KickButt Fast Cheetah Reviews

[Ginger]

Please place your KickButt Fast Cheetah reviews here. :)

[Willow52]

Carol, you just about covered it all ;) This was the first of the new workouts I tried and loved it!! The new set is beautiful and bright. Kimberly and Heidi shine. I can't wait to try another tomorrow.

[donnadonna]

I agree with Willow and Carol!

Did KB Strong Bear yesterday and found it very similar to the original; however, this workout is quite different than Tracie's. Must say that I really missed the medicine ball work - "ball play" and "sports drills" are my favorite part of the originals. Much of the original choreography has been retained but modified. (And now I'm confused ... am I supposed to bring my butt to the step during the "chugs" or not?) Light weights were only used in one tune. Am hoping the new cardio will grow on me. Was lamenting the apparent loss of the stride jumps, but they showed up later in the workout - not as many as I would have liked (those babies really work the glutes!), but at least they were there. I really liked the ab work on the original and this is the same, only demonstrated without ankle weights.

Kimberly is the first instructor I've seen (as I basically only do Anna workouts) that doesn't punch like a girl. Great form on her, which undoubtedly will help me improve mine. The kickboxing was great and I would have liked to see more of it.

I don't use a heartrate monitor and would me most curious if anyone who does could post the difference, if any, between the two workouts.

My initial reaction to this workout is that it was not challenging or innovative enough. However, I've been doing Anna's workouts long enough to know that she's giving me a great workout whether I realize it or not, so am withholding judgment until I see the results.

[jeanniem]

I don't know if I can bring myself to do this version of FC - Tracie's is perfect and the ball work is great for the core...

[kepi]

Fast Cheetah

Heidi Tanner and Kimberly Spreen

Heidi Tanner and Kimberly Spreen team up to bring us Fast Cheetah. Heidi starts this workout with a warm-up that consist of step, press, and dip, the same warm-up that was in the original Fast Cheetah. The music, I believe, is the same music as the original FC.

The first thing that you will notice that the only equipment used in this workout is a 14" step, a light pair of dumbbells and a yoga block. I found this workout very easy to modify up in intensity. I'm a firm believer that a video is just a tool. It is up to me to make this video fit my current fitness level, which includes, strength, cardio capacity, and any physical limitations I have.

This is the equipment that I used with each segment:

Cardio #1-Step Touch "L". I turned this into a 4-limb aerobic section by using 3 lb. hand weights.
Cardio #2-Chugs and Kisses. I used a 14" tall box. I'm not sure why kisses is in the title, because I didn't see Kimberly blowing kisses. ;)
Weights #1-Balance 4-Limb. I used 5 lb. hand weights and it was plenty challenging with the weights I selected.
Cardio #3-Serve a Tray-I turned this into a 4-limb aerobic section by using 3 lb. hand weights.
Cardio #4-Handstands and tall box climbs. I used a 14" step.
Cardio #5-Plyo Variations. No added weights were used during this section.
Cardio #6-Kickbox. I used my Billy Balls for this routine.
Cardio #7-Skater's Leap. I used my 3 lb. Oof ball
Cardio #8-Lunge Circle. I used my 3 lb. Oof ball
Yoga-Warrior Lunge
Pilates-ND Bridge and Pecs
Pilates-D Bridge and Pecs
Yoga-Leg Circles and Cobra
Pilates-Bi-Lateral Slice
Yoga-Mermaid

I loved this workout much more than the original FC. I found a couple of the cardio segments in the first workout too long and a bit on the boring side. Heidi and Kimberly do a fantastic job leading this workout. The background exercisers also did a great job. Once again, the production is fantastic, the music is awesome and crystal clear, and the routine flows beautifully and is flawless.

The yoga and pilates routines at the end of this workout is a wonderful way to get your core work in, and a wonderful stretch for your body. I enjoyed it very much.

What's missing in this workout is the medicine ball work and the ankle weights, BUT, you can add this back into the workout. I opted not to add ankle weights to my workout, but I did add the medicine ball to the last two cardio sections.

