Keli Roberts - Ultimate Step Workout

The abs section was killer - great abs workout.

If you are a beginner, I would recommend "Jane Fonda's Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout ", it doesn't use a lot of complicated moves.


Not A Good Video For Beginners   February 5, 2002
newmom (Murfreesboro, TN USA)
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

First, let me give you my background. I took step classes at a gym for 2 years before becoming pregnant. After having my baby I started using Kathy Smith's Step Tape. After 4 weeks, I needed something harder, so I purchased Keli Roberts' step tape. Although the box claims the workout is for beginner, intermediate or advanced steppers, I would not recommend it for someone new to step. Keli recommends beginners follow some of the other steppers, but the camera hardly ever shows the other steppers. I found it hard to follow at first. Keli doesn't use the common names for moves and her accent is hard to understand at times. Also, the cues and transitions are not good. Keli and the other steppers will start doing new moves before she cues you. I gave this video 4 stars because it does provide a good workout. After doing this tape 3 or 4 times, I started getting the hang of it and it became easier to follow as I learned the routines. There is a heart rate check half way through and I am always in my target range using a 6" step. The ab workout is really burns!! If you're new to step, I would recommend starting with Kathy Smith's Step Workout. Once that becomes easy, you're ready for this tape.


My first step video and I love it.   October 8, 2002
Stacy Davis (San Antonio, Texas USA)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I'm an intermediate exerciser who had never tried stepping. I was absolutely awed by Keli Roberts after seeing her in Kathy Smith's Kickboxing workout - the woman is so powerful! - so I chose this as my first step video and I couldn't be happier.

Now I've read the comments from people not recommending this for beginners, and I have to disagree. If Keli is using the wrong names for the exercises, as a true beginner I can't tell. Maybe it will screw me up when I try another tape, but that's a chance I'm willing to take.

I was concerened about Keli not cueing right or left, since I'm not the most graceful person and I need all the cues I can get. It turned out not to be an issue since it doesn't really matter if you're using the same side or mirror imaging her. All the moves lead naturally from one side to the next, so pick a starting side and don't sweat it. It'll balance out.

Some right/left cuing would have made the moves easier to learn, admittedly, but it only took me about four runs to get a grasp on the first two segments. I love the music when the steppers get going: the *cthunk cthunk* of shoes on steps fits into the beat perfectly and I find it very energizing.

The ab workout was brutal - it inspired me to buy Keli's Abs & More tape. The guided relaxation was a little creepy, though. Out of nowhere she's gone from leading me through crunches to "feel the satin as it glides across your skin." Gah. No thanks. Some stretch instead would have made this video perfect. Thankfully, it's the last thing on the tape so you can turn it off and stretch on your own.


GREAT WORKOUT!   March 9, 2001
K. Braswell (Trussville, AL United States)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I really love this tape but it did take a few times to get used to it. Keli does not call like I am used to and does not let you know what foot to start with. However, if you really pay attention and start with the same foot she does, then when she says "now the other foot" you will be right in step with her. I did this tape probably 4 time before I truly got it and now I love it. It is one of my favorite workouts. Like every routine, if it is new to you it will be someome difficult. One other reviewer stated that she could not learn the moves while her back was to the tv. If she paid attention to what Keli was saying and kept in step with her using the same foot then you should NEVER have your back to the tv. I like the progressive stages of this workout. By the 3rd stage you are working pretty hard. It really gets my heart pumping. The steps are fairly basic and not at all hard to learn. Not dancy - which I hate. The cool down phase is not very good though. She goes from having your heart rate maxed out immediately to a very SLOW cool down.


For experiences steppers; fewer transition cues.   August 1, 2000
Cheryl Guerrero (STONE, Staffordshire United Kingdom)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

As the cover box states, this step workout is for intermediate and advanced steppers. I thought this meant that it would be more difficult to get through the workout in terms of fitness level, but I found that it is still highly adaptable for all levels. However, I don't recommend this for inexperienced steppers because it is assumed that one is familiar with common step moves and concepts of transitions. But if you are experienced, then you will enjoy this workout since it doesn't bore you with the basics.

Furthermore, it seemed to me that the moves in this workout were high-impact compared to the other stepping tapes I have used. My knees ached constantly throughout the routine and I had to adopt low-impact versions of some of the moves.

At the end of the workout, there is a short session for tightening the abdominal muscles and a wonderful relaxation session which is just what I needed after such an intense workout (make sure you have a rubber exercise mat). The relaxation segment is the best part of the tape - don't skip it!