KickButt Steamin' Cardio Reviews [Archive]

jeanie

March 18th, 2005, 04:17 PM

I just finished KickButt Steamin' Cardio and I give it a big "thumbs up". First, here's my stats from the workout:
51 minute workout
121 average hr
32 minutes in zone
272 calories burned

The introduction screen gives a list of equipment needed. You only need a tall step and light dumbells. The list also shows a balance stick, yoga blocks, and stretch towel, yet neither Heidi or the crew used these.

Heidi is the lead in the video, and she is just lovely. The background exercisers are also wonderful (I didn't recognize anyone) -- they look very fit and pleasant.

Here's a brief summary of the sections:
warm up
cardio (salsas, kicks, lunges)
4-limb cardio (squats, legs sweeps, jumps)
tallstep leg presses
cardio (hamstring curls, hip shakes)
tallstep work (handstands, springs)
light weight work (lunges)
boot camp (no equipment -- lunges, pushups)
boxing drills
cardio drills
tallstep work (straddles, lunges) THIS REALLY SENT MY HEARTRATE HIGH
cardio (salsa, pivots)
standing stretch
ab work with light weights
core work (goddess, teaser, clams)
final stretch

While this workout is very, very similar to the original FitPrime SC, I definitely like this one better. The glitches are gone and the production quality is just so much better. I just adore Heidi. I like her comment that maybe the workout should be called "Steamin Thighs". I also noticed her cracking up in one segment of the workout -- her expression was making ME laugh. The only section that really made me go anaerobic was the tallstep straddle/lunge segment. I was actually tickled to see that Heidi was visibly sweating after this segment. I like to feel that the instructor is "suffering" right along with me.

I forgot to mention that there is also a hopscotch move in one of the boxing sections that is a lot of fun.

I really can't think of anything to complain about. This one is a winner.http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/wink.gif

Apryl

March 19th, 2005, 02:58 AM

I agree w/Jeanie! I did this one immediately upon receipt, and had a good time. It truly has the "old Firm magic," which was totally expected and enjoyed. :) It's a fun workout, and Heidi is her usual professional self. The production quality is amazing--picture and sound are great! Yay! Two biceps up!

Bobbi Jo

March 19th, 2005, 06:01 AM

I really enjoyed Steamin Cardio. It was a fun, great workout and I had a very good time. I have been in a workout slump for weeks, and this was the perfect thing to get me moving again! The set, music and quality of the production itself were just wonderful. I can't wait to try Push/Pull, and also to receive the 6 Fitprimes and try those. I have always enjoyed Heidi and she did a great job in this one. I am so pleased to have these workouts!:)

Bobbi Jo

Firm Believer

March 19th, 2005, 01:11 PM

Jeannie, out of curiousity, do you have your stats for the original Steamin' Cardio? It would be interested to compare. . .

jeanie

March 19th, 2005, 01:37 PM

No Lisa, but I was thinking the same thing. I posted my stats from the original on the FitPrime site, but then the training diary thread was removed. My perception is that the new Kickbutt SC is a little more aerobic in nature.

Martha E

March 19th, 2005, 01:45 PM

The hopscotch/plyo segment is new and makes the workout a bit more intense IMHO.

belle411

March 19th, 2005, 05:28 PM

How does Heidi compare to Kelsie? I loved Kelsie in the original! :D The preview clip I just watched (again) looks beautiful,and I ordered the retail DVD from overstock a few hours ago!;)

kepi

March 20th, 2005, 05:45 AM

Here's my review:

I did Steamin' Cardio this morning, and I LOVED it! Here are my stats from this workout:

Warm-up & Cardio only:
40 minutes total time
32 minutes in my THRZ
134 average heartrate
265 calories burned
40% fat

poundage used:
Billy balls for cardio
5 lb. dumbbells for 4-limb aerobics
12 inch tall box for climbs
14 inch tall box for hover squats/handstands

contributing factors:
today was the first day of my TOM

Core Work and Stretch:
13 minutes
zero percent in my THRZ
100 average heartrate
25 calories burned
55% fat

I love Kelsie in Steamin' Cardio and I was really hoping that she could do the remake, but sigh, she had to go and have a baby instead. http://forum.videofitness.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

But, Heidi did a fantastic job in this workout! She definitely knows how to move her hips. http://forum.videofitness.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Steamin' Cardio has always been my favorite FitPrime workout, and now it's better. There are no flaws in this workout, and it flows so beautifully. The music is crystal clear in these workouts, and it just adds to the experience. Heidi also adds some intensity in one of the cardio segments. I can't remember exactly which one, but it's hopscotch moves, and plyometrics.

