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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 13:25:56 GMT
Spine Balance Training
Marianna Szoke
Year Released: 2011
NOTE: I received a free review copy of this DVD from the publisher.
This DVD was developed by Marianna Szoke, a certified personal trainer and Pilates master trainer. According to the DVD case, the exercises included integrate classic Pilates with yoga and "thai chi" (apparently tai chi) elements.
This is a DVD-R, NOT a pressed DVD. In fact, when I inserted it into my DVD player, it almost looked like a copy--i.e., there is no menu, just an option to click the workout/time count which appears on screen (although this is followed by the usual disclaimers). Szoke, who has a heavy accent (her web page indicates that she is from Europe) offers a brief introduction. She demonstrates all of the exercises, but the voiceover instruction is provided by a nondescript female voice.
The entire workout is about 40 minutes long. The exercises are presented in individual segments, with the screen briefly fading to black in-between. Upon the start of each new segment, Szoke immediately begins to demonstrate the exercise, even before the voiceover instruction has fully described the movement; given this, the voiceover and Szoke's presentation are not necessarily in sync. Furthermore, the instruction is generally to continue each exercise for approximately one minute, yet each segment lasts only about 20-30 seconds.
The first 17 minutes of the workout are fairly unique. Many of the moves are performed from a slight crouch (sort of a horse's stance) and involve simple stretches such as shoulder rolls, turning the neck from side-to-side, etc. Some of the moves involved reaching and twisting at the same time: for example, on the DVD cover, Szoke is shown reaching up with one arm while holding the other hand behind her back, and she gradually moves from this position to the other side. At times, Szoke mentions connecting with energy in a way that is Tai Chi-like. In general, the movements in this section felt good, if a bit different.
For the next 10 minutes of the workout, Szoke adds a bit of a balance element to the practice with some balance leg lifts. Starting on one side, she moves one leg to the rear and then slowly lifts it up and down. After repeating on the other side, she performs the leg lifts again, this time adding a moving arm, first the same arm as leg, and then the opposite arm.
With 15 minutes left in the workout, Szoke moves down to the mat, where she begins with down dog (this was the only real yoga move in the workout). She then performs a series of Pilates exercises including single leg stretch, side plank raise, spine twist, alternate arm/leg raises on stomach, elbow plank, criss-cross, "Strong Abs 1 & 2" (sort of a half roll-up with the knees bent, adding a twist), and finally, "Knife" (rollover). For the most part, these moves were true to the classic Pilates format, although Szoke executes everything at a very slow, measured pace. She concludes the workout with approximately 2.5 minutes of stretching, including a stomach stretch, several moves in a wide-legged position, and child's position to finish.
Overall, I found this to be an odd little workout. I certainly didn't dislike it: the stretching felt nice, it's always good to work on balance, and I found the Pilates portion somewhat of a challenge for my immediate level. However, I can't see fitting this workout anywhere into my existing fitness rotation, as the sections don't really seem to go together very well, and I have other DVDs which accomplish what is being done here. However, this workout might work for someone on a light day and/or someone who is just getting back into exercise.
Instructor Comments:
It is hard to comment on Szoke, as she really just modeled rather than actually instructed the workout. She certainly has nice form and appears pleasant on screen. However, she could be hard to follow at times when she was already doing the exercise but the voiceover woman hadn't yet started explaining what we were supposed to be doing.
Beth C (aka toaster)
06/15/2011
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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:26:47 GMT
Sit and Be Fit: Balance & Fall Prevention Workouts
Mary Ann Wilson
Year Released: 2010
Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this workout.
I decided to try this DVD and analyze it for my mother in law. She is somewhat frail, 82 years old, and has fallen several times in the last year. Yet, she lives by herself (with family in surrounding houses) and takes care of herself effectively still. During our last visit, she asked me if there were any DVDs she could use to help with osteoporosis, so I got another Sit and Be Fit workout for her. I figured that she might be willing to do this workout to help her balance.
The DVD offers two workouts: a beginner workout and an intermediate workout. This is nice because it gives two levels of effort and Mary Ann Wilson encourages the participant to do the moves at their level, to take things slow, to stop a move if they are dizzy or it is too hard, etc. Throughout the workouts, she points out alternative ways to do moves depending on balance, fitness, energy, and other factors.
The Beginners Workout
Moves include:
> A Seated Warm-Up - Moves include moving your hand and following it with your eyes, moving arms in different directions,circling the torso, etc
> Standing Leg Strengthening - Moves include standing on one leg and lifting your leg to the side, stepping different directions, etc.
