Amy Bento- All Cardio Hi-Lo Knockout
Equipment needed: none
Level: Advanced
Bottom line: super intense kickboxing intervals last just a little longer than you think you can tolerate; add that to challenging and high-intensity aerobic combinations and you have a killer workout
Ah, I relish the opportunity to review this workout, primarily because the first time I did it, I thought I was going to pass out halfway through, but I couldn’t stop because it was so good (masochism, anyone?).
This workout combines the very best of two worlds (high-impact aerobics and kickboxing). First, the aerobic combinations are intense and choreographically challenging, to the extent that I admit I still sometimes stand there openmouthed trying to figure out all those pivots. I love how this routine is dancey yet still powerful and backed by a pumping, high-quality sound track- it makes me feel energized and ready to hop around. Second, the kickboxing/athletic conditioning segments are extreme, and long considering they are so intense. For example, after you’ve already sweated your way through the first two aerobic combinations, you do two entire minutes of squat thrusts followed by deep mountain climbers- and then you repeat the first two combinations and intervals.
I really like a workout that repeatedly pushes me to my limit and then backs off, and this one does just that. Amy’s enthusiasm and energy are always infectious and keep me motivated to get through the workout. At the end, I am always a sweaty, happy mess, no matter how tired or grumpy I was when starting the workout.
Overall: this workout has you whirling through dancey, complex aerobics combinations before diving into some excruciating kickboxing and athletic drills. The music and instructor give you the extra push you need to get through, and you will feel happily wiped out at the end. This is an excellent cardio workout for advanced exercisers.