Stretching, Flexibility, Yoga, Pilates Video

R

runathon

Cathlete
I would like to buy a video that will help me increase flexibility, lengthen my muscles and help me get that "dancer" body...(dreaming :))...but anyway...I thought I should ask the educated crowd. :)

I have the Collage catalog and have been at their website and at Video Fitness looking around...but..I really need your help.

I want something motivating but no-nonsense. I don't get into the meditation stuff and would like something peacefull without the chattyness of Denise. I already have Denise's Pilates workout (that one is ok) and K. Voight's Yogasculpt (I think its too tough for a yoga/pilates beginner) and as far as stretching....not good.


I would like to know who your favorite instructors are and any tape out there that you highly recommend.

Thank you! ;-)

Blessings from Our Home to Yours, Runathon
 
Check into Kari Anderson's new Angles Lines & Curves II. I haven't seen any reviews yet. Wonderful instructor w/ a dance background.

Pilates generally is more about building core strength than flexibility. But Winsor has a new series out. One might fit your criteria.

I really like Suzanne Deason's yoga, fitness ball & Pilates videos. They do have a new age feel about them. Might be too low key for you.

The stretching videos that I grab most often are Tamilee Webb's. But I wouldn't think you'd get a dancer's physique from them.

Have you posted your question at Video Fitness yet? It seems that the most recent reviews tend to be informal on the forums rather than posted to the review section.

Happy hunting.
Debra
 
Two workouts that I find 'no nonsense', positive and teacherly are Karen Voight's "Body Reform: Abs and Back", and Kathy Smith's "Pilates for Abs". Both have a lot in common, actually. They both have a well-lit setting (as opposed to Yogasculpt) and they both have another person exercising with them, showing modifications. Both are talkative throughout the workout but the talk is educational; it's about the movements and how to do them correctly (the best kind of talking:) ). The Karen tape focuses on a flowing sequence of exercises, alternating abs and back at times. Kathy Smith's tape introduces one exercise at a time (by name) and performs them one by one. Both are easy to learn, can be modified easy or harder, and are good for someone who uses pilates-type exercise as an 'alternate' exercise once in a while (i.e. I'm no expert in it, but I'm capable of doing the exercises properly). Take a look on collagevideo.com if you want to screen clips.

Both are available on DVD, but check the chaptering if you want to go this route. Karen's is packaged with another of her Body Reform videos. There is no chaptering on the Abs and Back workout. Kathy Smith's I haven't checked out the chaptering, I have the VHS.
Hope this is helpful,
Kathy
 
My suggestions:
If you find Yoga Sculpt a little too much right now, and your main goal is flexibility, I suggest Crunch Joy of Yoga.
It's cheap, simple, not too strenuous, definitely NOT mystical, and effective. You will outgrow it fairly quickly, but it is a great way to start into the whole yoga thing.
If strength is your goal as well, check out the YogaZone beginner series.
 
Dancers body

I like the YogaFusion videos. There are a few different ones- I'm not sure which is the best, but I do like "Power." It incorporates stretching, yoga, and some toning. I like it cause you get a bit of everything, it's not too fast or slow, and her voice isn't irritating. Sometimes I just do half since it can tire me out if I just did a tough workout. Try to go to Target since they have low-priced videos.

Unfortunately, I've read that in order to get the so-called yoga or dancers body, you need to devote at least an hour a day for years. It's not something you can get by doing yoga once a week. However, you can still get benefits, just not a total transformation. I have also read that pilates lessons can really change your body, but it's pricey and not available everywhere. This is just something I've read, not my experience! You'll help your body even if you stretch 5 mins a day!
 
Thanks Everyone for your replies!

Thank you for your responses to my question. I think I am going to stick with my Karen Voight Pure and Simple Stretch and YogaSculpt and Pilates from D. Austin. Once I am stronger on those (as much as I can do of each of them)...I will go towards the intermediate level Yoga/Pilates. This way I dont' spend any more money on beginner tapes...gotta save my $$$ for the new workouts!

Thank you bunches!!! :)


Blessings from Our Home to Yours, Runathon
 
RE: Thanks Everyone for your replies!

Hi Runathon!

I have the KV stretch tape and a tape by Tamilee Webb, Beginner's Stretch for Flexibility, that is really good. She is on the banks of what looks like a peaceful koi pond, and she has that great alto voice ... very soothing. There is nothing "yoga" about the video; they are athletic stretches, but done slowly and in a relaxing way.

I'll need that relaxation if, as we suspect, we need to refile for our I-171H! (Arg!)

Rose
 
I also want to buy a flexibility tape. I was thinking of Angles, Lines, and Curves by Kari Anderson (A continuous flexibility training and body contouring workout! Achieve the supple and graceful body you've always wanted with this challenging mix of muscle and strength work) and Angles, lines, and curves II (flowing, energetic workout, from standing to floor to standing again. Exercises and movements may be similar to what you might do in a Ballet, Yoga or Pilates class, but many have been given a slightly different twist. Everything has been carefully selected with different goals in mind and the cumulative effect from start to finish should be noticeable!). I heard good things about her tapes)

If you order from her website, shipping will be free
http://www.greatmovesvideo.com/proRobics/main.html

Alicia
 
WillPowerAli...thanks for the

suggestion. I went to Kari's website and took a looky. ALC II looks like a great production. I am almost tempted to buy it right now...but my hubby would have a fit!...I just spent $108 on Cathe and Mindy workouts!}>

I may just add this to the "Cathe tapes for Christmas" request! :-jumpy

Thank you!

Blessings from Our Home to Yours, Runathon
 
Runathon

I know what you mean. I want them both, but I can't afford them plus Cathe tapes. I am still trying to decide which Cathe DVD to buy (and I do not even have a DVD player yet!). I am trying to figure out a way to get the Cathe DVD without my husband knowing. I just don't feel like hearing him complain. I really want the 23 DVD set, but my husband would really get a fit. I am trying to convince a family member and friend to try Cathe tapes. Maybe they could get the pack with me and split the DVDs and then when we have more money we will buy another pack so that eventually we could own all the DVDs. Well, I am still trying to get some of them to try a Cathe tape. I have to figure a way to get her DVDs. I will probably just end up ordering one DVD on my own though!

Alicia
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top