> Standing Balance - Moves include side lunges (very shallow) and similar movements to the previous segment at a quicker pace
The Intermediate Workout
The footage for this workout starts with a Q&A session between Mary Ann Wilson and a doctor about improving balance It's too bad they didn't break this section out to the main menu. Then, the workout starts This workout includes another physical therapist who does the modified/seated version of the standing portions of this workout and three background exercisers, two standing and one seated. These exercisers are actually off to the side and usually not into the side until presumably the camera operator thinks to swing the camer over and film them for a few seconds
The segments in this workout include:
> Seated Warm-Up
> Seated/Standing Circulation
> Seated/Standing Balance
> Seated/Standing Stretch w/Towel
Both instructors are miked and the second one interjects comments when she wants to point out form pointers for her moves and to show how the seated moves are different than the standing moves that Mary Ann is doing. Otherwise, Mary Ann talks the rest of the time. I thought it was pretty well done so that they weren't talking over each other and the second instructor didn't mess with the flow of the workout.
This workout is harder than the first one, but still wouldn't be hard at all for fit people and/or younger people. I can see how the moves, done regularly, could help improve balance.
I decided that my mother in law could do the first workout and might do the second, even if she stuck with the seated version. I'm going to take it with me the next we visit her and do the workout(s) with her so that we can talk about how she might do the workout(s).
Instructor Comments:
She has the exact right tone and instruction for her target market. She obviously has special knowledge and skills in the realm of physical therapy and people with special needs.
Laura S.
09/07/2013
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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:29:46 GMT
Yoga Can Balance Your Life
Julie Rubio
Year Released: 2003
The menu is chaptered, and each section of the practice is sub-chaptered:
1. Introduction
2. Sitting Poses: 3 "om" chants, shoulder rolls, neck rolls, extend the arms upward, arms up side twist, side bend, seated half eagle, cross-legged seated forward bend, seated spinal twist, seated forward bend with extended legs, wide-angle forward bend, boat pose, cat stretches, side-side stretch, camel, rotate hips, bow pose, thread the arm pose and cobra.
3. Standing Poses: mountain, standing forward bend, right foot lunge into warrior I, downward-facing dog, push up, cobra, downward-facing dog, left foot lunge into warrior I, downward-facing dog and walk the feet forward.
4. Balancing Poses: mountain pose, triangle pose, side angle pose, warrior II, mountain, half moon, dancer pose, standing eagle pose and tree pose.
5. Final Relaxation: squat pose, bug, side to side spinal roll, raised knee to chest pose, reclined thigh-over-thigh twist and a 5-minute relaxing corpse pose (in which she doesn't talk). The practice ends with 3 "om" chants.
This 60-minute practice is filmed on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii (very serene scenery). The production quality is outstanding and the colors are rich. The soft background music is pleasant, but monotonous and almost non-existent.
Julie performs the practice alone on a wooden platform that's nestled among lush green foliage and palm trees (white sand and a calm, blue ocean are visible in the background). She speaks quietly and clearly; her usage of spiritual language is very minimal. Julie doesn't mirror your movements during the practice.
The pace of this practice is languid and deliberate. Some may find this dull, but it helps me to improve my posture, balance and strength. One major disrupt in flow is that Julie does not always cue on coming out of a pose. It's annoying to have to play "catch up" in the sequence, but the pace is slow enough that it allows you to do so. Once I became familiar with the sequence, it wasn't a problem for me anymore.
I like a variety of hatha yoga practices in my routine, and this fits in well for non-power yoga days with its balancing/strengthening asanas.
Instructor Comments:
Julie is a yogini in her thirties, who credits yoga as having changed her life. Julie believes that yoga is a rehabilitation for the spirit as well as a healing of bodily injuries.
Julie is an executive producer for this DVD. She also co-directed and choreographed this yoga practice.
Leslie (blue_hydrangea)
12/05/2005
I have a mixed review for this DVD. There are plenty of pros. The scenery and film quality are beautiful. The practice, a little under an hour long, moves at a deliberate pace giving you time to get in to and enjoy the poses. I especially like this for the standing poses which are often dashed through during a power yoga practice. Also included are four balancing poses: half moon, dancer, eagle and tree. I really enjoyed the standing and balancing pose sequences. And since the DVD is well chaptered it will be easy to add on specific pose sequences to another practice.
There are also several cons. The practice begins with a seated pose sequence which I didn’t like and will probably skip in the future. (Rainbeau Mars’ “Pure Tranquility” is a much better seated practice.) A constant annoyance is that Rubio will talk you into a pose but doesn’t say when to come out. So you’ll be hanging out in triangle and suddenly have to scramble because she’s starting warrior 2. I also found it interesting that my back was killing me the night after I did this practice. Something to think about.
Beginners beware: I really don’t think this is a good DVD if you’re a beginner. The instruction during the practice lacks both detailed explanations of the poses and reminders for proper form. However, this might be a plus for those with yoga experience who don’t like a lot of chatter from the instructor.
