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Post by Karla on Aug 9, 2023 13:54:06 GMT
Please leave reviews of ab workouts here. Don't worry if your review is too short, or inadequate. This is meant to be fun!
Some people give detailed breakdowns and others don't. Just letting people know if you like or dislike a workout helps :-)
You can use the search bar at the top of this thread to find specific instructors or workouts.
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Post by Karla on Aug 9, 2023 13:55:03 GMT
All About Abs
Mindy Mylrea
This DVD presents four strength routines, from 9 to 16 minutes, which target the core.
One routine uses a weighted medicine ball (which needs to be large enough to support both hands in plank position), one uses a stability ball, and the third has no equipment. There is a 9-minute bonus routine featuring gliding disks.
The workouts are led by Mindy Mylrea. She instructs live, and she mirror-cues. There are four background exercisers, two men and two women. One woman demonstrates easier modifications. There is a functional fitness emphasis in all the routines, meaning the entire core, and not just the abs, is worked from many different angles. Core stability is constantly challenged, and flexibility training is also incorporated into the routines. There are a lot of plank variations, and surprisingly few crunch-type moves.
All About Abs is from Mindy’s own Fitflixs production company. The set is on the dark side but pleasant enough and it is easy to see everyone. Music is typical exercise fare (provided by Power Music) but decent.
The DVD is chaptered by individual routine. The workouts break down as follows:
-Med Ball (12 minutes): Mindy begins standing, tossing the ball back and forth, doing figure 8’s under the legs, and circling the ball around the body. Side crunches and twists follow. It is then down to the floor where Mindy repeats the ball tosses, etc. while seated. Next are a series of partial roll-backs, first holding the ball out to the front, then sweeping back to each side (adding in optional center tosses), then side-to-side floor touches. Crunch variations with the ball between the knees and balanced atop the ankles follow. We then flip prone for pushups with the ball under first one hand, then both hands. Plank work follows with both hands on ball and moving the legs. Supermans with the ball balanced on the back of the legs completes the med ball workout. (At one point during this routine one of the background guys loses control of his ball and has to chase it halfway across the set. I’m glad they left this in – besides making me grin, it also assures me I’m not the only one this ever happens to!)
-Stability Ball (16 minutes): The routine starts off with standing twists side to side, then raises overhead (be prepared to modify if you have 8-foot popcorn ceilings like me!), then some clock circles and a few standing rollouts. Next is some plank work, with first hands, then elbows, on the ball. Bird dogs follow, then there is a long set of back extensions. Mindy next has us put our feet on the ball for pushups, then adds in pikes (very challenging!). Flipping to supine, we do ball transfers from feet to hands, then full situps holding the ball in front of the body. Next are side planks with the ball between the ankles. Switching position to torso atop the ball, we do side twists then some traditional crunches (to which Mindy quickly adds some non-traditional variations). We finish this workout with a silly/fun move, doing 180-degree twists with the torso supported on the ball.
-No Equipment (15 minutes): Mindy begins with standing twists, knee-ups and side bends, before moving to all fours for cat-cow, then leg shoot-outs incorporating pushups. We move prone for Pilates swimming and upper back extensions. Next we flip over for a long set of crunch variations that also incorporates the legs. Spinal rolls follow, ending in a V-sit. Planks are next, and it’s a very long set. We begin with a side plank, incorporating hip dips and then a curl over to a pushup. Next is an elbow plank, during which we shift the body forward and back, and then move up and down in the plank from elbows to hands and back. The side plank series is repeated on the other side, then back onto the elbows for another plank, moving the legs in and out. A well-deserved cat-cow stretch ends the segment.
-Bonus Gliding Workout (9 minutes): This one uses Mindy’s gliding disks. If you don’t have the disks you can try paper plates (if you are working out on carpeting) or rags (if you have a hard surface). Some VFers have successfully substituted furniture moving disks for gliding disks. We begin on all fours with feet on the disks, doing first bird dogs then planks with variations. Next is sliding from all fours to prone with the disks under the hands, followed by pushups and back extensions. A version of side plank follows with a disk under the supporting hand. Mindy does crunch variations with the disks under both feet before concluding the routine with the side plank on the other side.
I have just a couple of quibbles. Mindy does some stretching, but more stretching at the end of the routines would have been welcome. And what’s with all the pushups?! Luckily all the pushup sets are short and easily modified.
Collage rates this DVD as advanced. It is certainly challenging (a local VF friend who is an advanced exerciser says All About Abs makes her want to throw rotten tomatoes at Mindy!). I’m an intermediate exerciser and I often can’t keep up or do all the reps. I follow the modifier a lot. But I like that there is room to grow with this one, and that Mindy herself is always very encouraging. All About Abs is definitely not for the novice exerciser, however.
Bottom Line: Good functional core work is an exercise priority for me, but I find many of my favorite forms of exercise (e.g. barre, Classical Stretch) or most-used instructors (Margaret Richard, Leslie Sansone) lacking in this area – the core work presented is too easy, too crunch-based, too difficult to do without risking injury, or doesn’t train the back as well as the abs. Lately I’ve been subbing in short core routines that do fit my standard, and All About Abs is an excellent addition to this section of my workout DVD library.
All About Abs is readily available online at Collage and Total Fitness DVDs (there are clips at both sites) as well as Amazon.
Instructor Comments:
Mindy Mylrea is a veteran video fitness instructor. She’s very chatty, a bit goofy, even – dare I say it? – kind of perky. Some find this annoying, but I’m entertained – which is a great distraction when a particular exercise is killing you! Besides, Mindy knows her stuff, instructs well, and is always encouraging.
JustSandra
09/18/2010
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Post by Karla on Aug 10, 2023 15:48:45 GMT
Creative Core Abs
Shiva Rea
Beth has reviewed this core-focused offering from Shiva in depth, I'll just piggy back my personal impressions as someone who enjoyed it from the other side of "just plain weird."
I enjoyed the routines despite my annoyance at being cheated by the repeat of the Water Core segment from Fluid Power. However, I got over it and went with the flow - as intended. I enjoyed the fluid approach and embraced cues to explore, challenge myself and get in touch with the inner fire. Moving intuitively helped to unlock my lower back and hips and brought some joy and silliness into my day. Doing the full DVD after a power walk left me sweating. I especially enjoyed the standing twisting moves after the Agni segment, the brief Warrior II variation with bow and arrow and the plank variations. And the drummer!
On the downside, this was a perfect opportunity for Shiva to instruct home yogis to integrate the power of bandhas to enhance core focus and overall strength for vinyasa - particularly mula bandha and uddiyana bandha. This was a disappointment. The brief kapalabhati breathing did not quite compensate. I do enjoy it for what it is but probably will not use it that often.
Instructor Comments:
Shiva is her usual limber, California girl self; instructs well.
