Customer Reviews

Crunch - Fat Burning Yoga [VHS]

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I loved this tape! I thought the instructor was motivating and a real person. Fit without being too intimidating. She explains all the moves really well and reminds you to breathe in sequence, which I found very helpful. I didn't think yoga could be "fat burning" but I was sweating and energized at the end of the workout. Plus I was sore in all the right places the next day. I really like the Crunch series of tapes because most of them are 30 - 45 minutes which is alot easier for me to squeeze in to my day. This tape will become part of my regular schedule. I highly recommend it for beginners and intermediates. It probably wouldn't be suitable for advanced yoga enthusiasts.

Yoga has greatly enhanced my life, it can yours as well. Burning fat is important and you'll definitely do it with this workout! Sara Ivahoe's philosophy is, "If it isn't fun, you won't do it. And the only way to burn fat is to do it, and do it, and do it." Sara is a special instructor who succeeds in making this vinyasa (free-flowing) workout FUN! Yes, FUN! She reminds us to be aware of our breathing and that the QUALITY of the breath directly affects the MOVEMENT. The workout moves at a wonderful, even tempo--not too fast or too slow; also, it isn't too easy or too difficult. FAT-BURNING YOGA is enjoyable for the beginner to intermediate because you can follow Sara (intermediate) or her friend, Natasha, for any needed modifications.

The movement sequences are logically choreographed to be very smooth which maximizes the flow and the breath. Before the final relaxation pose, there is some heavy-duty abdominal work that is short but very intense and gratifying to complete. Sara's cool-down is a real TREAT that makes it all worthwhile and will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

I'm so happy to have finally found an exercise that I truly enjoy doing and feel completely rejuvenated afterwards! A extra special benefit I've noticed is that yoga alleviates my back pain and helps me sleep better. My back knows the days I do yoga and the days I don't. FAT-BURNING YOGA is a fun, challenging workout that I highly recommmend.

Soaring Heart

Whew, what a workout! I did this today and did I sweat! I try to practice yoga 4-5x's a week, usually power yoga, and I like to mix it up with tapes to keep from getting bored. If you have yoga experience you'll know these poses, but they're linked in a way to make it a "workout". You willfeel it in the upper body, lower body and especially the abs! If you've wanted to try yoga but were leery of the "mysticism" this is your most pragmatic choice.

I did this for the first time this morning. I'm fairly experienced at Yoga, intermediate. So I knew the asanas. Actually only a few of the very basic asanas were used in this video.

The instructor is excellent. She takes her time and explains each asana. But more importantly she stresses how to breath while doing them. This is really very important.

For those who have some physical limitations or are beginners, there are modified poses demonstrated.

This video is good for beginners or intermediate. More advanced would find it far too slow I imagine. It's not exactly Power Yoga but it's very close to it. I can't swear it burns calories but I would be surprised if it didn't. For a more challenging workout try Brian Kest's Weight Loss video. It's about the same length and will certainly make you sweat more. At least it does me.

But having said that, I find this video fun and a nice change of pace. I do feel it gives me a good workout.

The beginner should know "Down Dog", "Plank" and a modified "Cobra". You also should know "Triangle" and "Warrior 11". I found her flow in Warrior a bit confusing so I did it as I was used to and came out no worse the wear. That was the only asana that I thought she could have done a bit better. I also would have liked a more advanced Cobra. She also did the Boat pose which is a challenge for me as I have spinal problems or the sort that make this almost impossible for me to do.

Toward the end you do some ab work, which is good. The cool down and rest period is too short and not enough emphasis is put on stretching the legs like you'll find on Baron Baptiste and Brian Kest videos.

The music is exceptionally good and fits the workout. It's relaxing and yet invigorating. I highly recommend this tape for someone wanting a change of pace or just beginning. For more of a challenge, consider Bryan Kest...

This video is a GREAT, low-key yoga workout. It is good for beginners and newcomers. Most of yoga poses demonstrated in this video focus on stretching the legs and back muscles (e.g. lunges, side stretches, triangle pose, downward dog, warrior pose, etc.). At the end of the workout, Sara concludes with a six minute ab workout, stretches, and a brief relaxation meditation.

GREAT: Sara starts off this program by focusing on your breath and making you aware of your breathing. This is key in yoga! This program also provides alternative poses so you can start gradually and at your own level...you will actually see another instructor demonstrating these alternative poses. This is great and helps you to modify the program! The video shots are great--you can clearly see all of the poses demonstrated!!