Something else that warrants a mention: The sun salutations are very slow. I’ve never done them this slow before and she holds plank for what feels like forever. I found that doing the full round of three was demanding almost to the point of grueling. (She does mention that you can skip over rounds two and three.) By the third round I was definitely ready for them to be over.
For me, this one is a keeper for the standing and balancing sequences.
Instructor Comments:
Julie Rubio has a lovely, fresh presence. Her voice reminds me a bit of Rainbeau Mars sans the verbal imagery.
Gina (aka gxm17)
11/07/2005
This is a nicely produced but unimpressive yoga practice. It is shot on a beach in Hawaii, and it is very appealing visually. Julie Rubio wears coral-colored pants and tank top, which goes nicely with the blue mat and ocean, and the green plants all around her workout area. There is pleasant but unmemorable music, and all the instruction is voice-over.
The workout is about 57 minutes long and is divided into 4 sections: Sitting Poses, Standing Poses, Balancing Poses, and Final Relaxation. The sitting poses are about 19 minutes and start with nice neck, shoulder, and back stretches. These move pretty slowly and are quite relaxing. You then move to more challenging seated stretches like seated forward bend, and then to boat, cat/cow, camel, bow, and cobra. The standing poses section is 13 minutes long and consists of 3 rounds of slow-moving sun salutations. The balancing section is 13 minutes and begins with the usual standing poses – triangle, warrior 2, etc. Next is half-moon pose and 3 other balance poses: dancer, eagle, and tree. The final relaxation section is 12 minutes and starts with a few hip stretches and twists and then moves into corpse pose. The workout starts and ends with three oms.
The instruction is not very good. Julie doesn’t say much; this is nice during the first section of gentle seated stretches, and I thought she was staying quiet so we could relax into the stretches. When we got to more difficult poses she continued to stay pretty quiet, and I started to wonder if she just didn’t have much to say to help you with the poses. Her main comment, which she repeated so much that I felt like kicking the TV by the end, was “lift your kneecaps to work the front and the back of the thigh.” Yes, you’re supposed to do this on pretty much all standing poses, but it was really the main (or only) instruction she had for most of the poses. There are so many yoga instructors on videos and CDs who can really help you understand how you’re supposed to be working your feet, legs, hips, belly, etc. during a pose, understand how to use your breath to deepen a pose, and help you get into and out of the pose. Julie Rubio is not one of those instructors, and I didn’t feel like my time was well spent with this practice.
I didn’t care for the sequencing in a few spots. You do camel pretty early on, and I didn’t feel like I was ready for it. I also found it odd that you do camel before bow and cobra, rather than using cobra to prepare for more intense backbends. The sun salutation sequencing is a bit different from what I’ve seen elsewhere – it’s not your usual A or B series, so if you’re really used to those from other videos the sequencing here might feel strange to you.
The workout is not a good choice for a beginner because of the lack of specific or detailed instruction. It also contains some challenging back bends and standing poses. If you’re an intermediate-level yogi (in terms of home videos, not live classes), this workout will be doable, but only people who really don’t want much instruction in a yoga video will enjoy it. (Also, you’ll need not to be irritated by the constant reminders to “lift your kneecaps to work the front and back of the thigh.”)
Instructor Comments:
Julie Rubio’s voice reminds me a bit of Sara Ivanhoe’s – it is pleasant but sometimes sounds like she’s talking to preschoolers. If you don’t mind Sara’s voice, though, you certainly won’t mind Julie’s. As discussed above, I’m not impressed by her instruction of the poses.
KathyW
01/30/2005
POWER YOGA FANS DO NOT ENTER****I had never heard of this DVD but was able to get it through the swap and I think it's going to become a favorite. However, as my lead line suggests, power yoga fans will hate this video. This is yoga that is slow and serene. The postures are held luxuriously long allowing you to work into the stretch. I feel you can really work on your flexibility with this one. The DVD is filmed on the North shore of Oahu and features Julie alone. The visual impact of the setting is quite stunning and attractive. Julie is on a wooden platform amongst intense greenery, wearing a bright orange red top and pants on a bright blue mat with the bluest ocean and soft sand in the background. The music is soft and unobtrusive. I'd say similar to Gaiam and Yoga Zone productions. On the woo-woo factor scale I'd say low : she begins and ends with three OMs (one each for mind, body, and spirit). The video is done in voiceover style by Julie. Here is a breakdown of the workout:
Run time around 60 min.