Pat58
10/06/2008
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:27:29 GMT
10 minute Abs Tamilee Webb Year Released: 2002 —Workout Description— 10 minute abs is an all out attack on the obliques. For a 10 minute routine, quite a few variations of exercises are performed with each varying widely in difficulty. All is needed is a soft surface to cushion the knees and glutes – so if you are working out on hard floor, grab a mat. For advanced exercisers however, adding ankle weights will add a challenge to many of the exercises. —Presentation— The set is bright. There are no background exercisers here, so the focus is on Tamilee and her bright pink mat, which is similar to my bubble gum pink one.  The workout feels like it is really one-to-one. The music is cute and upbeat – nothing dominating but it plays softly in the background. I don’t love the music but I like it – it works with this short 10 minute routine. —Review— DIFFICULTY: You will have to be at least an intermediate exerciser to perform this entire workout the way Tamilee demonstrates it. When I first tried this video I had just started exercising and found some of the exercises impossible to perform and when I was able to do them, my form was sloppy. However, there were a few exercises that were very easy to learn and those exercises alone still delivered oblique DOMS. Now, doing this workout a year later I can take full advantage of all the exercises. If you have successfully completed workouts like Core Foundations, Ab Ripper X and Core Synergistics, this workout will be very doable if not easy for you. But because you are focusing solely on the obliques, to your surprise you might be experiencing major DOMS. For those wondering what makes some of the exercises difficult for beginner exercisers, the reason is simple: this is not about basic crunches. Some exercises require you to maintain good posture with wide range of motion (the more, the better), while others require stabilization and the ability to engage and fully contract your abdominal muscles. From my personal experience, being more exposed to more variations of abdominal routines, particularly functional fitness workouts has helped me be in more control of the movements featured in 10 minute abs. ADJUSTING THE PACE: The speed of the kneeling side reaches (or whatever they are called – Tamilee does not assign a name to these) can seem too quick at first but once you build familiarity with this exercise it becomes easy to perform. I did them at a slightly slower pace at first making sure my posture was good – no hunching here – sit up straight! You might have to perform other exercises slower to get full use of that range of motion and although Tamilee is not waiting for you, who cares, just slow it down – that was my mistake, trying to match her speed too soon, even if that meant terrible form. COMPLETENESS: Although it does not target the upper and lower abs, I feel that I get plenty of that already in my regular abdominal routines. On the other hand, I rarely experience soreness in my obliques, so 10 minute abs is an essential piece in my video collection. This workout lacks a warm-up and cool down but functions more like an add-on. You can easily tack this on to any regular workout day. I only wish that this workout was paired with Tamilee’s I Want Those Abs Series so more people would be exposed to it – I feel that this is one of those highly underrated workouts. HIGHLIGHTS: I like the sequencing of exercises because you rotate a bunch of different exercises but then revisit them again later in the workout. Overall, I felt the rep count for each exercise adequate but I do add on reps sometimes during the short transition between exercises. The most difficult exercise is the side hip raise (same exercise seen in P90X Core Synergistics and TLP workouts), an exercise where you lay straight on your side, with your lower forearm (closest to the ground) supporting you while you lift your hip straight toward the ceiling. Tamilee even adds a little extra challenge to the side hip raises by requiring you to hold the elevated position while bringing the knee into the chest. Now that I can do this exercise, I love it – conquering the stability challenge and isometric contractions makes me feel powerful. LASTING APPEAL: I cannot resist this workout because it is a) short b) fun and full of variety c) easy going with no dread factor d) effective in targeting and building the oblique muscle group. 10 minute abs as of now, delivers the best oblique workout for me. There is also room for growth because a learning curve does exist to take full advantage of the exercises. The better you get, the more you will feel your muscles engage and contract. I don’t rely on this workout as a complete solution for my abdominal training needs but I periodically add this workout to my exercise regime because although the exercises are now easy for me to perform, 10 minute abs still has that sneaky factor of pounding in the oblique muscle soreness the next day. Instructor Comments: Tamilee is great on camera and nice to listen to. She gives you some helpful form pointers for some exercises but then they are non-existent for others. Her form however is impeccable so if you can watch and learn with minimal instruction you should have no problem learning the exercises. Celes 08/16/2004 A fast-paced intermed-adv abs workout with NO CRUNCHES. The workout is tough on the obliques but overall the tape is light on the instruction and form pointers and could have used better music. Tamilee Webb leads the workout in a gym studio set that looks a bit like the set in the "I Want Those" series, but the lighting is less flattering. The music is a single tune for the entire 10min workout, a fast-paced synthesized pop tune, a bit repetitive and not quite as good as the music in the "I Want Those" series. There is no warm-up, Tamilee begins quickly with side bends on your knees on the mat and continues non-stop for exactly 10min. She concludes with a very very short (1/2 min) stretch (stretching side-to-side while kneeling). Funny, I noticed the exercise mat she’s working out on is *pink*. Very pink. Light Barbie pink. Don’t know why this stood out in my mind but it does! Tamilee demonstrates the exercises with very few form pointers and minimal instruction. She does: (1) Kneeling side bends alternating arms overhead (2) Lying side hip lifts R side (3) Lying side crossover crunches R side (4) Repeat 1-3 on the L side (5) Kneeling torso twists with crunch (6) Lying hip lift, then with knee in to chest R side (7) Lying side crossover crunches then both leg lifts on the R side (8) Repeat 5-7 on the L side (9) Kneeling side bends with upright row arm, alternating sides TOTAL workout: 9.5min (10) Kneeling side stretch, both sides (1/2 min) All in all, I felt that the workout was good (my obliques are VERY sore today!) but I missed the helpful instruction & form pointers Tamilee puts into her other videos, it would be helpful to preventing back injuries when doing some of the faster moves. At one point her side-to-side bends switching arms overhead is so fast it feels like you’re using momentum to change direction – as close as you can get to a ballistic move in an abs video. It’s especially hard not to compare this workout to "I Want Those Abs" a tape that is a better value (two 15min ab workouts for about $10, the same price I paid for this video), has better lighting and music, better instruction, and a better warm-up & cool-down. Tamilee obviously designed this workout to be tacked onto other workouts, which I can appreciate. But I was a little caught unprepared when the tape opens up with her on the mat and she launched immediately into side bends. Is the workout harder than "I Want Those Abs"? No, I would say the oblique work is very thorough – I’m sore in the obliques the day after and a little sore in the lower abs, don’t feel much in the upper abs today though. I would say that the 10 Minute Abs is similar in intensity to the 1st level workout in "I Want Those Abs" and the advanced workout in "I Want Those Abs" is tougher and overall more balanced. If you are looking for a great tough Abs workout, you should spend your money on "I Want Those Abs" (which is also on the "I Want That Body" DVD, a great bargain if you can find it for less than $15). If you want more oblique work and you never want to see a crunch again, you may want to add the Tighter Assets 10 Minute Abs tape to your collection. I hope that Natural Journeys decides to put this tape on DVD, someday I hope to have all my exercise videos on DVD. Instructor Comments: Tamilee is pleasant, serious and straight-forward in this tape, not as friendly as she is in her "I Want Those" workout series. She sports a jeweled belly-button ring which I found a bit distracting. She definitely is tough though and knows her stuff! Dawn P 11/04/2002 |
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:28:09 GMT
10 Minute Solution Best Belly Blasters!
Amy Bento, Jennifer Galardi, Lara Hudson, Jessica Smith, Suzanne Bowen
Year Released: 2011
This dvd contains six 10 minute core sections from various previously released 10 Minute Solution dvds. Each section is different and all are great choices for this dvd. As with all 10 MS dvds, you can mix & match to create a custom workout or select one for those time crunched days.
