|
|
Post by Karla on Aug 10, 2023 0:31:55 GMT
Please leave reviews of stability ball 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.
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Aug 10, 2023 0:32:05 GMT
Core Secrets Accelerated Training Camp
Gunnar Peterson
This is a 45-minute total body workout emphasizing functional fitness.
The set is pleasant and well lit. Gunnar works out with Jennifer and Anita. Jennifer does some modifications. Both women are also miked, and throughout the workout the three of them chat and joke around. It's casual but still focused on the workout.
Equipment used is one set of dumbbells (around five pounds?), a mat, and a stability ball. Like the previous Core Secrets, once you know the exercises you will probably want a couple different sets of dumbbells to challenge all the muscle groups better.
The workout starts with a short warm-up and stretch. During a lateral thigh stretch, Anita goads Gunnar into full side splits!
The exercises are presented in groups of four. One set of each is done, with Gunnar instructing the first time around. The group of four is then repeated, with no instruction and sometimes with a slight change. After two sets of each exercise, you move on to the next group of four.
The exercises themselves are designed to mimic everyday activities and promote core strength. They are mostly classic weightlifting exercises, often with a twist. For example, one began as a squat with a dumbbell in each hand, then standing up to what Gunnar calls a "monkey row" (dumbbells up to the armpits) -- similar to how you might lift up two heavy suitcases to put into the trunk of a car. Other exercises emphasized a wider range of motion (like a lateral raise that went above the shoulder all the way overhead) or uneven distribution of weight to challenge the core muscles that help with balance. I recognized a few exercises from previous Core Secrets workouts. This workout finishes with a brief stretch.
The stability ball is used in two of the exercise groups. In this workout the ball is treated more like just a regular exercise prop instead of being the "star" of the workout.
There are some squats and lunges in this workout, but between the light weight used and Gunnar's modifications, my knees were not bothered.
On the DVD there is no chaptering or shuffle feature, only a start menu (although it appears to be segmented by exercise groups). No blasts or other extras. Music is by Daveed -- kind of a techno-beat which did the job. I haven't seen the other two workouts in this series (Training Camp and Off the Ball) so I can't comment on any differences or similarities.
Overall I like this workout, especially the emphasis on functional fitness. The exercises are different (but explained well) and move quickly. It is a nice change from traditional weight work. I'm a little disappointed by the intensity. I am an intermediate exerciser, and while I felt pleasantly worked out afterwards I certainly wasn't wiped. Adding more weight to some of the exercises will definitely increase the challenge. However, Cathe-ites and TLP fans may want to save their money.
Instructor Comments:
I really enjoy working out with Gunnar -- I like his humor and his energy, and his instruction is excellent. He has great rapport with his background exercisers.
JustSandra
07/04/2005
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Aug 10, 2023 15:39:14 GMT
Balance Ball: Lower Body
Suzanne Deason
I'm reviewing this after reacquiring it on DVD, I had them all on VHS years ago. I decided to revisit these old friends while on a barre kick and having a lot of DOMS in the lower body.
Kristen has written an accurate review; I'll just piggy back by adding that this video is a wonderful stretch with some overtures of strengthening in it, especially good for sore days or active recovery days. I felt wonderfully refreshed after using it.
Instructor Comments:
Suzanne Deason is an instructor who withstands the test of time. For anyone looking for a more Pilates focused routine from Suzanne which incorporates the stability ball, check out her Balance Ball Fitness for Weight Loss which is purely Pilates inspired.
Pat58
12/22/2009
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Aug 10, 2023 15:52:25 GMT
Stott Pilates 3-D Balance
P.J. O'Clair, Moira Stott Merrithew
This video has been reviewed; my purpose here is to raise a red flag for exercisers with sensitive areas in the spine. Normally, Stott videos are a tonic for bad backs, but the more advanced use of a stability ball here might be detrimental for those with weaknesses. A little about me: I'm an intermediate Pilates student and would be advanced except for spine limitations. I have an extensive library of videos - including many Stotts (all loved) - and take lessons at a Stott certified studio.
I tried 3-D Balance after enjoying good results from the Level 1 video in the Stott ball series - Core Balance. Core Balance is great for those "bad back days." Experiencing a "strong back day," I popped in 3-D Balance.
The way Rollup is done - starting in a bridge pose with neck on the ball and legs out in table, then rolling over while shuffling the feet back so you can lean forward from a seated position, then promptly crab-walking out to get back in bridge - was like trying to perform a circus act. The stomach series is replicated with legs on the ball, upper back on the mat, butt in the air - for example, single leg circles have one foot on the ball, spine straight up in bridge, the other leg straight toward ceiling and circling. My back popped audibly in double leg stretch which requires popping the butt up into bridge, calves on the ball while arms are circling and there my workout ended.
Again let me stress, Stott has many workouts which promote back health. This one, for me anyway, just went down the wrong path. Bad Back Sisters & Brothers: I recommend Gaiam's Balance Ball for Weight Loss over 3-D Balance.
Instructor Comments:
Moira is an excellent Pilates coach with a stickler for detail. Her constant cueing is valued by many yet some find it annoying.
Pat58
02/12/2006
***************
This is a 40-minute pilates-inspired stability ball workout.
Stott Pilates has four stability ball workouts, Level 1 through 4. 3-D Balance is the Level 3 workout (Ultimate Balance is Level 4). Stott rates all its videos on a 1 to 5 scale for difficulty, and 3-D Balance is a 4 (Ultimate Balance is a 5, the most difficult). I am a strictly intermediate exerciser, and I was able to do all of the exercises presented on 3-D Balance(although on a couple of them it sure wasn't pretty!).
The setting is a corner of a studio with white brick walls and a pale wood floor -- attractive, and a definite improvement over some earlier Stott productions. The music is soft piano, very unobtrusive. The DVD has an option to work to the music only, but I learn so much from Moira's and P.J.'s instruction that I personally would never do this.
On the DVD the exercises are individually segmented, so it is easy to skip to the next one. The exercises are also separately chaptered, but note that, once the individual exercise is shown, the DVD returns to the chapter menu rather than continuing on with the workout.
The only equipment is a stability ball and an optional mat for extra traction. The workout is done barefoot.
3-D Balance is based on an intermediate level pilates mat routine (Ultimate Balance adapts an intermediate reformer routine). Since I have used several pilates mat videos, the exercises were familiar, although of course adding in the ball spiced things up.
The workout is co-taught by Moira Stott and P.J. O'Clair. They begin with Moira instructing and P.J. demonstrating, then switch places halfway through. Both Moira and P.J. are absolutely meticulous in their instruction. This may annoy some people, but I really appreciate it and learn from it. I don't feel the pace suffered for it. I've used some videos where Moira both instructs and demonstrates, and those did tend to drag a bit. Having two instructors solves that problem.
3-D Balance begins with 12 minutes of gentle moves which warm up the body while reviewing general pilates principles. I find this helpful both physically and mentally. Don't worry, the intensity picks up once the actual workout begins.
As noted, the workout is based on a pilates mat routine, so the names will be familiar to most: The Hundred, One Leg Circle, Scissors, Roll Over, etc. Incorporating the ball adds additional challenge to the stabilizing core muscles. For example, on the Oblique Roll Back, you are seated on top of the ball, which requires additional stabilization as you roll back and extend your arm behind you.
Intensity is also added to many of the exercises by incorporating a bridge position, with either the lower or upper body on the ball. My hamstrings, and to a lesser extent glutes, really feel this workout! For example, in One Leg Circle, feet are on the ball and the lower body raised up until the legs are straight (bridging) and then one leg is raised up straight and the circles are done. Much more intense than the floor version!
Occasionally modifications are mentioned, but I believe Moira and P.J. assume you would turn to the Level 1 and 2 stability ball workouts if you are having a lot of difficulty with 3-D Balance.
