Amy Bento's Advanced Step Challenge

I used to go to a challenging(choreography wise) step class, but that was 12 years ago. I had not been able to find a step class at my local rec centers that challenged me enough so I did and do other classes. I have a step so I decided to buy a new DVD as I had gotten rid of my old ones because the choreography was not challenging enough. I bought this DVD since it has been reviewed as challenging. I have attempted it twice now and am almost through the first combo and that is out of 4 combos(I think). The choreography is very difficult for me since I have been away from step for so long. The cues are not that great at the beginning of the combo but because it builds you should be able to memorize the combo once you get it. There are a lot of turns and jumps in the choreography and moving from the back of the step to in front of the step and back around. I do not know how long it will take me to get all the combos figured out, but once I do,because I am going to keep trying, I will get a good cardio workout.

I wrote the review for Advanced Step Challenge 2 first as it is my favorite of the series. So for this review, I'll just list what I consider are pros and cons of the DVD:Pros:- Amy is pleasant and a very good instructor (as in all her exercise instruction DVDs)- the choreography is fun, intricate and never boring- it is an amazing cardiovascular workoutCons:- I found both her cueing and the music a little quiet or muffled- I found the set a little strange and it looked a little cramped for 5 people- I had to use just one riser (which I never do) because I thought I would trip and fall in combo 1- there aren't any premixes and I don't like how they don't combine all the combos together at the end to do one last timeIn my other review for ASC2, I explained that I had to learn the choreography in stages by playing each segment one at a time and learning the segment in slo-mo before carrying it out in real time. This technique (which is how most dance choreography is taught) really worked for me in ASC2. Since I learned that workout first, I decided to implement it in this workout, too. That's when I found out that this workout is much easier than ASC2. I only had to break down combo 1 using my slo-mo method, but the rest of the combos on this DVD I was able to learn in real time. After learning the whole "routine", I did the whole workout fully through and I enjoyed it a lot! I don't like it as much as ASC2, but it's definitely a keeper and will be in my exercise rotation for the next little while. What I really like is that all ASC DVDs are all quite different and you don't feel like she's running out of ideas for new choreography. Another fantastic step DVD by Amy!

This is by far the absolute worst step workout I have ever tried! I am not a novice so it is not that I did not have the stamina or athletic prowess necessary to keep up, in fact I have been doing step aerobics for almost 15 years and I am a certified group fitness instructor who regularly incorporates step routines into classes. Amy Bento's advanced step is terrible - her cueing is done either as or after she has already completed the move and she repeatedly uses the same terms for different moves. This workout is confusing, overly complicated and probably dangerous for most casual exercisers. If you are looking for advanced chorography research Cathe Friedrich or Rob Glick workouts.

This step tape offers a fun energizing workout. The footwork can be tricky but not impossible. If you are a novice or only step once in awhile-you're not ready for this tape yet. However, if you step regularly you shouldn't have any problems picking up the footwork pretty fast. Great workout!

Amy at her very best. Intense, not for a beginner. Should look at DVD first to get familiar with moves, but by 3 tries, moves are learnt. It is only the first routine that is a bit intricate. But sweat you will. Excellent buy.

THIS DVD IS WAY TO DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND THE MOVES. WHEN YOU BUY A EXERCISE VIDEO YOU ARE READY TO JUMP IN AND START. THIS WOULD TAKE A MONTHS WORTH OF LESSONS TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THIS. ONCE YOU FIGURE IT OUT, THEN YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH HER LOUD VOICE YELLING AT YOU. I AM NOT IMPRESS AND WISH I COULD SEND IT BACK.

Amy Bento's step workouts say "Advanced" because they are. I'll be honest, I was frustrated the first time I put this DVD in. She does have a preview section for a few of the moves, and you should watch it. Then, try just doing the first two combos, get the gist of them, then move on. I suggest this because, you get a little fatigued after the first part, so the second part seems more frustrating, even though the moves aren't any more difficult. Once you have most of the moves down, it will be a fun challenging workout you'll really enjoy. You just have to give it a chance, and don't give up right away.

It is what the title says, Advanced Step. I have several CD's and this one I can't get all the way through without getting frustrated with the complexity of step. I just want a good workout.