Pilates Perfect Abs (Blast Off Belly Fat, Suzanne Bowen): Suzanne starts with breathing exercises then onto the 100, single & double leg stretch, leg scissors, roll up, teaser, and supermans to hit the lower back. As the title suggests this is pilates core work.
Six Pack Ab Attach (Ultimate Bootcamp, Jessica Smith): Starts with some standing ab work and then goes down to the floor for crawling planks, plank twists, plank to side planks, crunch variations, and sit up variations. My abs were fried by the end of this. Unique and fun and kept in the boocamp spirit.
Dancers Abs (Dance It Off & Tone it Up! Jennifer Galardi): This is a dance inspired core workout- all done standing. Jen provides plenty of movement to get the heart up a bit. Exercises include rib-cage isolations, hop rolls, hip sways, party arms, belly dance, etc. She combines the exercises into a fun little core dance routine.
Belly Fat Burner (5 Day Get Fit Mix, Amy Bento): Amy begins with some creative standing ab exercises with light weights, then on to the floor. Exercises include: weighted side drops, windmill dumbbell swing, V-sit leg pull, and several plank and crunch variations. This workout was fun and effective!
Waist Slimmer (Rapid Results Pilates Lara Hudson): This pilates core work includes toe drops, 100 variations, "coordination", single leg teaser, can can, lying hip circles, oblique roll overs with side leg raises, and other pilates exercises.
Bikini Belly (Quick Tummy Toners, Jessica Smith): This is a fun fun core cardio workout. You perform a fun standing cardio routine that hits your core from every angle. You do a short routine and Jessica adds on as you go. You do exercises such as knee strikes, figure 8, bob and weave, side twists, ski jumps, etc. LOVE this segment!!!! A perfect add and a great multi-tasker (core & cardio). I received this dvd to review.
lindseylu8
08/09/2011
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:28:59 GMT
10 Minute Solution: Quick Tummy Toners
Jessica Smith
Year Released: 2008
This dvd has five 10 minute ab routines on it. Though the yoga one is not entirely ab work IMO. As with all 10 Min Solutions w/o's each segment includes a short warmup and cooldown. The segments include:
Crunch Free Abs: this segment is actually done on the floor not standing, which surprised me. You dont do any crunches though, I would say its pilates inspired and includes some standard pilates ab work and balance work.
Yoga Abs: a few ab moves in it but it would be used better as a yoga workout or a cooldown/ stretch to follow a workout.
Bikini Belly: This is my favorite segment! Its a core cardio workout as I like to call it. You are standing the entire time. You do a short routine and Jessica adds on as you go. There is some TIFTing here but she adds on and its ony 10 minutes so it doesnt bother me. You do moves like knee strikes, figure 8, bob and weave, side twists, ski jumps, etc. VERY fun segment!!!! And a perfect add on.
Ab & Waist Definer: This is an oblique focused workout. You do some standing moves like lunge with a side twist and some seated moves like V-sits while twisting side to side. There is also a kneeling segment that has some unique ab work in it.
Sexy, Sporty Abs: She points out which sports you would utilize some of this work in so its lives up to its title. It includes a crunch sequence and a plank sequence. Some of the moves are standard and some are unique.
Jessica is a great lead. Very motivational and excellent cueing. She is enthusiastic but not overly so. I use this dvd A LOT and I have a lot of other ab w/o's. I just love the bikini belly routine. Its fun and different from most everything else Ive got (and Ive got a LOT of dvds); I can get in a bit of cardio with my ab work. I definately reccomend this dvd! It is good for beginners through advanced IMO.
Instructor Comments:
Jessica is an excellent lead!
lindseylu8
01/20/2010
This is an all ab workout from the 10 Minute Solution series. Unfortunately I cannot compare this to their earlier all ab workout 10MS Blast Off Belly Fat with Suzanne Bowen because I do not have that workout. I definitely do NOT need any more ab-exclusive add-on workouts in my collection, but invested in this one because the workouts looked functional, creative, and innovative based on the video clip from Collage. I was not disappointed and I really enjoy this workout, and I reach for it frequently, often in lieu of other short ab add-ons in my collection. I use this workout as an add-on only (one or two sections) and have never done the entire 50 minutes in entirety.
Like all 10 Minute Solution videos, there are five 10-minute sections that each have a specific focus with a very brief (~30 seconds) warm-up and cool down for each section. This video is broken into five parts:
-Crunch Free Abs: This section is pilates-influenced but not a purely pilates workout (more of a fusion). You stay on the floor for this workout and she has designed each exercise progressive phases: a beginner modification and advanced moves to work up to, challenging balance and strength. Various moves include being on your back with your opposite arm and leg moving out to the side and back in, progressing to the same move in bridge pose (hips off the ground – a balance challenge!), roll like a ball, pilates hundred, hip dancing in bridge position, table pose with opposite arm and leg out then pulsing the leg with arm extended (balance challenge), Russian twists with feet on ground, tough plank series with rotational moves. I do not do this section as frequently but it has a great selection for balance and pilates-influenced strengthening.
-Yoga Abs: As suggested by the title, this is a yoga sequence. I don’t really feel like it is “ab specific” per se, and perhaps that is intentional because they explain that you will tone your abs with relaxation and decreasing stress hormones, which studies show increase belly fat, more than by the toning itself in this section. As such this is my least frequented section unless I want a stretch section after my workout and ab add on since the DVD is already playing. Exercises include one brief vinyasa, low lunge to crescent lunge with a twist, warrior 3 (balance challenge), tree pose, downward dog, and boat pose. Admittedly I feel like this is pretty “forgettable” for yoga work and if I wanted to do yoga I would choose another yoga video with more variety of moves, and if I wanted ab work I would choose another section that really tones the abs.
-Bikini Belly: The standing aerobic section and the only aerobics in the whole video. This is a GREAT section and perhaps my favorite tied with Ab & Waist Definer. The aerobics are fun and easy to learn (I am choreographically challenged) and did not seem repetitive to me, and used the add-on style. In the first five minutes, you learn one move at a time (among the moves: side to side twist, side to side lunge, bob and weave type move with an emphasis on crunching your abs, jumping jacks, crescent squats, jump rope – always with a focus on tightening your core) and add on each move until you have a complete sequence; in the second five minutes you complete the entire learned sequence 3 or 4 times without breaking. My core feels pleasantly worked at the end of the 10 minutes and my heart rate climbs up there when I keep the intensity high.
