A solid step-aerobics workout and a well-structured stability-ball toning program. Like all Cathe's programs, it's exceptionally well-cued and sometimes challenging. But this is specially designed for less advanced exercisers (e.g. Cathe slows down to fully describe a move or limits the number of muscle-fatiguing “pulses” within the toning). The cardio features faster/slower intervals and has lots of interesting-but-doable combos (e.g. “around the world,” “rocking horse”). It's mostly low impact, but does have some higher-impact “bursts.” The toning uses the ball in nearly every routine; the ball increases the range of motion and improves body positioning (e.g. hamstring curls with your feet on the ball). Requires 2 to 10 lb. dumbbells and a stability ball. ©2005