My stats for this workout:
Warm-up and Cardio
30:02-Total workout time
24:02-THRZ
131-average heartrate
calories burned-204
fat-40%

Yoga and Pilates
18:47-Total workout time
1:35-THRZ
98-average heartrate
calories burned-29
fat-55%

[beospenser]

This is one fun cardio workout! I would have to say that this and LEAN from the new Fitprime series are my two favorites for overall fun factor.

This is a true cardio only workout for the first 25 minutes. Lots of interesting moves to raise your heartrate right up there, including these "hand stands" on the tall box (which are much more manageable than they sound!) The rest of the cardio revolves around basic step movements across the floor and some kickboxing moves. All of the cardio is led by Kimberly Spreen who is an awesome and easy to follow instructor. I wish the cardio was longer, but all you need to do is repeat the whole cardio section for a longer workout.

I read a review that someone felt the cardio is easy. I disagree. Although there is not a lot of typical high impact moves, there is SOME jumping and to intensify the workout all you need to do is put in more effort: punch and kick harder, jump higher, and move across your space with wider strides.

After the cardio portion, Heidi takes over for hip/thigh and core work on the floor.

I'd rank this as a workout that can be modified for beginner through advanced. It's not going to totally wipe you out, but it will very nicely do what it's supposed to: give you a fun and effective cardio workout to alternate with your heavier weight days. A+

[Firm Believer]

This is a true cardio only workout for the first 25 minutes.

What do you mean by "true cardio"? :confused:

[beospenser]

What do you mean by "true cardio"? Lisa,
I mean that it's just cardio....not weight training.

[crm549]

One of the things that I am noticing with these workouts is that I have to retool my thinking. That is because I don't find anything really traditional about the ones I have done so far. It is nice to see that Anna is trying to be innovative and it is even nicer to see (for me at least) that I am being open to that innovation.

With that said, overall, I liked Fast Cheetah. The moves were different. I think I like this one better than Strong Bear because the pace was a little quicker and the workout moved faster so there was less time for me to become impatient.

The one thing I really don't care for in workouts is the switching back and forth between multiple instructors. Especially in this case because it appeared as if there was two different workouts splice together. I prefer one instructor from beginning to end.

Saundra

[jeanie]

Loved it! I was worried about this one, since I'm a big fan of the original Fast Cheetah and adore the ball play (which has been removed). No worry though -- the routines that replaced the ball play are fun and got my heart rate up there. I think this is a "gentler" Fast Cheetah. Some of the higher impact moves were removed and substituted with moves that are effective yet easier on the joints.

Here's my stats:

49 minute workout
119 average hr
29 minutes in zone
233 calories burned

[Maryann28]

I liked this workout, but missed Tracie. I loved seeing Heidi (she is just so soothing!) and some familiar faces in the cast and Kimberly is FANTASTIC! But, somehow Tracie owns Fast Cheetah. Now I am a little apprehensive about Steamin Cardio as well.

Bottom line--Id love to see more of Kimberly and of course Heidi, but I will not be trading the original anytime soon..every now and again I may need a Tracie fix.

That being said I would love to see some more kickboxing with Kimberly and the one thing that this tape improved vastly was the yoga portion.. I feel Heidi's form and direction shines!

[Firm Believer]

This workout is significantly different from the original, so I think that there is no point in comparing. I will always use my original Fast Cheetah. I spent about 25 minutes in my training heartrate zone. This workout has little weight work, but lots of pilates and core work. It is a fine workout to cross train with any heavy weights workout. Kimberly's way of moving to the music reminds me *so much* of LaReine, but I *love* her cueing.


I'm thinking that a fun rotation would be:

Original Strong Bear
KickButt Fast Cheetah
KickButt Strong Bear
Original Fast Cheetah
:D

[LoriInND]

Wow, it sure is different. I like them both, but did miss parts of the original- the ball and balance work. :)

[Redeye]

I was disappointed in the choreography...I missed the ball work and the more challenging cardio. Soooo, I'm glad I made the decision to keep the original Fast Cheetah. (I like the original FitPrimes too much to want to see any changes!)