-Ab & Waist Definer: Just like the back cover promises, this section specifically focuses on rotational exercises for your side waist. Along with Bikini Belly this is my other favorite section and what I feel has the most creative moves on the DVD and makes the DVD purchase worthwhile, though I am admittedly a huge fan of rotational moves so this might be a biased opinion (lol). In a kneeling pose you reach back to your toes side to side, in a table position you extend one leg and twist towards that leg with progressive moves to work your balance and with leg pulses, you also do a “50’s pin up” pose (reminds me of pilates can can) twisting from side to side while in a partial V sit with your hands supporting you on the floor behind you, standing lunges with a twist side to side over the front knee, and a tough plank series with (you guessed it!) side to side twisting. At the end the side waist feels very worked and cinched in with all those twisting moves.
-Sexy, Sporty Abs: This section is the closest in the DVD to being traditional ab work but still includes a variety of creative moves. I think of all the sections you get the most lower ab work here. Included is the scissor with straight legs, pilates can-can, double leg stretch, the bicycle, crunches with legs extended on the floor (leading into prior mentioned scissor), and another crunch variation with legs resting in butterfly stretch (to reduce the usage of hip flexors) then lift the legs for intensity, an intense side plank series moving the hip up and down then incorporating a twisting from top elbow to bottom elbow, tick tock move laying on your back with knees bent, moving from side to side then pausing at the side to do side crunches, back to tick tock and repeat on other side, backwards plank facing upwards and extend hips to ceiling, cobra pose at the end to stretch the abs. This is a fun little section and I do not do it often enough, it is concise and comprehensive. Jessica mentions that this or that move is good for skiing or surfing to keep with the “sporty abs” title, but it is not annoying or incessant.
Like the majority of the other 10 Minute Solution workouts, this is solid Intermediate level with some room for beginners to grow into and for high intermediates to enjoy, depending on how intense you choose to make your workout. This workout is NOT comparable to Cathe’s STS Ab Circuits or anything to that extent for the very advanced, but for those of us in the Intermediate field this is a very enjoyable and creative workout. The music is the classic upbeat but generic selection with usually two tunes in a 10 minute section. Except for the yoga section it is highly recommended, but not essential for those who already have an extensive ab workout collection or who do not enjoy ab work. However if you are looking for a good ab add on go-to workout, this is one of the best I have with a great variety, intensity but doable, and lots of plank work, balance, and rotational moves which I enjoy. Jessica Smith teaches by herself in a large uncluttered room that should look familiar to those who have worked out with other 10 Minute Solution workouts. High production quality and mix-and-match menu choices like all 10MS DVDs. Grade A.
Instructor Comments:
This is my first video with Jessica Smith and I really enjoyed her instruction a lot. She is enthusiastic, upbeat, encouraging, and has good form pointers. Since purchasing this workout I got 10MS Knockout Body also with Jessica and have enjoyed that immensely too. I hope 10MS keeps her on as a continual instructor because she gives the workouts a lot of charisma in my opinion.
Emily B.
09/09/2009
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:29:55 GMT
20 Minute Yoga Makeover - Flat Abs
Sara Ivanhoe
Year Released: 2004
I am definitely a novice at yoga. For abs I would normally do traditional or pilates, usually not yoga. This is beginner level, nice for a light day, not too challenging. I love the outdoor setting, and Sara Ivanhoe does a great job instructing this. It's very enjoyable.
Instructor Comments:
Nice instruction on movement and breath. Very calm. Good cues.
PeakFitness
01/18/2011
I really love this workout as a complement to traditional ab work. While I wouldn't replace my Cathe ab workouts with this, I think the slow controlled movement in this workout is a nice change of pace from the fast paced ab work Cathe and others do. The emphasis is on less reps with lots of stretching.
The workout begins with a nice warm up with side bends and twists along with the levitation move found in Core Max. As an added bonus, all the twists and stretchs in the workout really got the kinks out of my back and neck. It also increased my range of motion with my neck.
Following the warm up is a nice series of planks with inverse crunches (bringing the knee to the forehead.) This requires quite a bit of upper body strength as you hold yourself in plank and 3-legged down dog for quite a while. I found this challenging but also effective.
Next is seated postures like boat pose wtih twists. She starts out simple so that beginners have their pose right away but then goes into the more advanced postures. In the future, I'll probably go right into the advanced postures.
She finishes with some upper body work that includes slow bicycles with bent and then straight legs. She also does some crunches that she calls mundra crunches. Basically, you do a crunch and then hold it for a few breaths. Very nice change of pace from traditional crunches. She also does some twists where you lie on your back and take bent legs or straight legs to one side and then the other.
The music is in this workout is all instrumental. I really enjoyed it. There are some driving piano melodies along with some new age stuff that sounds like Yanni. I really liked it a lot. It wasn't intrusive but was upbeat and added to the workout. I also liked how she had stretches between each exercise. The time flew by. I would highly recommend this workout to someone who is bored with traditional ab work and wants to try something a little different.
Instructor Comments:
Very down to Earth and encouraging. Some might find her patronizing. She shows excellent form and clearly knows her stuff.
Elisabeth (pipsqueak3211)
05/12/2005
In this 20 minute video, instructor Sara Ivanhoe leads a challenging yoga practice aimed at strengthening your core abdominal muscles. She begins with standing side bends, adding a twist with a knee lift. Next comes some additional seated stretches with forward bends, twists, and spine rolls. Sara then moves to an all-fours position and leads some particularly challenging work moving from down dog to plank pose with one leg pulled in towards your chest. This is followed by some additional seated twists, including a twisting boat pose. Lying on your back, you'll then perform Pilates-like abs moves such as criss-cross, bicycle, and stretches with both bent and straight legs. You'll also perform a half sit up with the legs both bent and stright as well as side knee drops with the legs both bent and straight.
Although the box for this video says that it is "designed for all abilities," this is a tough, challening practice which is likely to feel overwhelming for beginners. The practice is best suited to those with some level of prior yoga experience as well as some pre-existing core strength. Overall, if you like Sara, have done yoga before, and want to focus more on your core, this might be a good video for you.
Instructor Comments:
Sara's personality is very similar to her Crunch and Dummies videos: she is very down-to-earth, although some might find her language to be somewhat patronizing.
Beth C (aka toaster)
11/28/2004
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:30:57 GMT
21 Day Fix 10 Minute Ab Fix
Autumn Calabrese
Year Released: 2014
Autumn works out with a group of background exercisers, one providing beginner modifications. This workout is found on both DVDs in the set. You wont need any equipment for this nonstop ab blast.
All exercisers are done on the floor and are performed for 20 seconds each. Exercises include: crunches, double crunches, crunches with your legs extended, toe reaches, oblique crunches, side crunches, bicycle, and then repeat. You finish up with criss cross ankles and flutter kicks.
This is a nonstop 10 minutes of concentrated ab work! I rate it advanced and you really accomplish a lot in only 10 minutes. As always Autumn is motivating and provides great cuing & form pointers. I received this DVD to review.
lindseylu8
07/23/2015
The 21 Day Fix system is a series of seven workouts (plus several optional routines) plus a nutrition plan designed to change your body when followed as specified for 21 days. The workouts are led by Autumn Calabrese, who teaches each routine live with a group of approximately six background exercisers. In general, Calabrese sets up each move and then walks around the room, offering words of encouragement and pushing the class members to perform.