The DVD has a few annoying quirks. You must "agree" to Stott's legal disclaimer by pushing the "enter" button at the beginning of the DVD. Also you cannot skip the opening commercial blurb (although at least it is short and fairly tasteful). On the other hand, the DVD has some nice extras, particularly the clips (decent length ones, too) of the other Stott video offerings.
Although I had a harder time with a few specific exercises on Ultimate Balance, I would rate 3-D Balance and Ultimate Balance about equal in terms of overall intensity. I also must note that I own several ball workouts which I consider more difficult than either one of these, including Body Bar Equanimity, Fitball Lower Body Challenge, and TLP Core Foundations. However, the Stott workouts do the best job I've seen of incorporating pilates into stability ball exercises. Both 3-D Balance and Ultimate Balance leave me with a stretched out, peaceful feeling which my other ball workouts don't. I would recommend both 3-D Balance and Ultimate Balance to any exerciser who enjoys both pilates and stability ball workouts.
Instructor Comments:
Moira and P.J. make a good team, with P.J.'s warmth contrasting with Moira's more formal demeanor. However, Moira is a lot more at ease now than she was in her earliest videos. Both are top notch instructors.
JustSandra
09/13/2005
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Sept 2, 2023 21:34:20 GMT
Pilates Workout with the TRIAD Ball, Level I Michael Fritzke, Ton Voogt Year Released: 2005 Website: www.zenirgy.com/Space requirements: enough room to move comfortably on a mat Equipment: thick mat, the TRIAD ball Caveat: If you are in the market for quick Pilates add-ons or body-part specific practices, this set may not appeal to you. But if you are looking for pure full-body Pilates taught by agreeable, pedigreed tutors, please read on – particularly if spinal alignment and core strength are your goals. General overview: Michael and Ton alternate coaching the workout while simultaneously performing the exercises. Background exercisers are present but do not vocally participate. The set of this music-free DVD is rather clinical - white background with black mats. Cueing is top notch, every breath and movement is taught as though you were in a live class. Runs about 50 minutes, I’ve not checked for chaptering because I just do it. The sturdy purple TRIAD ball is inflated with a little straw, stopper included, about 8” in diameter and should be squishy-but-firm. This restorative routine (sprinkled with some challenging zingers) is suitable for beginners, people with bad backs or a day when you just want to regroup and get back in alignment. A big plus for people with wrist or feet problems is that there are no planking type exercises or positions requiring you to balance body weight on bent toes and palms. Personally, I’m loving it because you get an expensive studio class in your living room. The lack of music and gentle, melodic cueing make it perfect for early morning or late evening, and the practice makes my bad back shut up and behave. The routine and the ball are very kind to my problematic spine. I’m looking forward to trying Level II and hope we will see more of this “pure Pilates,” professional, hype free style from Michael and Ton. Breakdown – a lot of exercises done at a temperate pace: - opening breath work and standing stretches - seated lumbar release, ball behind back, into supine imprinting rolling ball out with feet - ball behind head for 100 (at first I thought “Oh good, a little pillow” – but it creates a challenge) - squeezing ball between knees, then modified rollup from same position - single leg circles with ball under bottom leg - rolling like a ball, between knees - Series of 5, ball behind head (again, adding stability challenge) – single leg stretch, double leg stretch, scissors, double straight leg and the criss cross squeezing ball between elbows and knees while switching – tricky - Sit up for spine stretch, ball in hands - between ankles for open leg rocker balance (I found challenging) - supine for corkscrew, ball stays between ankles - between knees for tick tock, bent legs going slowly side to side (wonderful spine release) - seated in straddle, side stretches over ball (AAAHH) - prone for “Flying Eagle,” rolling ball forward with hands while arching upper spine backward, then into child pose - Supine for “one-half neck pull,” similar to Ab Prep but ball between ankles, rolling up and down between scissoring legs - pelvic lifts, ball between knees, then lumbar stretch back over ball - spine twist, ball under knees - hamstring stretch over ball on lap - ball behind mid-back for long range crunches with back stretch - Side kick series: propped up with ball under hip: forward and back then two variations of pulling the top leg back and up in what feels like a straight leg version of Pretzel (hmm … Pretzel Rods?) - Supine for “Teaser crunch,” rather gentle Teaser prep rolling ball up thighs, perfect for beginners - prop ball under butt for frogs and double leg circles - Butterfly – on side, ball between knees, squeezing while upper body twists back - roll to prone, arms on ball and swim, then into child pose over ball - Seal, ball between arches - final delightful stretches get you rolled up to your feet again Instructor Comments: Instructors: On my first spin with this practice, Michael and Ton struck me as possibly dancers, and obviously accomplished tutors of Pilates. Sure enough, according to the bio link on www.zenirgy.com, they are “certified in the Pilates method under the sole tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska.” Both have pleasant, mildly accented voices, and have choreographed this routine “to a T” with no choppiness or chatter. At times, Ton’s melodic, careful articulation becomes hypnotic and dreamy; Michael is a bit brisker and wakes you up again. Pat58 08/04/2007 |
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:31:57 GMT
Stott Pilates Dynamic Balance
P.J. O'Clair, Moira Stott Merrithew
Year Released: 2002
I’m reviewing this workout after doing it once.
General workout breakdown: This 97-min. DVD has a 40-min. Pilates routine using the stability ball to adapt exercises normally done on the Pilates reformer.
The 32 exercises include a warm-up (8 min.) of breathing, transversus connection, imprint & release, scapula isolation, arm circles, and head nods. The main exercises (33 min.) are ab prep, hip release, spinal rotation, hip roll, footwork (wrap toes, heels on ball, high half toe, laterally rotated, lower & lift), second position, hamstring stretch, single leg, hundred, short spine prep, back rowing preps, side arm preps, side twist sitting, stomach massage, plow, tricep push up, elephant, mermaid, knee stretches, running, hip rolls prep, and single thigh stretch.
As always in Pilates, quality is stressed over quantity, with most exercises done in 3-10 reps. The pace of the exercises themselves are deliberate. There are some pauses between exercises as Moira and PJ explain the upcoming move and set up for it, especially during the warm-up, which also has some hang time (you know, when an instructor leaves you hanging in the middle of the move as she clarifies a form issue without indicating if you should keep going).
Level: Stott rates this a 3 out of 5 on their difficulty scale, with 5 being the most difficult. (It used to be labeled Level 2 in their stability ball series, with Core Balance as level 1, but they’ve since taken that off of the cover.) I’d recommend this to somewhat experienced exercisers who have some Pilates background, probably at the beg. / int. crossover point through int. level of Pilates. You needn’t have much stability ball experience, however. If you’re much beyond the intermediate level of exercise and Pilates and/or have lots of stability ball experience you may be better off with the more advanced version of this one, Superior Balance (formerly known as Ultimate Balance).
I consider myself at the int. / adv. level of Pilates, comfortable with the all but the most advanced matwork exercises and somewhat limited in strength and/or flexibility in a few spots. I am a relative novice at stability ball workout, however. I am kicking myself for not acquiring this video sooner, but I’m glad to have it now and will be able to get some use out of it for a little while longer since I still weeble wobble a lot while on the ball. I found the warm-up too elementary for me at this point, since it covers very basic Pilates principles, although it was worth running through it once to see how Stott would apply them to the stability ball and to get those hamstrings fired up. In the future I’ll start right in with the ab prep.
Class: When Moira is instructing, PJ is demonstrating as the “student,” and vice versa. Moira adds a few peanut gallery comments (“Yes, it is hard!” I do find it odd that PJ keeps commenting on how well Moira is doing the moves – um, Moira is one of the founders of this particular Pilates method!); PJ is much quieter when playing the student.