FirmBeliever: Yep, that does look like a fun rotation! http://home.houston.rr.com/ourfamblie/thumbsup.gif

[jaclynmarie]

For me, the intensity of the original Fast Cheetah is not there. This is the first one of the Kick Butt series I'm kind of disappointed in. The production, set,.. etc is outstanding, but I'm an advanced level exerciser and even after running 3 miles right before I tried this, I did't feel like it was enough of a workout for me as was the original.

[ShowBeagles]

:eek: Don't tell me I am the only one that noticed that NARTY is back in this workout????!!!!

I just did the workout..it is my least favorite so far but I think once I get the routines down pat I will like it for "easy" days. I would also add light ankle weights for all the floor/core work.....I like Kimberleys attitude and cueing. She looks so much like Geena Davis I think!:)

[Firm Believer]

Many of us followed the production of these workouts on this site. Narty posted here before and after filming. She is interviewed in the infomercial (there are clips of this on the home page, I believe). I think we all knew of her involvement about 6 months ago, so I guess the excitement has died down a bit.

[Martha E]

I did this workout for the first time yesterday. What took me so long?!? I loved it! The cardio portion flowed really well--better than the original IMHO, although the original is one of my favorite old FPs. I found it to be just as intense--different, but equally intense. Kimberly and Heidi were both excellent--great cuing, great form pointers.

I continue to be very, very pleased with all these workouts. The more I do them, the more I see and appreciate the underlying design in each set. There's nothing like these workouts on the market, and I'm delighted to be among the first to have them!

[Tarheels]

I did this today and LOVED it!!! The cardio sections are very different from the original, so it's possible to love them both. :D I also loved how we got to see Heidi and Kimberly. Narty and Tamela looked great in the cast, and I recognized some other familiar cast members from old Firm workouts!

[kkallus1]

I have to admit that I was not a fan of the original SC or FC so I am very pleased with the changes in this workout. I found some cardio portions of the original Fast Cheetah very boring. Although there is repitition in the new version, it doesn't make me yawn or look at my watch. I loved Kimberly as a lead, too. This workout is different in style from her Triple Threat DVD, yet she appeared to be comfortable just the same. She is one of my favorite kickboxing instructors.

Jenn- I keep seeing facing that look more familiar, too. There is a woman with darker, medium length hair that is featured in the Fitprimes that seems REALLY familiar.

[Bernie2]

I did this last night and I really liked it. The cardio was hard enough to really get me going - some of it was pretty tough - and I enjoyed the floor work. Both instructors are very good and motivating. It seems this series is a bit tougher than the FP, so it will make nice alternative. I just wish I had an extra riser to my club step so I could get more benefit from the lunges and presses. The old FL is in storage and I'd be nervous about using it for some of the moves anyway.

[TinaT.]

I'm another one who was not a fan of the original FC. I'm just not into ball work. Not much in plyo work, so it was wonderful. I think Kimberly is awesome and love her athletic style. Heidi compliments the workout just right. So far, this is my favorite cardio workout. :D

[stacy4ft9]

I did this for the first time today and have mixed feelings on it. The set, music, cast and Heidi and Kimberly are great, but I just felt like it was barely a workout. I burned only 180 cals. I know it's my first time through, but I even used 3# bells on some of the cardio. I don't want to be hung up in the numbers all the time, but isn't maintaining/losing weight all about calories in vs calories out? When I do cardio, I'm looking for a burn of at least 250, preferably 300.

I missed the ball play too. I think that's what makes the original tougher. I know that I'll be able to use the cardio in the new one as an add on for weights, so that's a good thing!

[Maryann28]

I went back to using the original Fast Cheetah in my workouts. This is the ONLY remake that I do not love. I do not hate it, but the original is much more challenging IMHO.

[stacy4ft9]

Maryann - I know that I'll have to agree with you on that one, even though I have yet to go back and do the original. This one just isn't challenging. But like I said, it is good for an add on to weights or something.

Oh, and I do love me some Tracie!

[donnadonna]

I'm with you, Maryann. I liked the original much better, where I found the cardio portions much more challenging and, as importantly, much more interesting.