10 Minute Abs Fix is one of the add-on workouts for 21 Day Fix, and the theme (each workout has a theme) is "Earn the Body You Want." This routine is optional in the 21 day rotation. It has no warm-up or cool-down. One of the background exercisers, Cat, does modify some of the exercises.
Calabrese moves steadily from exercise to exercise, completing each without rests, and then returning to the beginning to repeat the entire series once. The exercises are listed below.
Crunches
Crunches with legs in table top
Crunches with right leg raised
Crunches with left leg raised
Crunches with criss cross
Crunches with toe tap
Twisting crunches (legs raised)
Oblique crunches (legs to one side)
Bicycles
After the second round, Calabrese introduces a "Bonus" round with two exercises performed leaning back on the elbows, leg crosses at the ankle and flutter kicks.
Overall, this was an okay routine for a quick abs workout focused solely on crunches, but there was certainly nothing unique, new, or different about it.
Instructor Comments:
I find Autumn's instructor to be just okay. She does mirror cue, which is nice, and she offers decent form pointers at times. But I'm not a fan of the walk around the room style of instructing, which comes across more like a drill sergeant to me; I find it much more motivating when the instructor does the workout right along with me the entire time. Also, I don't like the ways in which Autumn says things that could unnecessarily lead you to push yourself to injury, such as "you can do anything for 60 seconds!" (no, sometimes you can't).
Beth C (aka toaster)
04/13/2015
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:33:03 GMT
30 Days to Firmer Abs and Arms
Donna Richardson
Year Released: 2000
This tape consists of about 25 minutes of floor aerobics and 20 minutes of toning with a stretch at the end. I would say that the tape is beginner in some respects and intermediate in others. The aerobics are pretty fun, and there is one person always showing low impact, which is nice. I like the routine with the exception of one point where Donna begins a routine section where you do kick ball changes. There’s a part where she’s adding on step touches with a pivot and you never end up on the correct foot for the next move until the routine is finally broken down and you do the step touch pivot on at the end of both the right and left side of a grape vine. Besides this point, I found the aerobic section really fun to do, and the music certainly is motivating as well. You sort of slide into the cool down by bringing down the impact and intensity of the moves, you could then stop the tape and cool down more if needed and get a chair and weights for the upper body toning. The toning consists of one (or tops 2) set of 12 reps for each exercise, so you should try to go as heavy as you can for the speed of each move. The tape could really use a set of push-ups but instead, the chest exercises are thrown in before you do the ab work by doing flies on the ground. The ab work is pretty good. Then you go into a series of seated stretches that mimic yoga moves. I think I would have preferred more stretches for individual muscles of the upper body but those can be added after the seated set. Overall, a nice short workout that is perky and gets an upper body tone in too.
Instructor Comments:
Donna Richardson is very energetic and is good at leading you through the routines. She also seems pretty comfortable in these videos, moreso than others I have seen her in (just my observation) Her floor routines are quite fun, a nice blend of athletic and funky.
Lisa K
12/18/1999
I think this is a fun beginner/intermediate tape. Donna is really motivating & she just wants you to enjoy yourself. The aerobics is dancey but not so funky that a non-coordinated person can't do it. The moves are hi/lo but there's a background exerciser that does all low impact moves. The toning section for the upper body is short. We do one set of one arm rows on the right side, a set of one arm rows combined with tricep kickbacks with the palms facing forward on the right side, a combo set of front raises, side lateral raises, & 2 shoulder presses. Then we do a set of one arm rows & a set of one arms rows combined with tricep kickbacks on the left side. We then do 2 sets of concentration curls & one arm tricep overhead presses on both sides. Then its down on the floor for abs, chest flys, & chest presses. So the whole upper body is worked but it's just not that intense. I might put this tape on the exchange. I need something more challenging. Currently, I'm combining it with other tapes.
Instructor Comments:
Donna is a fun instructor. She reminds me of Victoria Johnson. They both like to dance & their aerobics-style is a combination athletic & do-able funk. They even give the same comments about looking "Fine", etc.
Helen S
01/08/1999
While the video does not make me sweat as much as the step videos do, I do enjoy it. It gets my heart rate up a bit and gets my body in motion . While the steps are a little tricky at first, you eventually catch on.The music is very motivational and appropriate for each segment. My favorite part is the toning sections. The abs are targeted and worked in a 5 minute period. That is perfect for my level because I am just starting to do toing exercises. Overall this is a really fun video made by a really motivational person. Go Donna!!
She makes you feel like you are dancing and having fun instead of sweating and burning calories. She has excellent cues and leads you through each workout clearly.
Kori Y
03/05/1997
30 days to thinner thighs and 30 days to firmer arms and abs
Donna has done a great job identifying her target audience of advanced beginners to intermediates who like fun, dance party workouts with these two. The aerobics really do feel like social/ party dancing. Lots of hip shimmies and wiggles and so on. I think I saw someone else describe this as vulgar, but I didn't think so at all. I thought she really captured the fun, let it all hang out spirit of a party. The aerobics aren't terribly intense or complicated, but sometimes her cueing is off. If you're not very coordinated, you might have trouble getting all the steps. But after a few run throughs, you won't miss a beat. I liked the legs video better because I thought the toning was more interesting. Both start with a warm up, then floor aerobics, then toning and a good stretch. She offers options in the aerobics to increase the impact and intensity. These workouts are a lot of fun if you like a little attitude and dancey fun in your workouts. What I think really makes these videos stand out is Donna and her friends. They are having so much fun its contagious. They also have very real, fit, atheletic, attractive, healthy bodies. Its nice and refreshing to see normal women working out, having fun and looking good. I found it motivating. Lots of fun.
Instructor Comments:
donna is fun, funky and enthusiastic. she really seems to enjoy working out, and wants everyone to have as much fun as she has. Her workout personality is so different from the cheesy personality she has when she introduces her videos. She seems so friendly and down to earth.
linda
11/30/-0001
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Post by Karla on Nov 4, 2023 14:33:47 GMT
21 Day Fix Flat Abs Fix
Autumn Calabrese
Year Released: 2014
Autumn works out with a group of background exercisers, one providing beginner modifications. This workout is found on both DVDs in the set. You wont need any equipment for this nonstop ab blast.
All exercisers are done on the floor and are performed for 20 seconds each. Exercises include: crunches, double crunches, crunches with your legs extended, toe reaches, oblique crunches, side crunches, bicycle, and then repeat. You finish up with criss cross ankles and flutter kicks.
This is a nonstop 10 minutes of concentrated ab work! I rate it advanced and you really accomplish a lot in only 10 minutes. As always Autumn is motivating and provides great cuing & form pointers. I received this DVD to review.
lindseylu8
07/23/2015
The 21 Day Fix system is a series of seven workouts (plus several optional routines) plus a nutrition plan designed to change your body when followed as specified for 21 days. The workouts are led by Autumn Calabrese, who teaches each routine live with a group of approximately six background exercisers. In general, Calabrese sets up each move and then walks around the room, offering words of encouragement and pushing the class members to perform.
