speed

April 2015 - I've been coming back from last year, a really bad fitness year, since January. As part of that, I am on the lookout for workout DVDs that will challenge me to work out longer and harder than I have in the past to help boost my fitness levels. I clicked with this DVD because (a) that is what it's all about and (b) for some reason I tend to click with Stephanie Levinson workouts.

This DVD offers three workouts that are around 30 minutes. My assumption is that these workouts fall within the current trend of metaboloic workouts. She combines cardio moves and strength moves designed to boost your metabolism and make you fitter. Each workout combines cardio drills with sculpting exercises. They aren't really circuit workouts because circuit workouts alternate cardio and strength segments. They're more a mishmash of the two types of moves designed in a way to get your heart rate up and work your muscles.

The options from the DVD menu are to play any one of the three workouts or to play them all. Stephanie is by herself in all three workouts; one outdoors and two indoors in a gym setting. She uses a step in two of the three workouts; I don't use the step, but stay on the floor. And she uses weights and through out them.

Throughout the workouts, she encourages you to work at your own level and to modify the moves to suit you. She gives options to many, but not all, of the moves that modify impact and intensity. I tend to modify most workouts and do that naturally. I find her really motivating in these workouts. The three workouts are all the exact same type of mix of moves, just with different moves, so I haven't really picked out favorites.