Amy,
I should have mentioned that when I first tried Basic Step, it was withOUT the risers. LOL
I got Low Impact Step/Body Sculpting this past Monday. I broke it out that evening. I was able to get through the warm-up, 1st combo, 1st cardio blast, and the very beginning of the 2nd combo using one level of risers. On Tuesday, I worked up to the end of the 1st cardio blast and finished exercising with the entire Basic Step dvd. (My Basic Step did not include Total Body Fusion.) Yesterday, I did the Total Body Sculpting portion and Basic Step dvd. This morning I did all of the step portion of Low Impact Step except the 1st cardio blast and followed it with the Basic Step dvd. This evening I did the sculpting portion.
The Low Impact Step part requires a lot more energy. I can't even begin to imagine what the advance dvds are like. Low Impact Step is a big step up for me. The sweat just pours off my body in places I didn't even know could perspire! (probably too much information. LOL) I have a hard time getting the 2nd combo part down smoothly -- the triple skip around the board and jump/lunge parts. I think I'm just tired by then. I might try doing the warm-up and going directly to the 2nd combo just so my body can catch up with my mind. I'll get it eventually.
I love the sculpting portion. I use 3 pound dumb bells. I have no desire to use heavier ones anytime in the near future since I like the shape and size of my arms. The lunges are killer. I'm two lunges away from being able to do all that part! LOL The side leg lifts are pure evil; especially when she has you pump forever. Well, it feels like forever. I'm really feeling the soreness in my pecs and inner thighs. The only part I don't like is when I have to support my stomach on the ball. It very uncomfortable and difficult to breath when I put pressure there even if it's only partly supporting my stomach. I'm not sure why since I work at breathing in my rib cage area. It's only for the back lift and bicep curls though.
I was thinking about getting the KPC dvd. You'll have to give me a complete report on it if you get it! It'll be nice to hear reviews from another beginner. I'm liking the low impact workouts. I've already lost an inch from my waist since starting Basic Step. I always lose from my waist first. I haven't lost any from my thighs yet. Although, I did lost a quarter of an inch from my hips.
Take care and give your baby and 5 year old kisses! They grow up so fast!