BAD: I think the title may be misleading because it is not an exercise yoga program or an aerobic yoga program. So you may be burning fat but not in the traditional sense.

COMPARISONS TO OTHER VIDEOS:
(1) If you like Gaiam/Living Arts Yoga videos then I would consider this the next level to advance to. If you ever used/watched the Living Arts "Stress Relief" Yoga program then you will recognize some of these poses. And will probably enjoy this rountine.
(2) There is no comparison Bryan Kest's power yoga videos. Kest is for people who are more advanced, want a more challenging yoga workout, and a longer routine.

Moreover, I think all of the videos I mentioned are great. So choose the video that best suits your needs, your level of ability, and fits into your schedule. The Living Arts series is certainly for beginners (programs are usually 20 minutes and easy), the Crunch series is probably the intermediate level (programs are usually 30-40 minutes), and try Bryan Kest's Power Yoga videos if you want something challenging (50 minutes).

RECOMMENDATION:
Buy the "Crunch - Perfect Yoga Workout" on DVD which includes this program + another yoga program entitled the Joy of Yoga. You get two yoga programs for the price of one. Enjoy!

This is a great yoga tape -- probably the best one of used in terms of providing a great workout with a nice, pleasant instructor and setting. Sara Ivanhoe is a likeable instructor, and she structures the sequence so that you're always challenging yourself, but you never reach the point of feeling like you can't go on. I've done this tape with friends at all levels, and it has been great for everyone since they demonstrate modifications and more advanced stages to keep everyone working but not overworking.

Don't be intimidated by the "Crunch" label -- this is still real yoga, albeit less spiritual than other forms. But not all of us need to know the name of every asana or know which chakras we're affecting. Sara still gives a great background on yoga overall and highlights the different benefits of each pose.

I have several DVDs from Gaiam/Living Arts (the Yodney Yee and Patricia Walden yoga folks) and from Yoga Zone, and this one is by far my favorite for length, full-body workout (you feel this workout everywhere!), and balance between the spiritual goals with fitness realities.

Do yourself a favor and get this tape!

I just got this tape yesterday and decided to try it this morning. I hadn't completely bought into the "fat burning" part of it because I didn't really believe I'd even work up a sweat during the workout. It was fantastic and I was definitely sweating by the end. The instructor is very likeable and the routine she guides you through is easy to follow yet demanding. She also included a 6 minute yoga abs bonus at the end and a short stretch and period for relaxation. I highly recommend it!

-Do buy this tape if:
A)You are pressed for time-the workout is 30-35 minutes or so long
B) You are looking for just a hint of a challenge(only really tough part is lunges)
C)You dont mind an instructor who does alot of explaining/talking and such
D)You are a newbie
DONT buy this tape if
A)You are looking for a serious 'isometric" type routine (I.e.Brian Kests Power Yoga from 1995 tapes)
B)You are REALLY looking to sweat hard
C)You are looking for really challenging poses (i.e. crow,one arm balance,dancing shiva,etc..)

I have done basic yoga before (out of magazines) strictly for stretching but I bought this tape and did it for the first time last night. I LOVE IT. It's challenging and I am going to have to work at it to get my balance right but I had just gotten home from a 6 hour shift at a busy restaraunt waiting tables and felt like collapsing in bed but instead I popped in this tape and afterward felt energized-so much so that I went grocery shopping at 10pm! I would not recommend this video if you are seriously overweight-I think it would be too hard on your knees. But if you are in ok shape this tape is GREAT! The stretches for the thighs are so incredible I never realized how much stress I hold there. The instructor is great. I love her realism and there's no annoying people in the background making stupid woooing noises. everyone is silent. the music is slightly elevator but light some candles, turn of the flourescent lights and enjoy. This is a great tape.

I must say that when I first seen the video without doing the exercises I didn't appreciate it. The poses are basic yoga: downward facing dog, plank pose, cobra and simple back bends for floor series. For standing series: triangle pose, warrior poses and modification of side stretch poses.

The beauty of this tape and Power yoga in general is that the flow of movement along with proper breathing helps to create energy and burn fat. I never though I would sweat that much from such simple poses.

The instructor is helpful and calming; she reminds you constantly to breathe, which is quite important because usually you tend to focus on perfecting the pose and neglecting your breath.

Note that you need to practice with the tape for two to three times before you can do it smoothly and without looking into the video.

I would recommend this tape for beginners and even for intermediate yoga students. I have been practicing Hatha Yoga for a year and half and find this tape helpful. I would've however liked it if it was a bit more challenging.