For cardio and interval workouts, the following are general descriptions of how I reach a level rating. Generally, ratings are for the workout done as is, without modifications.

• Advanced- heart pumping, sweaty madness! These workouts are those that I’ve found keep my heart rate in the aerobic or anaerobic zones (70-90% maximum heart rate) throughout most of the workout, possibly with some intervals in the high anaerobic zone (~90% MHR)
• Intermediate/advanced- still challenging, but less intense than advanced. These workouts keep my heart rate in the fat burning zone (60-70%) or above throughout the workout, but must include some intervals that push my heart rate up into the aerobic or anaerobic zones. Or, these workouts can vary in level from intermediate to advanced depending on the weights or equipment used.
• Intermediate- not very challenging for me, but not for beginners due to some intensity or difficult choreography. By this level, my heart rate does not ever exceed the fat burning zone, and may drop to under 50% MHR. Or, the workout contains intervals that put my heart rate in the aerobic or fat burning zones, but my heart rate drops to 50% or below during some portions of the workout.
• Beginner- I don’t do beginner level workouts, so I won’t be reviewing any. I may recommend some, though!

For circuit training and strength training, generally, levels are assigned based on the level of exerciser that I think could do the workout without modifications and/or lighter weights than those demonstrated in the video. The following factors are taken into account: cardiovascular load, complexity of movement (including the content of compound movements and the ease of maintaining form), rest time between exercises, the weight load used by all participants, and the modifiers shown in the workout.

Star Ratings

: I loved the workout and plan to integrate it into my DVD rotation regularly.

: I liked the workout and will probably integrate it into my DVD rotation occasionally.

: I liked the workout reasonably well, but not enough to do it regularly.

: I disliked the workout and do not plan to use it unless unusual circumstances arise.

: I hated the workout and will never do it again.

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