Music: soft but very repetitive piano-based instrumental music. (If you have other Stotts you’ve heard this before.)
Set: a brightly lit white room with windows on both walls, with a few stability balls and a potted plant or two arranged around the perimeter.
Production: crisp picture and sound. The camera angles are very helpful, with the zoom-ins always relevant, clear, and at appropriate times.
Equipment: mat and stability ball (or Swiss ball or whatever you want to call it). Moira, who’s around 5’4”, uses a 55 cm ball, while PJ, who’s 5’8 ½”, uses a 65 cm. I’m about 5’8” (no ½), and I used a 65 cm, which was maybe a hair big in the stomach massage. Moira and PJ are both barefoot.
Space Requirements: enough space to sweep your limbs around plus space length-wise to walk forward over your ball. I used an extra foot or two beyond each end of my mat, for example, and made sure I could stick my arms out to the side.
DVD Notes: Please note that this has been rereleased at least once. I’m reviewing what I think is the repackaged edition, although I don’t know of any significant difference other than the cover and maybe the initial warnings / agreements.
The main menu options are Getting Started (What You’ll Need, DVD Tips, Warnings / Cautions), Audio Options (Instruction On, Instruction Off), Workout Principles (Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular Movement & Stabilization, Head & Cervical Placement), The Workout, Chapter Selection (The DVD is meticulously chaptered by exercise), and Special Features (Bonus – Try the next level!, which here is 3-D Balance; Stott Pilates equipment, Meet the instructor, Get in touch, Stott Pilates education, Other Stott Pilates video titles).
Two annoying things about using this DVD: you have to push “I agree” to the disclaimers before it starts, and then it plays a Stott series introduction that I’ve yet to figure out how to skip.
Comments: A day later I do feel this in my hamstrings, inner thighs, and glutes, as I expected, since that footwork series in particularly works them well. I also feel my obliques quite a bit, which is surprising since there aren’t tons of obviously obliques-intensive exercises, but I find Stott workouts are sneaky about engaging those obliques, especially since Moira is very good at pointing out that the obliques are responsible for the imprint position. This workout’s theme might be more stabilization than anything else, which I like since that’s never a bad thing for the low back. I do like having the stretches sprinkled throughout the workout, too, which lowered the intensity some but helped me feel energized and worked out and feeling tall, not tired and worn out and scrunched up with tension, afterwards.
There is some work on the wrists, although the ball can help take some weight off of them.
I’ve never had the pleasure of working on a reformer, so I can’t say how this compares to actual reformer work. I did like the slightly different series of exercises, however, and appreciate the variety the adaptations of apparatus work can bring to the same ol’ matwork, expanding a poor at home exerciser’s options greatly. Most of the moves seemed to work pretty well on the ball, although that single leg series kind of lost me when we raised a leg and rolled back and forth while seated on the ball (one of those “I’m supposed to feel this where?” moments), the stomach massage with feet on either side of the ball felt awkward (maybe because I’m so inflexible), and the single thigh stretch threatened to venture into circus act territory (although I was very happy to have a hip flexor stretch included here). And I felt a little more could have been done to distinguish between the prep and full elephant series. That said, it was nice to have something to push against during the footwork portion; I could actually feel the muscles in my feet getting worked for once. The rowing series felt more like rowing with the controlled rolling of the ball back and forth, also, and this version required less hamstring flexibility, which kept my low back happier throughout the sequence, since I was able to sit up properly.
If you like the idea of reformer (or other apparatus) work adapted to the mat, you might also like Sarah Picot’s More than Mat series, Ana Caban’s Pilates Core Challenge, Mari Winsor’s Maximum Burn Super Sculpting & Body Slimming, and perhaps also Jodi Brennan’s P3 Pilates Plus Power Workout, Vol. 1. You can also find some reformer exercises in Ana Caban’s Energy Boost Pilates 1, Lara Hudson’s 10 Minute Solution Rapid Results Pilates, and Liz Gillies’ Progressive Pilates for Weight Loss (most of which are also on the bonus section on her Target Tone video). Lara Hudson’s 10 Minute Solution Pilates on the Ball shares a few exercises with this one; actually, I just like that DVD and am always happy to recommend it where relevant.
Instructor Comments:
Moira and PJ switch off instructing, with Moira taking the beginning and end while PJ does the middle. Both instruct and cue very well, focusing on cuing the moves, providing instruction on form and alignment, reminding you of the Pilates principles, and pointing out the purpose of the exercise (I like knowing what I’m working). Needless to say, there’s no extraneous chatter, as they don’t have any breath for it! PJ hasn’t made that much of an impression on me before, but I liked her more in this DVD, for whatever reason. Moira is her usual self (although she manages to tell the same story twice in a row – oops!). Neither has a super enthusiastic or warm or exciting personality, but both bring knowledge and experience to their teaching, so if you’re OK with not having barrels of fun you’ll find top notch teachers.
Neither Moira nor PJ really specify directional cues; there’s a lot more “lift one leg” and “now do the opposite side” rather than “right” and “left.”
KathAL79
12/18/2009
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:33:22 GMT
Stott Pilates Ultimate Balance
P.J. O'Clair, Moira Stott Merrithew
Year Released: 2002
As Sandra’s review stated, Ultimate Balance is based on a reformer routine, so the focus is a bit different than standard Pilates or stability ball workouts. I did feel it gave me a pretty good full-body workout. Nothing like lifting weights, of course, but my legs, abs, and even arms were well-utilized.
I will try to describe the moves in the actual workout, which begins after the warm-up sequence. Many of the moves are similar to mat exercises. The names aren’t very good, but hopefully my descriptions will be at least somewhat useful.
1. Ab crunch: Mini-crunch with legs on the ball
2. Footwork: Lying on your back with your feet in different positions on the ball, lift your hips up and keep them up while rolling the ball toward and away from you (this REALLY works the hamstrings, quads, and inner thighs)
3. Single leg: Sit on the ball with feet on the floor in front of you. Lift one foot and use the other leg to pull your body and the ball forward. Alternate feet.
4. Hundred: Lie on the ball with your shoulders and head supported, feet on the floor. Lift your hips so they are parallel with the floor. Lift your head and pump arms at your sides.
5. Short spine: (similar to jackknife) Lie on your back holding the ball between your legs (knee/ankle area). Lift legs above head, hips off ground, straighten legs above you. Roll your back down slowly, bend legs and extend them forward.
6. Coordination: (similar to double leg stretch) Lie on your back with knees bent at a 45 degree ankle over your hips and arms straight up above you, holding the ball. Extend arms and legs straight, away from you at 45 degree ankle to floor, then bring back in.
7. Round and straight back: Sit on the ball and make rowing motions with your arm, with a curved and then straight spine.
8. Stomach massage: Sit on the floor with the ball in front of you. Put your feet on the ball with knees bent. Push the ball out while engaging your abs to keep the back straight.
9. Long box series: Lie prone with thighs or shins on the ball with your arms on the ground in front of you (plank). Push and pull back and forth to work abs and arms.
10. Mermaid: Lie on your side over the ball with your legs straight out. Lift up to work the sides of your torso (like an oblique crunch)
11. Long stretch: Plank position with elbows bent and on ball, feet on the ground. Pull the ball back and forth.
12. Down stretch: (like the swan) Plank position with hands on the floor, lower body on ball. Rock back and forth.
13. Elephant: (pike) Plank with legs on ball, hands on floor. Pull pelvis up using abs.
14. Thigh stretch: Sit on your knees, lift up (like Lotte Berk knee dancing) then lean back keeping legs and back straight. The ball is held at your side and rolled back and forth as you lean back and forward.
15. Mermaid: (yes, again, but this is like the usual one) Sit on the floor, turn towards one side and lean over the ball. Push the ball away to stretch, then change sides.