deep breath or two seated
seated shoulder rotations (forward and back)
seated neck rolls
seated torso twists w arms above head
seated side stretch
seated shoulder stretch
seated cross leg forward bend
seated spinal twist
seated forward bend legs straight in front
seated forward bend legs apart (straddle) then to right and left leg
Boat pose w variations
cat/cow
kneeling side bend (look over shoulder)
camel
bow
relaxation stretch
cobra
downward dog
sun salutations
mountain pose
triangle
right angle pose
warrior
mountain
half moon pose (balance pose)
squat (goddess pose)
dancer psoe
eagle pose
tree pose
squat (goddess)
Bug
laying leg lift (both legs straight)
leg stretch
spine stretch
8 minute relaxation some of it guided
As you can see she packs alot into the hour but the pace is slow. I like doing the seated stretches first. I used to take a class and that is what we did. It seems to relax and stretch the body before the more challening standing work. I hope Julie comes out with some more DVD's soon. I love her style. One note, there is a puzzling review of this on Amazon where someone states that she has an annoying accent, well, she has no accent at all. I'm wondering if that reviewer confused her with someone else (Wai Lana???).
Instructor Comments:
Soothing voice, has been a yoga professional for years.
sandym
11/04/2004
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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:37:22 GMT
Yoga Remedies For Balance
Suzanne Deason
Year Released: 2001
Suzanne Deason's hour long "feminine, flowing" practice is divided into 3 segments: Breath (simple lower body movements); Posture (standing poses); and Centering (core and flexibility.) There is also a techniques section at the end showing modifications with props. This section is strictly visual -- no audio instruction. Please not that modifications are not demonstrated throughout this intermediate level practice.
The practice takes place outdoors overlooking a rocky coastline. The setting changes slightly for each segment. The background music throughout is solo piano and/or piano and flute.
Breath: Lying on the back, emphasis on breathing while doing simple knees to chest; small movement of the hips; pelvis circles; twists; cobbler's and hero's pose.
Posture: This segment is in a "flow" sequence -- but not too fast, not too slow. Suzanne builds an active practice around a standing forward bend, weaving in elegant, feminine poses in a graceful, dance-like format. There is very limited instruction for each pose although there is voiced-over audio throughout the section. Sometimes she uses pose names, sometimes not. Downward facing dog; tree pose; triangle pose; half moon pose; warrior pose; brave warrior; evolved triangular pose; exalted warrior; standing splits; side leg hold; dancer's pose; modified side balance; plank; and child's pose are all interwoven and connected between deep, folded, standing forward bends and vertical mountain pose with the hands placed on the belly.
Centering: Now on a mat with a folded blanket nearby, Suzanne concentrates on poses for the core and flexibility. Hero's pose; cobra with lifted legs; upward facing dog; bow pose; full bow; child's pose; cat/cow; pigeon pose; squat position; hero's with side bend; sage twist; gate pose; staff pose; forward bend; cobbler's pose; boat pose; hamstring stretch; and trunk twists are all demonstrated and practiced at a slower pace, allowing for more detailed instruction. The folded blanket is used for a side torso twist and under the knees for the final relaxation pose.
Modifications: As mentioned before, this section silently shows Suzanne demonstrating 16 poses with a block, strap, blanket, or without props.
This video is appropriately named. It is a practice designed by a woman for women. If your video library is heavy on "power" workouts you might enjoy the change of pace. Its also refreshing to have a se
Instructor Comments:
Excellent form and elegant execution of postures. Nice sequencing of poses. Very professional, mature and serious ("lifelong student of yoga") instructor
Ann
11/11/2004
This yoga practice is designed to target the "femenine power within". The entire workout focuses around the belly and the core of the body. This is the most advanced yoga practice I've tried so far so I was pleased to be able to get through it without too much trouble. I definitely would not reccomend this to someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with yoga. You'll need to be familiar with the basic yoga poses and have enough strength and balance to do more advanced postures.
Suzanne does not use any props for most of the workout, save for a folded blanket brought in towards the end. The post modification section does make use of a brick and strap. If you need to modify any poses you'll want to have these handy.
The DVD is fully chaptered and also includes a 20 minute bonus practice designed for the menstural cycle or times of particular stress as well as a reference guide for pose modifications. Here are the chapter selections:
Introduction (~3 mins)
Breath (~7 mins)
Posture (~22 mins)
Centering (~23 mins)
(55 minutes total)
The posture section is the most vigorous, including some tough standing balances. As you'd expect, the breath section concentrates on breathing, with some basic poses to get the body moving. You are always brought back to the belly and the centre of the body. Centering includes more gentle poses leading up to a short final relaxation. I was a little disappointed in the final meditation because it is very short, only a minute or two. However, the relaxing poses leading up to it make up for that.
Overall I enjoyed this yoga practice. It was my first foray into yoga not labelled as "for beginners" or "introduction" and I think it was a good choice. I was able to do most of the postures and the modification segment will help me to get through them next time. At the same time, there will be lots of room to grow with it as I learn to master the more advanced postures. The chaptering of the DVD will make it easy to omit the tougher posture section if I want to and I'm looking forward to trying the bonus segment.
