"Angels, Lines, and Curves" (45 minutes, $19.95, 206-729-0365 or 800-433-6729). Reviewed by Sandi Resnick, 43, Kirkland.

RESNICK CALLED this "a first-rate exercise video. It is not a tape that pumps you up, but one that relaxes, lengthens and strengthens you by taking you through movements with an awareness of the space around you." She found instructor Kari Anderson inspirational, calming and friendly. "Her technique is beautiful, and her clear and precise instructions make it possible to achieve at least the essentials of each movement." Six women follow Anderson through exercises that work the entire body, often with parts moving in opposition ("on hands and knees, the right leg lifts and the left arm lifts, and you rock slightly back and forth"). "When you finish the tape, you stand taller and feel lighter." Resnick said the video, suitable for all levels, is one she'll continue to use.

"Reebok Power Blast Cardio Circuit Training" (50 minutes; $19.95; 800-433-6769). Reviewed by Diane M. Dodd, 50, North Bend.

LISA GAYLORD, who holds a 5th-degree karate black belt, leads "five strong women" in this workout designed to build strength, balance, coordination and stamina. Four intervals are followed by kicking and upper-body sections. Though Dodd is hardly new to karate (she was preparing for advanced levels in the style she practices), she was unfamiliar with some of the boxing-inspired calisthenics "and it took me a while to get comfortable with them." With intense upper-body, jumping and skipping moves, Dodd would classify this as medium- to high-impact, agreed with Gaylord that this video is for intermediate to advanced participants - and planned to keep using it.

"The Firm Parts: More 5-Day Abs" (27 minutes, $12.95; 800-433-6769). Reviewed by Christine Rusnak, 29, Seattle.

"THIS VIDEO could not have come at a better time for me!" said Rusnak, a regular exerciser who felt in a rut and had a week-long cruise looming. She used the video each night after work, "a great way to stretch my abs and back after sitting all day." Rusnak thought the instructors and music were a bit unnatural and the transitions between moves sometimes awkward, so it took a few passes through the five, 5-minute workouts to focus more on the ab muscles. Light hand weights and a stool or chair are needed. Because the instructors don't provide much feedback, she thought the video might be best for knowledgeable exercisers. She would have welcomed complementary low-back exercises, too. But, "At the end of the two weeks, I really think my stomach was a bit flatter, toner, and it truly felt stronger!"

"Ritmos Latinos" (Latin Rhythms) (45 minutes, $14.95, 800-433-6769). Reviewed by Jenny Roon Nickerson, 20, Port Orchard.

"I ENJOYED this workout, it was a nice change from my usual programs centered around jumping jacks and squats," said Nickerson. Argentine national aerobic champion Hugo Diez demonstrates by himself in a gymnasium-type setting, "making it feel as if you're in an aerobics class rather than in your living room." He teaches a warm-up combination and four others, one at a time, and puts them together at the end. Nickerson liked the Latin music ("very much like Ricky Martin") and low-impact moves, though "I wouldn't recommend doing the workout in front of your husband - mine did a bit of snickering whenever a `diva turn' came up." She also got a good ab workout from all the hip-shaking. "I'll definitely do this workout again."

"Firm Cardio: Cardio Burn" (48 minutes, $19.95, 800-433-6769). Reviewed by Peggy Swapp, 51, Anacortes.

DESIGNED TO BE a calorie-burning aerobic workout to firm and tone the entire body, this video incorporates small balls, light hand weights and both low (8- to 10-inch) and tall (12- to 14-inch steps). "I guess this is good if the participant likes a lot of toys," Swapp said. She thought instructor Tamela Hastie didn't cue very well, "but you would soon have the moves memorized due to their simplicity." She thought she'd soon find the video boring and so wouldn't do it repeatedly, and concluded that she didn't care for such cardio work at home. "It is so much more pleasant and fun and encouraging and uplifting with a live group at people."