16. Knee stretches: Plank with hands on floor, shins on ball. Roll ball forward and back by bending knees and engaging abs.
17. Bicycle: Same as knee stretches, but one shin stays on the ball while the other is off, alternating knees.
18. Hamstring stretch: Sit on the ball with one leg straight out, other bent, lean over to stretch.
It’s funny, the only thing that felt difficult at the time was the Footwork, but the next day several areas of my body remembered the workout. It didn’t seem to work the abs as much as I’d hoped, but surprised me by working my arms and lower body quite well.
I’m not sure if I’ll keep this one—it’s one of those I’m not sure how I’ll fit in to my schedule. I do think the ball is used effectively in this workout, so if you’re looking for a good ball workout that’s somewhat non-traditional, this is definitely one to consider.
Instructor Comments:
I know some say Moira can be dry, but I find both her and PJ to be really soothing. They’re pretty serious, but do make little silly comments now and then. They demonstrate good form and explain what NOT to do too. They both strike me as elegant instructors—there’s something really fluid about the way they move that inspires me.
Pratima
09/29/2005
This is a 40-minute pilates-inspired stability ball workout.
Stott Pilates has four stability ball workouts, Level 1 through 4. Ultimate Balance is the Level 4 workout. Stott rates all its videos on a 1 to 5 scale for difficulty, and Ultimate Balance is a 5 (most difficult). I am strictly an intermediate exerciser, and while I could not do all the reps on a couple of the exercises, and I could not do the last exercise (a one-legged pike) at all, I would still consider this workout doable for most intermediates with some prior ball and pilates experience.
The setting is a corner of a studio with white brick walls and a pale wood floor -- rather pretty, especially compared with earlier Stott productions. The music is very soft and piano-y. The DVD has an option to work to music only, but I learn so much from the instruction I can't imagine wanting to do this myself.
On the DVD the exercises are individually segmented, so it is easy to skip to the next one. The exercises are also separately chaptered, but note that, once the individual exercise is shown, the DVD returns to the chapter menu rather than continuing on with the workout.
The only equipment is a stability ball, plus an optional yoga or exercise mat for added foot traction. The workout is done barefoot.
The workout is based on an intermediate reformer routine (as opposed to Stott's Level 3 3-D Balance, which adapts a pilates intermediate mat routine). I've never worked out on a reformer, so some of the exercise names were new to me, but everything was well explained so I never felt confused.
Ultimate Balance is co-taught by Moira Stott and P.J. O'Clair. One instructs while the other demonstrates, then they switch off. Both Moira and P.J. are absolutely meticulous in their instruction. I suppose this might bug some people, but I really appreciate it and learn from it. I don't feel the pace suffered for it, probably because one person demonstrated while the other instructed. (Moira has done some videos solo where she both instructed and demonstrated, and I did find those slow-going.)
The workout begins with 12 minutes of gentle moves which warm up the body while reviewing general pilates principles. I enjoy this little tutorial, and it helps me get focused for the workout itself, which is much more intense.
The workout proper begins with a series of bridges with the feet in various positions on the ball, and the legs moving the ball in and out while in bridge. Very challenging on the hamstrings!
Additional exercises challenge core and shoulder stability. There is some ab work (the "Coordination") but I wouldn't call this an ab-intensive workout. Two rowing series are done, but without hand weights, which makes them more of a stretch. Other nice stretches are interspersed -- I especially like how the Mermaid was adapted to the ball for extra range of motion. The workout concludes with a series of pike-type moves, also quite challenging.
Occasionally modifications are referred to, but not usually shown. I expect Moira and P.J. assume you would turn to the Level 1 and 2 ball workouts if you are having a lot of difficulty with the moves in Ultimate Balance.
The DVD has a few annoying quirks. You must "agree" to Stott's legal disclaimer by pushing the "enter" button at the beginning of the DVD. Also you cannot skip the opening commercial blurb (although at least it is short and fairly tasteful). On the other hand, the DVD has some nice extras, particularly the clips (decent length ones, too) of the other Stott video offerings.
As noted, this is the most difficult stability ball workout produced by Stott. It is not the most difficult ball workout I own, however. I personally find Body Bar Equanimity, Fitball Lower Body Challenge, and TLP Core Foundations harder. But Ultimate Balance leaves me with a stretched out, peaceful feeling the others don't. For that reason I would recommend Ultimate Balance and 3-D Balance to ball afficionados who enjoy pilates moves.
Instructor Comments:
Moira and P.J. make a good team, with P.J.'s warmth contrasting with Moira's more formal demeanor. Moira is definitely more at ease now than she was in her earliest videos. Both women are top notch instructors.
JustSandra
09/05/2005
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:34:14 GMT
Balance Ball Beginners
Suzanne Deason
Year Released: 2002
There are 4 chapters on the menu:
1. Introduction
2. Invigorate the Spine (9 minutes)
3. Tone and Sculpt (22 minutes )
4. Stretch and Relax (11 minutes )
Suzanne is alone and she cues in voice over. The location is the beautiful Maui Islands (same exact setting as Suzanne's "A.M. Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss" and Ana Caban's "Pilates Abs Workout"). The background instrumental music is typical Gaiam and unobtrusive.
Invigorate the Spine consists of:
Sitting upright, breathing, circles, figure 8, extend & flex, rotation, halo, shoulder & neck release, side bends, reach & twist, swimming, dolphin and bouncing. All of these exercises are performed while seated on the stability ball.
Tone and Scuplt consists of:
Ankle circles, crawling toes, heel slides, front leg-lifts, bridge pose, squats, bridge pose with lower leg lift, hamstring stretch, pumping arms, paddling, front slide stretch, shoulder stretch, dog pose, wide-leg forward bend, side-lying leg work, lunge, half-swan, hamstring/gluteal work, push up to plank, triceps, side-to-side stretch, sit-ups, lower abdominals, rolling and arms. These exercises are performed while sitting on the ball, leaning against and over the ball and while holding the ball.
Stretch and Relax consists of:
Inner thigh stretch, mermaid, single-leg seated forward bend, wide-leg forward bend, cross leg, seated forward bend, side twist, butterfly and rocking.
The Special Features section contains a 15-minute stretch called Practice: Daily Stretch for Health. Suzanne performs the first 5 minutes of the stretch seated on a chair. She uses the ball for the entire stretch and it's filmed on the same location in Maui as Suzanne's "P.M. Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss" and Jillian Hessel's "A.M. Pilates Mat Workout".
I was looking for more workouts to use my stability ball with, and I like Suzanne and outdoor settings. Well, my first impession of this DVD was that the workout was too easy! It really does live up to its title as being for beginners.
The stretches combine pilates and yoga and because you use the stability ball for these stretches, they're not challenging (ie. you can't reach very far in single-leg seated forward bend with a big stability ball in between you and your ankle, which is good for beginners with less flexibility). I do like how my core muscles work to stabilize my body on the stability ball and I especially like the bonus daily stretch. I was disappointed at first, but I think it will fit nicely into my rotation for lower intensity/recovery days.
Instructor Comments:
Suzanne Deason is a yoga and certified Pilates instructor who has been practicing yoga for over 35 years. Her formal yoga training is the alignment-oriented style of the Iyengar tradition.
Suzanne looks incredible and so svelte! I like her calm and soothing mannerism.
Leslie (blue_hydrangea)
12/04/2005
Usually, if I grab a stability ball workout that has yoga or pilates inspired moves, I will put it right back on the shelf. For some reason, i was intrigued enough by this one to put it in my basket and bring it home.
The scenery is beautiful - as per Gaiam's usual standards. the production values are great. Suzanne is an amazing instructor (though I haven't been able to really take to her as a yoga instructor - I like her here), and most importantly: I do the workout regularly.