Instructor Comments:
This is the third yoga practice I've done with Suzanne Deason and I always really enjoy her style.
Megan
02/29/2004
I like this video a lot, but I admit it didn't live up to my expectations. I love Suzanne's Lower Body Yoga for Beginner's and its use of poses which require balance, like Half Moon pose or Warrior III. I hoped that this video would be a more advanced version of that video, where you would need to hold the poses longer. I am not sure, because I haven't timed it, but it feels to me that these poses are held for an even shorter period of time than in Lower Body. So, it doesn't present the challenge to me of working on balance like I had hoped it would.
However, I have enjoyed working this into my yoga practice, which I do mostly for stretching and relaxation, along with a little core work. This video does all three things. If I don't have time to do the entire video I like to do the first 2 sections together - the breathing and standing poses. I feel like I get a fairly good stretch from doing this. The final section is more than just relaxation, and is 22 minutes in length when done alone. It is all done on the floor, and includes enough poses that I also feel like this is a good stretching session for me, along with some core work. The relaxation section is pretty brief. I wish it had been longer, since this is not one of their 20 minute videos.
As usual, the production values are excellent. Actually, I find this video to be one of the more attractive Living Arts videos.
I do like and use this video, but I think it could have been much better if the poses were held longer.
Lisa C
03/28/2003
I thought this yoga video was terrible. What's the rush? Other yoga videos by Suzanne are all very fast paced (Lower Body Yoga, Stress Relief). As soon as I get into the pose, she is done with it, before I can get into it fully.
The first section is mostly breathing. It is slow. The second she does a variety of poses, but gives you little time to experience them. If she held them for a longer amount of time, this would be a keeper.
The last section is centering. This is a decent section. Just not enough for me to hang onto the video for. If it wasn't for Suzanne's Conditioning for Weight Loss (that is good) I wouldn't know that she could do a good yoga tape.
Instructor Comments:
If she slowed down, I'd like her.
anonymous
05/29/2002
This is a nice beginner/lower-intermediate yoga workout divided into 3 sections of roughly 20 minutes each: Breath, Posture, and Centering. I found it to be not as challenging as what I'm looking for, but thought it was a good tape nonetheless. Plus, it's shot on Maui, so it has some gorgeous scenery. I recommend this for beginners and those looking for relaxation rather than power yoga. Grade A.
Annie S.
11/25/2001
Background:
I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years now. I started out with videos and am currently taking Iyengar classes, I have taken Ashtanga and Hatha yoga classes previously. I also have a good collection of yoga videos and cds. I am 45 years old, at the Intermediate level for Yoga and Aerobics.
Video:
I did this video this morning for the 5th time now. Yoga Remedies for Balance is split into 3 parts, Breath, Standing Poses then seated poses with relaxation at the end it runs for 60 minutes. Suzanne explains the concept of this video is to integrate the 3 parts to Balance your life.
First part Suzanne has you lie down with knees up, hands on the lower belly. Suzanne has you move your hips with the breath (right side, then left side). However, she cues the inhale/exhales at a very rapid pace. I enjoy pranayama but it is generally done at a slower pace and for longer breath periods. This section is about 5 minutes or so.
Next is asanas which are all standing poses. There are no sun salutes as she is Iyengar trained. You start with Triangle, Warrior I and II, Half-moon, Warrior III, Wide leg, and a lot of forward bends. Suzanne has you do a forward bend usually after one or 2 poses. Among the other standing asanas, are King Dancer, Standing Split, and holding your leg out in front with your hand and then to the side, Twisted Triangle, and Tree. All of these poses are held for about 30 seconds. It seems that just as you get into the pose, you get out of the pose. While Suzanne is great at instruction on how to get into the asana, reminding you of proper form and breathing, she just goes to fast for me. I don't see how you can get any benefit from these poses for such a short period of time.
Third part are floor poses such as Sage Twist, Up-Dog with counterpart Down-Dog, Boat, Seated forward bend w/one leg then full forward bend, Plank, then Side Plank, a Squat with your heels together and knees spread apart, Side bend in Virasana, then Side bend while kneeling with one leg out to the side, Bow, Table w/left leg out, right arm out (pilates pose) mostly core conditioning. She then moves to relaxation poses with bolster and blanket which are great before Corpse pose. Again, you hold these poses for about 20 to 30 seconds then on to the next one. Savasana last maybe a minute or two.
The concept of the video is great, the delivery falls short.