[chilidog]

I gave away my original FitPrime video tapes when I ordered the whole KickButt series -- boy, am I sorry that I did. I am disappointed with this workout. The intensity is just not there for me. I get a lot of motivation from the instructor and although Heidi Tanner is terrific, Kimberly's workout seemed to lack the excitement/intensity that I need. Kimberly's rhythm/timing to the music also seems to be off. I think that this workout will stay in storage for a long time.

[Vanessa]

I love the new Fast Cheetah! I did it this morning....my second time and was thinking how fast the time went. I find myself wanting to do this one a lot more than I did the original one.

[nancy]

I did this one for the second time this morning too, Vanessa. To be honest, I don't really understand the negative responses to this one. I love it! I feel like I'm working out with Geena Davis's little sister! It's not high impact (a good thing in my mind) but it certainly can be high intensity if you really give it all you've got - maximize range of motion, add 3lb hand weights when appropriate. I'm thinking about trying Heidi's section with ankle weights next time. Like somone else said (Carol-is-Fit, I think), what you get out of these workouts really depends on what you put into them. I consider this one a winner!

[stacy4ft9]

Helen - do you have the original Fast Cheatah? I am using that as a comparison and it is definitely tougher than the remake, at least to me. Perhaps I'll be able to give this a better review the 2nd time around, but I have a feeling I'll still be partial to the original and the ball play. I didn't think I'd miss that as much and I do.

I will say that since there is no high impact moves in the new one, it'll be nice to do on days you don't feel like being too hard on yourself, so that's a good thing;)

[Bernie2]

hahaha, you are right, she does look like Gina Davis' little sister. She's so cute.

[kkallus1]

If you love ball work, consider Kimberly's Triple Threat DVD. The Functional Power section is just 30 mins but if flows really well and those planks on the ball just KILL ME!

[stacy4ft9]

I may just have to check that out!

[Apryl]

I like Fast Cheetah, but the problem (for lack of a better word) is that the choreography is broken down and repeated too much. (How long does it take to "get" a pivot on the floor?) I think it's a good compliment to Strong Bear, so I will use it, but I fear I'll tire of it. I don't mind the lower intensity, because I see the value of that on occasion, esp for ABB. However, I'm not sure this one will hold my interest over time.

[Tarheels]

I liked the old Fast Cheetah, but that one section with the knee-ups was so repetitive, I almost couldn't bear it after I'd done the workout several times. In fact, I actually started subbing rebounder work during that section because I loved the tune but could not stand the repeated knee-ups.

[TinaT.]

I think I'm one of the few that like Kimberly's version better than Tracie's. I'm just not into high impact and ball work anymore. Plus, I think Kimberly is more "natural" (for a lack of better words), in front of the camera. I can up the intensity if I'm up for it on any given day.

[jeanie]

TinaT, I like the new version better too, which is saying a lot, because I was a HUGE fan of the original FC, ballwork and all.

If I hadn't been wearing my heart rate monitor, I would never have believed that the simple cardio sections really do keep my heart rate up there in my training zone. I've done the workout several times now, and I love it more every time.http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/wink.gif

P.S. Kimberly is an awesome instructor -- I hope to see a lot more of her in future WHFN workouts.

[kkallus1]

Jenn- I hated that knee up section, too. It was enough to make me not do the workout even though Tracie is a great instructor. I really prefer kickboxing. Its easy to take up a notch if needed and Kimberly shines in those portions.

[tazcatmeow]

I love this workout!! I really like the moves and I like Kimberly. I love Heidi also but would have prefered just Kimberly for the entire workout. Great music and just right on the amount of time I have to squeeze in a workout in the morning.

[TinaT.]

Each time I do this one, it gets better and better. I think Kimberly is probably the most natural person in front of the camera, I've ever seen. Please say she will be in more. I'd love for her to be able to do one all her own. I adore Heidi,...I just think Kimberly could hold her own as a full blown lead for WHFN.

[RuthNYC]

I am happy that I kept the original FC. This new version has been "dumbed down" way too much. The ball work in the original not only upped the cardio intensity but gave an added element of balance/agility/coordination that is totally lacking in the KB version. Remember that section towards the end of the original FC where Tracie balances on one leg while leaning forward with the ball in one hand? I loved that. Also, where are the the tall box climbs?

