Aerobic Step

Paula Abdul's fans will really have fun with this 45-minute, high-energy dance workout. Even the warm-up is energetic and jazzy. Abdul teaches two dance routines. She introduces a 16-count pattern slowed down, then speeds it up until you're up to tempo, adding on until you've got a routine. Don't expect teaching expertise from Abdul--she cues the moves, but never explains how to do what she's demonstrating. Just watch and follow. You may need to pause this video a lot at first to learn the moves--she doesn't repeat the slowed-down moves enough to catch them--but after you get them, it becomes pure fun. She is assisted by two of her tour dancers and a crowded class of what she calls "ordinary people," though they're mostly young, good-looking, and very fit. The production is colorful and flashy. The constantly changing camera angles are distracting and sometimes annoying, because they hinder you from watching the feet to learn the moves. You'll enjoy the playful cool-down to Village People's "YMCA," led by the males in the class. An abdominal segment and stretches finish the workout. Coordination and rhythm required. --Joan Price