Instructor Comments:
Suzanne background is Iyengar trained and Pilates Instructor for years. She is very good at giving pointers and reminding you to inhale/exhale in and out of the poses. A wonderful voice for video and teaching. I have 2 other videos by her and find her perfect for yoga and pilates, no Rodney Yee but capable.
mwelters
05/23/2001
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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:38:50 GMT
Find Balance David Lurey No music during the practice but I didn't feel it took away from the practice. The setting is very nice and relaxing---set outside near the ocean. The chapters are as follows: Intro Sequence Surya Namaskara A Lunges Wave I Wave II Pigeon Backbends/Shoulderstands Finishing Intro: Begin in cross legged position, close eyes and breathe. Be conscious of your body & prepare for the sequences that follow. Move into down dog modified, straightening one leg down fully & then the other. Now full down dog then walk up to hands. Dangle forward, arms crossed, relax. Then move arms down & then back behind you lacing fingers & let arms drop overhead. Drop one knee to opposite shoulder & twist, then repeat twist to the other side. Feel the length in your legs and the stretch in your chest. Move back into forward bend with hands to floor. Roll up slowly & deliberately. Roll shoulders several times. Lift arms overhead, interlace fingers, palms in the air. Lean to right, repeat left. Next hands together, pointer finger in the air, & do a gentle backbend to open front of body. Surya Namaskara A: Begin at front of mat, begin the sun salutation sequence. David repeats this several times before moving onto lunges. Lunges: Deep lunges will tone your legs & stretch the muscles deeply. Many variations are shown. David performs a couple sun salutes during this sequence. Wave I: Beginning in down dog, bring right leg up behind you and lift left heel then bend right knee over to the side. Bring same knee to nose then bring it back & into a lunge. Twist. Heel toe over into a deep lunge which will really stretch the groin. Next take that forward leg & straighten it. Flex that foot and deeply stretch that right hamstring. Now point toes. Next up is side bend pose. Keep right toes pointed front, swivel knee and side bend over the right leg. Now go up & over, stretching to the left (you can also do a one arm balance here to advance the pose) Sit down with left foot to right thigh, take left hand to right knee, twist. Turn center & forward fold over that right leg. Counter twist to the left. Then reach over with right hand to right foot. Straighten legs & go into boat pose. Perform sun salute and do all poses now with left leg leading. Next is a balance move on forearms and legs up in the air. Child's pose into down dog. Wave II: Step into triangle, then go to balance on right leg, right hand on floor in front of you. Extend top left arm & leg then go into Warrior II. Reverse warrior follows to stretch the back body. Then straighten that bent leg to further enhance the stretch. Now pivot into wide legged standing fold. (advanced version takes you up into tripod headstand) Side bend over to left foot, then perform an isometric tension stretch by grasping the ankle and pull. Move over to right foot & repeat the isometric tension stretch. Sit with both legs up into boat pose. Push up, up dog, down dog then repeat entire set on left side. Pigeon: Right leg up in air, then move it into pigeon pose. Release any tension in that hip. Draw left foot up (while still in pigeon) & hold that foot. Release left leg to floor & pick that knee up. While holding this you'll stretch to the right in a twist. Down dog, push up, up dog, down dog the repeat pigeon on left side. Backbends/Shoulderstands: Hop to seated forward fold. Backbends are next. Bridge pose is 1st followed by wheel. Repeat bridge/wheel one more time. Then lay on back with legs open, surrendering the low back. Next rock up, jump into push up, up dog, down dog & then into another forward fold. Shoulder stands are next. Several variations are shown. Finishing: Final relaxation finishes the practice. Instructor Comments: www.findbalance.netDeniseR 07/30/2006 |
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Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:39:45 GMT
Flexibility, Strength and Balance
Himalayan Institute
Flexibility, Strength and Balance
These are pleasant yoga videos. The beginner video is Flexibility, Strength and Balance which is a terrific introduction to the basics of yoga and proper form. Deepen and Strengthen could be classified as intermediate level. In both videos, there is only one participant, a young woman, who demonstrates all of the moves as a gentle voice over gives detailed instruction. You can listen to the voice without viewing your set and be able to follow the moves exactly, but it helps to look up and see how far the participant takes each position. The moves in both videos are taken from the book Mastering the Basics by Sandra Anderson and Rolf Sovik Psy.D., a comprehensive and practical guide to the essential elements of yoga. The book covers all aspects of yoga practice: postures, breath training, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle and fundamental philosophy. The videos cover breath training, posture and relaxation.
The setting and tone of the videos are calm and relaxing and the quality of production is good. The voice is calming and encouraging. I felt the Deepen and Strengthen workout was good, the instruction was excellent, but the video was somewhat boring. The postures are held for a long time in silence. I guess with so many wonderful yoga videos on the market, I would prefer an entertainment factor to be present. It was lacking in both videos. I actually enjoyed the Beginner video more, because I could see how it would help people who have limited flexibility and range of motion. The moves were held for shorter periods of time and the stretches were basic, but excellent. Overall though, I believe most people would enjoy the proper yoga foundation these videos offer.
