Customer Reviews

Kathy Smith:Latin Rhythm W/O

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I'm not much of a dancer, but I enjoy doing this one because the steps aren't overly complicated. I expected not to get much of a work out and was pleasantly surprised to find myself sweating after the first time I did it. It's not like her killer, butt kicking step work outs but some days I just want something that isn't killer and this tape is it. Plus, it's fun to do.

I do have to agree with other reviewers about Kathy's twin set. It's pretty, but it does kind of stand out. The blonde behind Kathy is very into the work out and quite a good dancer, but I found her to be kind of distracting(I also think she has a set of work out videos of her own somewhere). The guy in the back looks like someone they just pulled in to make the other guy feel less outnumbered. He's not even doing the squats when everyone else is and he's out of step in a few spots.

Clara and Ashley, the dance instructors, look like they're having a good time though.

All in all I would recommend this tape to anyone who wants something a little different(and the music is pretty good too).

At least I thought so! I keep up a very tight workout schedule, and "mix up" my workouts to include weights and aerobics. I just tried the "Latin Rythym Workout," and it was great...all I need now is a partner! I would say that I am an "intermediate" in aerobics, and believe it or not, I was having such a good time (as were my animals watching me!) the time flew by and the first section was finished before I knew it. My heart rate was mildly elevated, but as with most aerobics, once one knows the moves, or keeps it up, one can "pump it up," so to speak. I went right into the second section, and could not finish because the dancing kept up-tempo, and as I really "got into it," I felt that I had "had it," so to speak. If you are looking for something a little different to add to your aerobic routines, try the Latin Dancing...the dancers are excellent, and one has to give Kathy Smith an "A" for keeping her workouts fresh, plus she's actually pretty good! A live band really adds to the atmosphere, and one can make the most of this workout. Mainly, this workout is fun. It is perfect for beginners, and as one progresses, one can really get into the moves and "dance" to the whole tape. What is even better, if you are ever invited to go "clubbin'," you will NOT be left behind since you are learning some of the most popular and fun Latin dancing steps: The Merenge', the Cha Cha, and the Salsa. Very fun, effective, and truly an added "spice" to any workout for beginner's to intermediate. Just be ready to get those hips and legs movin'!

Kathy's Latin Rhythmn workout is awesome - fun, well put together, a great way to work out when you need a lift as well as some excercise. The real live band behind them adds authenticity and helps you to imagine you're actually at some resort in Mexico having a great time! Highly recommend it.

I am pretty out of shape....but trying to get into shape, so I bought this video. If you are an expert latin dancer or in great shape you probably aren't going to get anything from this Kathy Smith Tape/DVD. Personally, I worked up a sweat, got my heart rate up and got reminded of some latin dance steps (that I haven't done for about 5 years!!). Everyone in the class looks like they are having a good time and I had a good time too!

I think that this workout was pretty good. Because it didn't FEEL like working out, I didn't think I was doing anything. However, after I found myself out of breath and sweaty, I discovered it is a pretty good workout. It was just that it wasn't boring, which made it different than other videos.

My only complaint about this video is that the music was somewhat stale and Kathy yelled too loud. There was only one good song in the dance workout sequence.

I've worked out to this video many times now and always have fun and enjoy it. I never knew how tight my hips were until I did this workout - does it ever loosen my hips, which feels great! I think the music is great and it's helped introduce me to latin dancing, although it really isn't true latin dancing. The only complaint I have is that with the outfits that Kathy and everyone is wearing, it's hard to see exactly what they're doing and there are many moves where you work one side, but not the other and I think it's important to do all moves on both sides (right and left) to be balanced. So what I do is follow it exactly as it is on the video once and when I do it the next time, work the opposite side to what Kathy's demonstrating so it can be balanced.

I never get tired of this video and always have fun doing it. It is not too difficult, but I still work up a sweat.

I really like this video! No, it doesn't work you really hard, but it's an excellent alternative for days when you have less energy. I use it when I am not going for the most intense workout I can get, but still want to get my heart rate up and sweat( it's about 40 minutes). What I enjoy about it is that it's really fun to do. Everybody looks like they're having a good time. The music by the live band is great and the moves are a lot of fun. I'm sure that this one will remain a favorite of mine for a long time.

I really enjoyed this tape, however I would hardly call it a workout. The tape was fun and I loved the music, but I can burn more calories programming my VCR. I purchased it, not to mix in with my excercise regimen, but to learn basic latin dance moves, so I was not disappointed. However if you're looking to burn major calories, this tape is not for you. And if you're not good in the coordination department, spare yourself the frustration and the money.

The camera seemed to shift around a lot making you almost dizzy since there must have been 20 people in a very small dance floor area, but it spent very little time on people's legs and feet. The camera was only on her when it had to be when she spoke since she can't dance. The two acompaning teachers are sweet & enthusiastic, but they also seemed very stiff considering they are professionals. I kept focusing on a blond in the back (at least I can see her feet between Kathy's & the other teacher's heads) who had more style, skill, technique, fluidity & enjoyment for dancing then all of them put together. Maybe everyone was nervous, but they just should get used to the camera before taping then. At the end there was a bonus "dancing with partner" and the woman was still giving instructions & berating the male teacher about how to move & when he didn't spin her on cue. The only plus I can give is they did teach you how to "flick" your foot. (That subtle extra step that looks stylish when dancing)

I liked the ZUMBA DVDs much better. They taught the steps very slowly, patiently and well even for the most uncoordinated person. Without using those DVDs first, I would have not been able to follow hers at all. I also give an unexpectred two thumbs up for Jamiaca Me S'wet DVD. I learned fluidity & to just follow the beat more, though it is Reggae music.

I just wish there more dance DVDs out for everyone's tastes & styles.

This is a fun dance workout if you enjoy Latin dance music and really get into the dances: Salsa, cha, cha, samba and merengue. I am a good dancer so I found the steps very easy to learn. You just have to let yourself go and get into the enthusiasm of the dancing. I find it to be an intermediate kind of aerobic workout. beginners can just do the first 20 minutes. I do work up a sweat. Do it in work out clothes you feel kind of sexy in, not lumpy sweat pants. It seems to help me get into the spirit of the video which is definately sexy! I gave it 3 stars because Kathy Smith herself looks a little awkward to me doing this video. She is not wearing the right outfit for it either. She looks like she is going on shopping errands in her modest sweater set. The dancers around her look much more natural and sensual as they dance. But, that's just my opinion. Her moves are stiff compared to the other dancers, so I prefer to follow the other dancers. They are more fun to watch. Other than that, it is fun to do as a break from my other videos.