I felt that this workout was tougher than the original Steamin' Cardio.

karen420

March 21st, 2005, 03:14 PM

Thank you for the thorough reviews. I do have a question about the amount of high impact and plyo moves in this DVD. Can someone please tell me how much of the workout is high impact and if it can be easily modified to low impact moves?

Again, thanks so much for the great reviews! :)

Karen

Firm Believer

March 21st, 2005, 04:14 PM

There is very little high impact - what this is is very modifiable. I wouldn't worry about it.

karen420

March 22nd, 2005, 08:17 AM

Thank you, Firm Believer. It sounds like my credit card is going to get a little more use! :) Karen

donnadonna

March 25th, 2005, 08:45 AM

Liked this workout. Very, very similar to FP (and was happy to see that they left the lunge jumps intact!). Heidi was excellent, as always, but she just doesn't move like Kelsie!

jeanniem

March 27th, 2005, 02:59 AM

I really enjoyed the workout! I am not much of a cardio person, but this one is FUN!

anyonebut

March 27th, 2005, 11:42 AM

I simply loved this video. It kept my heart rate up and kept my muscles engaged without using a lot of weights. The mini hand stands helped my upper body. I definitely can use this video on my light weight days. The cardio is pretty intense and I felt like I really worked out after this one. I was dripping with sweat. I have the original with Kelsie but I love doing it with Heidi also. This one is a keeper. Very effective!:o :D

Vanessa

March 30th, 2005, 12:38 AM

Wow! What an improvement! I loved it! Heidi is awesome. She is such a natural! I want more like this one. A great low impact cardio workout!

materialsgirl

March 31st, 2005, 04:03 AM

I just did Steamin' Cardio this morning and I LOVED it! I've really got nothing more to add to anyone else's comments - it's an awesome workout and Heidi is wonderful and the time just flew by. I was having technical difficulties with my DVD player at the beginning of the workout (I was playing it from my computer, and other windows kept popping up and making the workout skip around), so my heart rate stats are a little off because I had to keep stopping and restarting the workout. But here they are anyway:

Time: 38 minutes
kcal / %fat: 251 / 40%
Max HR% / Avg HR% : 87% / 76%
Time in Moderate Zone (70-80%): 19:14

Other factors to consider - I'm getting over a cold, so my HR is kind of screwy from that as well.

I just loved this workout so much though - I can't wait to do it again! :D

vciera

April 1st, 2005, 11:29 PM

Excellent workout! I couldn't get past the glitches of the orginal so I sold it and don't remember it well. I loved Kelsie but Heidi does a great job (as usual :o ). Heidi is definitely one of my favs from her days of Firm Cardio

The yoga stretches or poses go by fast - but being that I'm not a big fan of yoga that's great for me. I would suggest a dedicated stretch or yoga tape on rest days - oops - I forgot about Flex Posture, I haven't previewed it yet so it may be that dedicated workout I was thinking of :)

Overall great job done!

Maryann28

April 4th, 2005, 03:29 AM

I cant believe I am saying this..but this video is my new fave. I love Kelsie and am begging for her in a new WHFN video..but the new Steamin Cardio video is excellent. I did this yesterday and am a HUGE fan.

The glitches are gone, the set is beautiful and the workout has changed but only to be improved.

Heidi is Heidi--fantastic.

PLEASE Anna...make more videos like this one.. and more with Kelsie and Heidi!

Redeye

April 7th, 2005, 04:06 PM

I agree with everyone...I didn't expect to like this revised Steamin' Cardio but I did. In fact, I liked it more. Can Heidi BE any more adorable? This workout is so fun you hardly notice the fire in your thighs and glutes.

And where is Miss Kelsie? I'd LOVE to see her lead a workout again. Does anybody know what she's up to these days?