Janet O'Neil
06/03/2001
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Post by Karla on Nov 1, 2023 19:50:09 GMT
The Method: Standing Pilates Blend
Katalin Zamiar
Year Released: 2003
This was on the cheapie DVD rack at Ross. Surprise, surprise this is one tough workout. It's not a sweaty cardio thing and it's not impossibly tough while you're doing it. An hour later your buttocks and abs will be letting you know you've worked hard.
The exercises are unique. My expectation was that this would be a Callan, Lotte, Bar Method rehash. It's absolutely not. It's a lot of balance work and precise dance moves. If you do the correct form it's a killer video. If you just flop your leg around, it's probably pretty easy. Sadly, the form isn't easy to decipher. Katalin Rodriguez-Zamiar does a good job cuing, but the camera isn't always at the right spot to capture what she's doing. That gets annoying, but you get past it once you know the routine.
The first section is all standing work. The moves are a bit too fast. If you have form or balance issues, you might want to go at half of the video's pace. Your arms aren't worked, however you do use the shoulders in holding arm extensions for a minute or two. Other than reminders to engage your abs, you don't seem to be working your core during the standing section. However, all of those balance exercises are subtly giving your core quite the workout. In the second half of the video it's about 15 minutes of floor work. Because you've already burned your core and legs in the standing section, this floor work is tough.
I would recommend this DVD for someone working on a toning rotation or someone interested in some new lower body work. You also need to have some sense of the importance of good breathing and body position. If you've done a fair bit of pilates or yoga you should be fine. I won't suggest this for someone who doesn't like (or isn't able) to maintain focus on form. This tape is only as effective as you make it.
This DVD definitely has a spot in my rotation. I'm happy to have found this one.
Instructor Comments:
Katalin Rodriguez-Zamiar does a nice job and I have to say her physique is inspiring.
honey
06/01/2006
Katalin and two background exercisers do the workout in a (pleasant) fake outdoor set. This is interspersed with shots of Katalin doing the moves in a real outdoor setting near the ocean. In the introduction, Katalin says that the standing Pilates exercises, adapted from reformer and mat exercises, are like ballet moves. Honestly, hardly anything in this workout resembled Pilates as I know it. If you go into it expecting that, you will be disappointed. It reminded me quite a bit of Kari Anderson’s recent workout Reach in that there are a lot of standing ballet moves which work the lower body.
The workout has a 30 minute standing section and a 15 minute floor section. There isn’t a true warm-up, cool down, or stretch. You start by taking some deep breaths and lifting your arms above your head. You exhale and bring your arms down to wrap around the backs of your legs. Round your back to stretch it, and then roll up.
Throughout the workout, you generally learn a move, do a few reps, and then add on one or two more moves. I felt a lot of the standing work in my quads. My abs didn’t really get worked at all, other than when I was balancing during some of the standing work.
There are some arm movements which I considered gratuitous yet graceful. They probably won’t do much for you, but they can help you balance! I’ll describe some of the exercises to give everyone an idea of what types of moves are included.
Standing moves (not a complete list):
1. Start with feet together, step one foot out to side and plie down. Plie back up and lift leg straight out in front of you. Alternate sides.
2. Point toe, extend leg so foot touches floor in front of you. Circle leg around and touch toe behind you. Do a few reps and then add on front attitude (leg lifting with knee slightly bent) then move leg so it extends straight behind you. Add on a reach down to the floor with your hands where you keep one leg up behind you and bring that foot to touch the knee of the leg on which you’re still standing. Then put the back foot down on the floor, stand up and do a few curtsy lunges.
3. Curtsy lunge, lift back foot so it touches front knee with leg internally rotated, then rotate leg outward (into sort of a tree pose). Extend the foot out to the side to work outer thigh.
4. Standing hamstring curl then transition to curtsy lunge.
Many of the moves have you sweeping your foot front to back with your toe pointed. One weird move had you stand with your feet together, knees slightly bent, and bend at the hips so you’re facing downward. Extend one arm behind you and one in front, and then switch arms by swinging them forward and back while keeping your body still. I couldn’t understand the purpose of this.
Floor moves (again, not a complete list):
1. Lie on your back and bend knees toward you. Extend legs up and then lower them while extending arms back. Bend knees and bring them toward you while you circle arms and bring them towards your knees (so you end up sort of hugging your knees to your chest).
2. Hundred, except you just do four pulses and then bring your knees in and rest, then do four more, etc.
3. Bridge pose with hips lifted, both feet on floor. Bring one arm above head and switch with the other by swinging them back and forth.
4. X-position with legs and arms outstretched as you lie on the floor. Lift up to touch left arm and right leg (with other arm and leg dragging on the floor). Lie down and do the other arm and leg.