I was NOT very fond of the lunge sequence in the first FC (mainly because it was almost 6 minutes long!!) but the new version's sequence is almost as boring and much too low in intensity. And this opinion comes from someone who is not a cardio junky in the slightest.

I do love Kimberly Spreen. She really looks like she can KICKBUTT and I'd love to see her leading another video, all on her own.

This version of FC will be okay for a light workout day.

I am very surprised that the KB workouts had so much intensity taken out of them. I'd love to see future KB workouts with the ball, plyos, etc.

RuthNYC

[crafter1255]

I just did the KickButt Fast Cheetah workout for the first time. I believe that this will be my favorite of all the workouts. I felt as though I got a great aerobic workout while at the same time I was stretched & toned. I never purchased the original FitPrime workouts so I can't compare them. I do, however, think that the "new" FitPrime/KickButt series is much better than the Firms.:p

[kkallus1]

Just a reminder again that if you are missing ball work, check out Kimberly's Triple Threat DVD. Functional Power is a 30 min segment that uses the ball the entire time. I hated the ball in the original FPs-pick it up, put it down, etc, but love Kimberly's workout. It really flows well. The name of the website that sells it is CanBFit. I will see if I can find the actual address. Production is okay but the workout is great.

[Martha E]

Kimberly also uses a medicine ball (and stability ball) in Play Ball, which is a Sara's City production. Not to be an enabler or anything, but she has a special on her site (www.canbfit.com)--any two DVDs for $39.99.

[kkallus1]

Martha-shame on you!!!! Have you done Play Ball?

[kkallus1]

MARTHA E is EVIL!!!!
I just bought 2 of Kimberly's DVDs at her site.http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/tongue.gifhttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Darn it, Kimberly is just so nice. She has already emailed me thanking me for my order and telling me they were shipped today.
Kathy

[Tarheels]

MARTHA E is EVIL!!!!
I just bought 2 of Kimberly's DVDs at her site.http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/tongue.gifhttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/tongue.gif
Darn it, Kimberly is just so nice. She has already emailed me thanking me for my order and telling me they were shipped today.
Kathy

Kathy, you won't regret your decision. ;) Can't wait to hear what you think of them!

[JackieB]

Kimberly IS nice! I had a couple questions and she emailed right back--that same day. I'll probably buy all of her videos-I have two-just cause I think she's the greatest!

[teacher100]

I found the perfect way for me to do this workout. I put the DVD in the machine and did FC up until the part of the cool-down. Then I switched to my VHS version of FC and did the final two ball segments and then switched back to the cool down on the kickbutt version and finished it out. I had been so missing those last 2 ball segments from the original that this seemed the perfect way for me to do it.

I was surprised at how "washed out" the original looked compared the the WHFN's version. I never really noticied it or was bothered by it before.

[ejbonnell]

Hello everyone,

I got my KB series last week, but due to training for a road bike race have only been able to to two...especially as I'm in taper mode right now (the race is in two days). Still, I did chose Fast Cheetah to do, and I really really liked it! I felt worked-out, sweaty, but not exhausted, and it has just enough light resistance work for what I was looking for. The production quality was great, and the instructors very friendly and realistic. They look like real women -- very fit women of course, but realistic. I loved the handstands too! The fact that the impact was quite low, while the intensity remained at a good level was great. Overall I give it an "A" :) I'm really looking forward to next week so I can break in the rest of the DVDs!

Jennifer

[whiterose1]

I have said it before and I will say it again. Heidi and Kimberly work great together. This workout was a lot of fun.

[crm549]

I like this workout.

I thought the warmup - the sitting leg presses or whatever they are called - were challenging. I especially like th kick boxing segment. Kimberly has a very easy going style which is nice.

Saundra

[spidygirl]

I almost cancelled this order after seeing some of the reviews. Needless to say I didn't (I knew I'd come across it and always wonder) and am VERY glad I went ahead and ordered. The music is great, very motivating and I agree you can make this workout match your level. Instead of feeling drained I feel energized. I did this workout this morning and tom I'm on to a newly purcharsed Strong Bear.