This workout has its strengths and its shortcomings. On the plus side, Zak Lee is a World Karate Champion with a wealth of expertise. On the minus side, Lee"s sidekick, Ellen K, is a beautiful blonde but not a kickboxing expert, and her constant, ditzy chattering gets annoying quickly. She laughs and interrupts, poking fun at Lee"s accent, correcting his language, and making intrusive comments such as, "Don"t tell me what to do. I showed up today, didn"t I?" If you can get past her, you can get a decent workout filled with jabs and kicks that will challenge your coordination, balance, and concentration, and shape and strengthen your legs and hips. The order of the segments ("rounds") is odd. The warm-up uses upper-body movements but then stretches the lower body, which has remained still. (Exercise professionals agree that warming up muscles rhythmically is best before stretching.) Then Lee shows the basic movements of kickboxing. The essence of the workout is a 20-minute "Zakaerobics" segment consisting of drills of kicks, jabs, and some jumping and jogging moves. Afterward, Lee demonstrates breathing techniques for fast recuperation. A cool segment shows Lee and experienced women kickboxers doing a fast and inspiring dancelike routine. Then the cool-down and stretch. Next comes another round of balance and kicks (why is this after the stretch?), then some floor work for buttocks and abdominals. The end is an interesting demonstration of self-defense moves, which could be quite valuable if you practice them with a partner. Next time, let Lee do a video without Ellen K, or at least turn off her microphone while he"s instructing. --Joan Price