5. Lie on your side with legs stacked and do a leg lift with lower leg bent so foot touches underside of top knee.
There are lots of other exercises in both sections, but I think these give a good general idea of what’s included.
The floor work just didn’t do anything for me. I would think that X position would really work your abs, but I didn’t feel it at all. The standing work seemed to work my quads pretty well. I felt the hamstring curls too even though I usually use ankle weights for that type of thing (like in Slim Series).
I think this would be good for someone who enjoys ballet-inspired workouts. If you like the moves in Reach, this might be one to try. It’s not quite as elegant and I think it’s a little easier, but has a similar feel. The music is instrumental, kind of quiet, pleasant stuff. I know I’ve heard it before, but couldn’t quite place it.
For me, this is one of those workouts that I find enjoyable, but probably won’t do often. I got it from a kind VFer to help satisfy my curiosity. I think I was hoping for standing ab work and obviously this doesn’t fit the bill. Still, it’s good to know what it’s like, and again, for someone who enjoys ballet moves or this type of soothing lower body workout, this might be a good choice.
Instructor Comments:
I’d describe Katalin as no-nonsense. She doesn’t talk to the background exercisers or say much other than to cue the moves. Her directions are clear and cuing good. The background exercisers seemed a little more (for lack of a better description) like real women, rather than fitness professionals. They smiled and just looked more approachable to me. They reminded me of the background exercisers in Minna Lessig’s Strength and Grace.
Pratima
11/06/2005
I really liked this one. The first 29 minutes is all standing ballet inspired balancing moves. This is the best workout I've found so far to work on balance. I think Katalin does a good job and the production quality is good. My only minor complaint is that sometimes I think the pace of the reps is not consistent and at one point Katalin tells you to turn out your heels when she means for you to turn out your "toes". All in all, I'm very pleased with this one.
Tammy
01/21/2004
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Post by Karla on Dec 22, 2023 17:10:28 GMT
Bodywedge: Balance Training
Jon Giswold, Adam Figueroa
I have all four BodyWedge DVDs. They are produced by Greg Twombly, so the set, music and production quality area all fine. Not outstanding, but acceptable. I like the music better in this one.
Each DVD starts out with a 10 minute instructional segment led by BW inventor, Rich Decker. He explains the 21 BW exercises, while a woman named Ann demonstrates. He gives form pointers and modifications for the exercises.
Balance Training is approximately 35 minutes long. It is supposed to be 21 exercises (and 21 reps), but I counted only 19 exercises. Nineteen was more than enough! I found this workout to be difficult. I might say advanced. It is core and balance work. While some of the moves ARE very creative using the BW, they are very tough on the wrists. I only did about ten reps of each exercise and I could see that more would be trouble for my wrists. And, although the BW surface is soft, my elbows felt squished during the planks. When doing floor planks, your weight is more distributed from your fist to your elbow. With the BW, it’s all on the elbow and that felt uncomfortable. If you have strong wrists and elbows, this won’t be a problem.
Several of the exercises with weights use compound moves. The two instructors take turns leading the exercise.
Anyway here is the list of exercises:
Crunches
Pelvic lifts
Planks with leg lift
Side planks with arm raise (rotator cuff)
Superman
Push-ups
Weighed squats standing on BW with military press
Weighted squats with waist pivots
One-legged squats with balance on BW
Seated shoulder press
Side planks with weighted arm raises (rotator cuff)
Biceps curls standing on BW
One-legged squats on floor with arm reach
Weighted lunge/shoulder press on to BW
Weighted lunge/hammer curls on to BW
Side crab walks on and off the BW with push-ups (hard to describe, but I didn’t DO them!!!)
Weighted bench press in bridge position
Bridge position with front and side leg lifts
Stretches
I’ve tried three of the four BW DVDs and none is a keeper for me yet. I have gotten more ideas about how to use the BW with my OTHER workouts. Which is why I got it in the first place!
Instructor Comments:
Adam Figueroa - The strong, silent type. He needs a bit more experience in front of a camera. But has a nice, calm manner.
Jon Giswold - The talker, moaner and groaner. The counter and joker. He did make me laugh when he told Terri Herbert she was “Looking good!” (An obvious reference to her Urban Rebounding workouts with JB “Looking Good” Berns).
Alta
03/09/2004
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Post by fatkat555 on Feb 6, 2024 14:35:01 GMT
Kelly Coffey-Meyer
More Than Just Strength
Balance, Strength, and Core
I just did Balance, Strength, and Core, workout 2, on the More Than Just Strength Dvd. This is an instant favorite.
I did not use a stopwatch, but it seemed to clock in at 32 minutes.
I used a fabric loop band, light, optional for the warmup squats.
Everything was balance work after that. I love the lopsided use of a dumbbell in traditional exercises. I don’t feel beat up, my brain had to engage, and my whole body feels worked. Grade: A+
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