BTW, I've been doing these workouts for two weeks, and I felt sooo strong tonight. That makes me VERY happy. :D

vciera

April 7th, 2005, 04:32 PM

...
And where is Miss Kelsie? I'd LOVE to see her lead a workout again. Does anybody know what she's up to these days?

BTW, I've been doing these workouts for two weeks, and I felt sooo strong tonight. That makes me VERY happy. :D

I believe Kelsie is back in New York with her new baby ... please correct me if I'm wrong people :confused:

jaclynmarie

April 8th, 2005, 04:08 PM

I love this workout sooo much that I'm afraid I'm going to make myself sick of it by doing it too often! Same goes for Push/Pull. Even though I know the original versions inside and out, for some reason, these are so much more fun and effective IMHO.

gnivol

April 9th, 2005, 02:58 AM

This was a very nice light cardio workout. Great for those 4:30 am workouts when I just don't feel like really pumping. I liked Kimberly's segments very much.

carolk

April 9th, 2005, 06:39 AM

I don't think Kimberly is in Steamin' Cardio, is she? Did you actually do Push Pull?

Redeye

April 9th, 2005, 07:47 AM

I believe Kelsie is back in New York with her new baby Oh...then she's not coming back? Ever? http://home.houston.rr.com/ourfamblie/pcrying.gif

Well, I'm happy she has a baby:) , but I jes don't see what's in it for me.

vciera

April 9th, 2005, 07:50 AM

Oh...then she's not coming back? Ever? http://home.houston.rr.com/ourfamblie/pcrying.gif

Well, I'm happy she has a baby:) , but I jes don't see what's in it for me.

...Bwaaaahahahahahahaa

I don't know that she's not coming back ever, she may see the new productions and want back in (let's hope)

Maryann28

April 11th, 2005, 02:55 AM

I think Kelsie may still be in South Jersey-- I have to track her down!

ShowBeagles

April 11th, 2005, 07:35 AM

This is my least favorite of the whole KickButt collection. I actually think I am going to sell it! The pace is too fast for me and I just didn't enjoy the workout. I am terrible at fancy footwork and I am sure that given enough time I'd get the hang of it but nothing about the workout interested me enough to devote the time to learning it. I am not a big cardio fan anyway so if you are you probably will love this workout ;)

Heidi Tanner

April 12th, 2005, 10:21 AM

It does have tricky/dancy foot work for sure! You should have seen us trying to rehearse this! If we messed up once we would have to start over, and we started over a lot! LOL!;)

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these reviews, thank you for sharing! I know I will use them to make improvements!

Heidi

ShowBeagles

April 12th, 2005, 11:37 AM

It does have tricky/dancy foot work for sure! You should have seen us trying to rehearse this! If we messed up once we would have to start over, and we started over a lot! LOL!
Heidi

Okay, I am totally embarrassed now that Heidi has read my pitiful whiny post! I have been thinking about this workout since yesterday and I have decided I probably will not sell it :p I am pretty sure that my PMS is getting the best of me this week so I am going to plead temporary insanity.

While doing this workout yesterday I finally caved in to my dark side and sat down on the floor to FFWD at the start of the last segment of tall box straddle/climb/lunge...it was near the end of the workout....and I sat and watched what looked like it would probably be totally MY kind of aerobic segment next...the cha cha dance...it looked fairly simple and I was thinking (as I sat on my butt on the floor watching) how cool it might be if I just learned that one segment and could pull it off on the dance floor someday :rolleyes:

Maybe next week I will give this workout a go again...with my hormones, the moon and the stars aligned a little more in my favor I hope, LOL! ;)

LauraGG

April 12th, 2005, 07:23 PM

I just did this workout for the first time today. I will confess that floor aerobics (as opposed to step) are my least favorite. And even though Max Cardio and Cardio Burn are two of my favorite Firm vids, I do tend to look at the clock a bit during the low impact floor aerobics even in those workouts. Even the very short segment of aerobics in Volume 1 has always seemed to go on forever for me. :p . Not so Steamin' Cardio. I was never bored with the floor aerobics! How did you guys do that? LOL! A great workout, and honestly, Heidi, I don't know what you could do to improve it. And as for the pilates inspired floorwork: Loved. It.