This video is really relaxing. I feel like I can really unwind while doing it and just let all of my cares slip away. It is almost an hour long, but it never feels that long.
Sheesh - just writing about it makes me want to go do it...maybe I will.
Instructor Comments:
Cori (ziggy2306)
02/28/2004
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Sept 30, 2023 20:36:20 GMT
Stott Pilates Core Balance
P.J. O'Clair, Moira Stott Merrithew
Year Released: 2002
I’m reviewing this workout after doing it once.
General workout breakdown: This DVD contains one 49-min. workout taking Pilates principles and some basic Pilates exercises (or at least preparatory work) to the stability ball.
After a short introduction from Moira (1 min.), the warm-up (15 min.) begins with a review of Pilates principles and body placement on the ball, including breathing, thoracic extension, arm circles, and neutral & imprint, before releasing with mermaid and cat stretches and moving onto scapula isolation, hip release, hip rolls, and head nods.
The workout proper (34 min.) runs through ab prep on both the mat and ball, breast stroke prep, shell stretch, hundred, half roll back, half roll up, spine twist, one leg circle, single leg stretch, obliques (aka a criss cross variation), double leg stretch, shoulder bridge prep, roll over prep, heel squeeze prone, breast stroke, neck pull prep, side kicks & side leg lift series (forward & back, slight up & down, and little circles), spine stretch forward, teaser prep, single leg extension, swan dive prep, swimming prep, leg pull front prep, retraction & protraction, push up prep, and mermaid.
As always in Pilates, quality is stressed over quantity, with most exercises done in 3-8 reps. The pace of the exercises themselves are deliberate. There are some pauses between exercises as Moira and PJ explain the upcoming move and set up for it.
Level: Although rated Level 1 and thus serving as the introductory video to Stott’s at home stability ball series, this is also rated as a 3 out of 5 difficulty, with 5 being the most difficult. I’d recommend this to somewhat experienced exercisers who have some Pilates background, probably at the beg. / int. through maybe int. level of Pilates. You needn’t have much stability ball experience, however, as this serves as a great introduction to working on the stability ball. If you’re beyond the intermediate level of exercise and Pilates and/or have lots of stability ball experience you may be better off with Levels 2 or 3.
I consider myself at the int. / adv. level of Pilates, comfortable with the all but the most advanced matwork exercises and somewhat limited in strength and/or flexibility in a few spots; I am a relative novice at stability ball workout, however. I am kicking myself for not acquiring this video before venturing into stability ball workouts, including other Pilates videos with the stability ball, but I hope using it a few times more will help me feel more comfortable with this piece of equipment so I can get more out of them all. As someone who’s been practicing Pilates for something like 7 ½ years, including two stints of live classes with Stott-trained instructors, I found elements of this, particularly the warm-up, too elementary for me, although it’s never a bad thing to be reminded of the basics in Pilates as one moves up in difficulty. Did I get a real workout with this video? Well, I didn’t exactly feel the burn, but I did have to work my core - and my poor hamstrings - while learning to stabilize or move on the ball in a Pilates way.
Class: When Moira is instructing, PJ is demonstrating as the “student,” and vice versa.
Music: soft but very repetitive piano-based instrumental music. (If you have other Stotts you’ve heard this before.)
Set: a brightly lit white room with windows on both walls, with a few stability balls and a potted plant or two arranged around the perimeter.
Production: crisp picture and sound. The camera angles are very helpful, with the zoom-ins always relevant, clear, and at appropriate times.
Equipment: mat and stability ball (or Swiss ball or whatever you want to call it). Moira, who’s around 5’4”, uses a 55 cm ball, while PJ, who’s 5’8 ½”, uses a 65 cm. I’m about 5’8” (no ½), and I used a 65 cm, which only seemed a hair too big in the heel squeeze prone and rollover prep. Moira and PJ are both barefoot.
Space Requirements: enough space to sweep your limbs around plus roll around on your ball; you’ll need a longish space, but it doesn’t have to be too deep or wide. I used an extra foot or two beyond each end of my mat, for example, and made sure I could stick my arms out to the side.
DVD Notes: Please note that this has been rereleased at least once. I’m reviewing what I think is the original edition.
The main menu options are Getting Started (What You’ll Need, DVD Tips, Warnings / Cautions), Audio Options (Instruction On, Instruction Off), Workout Principles (Breathing, Pelvic Placement, Rib Cage Placement, Scapular Movement & Stabilization, Head & Cervical Placement), The Workout, Chapter Selection (The DVD is meticulously chaptered by exercise), and Special Features (Bonus – Try the next level!, which here is Level 2 Dynamic Balance; Stott Pilates equipment, Meet the instructor, Get in touch, Stott Pilates education, Other Stott Pilates video titles).
Two annoying things about using this DVD: you have to push “I agree” to the disclaimers before it starts, and then it plays a Stott series introduction that I’ve yet to figure out how to skip.
Instructor Comments:
Moira and PJ switch off instructing: Moira leads the warm-up and from the side kicks on to the end, while PJ leads from the ab prep through neck pull prep. Both instruct live and cue very well, focusing on cuing the moves, providing instruction on form and alignment, reminding you of the Pilates principles, and pointing out the purpose of the exercise. Needless to say, there’s no extraneous chatter, as they don’t have any breath for it! The directional cues mostly come when they’re on their side; when they’re facing the viewer, they don’t often specify which side they use first. Neither has sparkling, super enthusiastic, exciting personality, but both bring knowledge and experience to their teaching, so if you’re OK with not having barrels of fun but rather focusing on form you’ll find top notch teachers.
KathAL79
09/14/2009
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:17:58 GMT
Zone Fat Burning Big Ball Workout
Liz Gillies
Year Released: 2001
Since this video is called "Body Sculpt" Big Ball Workout, I was hoping for a workout routine which would provide strength training exercises for my entire body using the ball. Rather, this is a lower-body focused workout which adapts traditional toning moves to the stability ball; furthermore, some of the moves have a slight Pilates flavors.
The workout begins with a 4-minute warmup. This consists largely of moving stretches on the ball with a few static holds towards the end. Abs work comes next, beginning with work performed while seated on the ball. Because instructor Liz Gillies is facing you rather than towards the side, it was often difficult to see her exact positioning on the ball; she did explain where the ball should be behind your back but failed to describe exactly how your feet should be placed. Furthermore, although some of the abs moves seemed like they might be effective, Liz performs very few reps, so my abs muscle barely had a chance to begin feeling the work. After the seated exercises comes some oblique work lying sideways over the ball, which I felt a bit more. The entire abs segment is about 6 minutes long.
Liz then moves on to thigh and butt work. Again, you will begin seated on the ball, this time working your legs with moves like hip raises. Here again, I did not feel that Liz performed enough repetitions to really feel the work, and I also struggled with correct placement over the ball. However, Liz included some side kick moves (lying sideways over the ball) that could be felt within a small number of reps. The final toning segment focused on the glutes while lying face down over the ball. This was my favorite part of the video, as I could finally feel my muscles working during the leg extensions, hamstring curls, and heel beats. The workout concludes with a series of cool-down stretches; despite the length of this segment (7 minutes), it felt rushed and not very relaxing.
The entire duration for this workout was about 30 minutes, and by the end, I did not feel that it was time well-spent. Although I have previous experience using the ball, I had trouble with finding correct positioning to really feel like I was working the intended muscles, and I felt I got a benefit from the final section only. Liz did give a lot of form pointers, but somehow, these just didn't work for me. However, if you are looking for a ball workout that focuses on the lower body without being overly strenuous, this video might be right for you.
