Top Cardio Videos

1. Cathe Friedrich Imax 2

For advanced exercisers, this is an excellent choice if you want a challenging step routine. Imax 2 is an interval routine that takes you through 10 cycles that include a step routine, an anaerobic interval and then a short recovery. The step combos are simple and easy, and you repeat them 6 times. The intensity intervals are almost all high impact and include plenty of variety both on the step and floor. The stretch and cool down section is short and sweet, and the music is excellent. The workout is about 45 minutes.

2. Step Reebok: Intense Moves

This is an older video, but it's still one of my favorites. Like Cathe's Imax 2, this is a step interval routine that alternates aerobic step routines with high intensity intervals. The difference is that this workout is shorter (about 30 minutes) and the choreography is basic. Overall, this is an easier workout than Cathe Friedrich's. But, I love that you have 3 different options for each interval segment, so you can choose how hard you want to work. At the hardest level, you'll really be challenged. But beginners could stay at the lowest level for a lighter workout.

3. Seasun Zieger's Straight Up Step

If you're an advanced stepper who likes difficult choreography, you'll enjoy Seasun's workouts. Learning the moves can be frustrating, but this workout progresses quickly and Seasun is good with her cueing. The workout is a typical step routine, with 3 different combinations and some TIFTing (taking it from the top) and includes both dancy and athletic moves for a 45-minute step routine.

4. Christi Taylor's Fantastic 4

This video is a great bargain because it includes four different workouts: Still Jumpin' (hi/lo), Still Steppin' (step), HiLo Heaven (hi/lo) and Step Heaven (step). Christi is known for her complex choreography, although she always does a good job of breaking things down. These workouts are more for intermediate/advanced exercisers who like dancy choreography with lots of turns and moderate intensity. My favorite is Step Heaven and while I'm not a huge fan of the hi/lo workouts, hi/lo fans will probably enjoy this one. The intensity is about medium and may be a little low for hardcore exercisers. Not for easily-frustrated exercisers.

5. Cathe Friedrich's Kick, Punch & Crunch

You may have guessed that Cathe is one of my favorite instructors. Kick, Punch & Crunch is one of my favorite kickboxing workouts. It includes a long warm up, a variety of high and low-impact blasts and drills followed by 4 kickboxing combos with a mix of kicks and punches. The variety is excellent, although the intensity does slow down a bit with the first couple of combos. The ability to mix and match different moves makes this video truly innovative. For intermediate/advanced exercisers.

6. Everybody Steps

This is an excellent choice for beginning steppers. These days, it's hard to find beginner step workouts that aren't dated, so it's great to see this step-by-step guide by one of the best step instructors out there. This is a 50-minute workout focusing on teaching you step patterns and giving you plenty of time to practice them. You evaluate how you feel every 10 minutes and keep going if you're ready. This video is best for beginners and Gin's excellent cueing will keep you from stumbling all over the place.

7. Body Max 2

This intermediate/advanced workouts includes a huge variety of activities. The first part of the video includes about 25 minutes of high-intensity step combos while the second part includes circuits -- a step combo, a high intensity blast and a lower body exercise. After that comes a short upper body workout along with abs and stretching. This is an excellent workout whether you do it all at once or mix it up. Also includes a variety of pre-mixed and timesaver workouts as well.

8. Total Body Cardio

This video is specifically for beginners who may need less impact, but still want an effective workout. This low-impact aerobic workout doesn't have any choreography, just fun dance moves you repeat until you master them. The music is incredible and you'll have lots of fun with this routine, even if you tend to have two left feet.

9. Amy Bento's Advanced Step Challenge 2

This 60-minute step routine is for advanced steppers and will likely make your head explode the first few times you try it. Amy Bento is known for her advanced choreography and for throwing moves at you with little or no breakdown, which may make it frustrating to learn her workouts. But, it's worth it to stick with this one. The choreography is complex, the intensity is consistently medium-high and the workout flies by. It takes some time to get used to her style, but Cathe Friedrich fans will enjoy the intensity of Amy's workouts.

10. BOSU Blast with Seasun Zieger

It's tough to find advanced cardio workouts using a BOSU Balance Trainer, which is why Seasun's BOSU Blast is one of my favorites. It's just like a step routine -- a variety of combinations that you learn, repeat and then put together. The only difference is that you use a BOSU Balance Trainer. You should be familiar with stepping and have some experience with the Balance Trainer for this one.