Amy Bento: Advanced Step Challenge 2
by Amy Bento
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Amy BentoDirector: Amy Bento
Brand: Widowmaker Filmsllc
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 75 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-11-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Bayview Entertainment/Widowmaker
Product features:
- Step aerobics at its most intense--interval training for maximum results
- Led by popular fitness instructor, Amy Bento-Ross
- Released 2008
- Intensity blasts kick this advanced-level workout up to new levels
- Hour long workout with bonus pre-mixes included including strength training from Amy's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge
Movie Reviews of Amy Bento: Advanced Step Challenge 2
Movie Review: Take it like a dance class!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been dancing since I was 4 years old and have been performing/dancing professionally since I was 9 years old, so I have a lot of experience with choreography - following a class or having to teach a class in mirror-view. I also LOVE step and have been taking step classes at the gym for about 12 years (I'm almost 30 now - yikes!!). When I read the reviews for all the Amy Bento Advanced step challenge workouts (most reviewers were very discouraged with regards to the speed and the intricate steps in the DVD), I was actually encouraged to buy all 3 (at the time 4 hadn't come out) at the same time. I was so excited when they came in and I couldn't wait to see what all the hype was about (in terms of her difficult choreography and late cueing).
I was completely floored when I popped it in and as many other reviewers posted, within the first few minutes (warm-up and first combo) I was completely frustrated and felt defeated. I was really disappointed in myself because I consider myself a very quick learner (especially with choreography memorization), and I didn't think that a workout DVD could possibly be so hard to catch on to! So, I put the DVD(s) away...
It must have been a year later since I first bought the DVDs that I saw them lying around and decided to pop ASC2 in and just watch it (baby steps). Watching it a second time made me stress out again! It was just as hard as I remembered it being!
So, I decided I could either put it in the pile of "stuff I've wasted my money on", or put my ego aside and take the approach used in my dance classes to break down combos. I'm so glad I decided to do the latter! After I broke it down and it had a chance to marinate, I was amazed at how awesome the workout is and it has now become one of my favorite workouts to do (I actually get excited to do it after I get home from work)!
Basically, I watched one combo at a time to start... just watched. Then, I played the 1st combo in slo-mo while doing the moves in 1/2 time using my step - this really helped with the moves where your back is turned towards the TV. By doing the whole segment in 1/2 time, even though it was really time consuming, by the end of the segment I had pretty much memorized the whole combo. The next step was to play it in real time now being able to connect her vocal cues to the steps. After doing the actual combo a few times in real time, I was able to add the arms full-out and throw in a few of my own little stylized things. This is pretty much how we do things in dance class (in most of my dance classes anyway) - you show part of the dance with music, then break it down without music, practice it without music, then add music and do it in real time. Then you repeat the cycle with a new combo and add on.
I was able to learn the whole DVD in 2h and I now do it every other day (in fear that if I don't do it frequently I'll forget the choreography and have to re-learn the whole thing BUT also because it's so fun). Once you get the hang of it, time really flies! And it doesn't even feel like a workout (but you'll know it is because you'll be out of breath and drenched with sweat... at least I always am!).
In these DVDs, Amy definitely has a different teaching style than other aerobics instructors out there. I think her vision was to create something that was really fun and intricate and advanced. But I think she knew that the only way to create a step workout at this difficulty level (choreography-wise), she would have to skimp on the break-down time of the choreography. Even in the previews of the more difficult moves, I wouldn't say she breaks it down adequately enough for someone to pick it up in one viewing. BUT if she did break it down step by step on the DVD, it would take hours, so, I think she did the best that she could.
All in all, I love this series. This one (#2) is particularly my favorite because I just really like the combos and the set is more pleasing to the eye than #1. I don't use the modifier but it is nice that this DVD has that option as well as premixed workouts which I haven't tried but think is nice to have(again, unlike #1). I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great step video and a great challenge. Like anything new or challenging, take it step by step. You don't have to learn it all in one day, even learning one combo at a time and doing it a few times in a row will make for a great workout in itself (until you're ready to move on). My only regret is that I didn't take this advice sooner as I waited a whole year to start enjoying this workout.
Summary of Amy Bento: Advanced Step Challenge 2
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