Flat Abs Fix is one of the add-on workouts for 21 Day Fix, and the theme (each workout has a theme) is "Tomorrow you'll be glad you did this today." Calabrese recommends using one moderate weight for this routine, which has NO warm-up or cool-down. There are five rounds, and each round has two exercises. You perform the exercises for one minute each, repeat both exercises, then move on to the next round.
Here are the rounds for Flat Abs Fix:
ROUND ONE
*Standing oblique crunch pulling dumbbell from overhead
*Standing knee raise to front with dumbbell pull down
ROUND TWO
*Standing side bend with dumbbell
*Forearm plank with rock
ROUND THREE
*High plank with knees in and to the side
*Side plank with hip drop
(A very brief stretch follows this round.)
ROUND FOUR
*Crunches
*Side-lying oblique crunches
ROUND FIVE
*Side obliques
*Situp with alternating leg lift using dumbbell
BONUS ROUND (on forearms; repeated once)
*Flutter kicks (30 seconds)
*Scissor kicks (1 minute)
This workout comes in at just over 30 minutes (31.5). I enjoyed the standing work more, and I found the the bonus round was unnecessary; I would have preferred to have a stretch at the end.
Instructor Comments:
I find Autumn's instruction to be just okay. She does mirror cue, which is nice, and she offers decent form pointers at times. But I'm not a fan of the walk around the room style of instructing, which comes across more like a drill sergeant to me; I find it much more motivating when the instructor does the workout right along with me the entire time. Also, I don't like the ways in which Autumn says things that could unnecessarily lead you to push yourself to injury, such as "you can do anything for 60 seconds!" (no, sometimes you can't).
Beth C (aka toaster)
04/20/2015
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Post by Karla on Jan 6, 2024 18:16:19 GMT
Yoga Booty Ballet Live: Hip Hop Abs
Teigh McDonough, Gillian Marloth
Year Released: 2005
I’m reviewing this workout after previewing once and doing twice.
General workout breakdown: I can’t possibly add anything to Beth or Kickdancer’s great breakdowns except note that this runs about 35 min., with just over 20 min. of that for cardio.
Level: I’d recommend this to experienced beginners (e.g. someone who has been working out for a bit or who has previous exercise experience but isn’t up for an advanced workout yet) through mid-intermediates. This series is great for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time and wants to get it all in, for someone who’s stuck or bored and wants something different to refind their spark, for someone returning to exercise after a break (baby, illness, etc.), etc. I enjoyed using this after an illness, when I wanted something fun to get me back into exercising. I usually work out at the intermediate / advanced level, but after illnesses I appreciate workouts that are more at the beginner / intermediate level, and this one left me sweating! It’s definitely one of those “you get out of it what you put into it” workouts.
Class: 7 women and 2 men, introduced as real students from their studio, join Teigh and Gillian, who instruct live.
Music: Ravi drums live, with some instrumental accompaniment playing in the background.
Set: bright interior studio with a wood floor, brick wall, and various exercise equipment (mats, barre, Swiss balls, etc.) scattered around.
Production: clear picture and sound. The camera angles are usually helpful, with nothing too funny or distracting.
Equipment: yoga mat (or equivalent, if needed) and YBB squishy ball (any smallish playground-style ball will do; I was able to use my Pilates ring / magic circle for a good number of the exercises). I did this once with shoes and once barefoot on my puzzle mats.
Space Requirements: You should be able to take a couple of steps to each side as well as forwards and backwards. Make sure you have room for flailing arms!
DVD Notes: Fortunately you can skip through the couple of intro chapters. The workout is divided into chapters, with the opening in two chapters and the ending abs segment in its own chapter, leaving a couple for the cardio. Several Beachbody commercials run immediately after the program.
My copy came with YBB Live: Cardio Carbaret on a separate DVD within the same case; this is also available by itself.
Comments: Warning: you may find your fear of dancing and inhibitions about looking silly while working out fly out the window (even if the blinds are down and curtains drawn lest anyone see you)! This workout is definitely about having fun and just happening to get a good workout in at the same time. That said, I noted above that this was good for someone who wanted to do a little bit of everything. If, like me, you prefer to focus on one thing at a time, you may not find yourself reaching for this often.
This is primarily a low impact workout (i.e. your feet aren’t usually both leaving the floor at the same time), although there are a few little jumps and twisty moves. If you have sensitive knees, make sure you unload your knee before turning or twisting it, and feel free to take out the pivots to stay front while the others turn to the side or around in a circle.
Instructor Comments:
The two instructors switch off. Both are about equally strong with cueing, so this works well. Teigh and Gillian are definitely having a good time. Yeah, they’re kind of goofy, perhaps even a little over the top in some spots, but for someone like me who’s not exactly prime material for So You Think You Can Dance that helps me feel more comfortable about making a fool of myself. I agree that Gillian and Teigh could spend more time explaining what moves are, but if you’re primarily a visual learner (i.e. you learn best by watching someone else) you’ll be just fine. Also, because they don’t stop to break down moves down the pace – and thus your heartrate – never slows down. A couple of times they trip up on mirror cueing, but otherwise they’re fairly easy to follow.
KathAL79
02/25/2008
I am not a talented dancer, but I was able to pick up on the moves in this video. I liked the music and the dancing. The abs section was challenging.
Instructor Comments:
Funny, good team teachers, good cuing, encouraging
Sarah
10/03/2005
I don’t care if I’m late to the party; I’m just glad that I’ve actually found the party and am enjoying it! Me, the cantankerously particular critic who finds something to nitpick in practically every workout. I’ve posted long explanations of what bugs me about beloved instructors like Cathe and Kimberly, why I can’t stand Tae Bo, and exactly how I think Greg ought to film his workouts, but now I feel like shouting out, “Mikey likes it!” (Apologies to anyone who doesn’t remember the old Life cereal commercials.)
These are the dance workouts I’d been wanting for so long. To anyone else out there wondering where all the jazz dance workouts are: Yoo-hoo, I’ve found them, over here! They make me feel like I’m back in those jazz classes I’ve been missing. I recognize a lot of the moves from jazz dance (although I’m pretty hard-pressed to describe them, as everybody else is). But YBB outdoes my classes on one very important parameter: they make me feel wonderful! I just couldn’t stop smiling when doing these workouts. It’s the mood that Gillian and Teigh set. Kimberly may tell me that I should dance “like nobody’s watching”, but Gillian and Teigh make me feel like dancing as if nobody’s watching! I don’t care if I look silly, if I mess up some of the moves (the choreography’s flexible enough that it’s easy to recover without ending up on the wrong foot or facing the wrong direction), or if I’m not shaking my hips “correctly”, I just give it my best shot and have a blast. Where Turbo Kick left me feeling like a wallflower watching someone else’s party, and where Kukuwa tried to coax me into the party but left me feeling like I was just pretending half-heartedly, YBB Live pulls me right in.