Instructor Comments:
This was my first experience with Liz. She reminded me a little of Leisa Hart--warm and friendly but with a manner of instruction that I found annoying at times (of course, if you like Leisa, you'll probably like Liz as well!). Similarly, the music reminded me a bit of the music from Leisa's Arms & Abs of Steel 2 workout--a bit too loud and a bit too flashy for the routine. However, the setting is the pretty outdoor pond-side set that the Yoga Zone videos often use. Finally, as I mentioned above, although Liz gave plenty of form pointers, they just didn't work for me, and I had a lot of trouble finding the correct position on the ball to feel the work.
Beth C (aka toaster)
09/02/2005
This 30-minute video is divided into four sections (not including a short warm-up and cool-down stretch): bouncing on the ball; lunges off the ball; standing exercises; and floor work. The "fat burning" is a bit of a misnomer; although Liz talks a lot throughout this video about what great "cardio" we're getting with the ball and about how high her heart rate is, my heart rate didn't change too much. (I am a high intermediate-advanced exerciser). I still think this video could be interesting to the more advanced exerciser for a light day: it offers a good introduction to exercise on the ball, and I found it very pleasant. I can see using it as a gentle add-on to a strenuous workout, as an extended warm-up or cool-down. I might also use it along with one of the Living Arts balance ball videos to spend an hour with the ball. Beginners would find it sufficiently challenging by itself, as some of the toning work can be intense. Beginners seem to be the target audience as Liz talks a lot about what beginners can expect as they continue to use the tape and progress. (Collage rates the video Begin/Inter). Choreography is basic and it's all low impact.
There is some good work for the thighs in the bouncing section and the floor work (these two sections will be the more challenging of the 4 sections for advanced exercisers). Liz demonstrates controlled bouncing, which is kind of like doing a plie or a squat. You definitely feel it in your thighs. The floorwork section consists of different bridges; good hamstring work there.
The lunges section was my least favorite. In this section, you turn to the side and rest one hip on the ball while you do static lunges. Liz varies the lunges so you don't get bored, but I found all of them awkward, perhaps because I didn't have my ball pumped up enough. It was difficult to maintain proper form, however, when half my body was leaning over onto the ball.
The standing work is very basic--lifting the ball over your head, swinging it from side to side. But if you squeeze the ball while doing these exercises, you will get some chest work.
The video ends with a short but pleasant stretch. The setting is the same sandy beach where Tamilee Webb's Total Body Stretch for Beginners was filmed; it's restful and attractive. Liz is very enthusiastic and cheerful. She teaches the exercises and cues very well. She also emphasizes that the workout is supposed to be fun--she frequently says things like "Wasn't that fun?" and "Let's increase the fun".
Elisabeth
07/22/2002
I like this workout primarily because there is not a lot out there like it. It's pretty unique. This is all work done on the big swiss ball, with a very good instructor, in a beautiful setting. The workout consists of a warm up, about 15 to 18 minutes of cardio work on the ball which mostly is of the squat/lunge bouncing variety, and some of which can be quite challenging
for the quads, followed by an active cool down and some supine toning leg work with the ball. While I do like this workout as an add-on to another cardio workout, I have to say I do ahave a few criticisms. I think the cardio
portion is way too short. To feel like I've had a somewhat decent cardio workout on the ball, I must do the cardio portion twice through. Secondly, if you are
looking for fat burning benefit, in my experience, my heart rate did not stay in my target zone to have much of a fat burning benefit. This is a personal
thing though, every body is different, so take that for what it is worth to you. Lastly, the toning portion I would describe as a supine choreographed leg routine. I found the moves hard to catch on to- because the number of
reps per move is low, and then you are on to another add-on move, so if you don't have the first move down you will have to rewind and do a bit of studying to get it down. While this is fine, the rest of the tape seems geared to people newer to the ball, and while the leg work isn't very strenuous, it does take some agility and quickness because the moves aren't really too slow and controlled when you are doing them in a series. So all in all I'd say it's a bit unbalanced. But if you take it for what it is, and use the parts that you enjoy, it's a unique addition to any fitness video library, good for pulling out when you want a little something different, not difficult, and with a fun factor.
Instructor Comments:
Liz Gillies is personable and friendly. She cues well.
Kathy Weller
06/05/2002
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:19:42 GMT
Yogaball
Adita Yrizarry
Year Released: 2000
Based on this video, I do not expect to see yoga on the balance ball as the next trend in video fitness. Pilates, it turns out, is much more suitable for use with the ball. Still, I appreciate this tape's attempt to use the ball for yoga. It is not a very solid yoga workout, but it does offer a nice stretch and good balance work.
All of the moves that are non-yoga moves work very well with the ball, while all of the moves adapted from yoga (with the exception of child's pose) feel very awkward to me. Downward dog with a huge ball under your chest is awkward. Triangle and warrior with a huge ball between your legs is awkward. Adita claims that using the ball with yoga helps improve form, and I do find this to be the case with pilates and the ball. But my form was horrible while I was doing this tape and I had to stop doing the downward dogs because my back began to hurt.
Rolling around on the ball felt wonderful, however, and there is some good balance work here.
Adita is an encouraging instructor.
Elisabeth
07/16/2002
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:20:28 GMT
Yoga on the Ball: An Introduction
Linda Rado
Year Released: 2001
Yoga on the Ball: an introduction... uses a stability ball plus other props (2 yoga blocks, but a blanket is also suggested) to enhance basic yoga postures. The case explains that instructor Linda Rado teaches 20 poses, but there are plenty of variations. Each posture/posture series appears briefly on screen, with the complete list as follows:
1. Bent Leg Seated Forward Bend
2. Spider Series
3. Pigeon Series
4. Backbend Series (includes several sub-segments such as arm pull, snow angel, full extension, and eagle arms)
5. Straight Leg Seated Forward Bend
6. Side Bend Series (includes clock and triangle arms)
7. Draped Rest
8. Locust
9. Plank
10. Dolphin
11. Kneeling Rest
12. Side Angle Twist
13. Toe Bend
14. Seated Wide Leg Forward Bend
15. Standing Wide Leg Forward Bend with Twist
16. Triangle
17. Standing Side Stretch
18. Seated Forward Bend with Twist
19. Seated Twist Deeper
20. Rest on Ball
The practice is about 37.5 minutes long, although the music continues for an additional 1.5 minutes during the final relaxation. Overall, I liked how the ball was incorporated into the postures and enjoyed this practice, but I did have several minor issues with it. First of all, the tone of the practice felt a bit uneven: although it was largely restorative (i.e., using the ball as a prop for going more deeply into the poses), there were also some fairly strenuous segments, such as the dolphin (a moving plank on the ball). Secondly, the transitions between the postures were often very quick, and so I found myself rushing to set up for the next pose. Finally, the frequent changes in camera angle/perspective sometimes made it difficult to follow Linda's movements. If you enjoy both ball work and yoga plus are able to overlook these flaws, I would recommend this video.
Instructor Comments:
Linda provided generally good instruction, although the camera angles made her slightly difficult to follow at times; her voice reminded me very much of actress Bebe Neuwirth.
Beth C (aka toaster)
02/08/2006
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:22:35 GMT
Xtreme Strength Ball Workout
Gin Miller
Year Released: 2001
I love Gin's step tapes, so this was a bit of a disappointment. No cool studio setting, no nice sound effects, and an annoying (I think it's supposed to be funny) banter between her and the other person demonstrating the moves. I was also disappointed in the workout itself which wasn't as intense as I would have expected from her. Perhaps if it were just a bit faster paced it would have been a more satisfying workout. As it is, the tape has only really been useful in showing me new moves for my stability ball, because I find other tapes provide a much better and more strenuous workout in the same amount of time.