Laura :)

Tarheels

April 18th, 2005, 04:00 PM

I did this tonight and loved it! Heidi did a great job. She's so calming, and her smile is so genuine and radiant. I had the best time smiling along with her. It makes me want to go pull out my old one and do it so I can compare.

Heidi Tanner

April 21st, 2005, 10:25 AM

When rehearsing and filming this I really tried to make my hips move like Kelsie's! That was a real challenge, but so much fun.

I really enjoy reading these reviews. I find it motivating to learn what people like and like less regarding these new workouts. We are lucky that there are 12, and we can all get just what we need and love from them. Keep up the exercising!;)

Heidi

kkallus1

April 21st, 2005, 10:52 AM

Ooooh.. I haven't done this one yet and I LOVE dancy. I am another one that just couldn't get past the glitches in the original so maybe I need to make a point of doing this one this weekend.

Bernie2

April 22nd, 2005, 06:48 AM

does this one have straddle steps off the 14" step? If so, no way am I gonna do that. That's what I was doing on the FIRM workout when I fell and broke my wrist - 6 months and some really painful surgery and PT later, no way.:eek:

vciera

April 23rd, 2005, 07:22 AM

Hi Bernie2,

I've only done Steamin Cardio once (loved it but I'm doing the FitPrime rotation), I don't remember if it has straddles :D but why not use an 8 or 9 inch box instead of 14 inches.

Yikes on the broken wrist! Were you doing a GT Firm? Those move pretty fast on and off the 14 inch box, Steamin Cardio does not do that

Good luck!

Tarheels

April 23rd, 2005, 09:50 AM

Yes, there are straddles on the tall box. I think I used a shorter one also. Sometimes the pace is just a bit too fast for me, and I want to get my heartrate up without straining my knees. :)

Bernie2

April 23rd, 2005, 03:34 PM

Vennitta: I fell during the FIRM Calorie Killer 2, just in the last segment. I was using the 8" portion of the FL when I twisted by left ankle off the side of the box, fell on the hard floor and broke my wrist in 3 places. I may have to skip the straddles if there are any in this workout as I won't even take a chance with that again.:eek: I may have to substitute some other move.

kkallus1

April 25th, 2005, 03:56 AM

Bernie- I would just substitute something else. One thing that really impressed me about the cast-There are all different bodies in this one-all shapes, all sizes, yet every single last one of them did the push ups in the boot camp section on their toes!!!. When was the last time you saw that in a workout???

Shirly

April 25th, 2005, 10:29 AM

:D I bought Steamin' Cardio/Push Pull at Barnes and Noble bookstore. I love them!

kkallus1

April 25th, 2005, 04:25 PM

I finally did SC today had fun working up a sweat. The only thing that bugged me a tiny bit was the jab cross knee up portion. I can't really pivot like you are supposed to when you throw a cross then iimmediately lift my knee without throwing in a little extra step. Other than that, I thought it was great fun. On a side note, I giggled every time I saw those shoes still sitting there during the floor work. No more magical disappearing shoes like in the classics.

nancy

April 26th, 2005, 10:49 AM

LOVE IT!!!!! I finally did this one today (trying to discipline myself to follow Anna's rotations, first FitPrime, now KickButt) and loved it! Somehow, Heidi tricked me into doing full pushups from my toes, when I "know" I can't do that! (I actually realized what I was doing on the 2nd or 3rd one, lol). I agree with Carol that I had trouble getting the choreography on the original (even though I love Kelsie), but somehow I just caught on today. This felt harder than the old version, too, but I can't exactly put my finger on why that is. Anyway, Heidi did her usual incredible, professional, smiling job on this one!

TinaT.

May 5th, 2005, 03:58 PM

I'm doing this one tomorrow and love what I see. Can't wait! The warm up looks fun and the music is so motivating. :D

newbodi

May 7th, 2005, 05:00 AM

Out of all the Kickbutt tapes, I love this one the most! Heidi does an excellent job with this one. It got my heartrate up and it was just a fun one to do! I have only completed one week on the FitPrimes but this one is the tape for me by far!

persiankat555

May 9th, 2005, 05:41 AM

Bobbiek

May 11th, 2005, 03:54 AM

I Just LOVE,LOVE ,LOVE this workout......I start this one and if I'm short on time I think "just one more section"(I've been late a few times!)...It is so fun and now that I have it down can really work up a sweat by putting more effort into it.