Hip Hop Abs started with setting an intention to let go of fear. How appropriate, I thought, for a dancer who’s actually performed some hip-hop in the past but who utterly failed to get the choreography in Juliane Arney’s Quick Fix Hip-Hop, who has developed a distaste for the overplayed hip-hop that shows up everywhere in pop culture, and who now feels thoroughly hip-hop-handicapped. I needn’t have worried. The pace was fast (~120bpm, with some double-time movements), but the moves were simple and the routine symmetrical. Instead of getting caught up in all the details of foot patterns and arm placement, I just kept following along and moving to the beat, adapting if I ended up doing something differently from Gillian and Teigh (I don’t even feel right describing it as making a ‘mistake’, because their attitude is so accepting!). With plenty of TIFTTing (perhaps more than necessary), I had lots of opportunities to try it again and to experiment with adding a different flavor each time. It was so liberating to dance this way, focusing on moving instead of posing. That’s been my lifelong problem with dance; I often get stuck trying to get the angle of some position “just right”, and then my feet and arms get all tangled up and I lose the feeling and the flow of the dance. Not so here—it was all about the feeling, and the feeling was fantastic.
The abs section involved some crunches with the squishy ball, roll-ups, and teasers. I had to stop because I was laughing at the background exercisers who were tossing their balls back and forth to each other between repetitions—exactly the kind of feel-good spontaneity that YBB inspires. I suppose it could have been planned, but Gillian didn’t seem to expect it, judging from her laughter.
I really marvel at how successfully Gillian and Teigh have managed to create such delightful classes and to share their infectious enthusiasm even across a prerecorded format. They’re definitely a different genre from the typical workout video. While this won’t replace your standard cardio workout, your regular yoga session, or your most-reliable abs routine, the YBB Live series fills a niche all of its own. They make wonderful “sparks” during the day when you need a pick-me-up, an excuse to get moving, or just some “me” time. I’d originally toyed with the idea of creating a compilation of all the YBB dance segments, as someone else had suggested, but I’ve since realized that I particularly love the introductory segments. The intention-setting and the jazz-dance-based warm-ups are perfect for coaxing me into a workout or movement session when I’m feeling a little unmotivated. And because Gillian and Teigh are so friendly and accepting in their teaching style, all of my usual worries about getting the choreography right or working out “hard enough” fly away. That mantra of theirs about “spreading love?” I think it might actually work.
Instructor Comments:
Gillian and Teigh have a natural and charming screen presence that persuasively conveys their love for what they do. They’re friendly, funny, sincere, and spontaneous, and they teach their class in a way that celebrates differences yet keeps everyone in sync. I love it when they switch from having everyone say, “Hey,” to saying “Yeah,” or when they change from saying it three times to only once. I always expect someone to miss the cue and shout something out all alone, but the whole class follows right along even though I don’t believe it was all preplanned. Watching everyone’s different dance style both reassures and inspires me that I can do whatever I want.
KickDancer
08/23/2005
I have the orginal YBB ballet workout, but this was my first exposure to one of the newer ones, including the Live series. In this video, Gillian and Teigh teach live in front of a large studio class; Ravi the drummer returns, and the music during the warm-up and cool-down is the same as in the original YBB.
The workout begins in a seated position. Gillian and Teigh instruct you to begin ujayyi breathing, and they then go into a Breath of Fire exercise (they don't explain either type of breathing). They also use mudras, hand gestures, to help set an intention for the class. After this initial 2 1/2 minute section, you get to your feet for some warm-ups which Gillian says are dervived from jazz isolations; these simple moves last another 3 minutes.
Next comes the cardio portion of the workout. Gillian and Teigh teach a dance routine, gradually adding in steps and frequently taking it from the top (TIFTing). Some people have said that this video has more complicated choreography than some of the other YBB Lives, but I'm somewhat of a choreo klutz, and I was able to pick up all of the moves either the first or the second time through (although I have been doing more dancey videos lately, so that probably was a help). Most of the moves were fun--slide steps, hip shakes, etc.--but some felt a bit silly to me--what was up with that cowboy move? Overall, however, I enjoyed the cardio section--I wished it had been a little longer than 17 1/2 minutes, but I still got a pretty strenuous workout in that time.
The last segment is about 11 minutes long. The first 5 minutes of this is abs work using the YBB squishy ball; I don't have a ball, but substituing my Pilates ring plus a light dumbbell in some places worked fine. This was a decent abs workout, but again, it could have been a little longer. The last 6 minutes of the workout is a combination of a few additional strength moves--eg, planks, push-ups--combined with yoga stretching and additional mudras, bringing the workout in at 34 minutes total.
Overall, I found this to be a fun, easy-to-follow workout--not necessarily the best dance video I have ever done, but one that I am likely to continue using.
Instructor Comments:
Gillian and Teigh instruct in a tag team fashion in this video; they flow together fairly seamlessly, and they both cue well. One minor issue is that they don't fully explain certain concepts/moves, so you're left to figure it out on your own. They looked a little silly to me at times (aren't they both a little old for ponytails?), but they're obviously both having fun with the workout.
Beth C (aka toaster)
08/12/2005
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Post by Karla on Jan 6, 2024 18:17:02 GMT
Yoga Booty Ballet Masters: Yoga Core
Teigh McDonough, Gillian Marloth
Year Released: 2005
Yoga Core is one of the Yoga Booty Ballet Master Series workouts. It is a half-hour workout which focuses on strengthening the midsection, primarily through yoga poses and planks, although some of the moves remind me of pilates. It is somewhat similar to the second section of the YBB Abdominals & Core Strength workout (an add-on to the original YBB set). Some of the moves in Yoga Core also reminded of Baron Baptiste's Core Power, as well as Rodney Yee's Abs Yoga.
Pat58 has already posted an excellent review of Yoga Core, so I won't do a breakdown of the moves here. I just wanted to add that of the five Master Series DVDs, this is far and away my favorite. For me it is also the most intense -- I felt it in my core for two days afterwards! It is much more intense than Goddess Abs (although now that I have done both I can see how they complement each other).
Yoga Core is worth seeking out if you prefer non-traditional ab work (including pilates), if you want to work your back and core as well as your abs, and especially if you appreciate YBB's emphasis on the mind-body connection when working out.
Instructor Comments:
As always, Teigh and Gillian offer clear, professional instruction while also emphasizing the mind-body connection. Yoga Core really shows them at their best.
JustSandra
04/02/2006
About me: I’m a former advanced exerciser, now squarely in the middle of intermediate and at a stage in my life where I prefer to enjoy workouts. Caveat: I’m partial to Yoga Booty Ballet, which is a “love it or leave it” workout.
This is the first Beach Body release of the YBB Masters. If the rest of the workouts are to be in line with this sampling, it appears YBB Masters will be less campy, although Gillian’s innate bubbly-ness is hard to subdue. Only the girls are present, in their studio sans background exercisers and Ravi. The studio is clear and bright, luminaria surround the perimeter and vases of flowers accent the border. A soundtrack ranges from new-agey, pan flute to tones of "elevator hip hop" (really not as bad as that sounds but I would have preferred a solo, low-key Ravi beat). Cuing is constant and Gillian is a bit chatty in the beginning. For some exercises Gillian performs advanced moves as Teigh modifies; for others, Teigh demonstrates as Gillian tutors.
