Stephanie Vitorino's The Ultimate Body Shaper

Note from Jen: I love any workout that features push-ups in the warm-up -- that's always a good sign, and Stephanie's The Ultimate Body Shaper definitely delivers on its promise!

Like Kelly Coffey Meyer's 30-Minutes to Fitness series, Stephanie offers two complete 30 minute workouts on one DVD, plus full warm-up and cool-down options. The first workout is the V Body High Step Workout and is an incredible blend of aerobics/toning intervals for maximum benefit. Since you're using a high step (I put four risers beneath my aerobic step), the step isn't used much for the cardio portions; instead, the cardio blasts are all-out, full-force intensity moves. During one of these "intensity boosts," Stephanie says, "These are the times when we dig in a little deeper and really go for it!" She means it, as you'll see--intensity is definitely the name of the game! The body sculpting segments focus on both the glutes and the upper body for the ultimate burn. I particularly love the tricep dips--talk about tough! Stephanie takes the traditional move two steps further by first rasing one leg, and then lifting the leg and the opposite arm (dip, raise one leg and opposite arm as you're coming up from the dip, then lower again ...) *Gulp!* This move is just one of the very intense exercises in V Body High Step Workout.

The second segment is V Body Mat Workout, but don't let the name fool you -- you will not be leisurely resting on your mat for gentle pulses or other ballet/pilates type moves. Not here! Instead, Stephanie uses the mat for standing work, actively engaging the core in the ultimate balance challenge (balance with weight work). Multi-jointed moves make the most of your time, ensuring a thorough and complete workout in just 30 minutes (or you can go for the full 60 minutes for a super-intense blast). Some of the advanced-level exercises include rows while standing on one leg -- not easy, to say the least! Stephanie also offers fantastic choreography, burning shoulder moves, hardcore ab conditioning, and more.

About the instructor: Stephanie Vitorino is one of LA's most sought-after fitness trainers. She's a nationally certified fitness trainer with AFAA and ACE with over 12 years of coaching experience in exercise physiology. With a positive approach to fitness she inspires her students to take control of their lives through a focused commitment toward better health. Known for her passion and intensity, Stephanie brings a spark of originality to her dynamic classes and Vbody fitness DVDs. "I've struggled with my own weight and know what it takes to gain control. That inspires me to share my experience with others. Hard work pays off, in fitness and life." Stephanie started her career as a professional dancer, taking her around the world, and landing multiple appearances on network television. Currently she is a Group Fitness Manager for Equinox Fitness Clubs in Woodland Hills, CA., featured trainer on Exercise TV and an Ambassador for Lululemon Athletica.