69 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Challenging yoga practice, August 26, 2002
I had read a bunch of unfavorable reviews of this video. Either it wasn't challenging enough as a sculpting workout or it wasn't meditative enough. Also, I got the feeling when reading between the lines that it wasn't exactly yoga, either. I'm pretty snobby about my yoga practice, but I'm a new Karen Voight fan and I have a lot of respect for her precise approach. I took a chance on this and I'm glad I did.
The practice is about 45 minutes long and begins with a quick breathing exercise in Mountain Pose. Then she moves onto the standing series, which is about 25 minutes long. A modified Sun Salutation utilizing Awkward Chair (and no jumping), and then moving into Lunge, Warrior I, Warrior II, Right Angle and Triangle. Then to the floor for work on the abdominals and back with such yoga classics as Boat and Bridge.
Throughout the practice, I was very impressed with her precise instruction and fluid movement into and out of poses. In Boat, for instance, many students flop out of the position after two or three tries. She made sure her students moved out carefully. Also, her instructions on alignment and foot position left little room for error. That is very important, particularly for the standing poses where you need to maintain just the right angle in your back leg. Finally, I loved the classical music she used for the video; it provided just the right rhythm without being too distracting.
I broke a sweat during this practice even though it doesn't look that tough on preview. Because I am an advanced yoga practitioner, I was very surprised that people less advanced would feel this wasn't strenuous enough. I think the key is breathing: if you're not using deep full breaths on your inhale and exhale, you're strengthening and maybe stretching; if you incorporate the proper breathing, this is a more vigorous workout.
The intensity level is somewhere between Total Yoga and Yoga Zone for Power Yoga for Flexibility and Endurance. Beginners may find this too challenging, but Intermediates and Advanced yoga practitioners should find this a good workout.
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36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Nordstrom of Yoga Videos, June 6, 2000
Karen's new videos will leave you refreshed and invigorated. Once I have completed this challenging video, I feel stretched, strengthened, toned and very peaceful. If you are just starting out, be patient with yourself. Yoga will develop patience, character and strength. Think of each posture as a goal; by the third or fourth time, you may achieve what you see. This video is a combination of Pilates and Yoga. Ordering a sticky mat is essential (information is included in video pamphlets) so you don't injure your muscles by slipping on a carpeted surface.
There are no spiritual references and Karen's calming voice leads you through the poses in her organized way. The music is very relaxing and almost makes this the Nordstrom of Yoga videos. I recommend walking for at least one half hour before attempting the stretching exercises. This helps to warm the muscles and allow for a deeper stretch.
~The Rebecca Review
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
YogaSculpt, July 5, 2006
This review is from: Karen Voight - YogaSculpt (DVD)
I love Karen Voight, but was extremely disappointed with this DVD. It is the EXACT same DVD as Yoga & Sculpting even though they have different release dates, 4 years apart! The cover on the DVD is different but she's wearing the same outfit and does the same routine. They don't tell you that in the advertisement. Because I liked Karen Voight, I ordered another DVD and then ended up with 2 DVDs exactly alike. I was so upset about this that I emailed her company and told them about it. They knew they were the same but don't tell you that in the advertisement. They were nice enough to exchange YogaSculpt for another DVD for me. But it was a pain because I had to send them YogaSculpt and wait for them to send me something else.
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