Spreen Kick Box Boot Camp (CIA 2505)

[Guest guest]

This was my first time doing this workout and I really enjoyed it! It is 57 minutes long and 13 of that is core training and stretching. The rest is cardio, using the step, a body bar and light hand weights. I'm having workout amnesia again so I'll copy something from collage to explain the workout:

While definitely “kickboxing-inspired,” this unusually well-designed workout also integrates innovative step aerobics, floor cardio, aero/tone and toning exercises. Unlike some kickbox programs, the aerobics never slow down — it’s all non-stop, high-energy, fat-burning fun. The movements are uncomplicated but challenging — they include aerobic/anaerobic intervals, simple step moves and “The Firm-like” cardio-with-dumbbells segments (for increased intensity). There’s a fresh feel with many unique twists on classic routines (e.g. the body bar is used as a traditional weight and a martial arts blocking stick). It ends with a solid core strength and balance routine. Well-cued by Spreen. Requires 2 to 5 lb. dumbbells and a body bar.

I definitely wouldn't call it step aerobics but the step is used for some of the cardio in some really creative ways. You place it with a short end toward the TV, they were using 1 set of risers so I did too and that worked well. You do some punching with the handweights, I used 1 lb. dumbbells because I didn't want to mess with my weighted gloves but they might have been better. Then again, I didn't feel like 1 lb. was enough too so maybe I'll just try holding 2 lb. dumbbells next time. You don't use them for very long so going a little heavier might be fine. The body bar work was really good. I have a FIRM sculpting stick and used that. I don't know if it is as long as a body bar but it seemed to work well. I liked using it for blocks, it required quite a bit from the core. I haven't used it a lot yet so this was nice to find another workout I could use it for too. The cardio on this is very athletic. There are combos but they aren't at all complicated. is very friendly and warm and her cueing is excellent. I messed up here and there but I think it was because I was overthinking the sequence instead of just letting her lead me through it. There isn't much kicking at all, just a couple of kicks actually, so this really should have been boxing bood camp but that was okay too. I wish I could describe this workout better, it was really unique and fun. When I finished, I had a really great feeling of having fun and having a really good workout too! It wasn't a huge calorie burner, but there is a long segment where you're doing low intensity (but still intense) core work and stretching. Collage calls this advanced but I don't think so. It definitely isn't for beginners but I would call it more intermediate. I also wasn't anaerobic hardly at all, but I was sweating like crazy. Very fun, challenging but not in ways that strain my brain and not so challenging that I thought I'd die either. Definitely a keeper.