Absolute Beginners Fitness: Step and Dance Aerobics Workout with Nekea Brown

I really like this video. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the dance part but it is two separate workouts: dance workout and a step workout.You can choose which one you want to do or do both. I thought I wanted the step workout but ended up liking the dance workout more! Maybe because dancing is fun to me whereas step exercise is not so much fun as a good workout to do. The instructor gives really good instructions in the dance workout and my two left feet were able to do it without much trouble at all. The step workout became a little more complicated for me and I stopped it. But I will come back and try it again, I was just tired by the time I got to it. The background is fine, the music is just right and the instructor is personable and cute with a nice voice and she cues well. Sometimes the video shows her feet so you can see how it’s done and it’s a great to have that. I really like this video and am glad I stumbled upon it looking for a beginner step workout but happy to find I actually don’t have to do the step if I don’t want to. I can do the dance workout which is actually fun to me! I am glad this instructor has rhythm because I have a lot of exercise dvds where the instructor doesn’t and that throws me off.

I didn't like this workout as much as the other workouts in the series. The audio isn't the best , you can't hear the instructor very well.

I have purchased and tried three different step aerobic DVD's and like this one the best. I only do the step aerobics and have not tried the dance workout. I always feel good afterwards and believe it has improved my posture and reduced/eliminated my occasional back pain.The moves/combinations are easy to do and well explained. The workout moves fairly quick so it took a few run throughs before I was able to accurately follow along on all the movements. There are multiple places where the instructor offers suggestions for making the workout easier (e.g. less arm movements, substitute squats for jumping jacks, etc). This is good because otherwise some folks might consider this more of an intermediate workout than something for beginners. Recommend starting without any risers/lifts on your step.

This DVD is designed for the younger crowd (or very fit older person) as it is a medium to high level cardio workout. The instructions are clear but they move quickly throughout both the step and dance sections. I have put this video on the shelf and God willing will use it when I get stronger & faster.

Nekea Brown is an excellent teacher. I really like how she is authentic and encouraging. I have very little dancing skills and no natural talent (I'd be at level -1), but it's a really good workout for beginners. I had to spend a lot of time with the tutorials before each session but after a week of daily workouts I really feel a good improvement in my health and ability to keep up. If you're a poor dancer like me, get it anyway and just stick with it. If we could follow her from the first try we wouldn't need this dvd. Challenging yourself and going out side your comfort zone is how you grow and improve yourself. I fully recommend this DVD.

I purchased this many years ago when I had no dance experience, was very out of shape and well over 300lbs.It's perfect for absolute beginners--just as the title says. She walks you through every step in slow-mo before actually doing it at a regular speed. Loved it. Had she not done this I would not have "gotten into" dance videos.If you have any dance experience or are somewhat in shape, you probably don't want this video. It will be too basic for you.Other reviews commented on her technique, etc... I cannot. All I can say is this video does exactly what it's supposed to do--teach beginners. And, her voice isn't super perky and annoying which is a bonus.It's a few years later and I'm not fat anymore. I attribute this to her videos.

I love Nekea Brown's DVDs because her routines are always creative. This one is perfectly suitable for beginners, but if you're a little more experienced, you can modify the workout by using weights or elevating the Step. I love that this DVD has segments for both dance and Step, which was exactly what I wanted. The only "down" side is that the DVD menu isn't broken down into smaller segments, which would give viewers optimal control over tailoring the workout. However, the DVD is still well worth buying!

I have begun working out again since I finished school and this video was the first in a string of purchases to get myself into better shape. I have been using it regularly for about a month and have found the instructions are clear and consistent, the routine makes me sweat every time, and is easily adaptable for use with a bosu.Update:This is still one of my favorite videos but for the avid stepper I can see how it could get boring quickly. The routine is simple enough to master, and it definitely does the job. After about 2 months using this and Debra Mazda's Shapely girl I find myself liking shapely girl more and more, it just seems to have more to it.Overall great for beginners just like "Absolute beginners" indicates but doesn't take long to want something more.