Fat-Blasting Yoga
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Movie Reviews of Fat-Blasting Yoga
Movie Review: Don't get bogged down in semantics
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Fat-Blasting yoga, it is not traditional yoga. The box clearly states that the poses are performed "in a flowing style to increase the heart rate, boost metabolism and burn calories and fat." If you're looking for a DVD to teach you the traditional poses and breathing techniques, this is not the one. If you're looking to lose some weight and gain some flexibility, this is an excellent choice.My goal when I set out three weeks ago was to lose 50 lbs by next summer, and by alternating this DVD with Denise's "Pilates for Every Body" (along with a better diet), I have already lost 10 lbs. It is difficult to give an overall loss, because these programs build muscle, which, of course, weighs more than fat. Suffice it to say, I have a very defined waistline again, my stomach has flattened out considerably, and I can see definite muscle tone in my arms and legs.
I have had a difficult time in the past sticking to exercise programs, but I now find that I start to feel a bit sketchy if I haven't worked out by around 7 p.m. This workout is fun, and I found early on that you can do your own slight modifications to the poses until you've gained the flexibility to do them the way they are taught. I look forward to working out every day, and I especially enjoy "Yoga Days." After three weeks, I am more flexible, more balanced and more focused - and did I mention, lighter?
One complaint: I'm certain that in the Balancing Stick series, she has you doing one leg twice and the other leg four times, and I'm not sure she's consistent with count on other exercises. Once you get familiar with the workout, though, you can adjust for that.
Denise tends to say "This is my favourite," for several stretches or moves. This is not as annoying as funny, when you realize that she really loves what she's doing. She's very motivating, and she seems to realize that not everyone is at her fitness level.
Incidentally, I have suffered knee, shoulder and back injuries through gymnastics, and I find that this video does not aggravate those at all. I recommend, however, purchasing a stability ball if you're serious about this workout. It really takes the pressure off your back when doing things such as situps and double-leg stretches.
Movie Review: I have to disagree with the negative reviews of this workout!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this DVD workout now for a few years, and I have to say I really love it! I know some find Denise's chirpy style annoying, but I don't think she's like that at all in this DVD.. and I must say I've never heard her say 'Yea yoga' - and I've done this DVD hundreds of times! perhaps its in the intro??
I find this a fantastic all over workout that is surprisingly effective in toning up given I'm generally a cardio workout lover.. I always feel so incredibly energised by this workout. I actually feel healthier and more alive at the end of it! seriously!
This is NOT however a spiritual type yoga DVD - it's a little faster paced than that and doesn't have that kind of yoga music that those type of DVDs do.. but I don't mind that, I see this as somewhere between a workout and yoga - and I really like that..
It's also fab for doing during that time of the month, rather than a full on cardio workout - as it's nurturing as well as energising and strenuous.
The only caution I would give is about the move which involves putting one foot up above the other knee and then sitting back. I pulled my back on this move and I'd never had a back problem before, so I'd warn people to be very very careful on that move - and also the big toe stretch which also seems to pull on that same lower back muscle that I pulled. Maybe that's specific to me - but just be careful. I just do the chair pose while she's doing these ones. It's only a minute or so, so it doesn't affect the overall workout at all.
You will need a yoga/pilates ball though for the third section, and ideally also a yoga mat. Though I did it on the carpet for quite a while before I got a mat and it was fine..
I feel this workout has really stood the test of time for me. I keep coming back to it, and really enjoy the workout.
I highly recommend it..
Movie Review: Unique, effective workout
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great workout. I'm going to say that it borders on being cutting edge. I know, that's not what most people think when they hear "Denise Austin", but at the very least, give some credit to her choreographer, Lisa Wheeler of Method fame. This is a great workout that can get up your heart rate using yoga/fusion movements, traditional yoga and functional fitness.
The first section is 30 minutes. Within that are sections that build vinyasas around Warriors, Balancing Stick/Warrior 3, and Tree. After a warmup of sun breaths and sun salutations, Austin introduces a posture, then builds into it, using not only yoga postures but also more "traditional" movements like squats, lunges and side lunges. After moving to each side, throughout the sections, she goes back to the Sun Salutations, for something like an extra 10 or 12 peppered in. This section should raise your heartrate- definitely.
The second section is about fifteen minutes long and has the most traditional yoga postures. Though fast-moving, they are held for a longer amount of time than they are in the first section. Tough movements such as Plank, Up Dog, more Warriors, Side Plank and a Levitation Hold are included. These are tough, and should definitely help build up strength.
The third section is less yoga and more functional fitness. It utilizes a stability ball and focuses on the abs and back, but the rest of the body is getting involved as well. A few crunches are included, but she mainly focuses on tough movements like Russian Twists, Planks on the ball and Cobra. While not as difficult as Core Foundations, these are not easy and would be a great way to build up strength through the abs and back.
Considering the number of solid workouts you get on one reasonably priced DVD, I say this a great inclusion into your collection.
Movie Review: New to yoga, but I like the workout!
Summary: 5 Stars
It seems like the biggest complaint about this video is that it's not a good Yoga workout. Well, I know nothing about yoga, but I enjoye this workout anyway. The poses stretched me out, and after only five days, my flexibility has improved. Now, maybe it's not traditional yoga in any sense of the word, but I can tell a difference after a very short period.I'm incredibly out of shape, and uncoordinated is a very mild ajective when applied to me. The second time through the workout, I managed to figure out what she was doing in every exercise/pose series. I still lose my balance on the balancing stick poses sometimes, but I can reach past my toes for the first time in a few years. That's quantifiable change.
The second big complaint for the Dense Austin workout videos is her voice. She does talk the whole time. My first thought on that was "How can she talk when I'm practically panting" (like I said, I'm out of shape). I don't really mind her voice. I do like the continual commentary because it frees me up to concentarate on balance. Now that I've been through the workout several times, I can just use her words as a guide instead of having to watch the screen constantly.
Overall, I highly recommend this dvd to beginners. When I get more yoga experience, maybe I'll come back and recommend it to other levels.
Movie Review: Great Yoga workout - for beginners or experts!
Summary: 5 Stars
The thing I love the most about this video besides the fact it's a great workout, is that it's divided into three sections. The first part is about 30 minutes of Yoga. I had trouble making it through the yoga workout the first time I tried it, but after about 2 weeks, I noticed significant improvement in my strength, balance, and endurance. The second and third parts are about 15 minutes each, focusing on strength training. An exercise ball is used in the third section. This video can be done all at once, or a section at a time depending on your schedule. All three are excellent workouts and you will feel sore the next day! Those of you who are familiar with Denise Austin's style will not be surprised, or let down, by this video. For those of you who are not familiar with Denise, I recommend simply watching the video through once so you get the idea of the routine. Denise tends to change moves quickly without a lot of notice and you may find that difficult at first. Once you've done the workout a few times, it's easier. I had no Yoga experience when I first bought this video, but I had no trouble learning the moves. I was surprised at how much "work" Yoga is, and pleasantly surprised to see definite results in a few weeks. This is a good workout, for Yoga beginners and for the more experienced too!