Diana
08/16/2001
This video provides a total body toning workout using the step, dumbells and the Resist-a-Ball (same as a Fitball.) Unfortunately, I found it disappointing. It definitely was NOT what I was looking for in a Resist-a-Ball workout.
The set is basic, but not objectionable in any way. Gin is joined by another instructor. Gin usually does the advanced version of the exercise and Mary demonstrates easier options.
Gin opens the video with a little introductory speech, stressing that you should have prior experience with the ball before doing this video. Well, I don't have any formal training with the ball, so this may be one reason some of the moves just didn't feel effective to me. I was hoping Gin would offer at least a few form pointers on where you should be focusing your energies or balancing your weight, but she really doesn't.
Next there's a warm-up using the ball and the step. You perform very basic moves both on and off the step, while raising the ball overhead or off to one side or another. Then on to the body of the workout, which is broken up into three circuit training segments. Each uses both the step and the ball.
The first segment has the hardest move of the whole video, a set of full-body push-ups on the ball. (As seen on the over picture.) This was really tough to do without letting the ball roll away from your body, in fact, I could only do two and then I had to follow Mary, who does the easier version on her knees. Well, the easier version was TOO easy for me. And that kind of sums up my problem with all of the moves using the resist-a-ball: the easy versions were too easy, but I often couldn't perform the hard version without rolling off the ball. The first segment also contained some abdominal work and some hamstring work. Again, I was disappointed that the work felt easier than I wanted, but I didn't know if I was doing it wrong, or the exercises were just too easy for my fitness level. Throughout the video, Gin incorporated stretches on the ball.
Circuit sections 2 and 3 are identical, except section 2 concentrates on the left side of your body and section 3 concentrates on the right. There was more abdominal work, side leg lifts, upper body work include some pec flyes and ribcage pullovers using dumbells. Just my personal hang-up, but I don't like spending 10 minutes on one side of my body and then going back to the beginning to do 10 minutes on the other side. I find it tedious.
I was disappointed in this video because the structure didn't suit my needs and I expected more instruction and more of a challenge. The toning/strength work just didn't feel that effective. Also, many of the positions incorporated the step with the ball and they just felt contrived and awkward. My goal in buying the Resist-a-Ball was to really challenge my abdominal muscles and to increase my flexibility, and I wasn't impressed with either. Also, the ab work is in 3 different sections of the tape, so I can't just cue it up to the ab work easily, I'd have to FF through all the rest of it.
I hate to sound like this was a disaster, it's a sound workout, but it just didn't fit what I was looking for. It's my first video for the Resist-a-ball, so I don't know how it compares to the other videos out there. Guess I'll keep trying one until I find one I like.
Instructor Comments:
Gin seems like the tomboy next door in this video. She's still wearing that backwards baseball cap and even jokes about it. She carries on an easy conversation and banters around with the other instructor, a Gin-sound-alike named Mary. Maybe they're related? She is a solid instructor, great personality and very professional.
Daphne M
01/01/2000
This a fun but "tough" workout. I have had my Flexaball for a quite a while now and had gotten tired of the introductory tape that came with my ball. I was looking for a tape that included a total body workout. This tape fit the bill. This really challenges your muscular strength and stabilization.
The workout starts with a low key warmup using the ball. After the warmup, you start off with a set of squats pushing the ball out in front of your body for stabilization. After the squats, you place the ball on the end of your step and do pushups against it. This is extremely challenging. I had a very hard time balancing the ball and doing the pushup with proper form. I had to drop to the modified pushup position from the knees. The next exercise is targeted for the back. You place your arms on top of the ball and roll the ball forward. Keeping your arms on top and using your back muscles, you roll the ball back to the starting position. It's hard to describe this exercise but this was HARD! The next segments incorporated a variety of exercises like side lateral leg raises, ab crunches, bicep concentration over the ball, unique back exercises, and a rotator cuff exercise. All very challenging.
As I was doing the workout, I was thinking how I could use some of the stretches and exercises as modifications in other tapes. I really felt like I got some great new ideas. I don't see this tape providing great strength gains or definition as there aren't multiple sets and reps for the body parts. However, if you are looking for a fun, challenging tape using a workout ball, I highly recommend this one.
Instructor Comments:
Gin does a great job leading this video. She demonstrates perfect form and explains modifications really well. I am in awe of the strength she has to do some of these exercises. She jokes around and has fun but not too much. She just tries to make it fun.
Joyce
01/20/1999
This is only my 2nd stability ball workout video. I've been using The Flexaball Workout for over a year (maybe 2 now, I can't remember) and have been doing other isometric trunk stabilization exercises as well.
What you will need: 1 hour, a Step (not for stepping but for a bench), wrist/hand weights, leg weights (for just below the knees), light to medium dumbbells and a stability ball. Gin uses a Flexaball Pro which is like the regular Flexaball but it has these cow-like udders on it (I'll leave the cracks on this to someone else :^D) I use a regular Flexaball which works just fine.
This is the breakdown: (approximately)
4 mins - Instruction
8 mins - Warmup
15 mins - Strength Circuit Segment 1 (squats, pushups on the ball (killer), rear hip extensions, lat rolls/rows, pullovers, abs and obliques and some great stretches throughout).
15 mins - Strength Circuit Segment 2 (ab/adductors, lateral flexion, side lying overhead pullovers, external rotation, concentration curls, hamstring curls, flyes and more great stretches throughout).
15 mins - Strength Circuit Segment 3 (abs and obliques, ab/adductors, lateral flexion, side lying overhead pullovers, external rotation, concentration curls, rear flyes, tricep dips and even more great stretches throughout).
4 1/2 mins - Cool down/Stretch
I really love this workout. It keeps moving. I really wouldn't recommend trying to start with this one though if you have never done any stability ball work. Start with The Flexaball Workout. This one just wasn't made for beginners. I think that this would be very frustrating for a beginner just trying to keep themselves stabilized and ending up missing the workout - it moves along, or not having learned the correct positioning and hurting themselves. There are so many ways to make it more intense or less depending on what your stabilty ability is (but you do need to aready have some stability ability) :^D
The set is a bunch of different colored Flexaball Pros stacked around. It is led by Gin. There is 1 person showing modifications and she looks like she is having a really hard time at some points. Gin, of course, makes it all look so easy (especially the pushups which have got to be the hardest thing I have ever tried). My problem (not the workout's fault, just my floor) - I have wood floors and get very frustrated during the lateral flexion exercises because I can't get a grip on the floor and end up sliding around a lot. If you like Gin and like stability ball workouts, this has got to be as good as it gets.
Instructor Comments:
Gin is my favorite. Her humor is so much like mine, I love it. She goes from serious straight forward instruction to popping off something funny and then right back to work. She makes you feel like you're right there with her. She's the best!
Rebecca
11/27/1998
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:25:10 GMT
Winsor Pilates Ball Workout
Mari Winsor
Year Released: 2004
In 50 minutes you'll tone your lower body and abs. It has a short segment of push ups for upper body.
Equipment: Stability ball & mat.
The music is great by "Daveed". (The same "Daveed" as in Crunch Slimdown). The set is bright, airy and spacious.
I would rate this as intermediate. Mari's instruction is soft spoken no drill sargeant here. Just three students one modifies the moves for beg/int. The other two perform advanced moves. The stability ball definitely adds intensity to the workout.
This is a great workout to rotate between pilates mat work and circle pilates. Great addition to my pilates workouts!!!
Instructor Comments:
She is pleasant and well spoken. She cues well and gives plenty of form pointers and modifications.
Sundari
09/06/2006
|
|
|
|
Post by Karla on Oct 1, 2023 18:26:50 GMT
Triple Threat
Kimberly Spreen
Year Released: 2004
This is an overview, as I did not take notes when doing the workout. Triple Threat consists of 3 workout segments: Cardio Kickboxing, a med ball workout, and a yoga/stretch workout. Each segment is approx. 30 minutes. I have not tried the yogo workout yet, so I will only comment on the first 2.
