The customer service issues are resolved. I had my two DVD set in about three days via UPS. When you order, you have a choice of using UPS or FedEx, depending on where you live. You can order them from ....
http://www.tracielong.net/
You'll need to create a free account on that site to order. I suggest ordering the band with the DVD, as she uses it and I have yet to think of a suitable substitution.
You can get info on breakdowns and reviews at ...
http://www.justv.net
I'm not very good at giving polished reviews or breakdowns, but I'll do my best here.
You'll need a medicine ball (light), and a stability ball. The weights used are light to medium. I can't tell how much weight she's using and she doesn't say, so just experiment and use what works best for you while keeping proper form. You also need the above-mentioned band.
Core Cardio is, like the name suggests, mostly cardio. You use a step (she uses what appears to be a 6 or 8 inch step, but I'm not totally sure), and the work is done on and off it. She uses a one or two pound medicine ball, and I have tried it with four pounds and that's very challenging for me. You can use a heavy one, but unless you're used to the exercises, your form might suffer. You work your core the entire time with functional fitness moves, so form is crucial. When you preview it you may find yourself thinking it's too "easy" or wondering what you're actually working, but when you do the exercises and pay attention to Tracie's form instructions, you'll find yourself working muscles in a totally new way. During one segment they have tape on the floor for an agility grid exercise. I just jump over imaginary boundaries. That's the only part where you don't really know how the "equipment" got there. Otherwise, except for some really close camera shots at the beginning, it flows smoothly. For about 99% of the workout you can actually see what Tracie's doing. There are three other background exercisers, and they occasionally show modifications, which Tracie always explains first.
Core Strength is more strength-oriented, but you won't need heavy, heavy weights. The med ball and stability balls are used again, and the core is worked the entire time. Again, while previewing it you get a false sense of "simple". It's very false - believe me! LOL!! This is a tough, challenging workout.
You all know I've been working out to Cathe almost exclusively for well over a year now. I'm telling you these two workouts kick my behind. I have definition in my core from using these two and the other earlier three TLP's, like I have never before had. I don't know if it's the functional fitness moves, or the fact the entire 45 minutes or so of each DVD works my core almost continously, or just that I needed a break in my workout routine and needed to shake things up, but this is the first time in quite a while I'm seeing new results.
Hope this helps!!
Carol