This ,Push/Pull, Strong Bear and Crunch Time are my favorites.Anna keep them coming !!! Bobbie

goldengirl52

May 13th, 2005, 07:14 AM

I did this one again(for the second time) and LOVED it even more than the first time. I LOVE that Heidi is winded right along with me after those tall box thingies. Whew! I felt GREAT afterward. Worked out but not demolished. Just the way I like to feel. This one is a KEEPER. I'll probably do it once a week at least. I'm LOVIN these workouts and don't want to do anything else....Janice

Heidi Tanner

May 27th, 2005, 10:42 AM

Yes those tall box thingies are very intense!

I too love the music for Steamin, it makes you want to get up and move!

Keep up the good work!

Heidi;)

goldengirl52

May 27th, 2005, 10:55 AM

Hi there Heidi. I LOVE working out with you in the mornings. I really don't mean all those nasty things I say during the tall box clilbs.:D ...Janice

crafter1255

June 3rd, 2005, 01:05 AM

Wanted to sleep in this morning but knew this would be my only chance to exercise today (too rainy for a walk at lunchtime) - Steamin' Cardio was next on my rotation. Boy, did that ever wake me up!!! Thanks, Heidi, for a great cardio workout! Love, love, love this video!:)

triciajenn

June 8th, 2005, 09:17 AM

I tried Steamin Cardio for the first time tonight and turned it off midway before I hurt myself. Perhaps I'll dig it out again in a month or so and see if it grows on me. Even as an advanced FIRM exerciser, I thought the choreography was too complex and fast paced. In particular, the entire handstand/squat/spring-up move (huh?) and the tall box straddle/lunges (way too fast).

Heidi Tanner

June 9th, 2005, 09:40 AM

Hey triciajenn,

Steamin is fast and the choreography is complex. Remember, I had about 6 weeks to practice it:D Maybe you can modify the tall step choreography with a move you prefer? I do this ALL the time with videos, mine included. And, then maybe it becomes a video that you swap with a buddy for a different one. Whatever keeps you happy and motivated to work out is what you (we) should do!

Take care,

Heidi

Vanessa

June 9th, 2005, 10:02 AM

Steamin' Cardio has become a favorite of mine. I love the new one more so than the old one and I seem to look forward to doing it. I, for one, don't feel like the choreography is complex....maybe because it is more athletic than dancy????? I'm a real klutz when it comes to any "dancy" choreography, but never have any problem with athletic moves. I was just thinking as I was doing BSS4 Ultimate Calorie Blaster and missed a few of the steps this morning, how I love Anna's workouts because there is really no learning curve....they are simple and easy to learn! Now I could do Cathe's step from now to death and never get those steps down!

meowmix

June 9th, 2005, 10:02 AM

Hi Heidi!

I just wanted to add a thought to your comments about the choreography in Steamin' Cardio. When I first did Vol. 1 in 1989, I was practically in tears because it was so challenging. It took awhile for me to get the moves. When I first tried the WHFN SC (I never got the original) I was kind of bouncing around in places where I couldn't quite "get it" but I knew I WOULD get it. It's got such great music and you have such charm and grace in it -- how could anyone give up?

Bernie2

June 11th, 2005, 04:44 AM

Since straddle steps are what got me a broken wrist doing The FIRM Calorie Killer 2, I don't do them, I just do regular step. I'm not crazy about some of the music which seems sort of hokey to me, but love the workout otherwise.

Vanessa

June 11th, 2005, 04:54 AM

Mia...each time I do a workout with tough choreography, I pick up a few steps. I know that BSS4 Utimate Calorie Blaster isn't tough for some, but it was, in parts, for me the first time. I just did it again and those steps that left me standing, I could do! I will say....I did give up on Cathe's step routines....I was standing the entire time, plus my knees were killing me, and come the think of it.....I was dizzy, too! Ha!

kkallus1

June 11th, 2005, 08:35 AM

The nice thing about chaptered DVDs is that you can skip over parts you don't like and repeat those you do like. I have never liked the hand stands or the tall box straddles in either version of this workout so I simply skip over them and repeat other cardio sections I like more.
Also, I think you have to find what you love as far as workouts- and do them.
Its funny to me that some folks view Cathe as dancy while others consider her athletic.
On the other hand, some folks love Super Cardio with Jen, Dale, et al, but I found it BORING even thoush its a good cardio workout.