I enjoyed the kickboxing segment. I consider myself to be advanced with cardio, and I often modify up. I would consider it to be intermediate to higher intermediate. I used my tae bo ball throughout & felt a good workout. Had I not, I think it may have felt too easy. The moves are typical kickbox punches & kicks, but Kimberly's style of instruction makes them seem more enjoyable. The routine is at a good pace. (not as fast a Tae Bo Get Ripped Advanced, but fast enough to feel challenged). The production quality of this workout, especially the sound, are quite poor. It appears to have been recorded in the aerobics studio of a gym, which may be part of the reason why the sound is so bad. (trying to compensate for the echo?) This was very disappointing, but its not bad enough to keep me from doing the workout again.
The med ball section was good. Kimberly's instruction is still great, and she hits just about every muscle group. It seemed shorter than 30 minutes, and at first I didn't feel that I had worked my muscles hard enough. BUT...i did have DOMS in my arms the next day. The sound is better in this portion.
All & all, I liked the workouts and really liked Kimberly as an instructor. Too bad the production isn't better!
Instructor Comments:
I love kimberly's style. She's very "polished" and does a great job cueing. I look forward to doing more of her workouts!
unknown
11/30/-0001
Triple Threat consists of three 30-minute workouts: Cardio Kickboxing, Functional Power (a medicine-ball workout), and Go with the Flow (a gentle yoga-influenced, “fusion” workout). There is no separate warmup or cooldown; “Go with the Flow” is evidently intended as the cooldown and stretch for the entire DVD.
Cardio Kickboxing:
This segment is an intermediate-level kickboxing workout that keeps you moving to the beat of the music (~138bpm) without much pausing or marching. In a very short warmup (3.5 min), Kimberly gives fair attention to the upper body with torso twists and bob-and-weave movements, but the lower body gets short shrift. I wanted more knee lifts, chambers, low kicks, and gentle shuffling before the waist-high side leg lifts that Kimberly introduced early in the workout, since I felt that my hips and ankles were unprepared for the exercises. The workout consists primarily of drills and very short sequences of standard kickboxing moves (jabs, crosses, hooks, rib shots, body shots; knee strikes, shin blocks; roundhouse kicks, a few front and back kicks). The focus is on the upper body, with no side kicks and only brief sequences with the other kicks. There are also some speedbag arms, flurries, and football shuffles at the end (none of which I particularly like, but they’re easy to skip since the workout has no cooldown afterward anyway).
Kimberly’s choreography is simple to the point of being repetitive; while it was easy to remember what came next in sequences that combined only four moves, I found myself watching the clock on several of the occasions when I did this workout. I never was motivated to put my best effort into the exercises, possibly because there wasn’t much lower-body involvement, possibly because the drills felt tedious, or possibly because the whoops and shout-outs started to get on my nerves.
Functional Power:
Because I love functional-fitness workouts using the medicine ball, I was especially eager to try this segment. I enjoyed the first ten minutes, which made a great warmup for the torso, but I got bored soon afterward. I felt that out of the entire half-hour workout, there was about 15 minutes’ worth of choreography, with the rest being a lot of repetition and some random moves thrown in for variety’s sake without contributing much to the workout. Even I was starting to tire of all the wood chops and torso twists, despite how much I love rotational movements, and I certainly was done with all the squats-with-overhead-presses long before Kimberly was. I was also a bit confused by her instruction not to use momentum to swing a weighted ball from the ground to above the head; at a tempo of 138bpm, it hardly seemed possible not to use momentum. The “extraneous” moves that I could have done without were: bouncing and rolling the ball (since my medicine ball is too squishy for this and hits the ground with a thud), planks and pushups on the ball (hurts my wrists), and bicep curls and tricep presses (isolation moves better suited to heavier dumbbells or more repetitions, rather than functional-fitness training with a medicine ball, in my opinion). Instead, I would have preferred more varied work for the lower body (such as clock lunges, static and dynamic balances on one leg, and leg lifts in multiple directions), compound movements integrating the upper and lower body, and more circular movements using a longer lever at a slower tempo (Kimberly’s movements tend to be very up-and-down, back-and-forth). Until a more complete and balanced medicine-ball-only workout comes out, I’ll have to stick with the shorter segments that occasionally crop up in other videos.
Go with the Flow:
This fusion-style workout combines elements of dance (casual dance, not formal dance steps), functional-fitness movements, and yoga, all done barefoot, for an unusual half hour of exercise that’s tough to classify. The music is featured more prominently here, in that the songs and tempos change noticeably (from 88bpm in the warmup to 128bpm and 140bpm in some faster sections) during the workout. Kimberly warms up with 5 minutes of slow side-to-side movements which she describes as “a little funky” and which feel like gently dancing to background music. From here she proceeds to ribcage isolations to warm up the core, a faster-moving lunge series combining static side lunges with circular arm patterns (much like Functional Power without the medicine ball), and some one-legged balances, in a section lasting about 6 minutes. The next 14 minutes focus on yoga poses choreographed to music, interspersed with some more dancelike, swaying movements. She includes some warrior poses, triangle, lunges, chair, and tree, with some sweeping overhead stretches for the arms and the side torso. After this comes a faster 4-minute segment with mambos and another side lunge series, and a 2-minute cooldown containing mostly slow arm reaches.
Although I think this is one of Kimberly’s more creative workouts, and although I appreciate that it includes more flowing and circular movements than usual (for her), I’m hard pressed to figure out how I’d work it into my regular exercise routine. If I were looking for a dance-based workout, I’d pick something that feels more joyous and freeing (as opposed to just movin’-and-groovin’), and if I were looking for yoga, I’d probably prefer a more dedicated practice. I think it might fit the bill for something short and calming on a light day when you just want to keep your body moving.
Instructor Comments:
While Kimberly does emphasize good form in her kickboxing, her tips focus more on lower-body positioning and use of the core. It seemed to me that she swings a bit wildly on her punches, especially her hooks.
Kimberly has a pleasant and sincere “girl-next-door” manner that I enjoy particularly when she’s instructing and offering form pointers. She’s a little uncomfortable in front of the camera, but she willingly pokes fun at herself for this in the (lengthy!) outtakes. What I find unfortunate is that she indulges in some vocal mannerisms that I think undermine her otherwise good instruction. Kimberly’s cueing shows that she is very attentive to the music’s beat, which I appreciate, but she accents the beat a bit too much by shouting out cues rhythmically to the music like a DJ at a dance club. In the kickbox section, there are some cheerleader chants like “How low can you go?” or “Work that body, work that body, work that body, whoa!” with plenty of whooping to accompany them. Rather than motivating me, these felt artificial and condescending to me. Similarly, when she referred to her background exercisers as “my girls,” I kept expecting her to add, “in the ’hood.” Kimberly also tended to sigh, “Ahhh!” when moving into a more “relaxing” move, which really started to irritate me by my second run-through. I would like to see Kimberly instruct more workouts without resorting to these affectations.
(Note: She is more toned-down in Box-N-Flow and Play Ball; anyone who objects to the faux-dance-club atmosphere may want to consider those workouts instead.)
Kimberly also draws upon metaphor and imagery in some of her cues during “Go with the Flow”. She talks about holding a “ball of light” and asks us to “scoop up energy from the earth” and release it at the top of the movement. Some of the phrases she uses as encouragement have a “feel-good” ring to them (“You should always dance like nobody’s watching”). Be aware that she concludes with a motivational speech (“Live your life well, be fierce, but be good to yourself and to others, and God Bless”) that may or may not agree with your particular sensibilities.
KickDancer
11/30/-0001
|
|