The 30 minute workout is primarily cleansing pranayama with ab contractions, core focused asanas and a sprinkling of Pilates. The first 5 minutes include kria, pranayama and core warm up; intention and mudra. Next comes 7 minutes rolling onto the back and up into Boat in a progressive series, followed by single and double leg raises.
Next, move to the side for 9 minutes of modified side plank to plank to opposite side plank (on elbows); on stomach for Pilates swimming; "Waxing Moon" (raising upper and lower body from prone with arms extended, hands clasped and index fingers pointing); lying chest expansion; a full plank series with alternate knees-to-nose, breath of fire and alternate rear leg raises; Bow; then full side planks. While kneeling, you move right into 5 minutes of Camel, churning, Down Dog, forward bends, then roll up for Uddyiana Bhanda (a standing deep breath, forced exhalation with ab/diaphragm contraction), into standing Cat/Cow. Finish off with a brief and welcome series of gentle stretches and a "low back strengthening" intention. The girls promise you will be sore the next day.
I found this to be a different workout. It was far more interesting than Rodney Yee’s Abs Yoga, but less physically challenging than the original YBB Abs 1, 2 and 3 or a traditional Pilates workout. I did not feel particularly sore afterward – more refreshed and energized from all the deep breath work and diaphragm contractions. My core felt worked from the inside and I left with the thought, “Maybe there really is something to all this cleansing and detoxifying chatter.”
Instructor Comments:
A more serious offering from two bubbly SoCal Pal Gals. LOTS of cueing.
Pat58
11/12/2005
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Post by Karla on Jan 6, 2024 18:18:14 GMT
Weight Watchers: Ultimate Belly Series
Jennifer Cohen
Year Released: 2013
This dvd contains 3 core workouts, 10, 20 & 30 minutes each. Jennifer works out with 2 backgrounders, each performing varying intensity levels. You will need dumbbells for this workout. Each workout contains a 2 minute warmup.
10 Minute Ab Toner: Exercises include: V arm drop, V twists, crunch w/ legs extended and side plank hip drops.
20 Min Ab Express: Exercises include: knee drops, crunches, the hundred, leg bicycles, & double crunch variations.
Standing Ab Toner: Exercises include: windmill, weighted side bends, V row, V hold, V knee drops, crunch variations, oblique crunches, leg drop circles, and plank hold.
These workouts are high beginner level following Jennifer. She starts with level one, moves to level 2, and the advanced modifier then continues to level three. She encourages you to work at your own level and between the modifiers levels to truly customize this workout. Jennifer is encouraging & cheerful. I received this dvd to review.
lindseylu
01/04/2014
NOTE: I received a free copy of this DVD to review for the web site Metapsychology Online Reviews; please see that site for a more detailed version of my review.
This is one of two new releases by Weight Watchers featuring self-proclaimed "expert" fitness instructor Jennifer Cohen (the other is Weight Watchers: 15-Minute Boot Camp Series). As Cohen explains in her introduction, the Ultimate Belly Series DVD has the advantage of offering three different workout options: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Cohen herself displays the intermediate version of the moves, while her two background exercisers model the beginner and advanced.
Cohen teaches live in a large, bright studio. A mat is required for the floorwork featured on this video, and hand weights are optional for those following the intermediate or advanced options. This DVD offers a total of three workouts. Here is how they are listed on the Main Menu: 10-Minute AB Toner -- 20-Minute AB Express -- 30 Minute Standing AB Toner -- Play All. I have provided more detailed information on each routine below.
10-MINUTE AB TONER
This segment takes place entirely on the floor. Cohen starts seated with some side stretches and seated forward bends to warm up. Each exercise is performed for about one minute (I've listed the intermediate version which Cohen demonstrates): 1) c-curve with alternating sweep, 2) c-curve with rotation, 3) demi-crunch with legs in the air, and 4) side plank (both sides). The brief (1.5 minute) cool-down includes a lying twist and additional seated side stretches.
20-MINUTE AB EXPRESS
This workout also consists entirely of floorwork. Cohen again begins seated, rounding the back to warm up out, and then continuing the warm-ups lying by circling the knees. Some of the moves repeat in this segment, with the entire sequence as follows: 1) demi-crunch with legs in the air, 2) variation of Pilates 100 (2x), 3) variation of Pilates single leg stretch, 4) demi-crunch with leg crossed (both sides), 5) c-curve with partial roll-back, 6) c-curve with rotation, 7) c-curve with v-rotation, 8) c-curve with knee raise, and 9) alternating knees in (2x). Again, there is a very brief (1 minute) stretch which includes a lying twist and a seated forward fold.
30-MINUTE STANDING AB TONER
As the title suggests, this routine starts standing. Cohen moves through a quick warm-up consisting of breathing and side stretches. Two standing exercises follow (option of using a 3- or 5-pound weight if following the intermediate or advanced versions): 1) a side bend reaching the weight towards the floor in a manner very similar to the kettlebell windmill exercise, and 2) a side bend holding the weight overhead with the bicep by the ear. Oddly, although this was the "standing" workout, Cohen then moves to the mat for the entire balance of the routine! The remainder of the exercises include the following: 1) c-curve with row, 2) c-curve with hold (2x), 3) c-curve with knee dips (2x), 4) demi-crunch with twist, 5) knee ins, 6) double leg circles, 7) demi-crunch with legs in the air, and 8) elbow plank/full plank. This workout concludes with a bit longer stretch (2.5 minutes) that includes a seated cat/cow, seated forward fold, seated side bend, and seated twist.
There were several things that I found disappointing about this DVD. First, I'm not sure that the video is appropriate for "all fitness levels" as marketed, particularly for beginners. Although the background model who performs the beginner modifications does a fine job, she is a very fit-looking young woman--probably NOT the typical Weight Watchers consumer who is just starting out with a fitness program. Furthermore, c-curve abs work is used throughout these workouts, even at the beginners level. Holding the body in a c-curve position is extremely challenging for someone who has not already built up requisite core strength, and thus I do not believe this type of work is appropriate for beginners. Finally, I was disappointed with various other snafus on this DVD, from Cohen's poor cuing (e.g., when she says to hold the legs in a "chair" position, she fails to keep hers at a 90-degree angle) to her tendency to call the advanced modifier a "show-off" to the dearth of standing exercises in the "standing" routine.
This DVD might appeal to more experienced exercisers who enjoy core work on the floor and who don't mind modifying moves to suit their own needs. Personally, however, this video would not be something I would recommend.
Instructor Comments:
Cohen's instruction was fine overall, although she tends to repeat a lot of the same phrases over and over again. I also didn't like how (as mentioned above) she refers to the exerciser modeling the advanced moves as a "show-off"; these seemed totally inappropriate. And I felt the the overall selection of exercises was poor, particularly for what I assume is the targeted audience.
Beth C (aka toaster)
12/20/2013
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The workout feels like it is really one-to-one. The music is cute and upbeat – nothing dominating but it plays softly in the background. I don’t love the music but I like it – it works with this short 10 minute routine.