Pedmom

June 12th, 2005, 03:10 PM

Everyone has different challenges when learning a new workout. It took rewinding about 8 times for me to get Cathe's reverse Mambo step in Low Max lol. But I've had no trouble with the WHFNs. Different strokes....

I like the music in ALL of the WHFNs. I think it's so much better than the Firm music-it just sounds so much richer (more rich? lol).

Hi Heidi! It's so cool to see you post here. Can I just say you are a WELCOME SIGHT! Firm Cardio (or Strong Heart, whatever!) is one of my all time favorites, and I was really happy to see you back. I bought all the workouts you're in and am thoroughly enjoying them. I think you have the best personality and warmth of all the instructors in these workouts. :)

blemum

June 14th, 2005, 04:38 AM

I just did Steamin' Cardio for the first time last night. How fun!!! I loved it!!! I bought the retail one with Steamin Cardio and Push PUll. Gonna try Push PUll Wed.

I think I may have to order the retail completer kit if I like Push Pull as much as STeamin Cardio.

Anyway, just had to share. And it's so cool to see Heidi posting too. I thought she did great as an instructor and was great on camera!

:-)

Diane

Heidi Tanner

June 15th, 2005, 05:20 AM

With all of these great workouts, there is hopefully something for everyone! I really enjoyed working with Anna and the team to create them. I have fun teaching fitness classes and I love that I am motivating others to workout! Reading these positive notes is the best reward! Thank you!

Keep up the good work!

Heidi:)

blemum

June 17th, 2005, 05:53 AM

Thanks Heidi. I'm looking forward to doing MEtaboost which is my next slotted workout. ;-)

Diane

whiterose1

September 3rd, 2005, 02:34 PM

:) Heidi was great in this workout. Even though I thought some on the cardio was dumb. She had me laughing & enjoying the whole workout. I loved the kickboxing moves in the workout.

candysugar

April 14th, 2006, 05:14 PM

Hi, I am new to this site. Been doing Firm videos for years. Just received Steamin Cardio about 2 weeks ago. I really loved it. Heidi is great. The only thing I had a hard time with was the hand stands. Also, I used the lower step and not the high one. Again, a great one.

MLF

May 2nd, 2006, 11:24 AM

I received the complete 12 about two months ago and finally got around to do Streamin' Cardio. (I did watch it a couple of times. I was also doing old firm tapes - no sitting on the couch for me.) Heidi you got me to do the real push up with the boot camp section. Thank You!!! I really enjoyed this one. You have been one of my favorites since I meet you in Cross trainer Cardio. http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/smile.gif http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/smile.gif

Geraldine

July 24th, 2006, 01:46 PM

Just rented Steamin/Push Pull from netflix and love it. I'm planning on keeping it for a few days and then buying it. I have been doing firm tapes and though I love them I though this dvd workout was terrific. Really got me sweating.

Redeye

August 2nd, 2006, 10:04 AM

Last night I pulled out Steamin' Cardio after a long time of doing other workouts that I considered high intermediate.

Since I think of the WHFNs as beginner to intermediate, I really gave it my all and tried to make it as challenging as possible. I had a blast! The music, the moves, the beautiful colors -- THIS WORKOUT IS PURE FUN! :D

...okay, today I can hardly walk...what happened??? HAHAHAHAHA!! I did forget how beautiful this workout was, and apparently I also forgot how effective it was.

I'm doing Steamin' Cardio in a 2-workout rotation with Pump for two weeks. I'll check back and let y'all know how it went.

dbmsewer

March 13th, 2007, 08:34 AM

I did this in the a.m. for the first time in ages and I have to say, it was tough. I'm no slouch, probably an intermediate exerciser. I've done most of the FIRM workouts and could not get the same level of exercise with the FP series. However, this is a lot tougher than it seems. I wonder that these workouts are not as popular as they were when they first came out. The boards have been slow and there have been no further workouts from Anna and company. I also never saw any of the infomercials. So I wonder, does anyone know what's going on?