Customer Reviews

Live - Core Power

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This video is part of Baron's Live! series: each video was filmed during a large, live class. Core Power is a shorter, more concentrated version of Baron's more lengthy practices such as Soul of Strength. Given that it is a power yoga workout, the practice moves along at a fairly brisk pace, although Baron also builds in time for restoration throughout.

The practice begins with several sun salutations to warm up; each downward dog is held for several breaths. Following this, Baron skips standing poses and moves directly to the floor to focus on poses which engage the entire core area, particlarly the abdominals. Baron alternates between postures to stretch and lengthen the abs--e.g., bow, camel, bridge--and those that are designed to build strength, including crunches. At times, Baron moves quickly from pose to pose, but he uses postures like boat to provide longer, isometric contractions. The practice ends with a brief svasana, but since the music continues as the credits role, you could easily hold this relaxation pose for a longer period.

I really enjoy Baron's teaching style, which I find to be very accessible for all levels (although absolute beginners to yoga will want to learn the poses elsewhere). At 23 minutes, this is an excellent short practice for days when you have less time and/or when you want to focus specially on core work.

A few words about myself so you can judge easier if my opinion might be helpfull for you: I'm into Power Yoga since about 6 Years, I practice every day and teach Power Vinyasa Yoga at a local Hotel Spa Fitness Club.
I personally prefer physically demanding Flow Routines challenging strength but still contributing to all the aspects of Yoga.
Beeing german my spelling is far from perfect, sorry for that!
About the DVD:
This is one more of Barons good short programms for the days inbetween when you can't practice 60 to 80 Minutes. It is 30 Minutes long and has a focus on the muscels of the Stomach and Back. It is still a complete Programm featuring Sunsalutations ( only A) and some twists and streches. The programm leaves you warm and energized but is not to hard to do. It will challange the Abs and the back but wont leave you exhausted.
It's a good programm for the morning. I highly recommend all of Barons short Routines since every one is somewhat different, aswell as his longer Programms. Baron is a very skilled, gentil and encouraging teacher giving his students a lot of important information in a calm and soothing manner. The Music of Krishna Das was a great pick for the Background.
A nice flow practice (ones again tis is true for all his programms) with beautifull Yoga Chant music. What else can a Yogi ask for?
I hope this was helpfull to you!
Namasté

I have been using this DVD for about 6 months. I have tried a variety of Yoga and Pilates DVDs but this is my favorite. It takes about 20 minutes in the morning or afternoon and Baron Baptiste is very easy to follow. Nothing complicated or difficult. Great DVD for a beginner or novice like myself.

This DVD is great is you need to squeeze in a quick, effective 30-minute practice. Baron Baptiste is a great motivator, and he gets right to the essentials in this workout for your abs and back. I have tons of yoga DVDs that I never use, but I use this one at least once a week. A good investment.

My husband and I love all of Baron Baptiste's yoga videos. I have taken several ashtanga yoga courses and I am very picky about my workout. Baron uses yoga terminology and is very good at explaining the movements and modifications. I highly recommend any of his DVD's. Core Power is very similar to some of his other DVD's but it is a condensed version. My husband likes it when he is short on time.

Just tried this one yesterday; it's a good little core practice to supplement a regular Baptiste routine. One to reach for after doing Baron's "Journey Into Power Level 2", if you still have any energy left, or on the off-days when you just want to do a little quick core practice.

Please forgive the "pun" in the Title of this review, but I couldn't resist :).

This "Core Power Live" tape by Baron Baptiste certainly lives up to it's title. It will really challenge your abs in a thorough and balanced way. He also counters the ab work with back bends which stretches out and opens the front part of the body while releasing and strengthing the back body.

While the primary focus of this tape is Abs, Baron starts w/ Sun Salutations so you are fully warmed up throughout your entire body before focusing on the core. He also ends w/ Foward bends, a lying twist and savasana (relaxation pose). The music continues long after the credits which is a nice touch if you decide to spend some extra time in savasana.

I highly recommend this tape for those who want a full body Yoga practice that is short enough to fit into anyones schedule and intense enough to challenge you.

Just one note.... regarding the criticism by another reviewer (this refers to a review of the VHS of this program) about the production being a mess..... I don't know what this person was looking for but I think this tapes production is perfect and captures the essence of the practice. It really feels like Baron is in the room with you leading you through the practice.

In fact I really love the live class setting which I find inspiring (and Baron shines more than ever in this setting) and his verbal cues are very easy to follow. I also like that Baron brings attention to different modifications of the various poses, which are demonstrated by various students during the class. An extra added feature is the music of Krishna Das which sets a great atmosphere to practice with.

By the way, check out Baron's other live tapes as well as his book "Journey Into Power". I easily lost about 17 pounds (all I needed to lose) at a safe but steady since using his cleansing diet and have learned a ton from the information in that book.

Also, check out Baron's sister Sherri Baptiste Freeman's Video "Baptiste Power Of Yoga" (see my detailed interview on amazon for more info). It is a wonderful, deep and unique approach on an intermediate level and Sherri's a wonderful teacher.

Namaste

As many reviewers recommended Baron Baptiste together with Bryan Kest, I wanted to let you know that I personally didn't like Baron's style or pacing much despite his including several very effective ab exercises. Thus I was disappointed with this purchase despite the effectiveness of some of the exercises, but awed beyond expectation by the much better instruction, pacing and content of Bryan Kest's "Power Yoga".

I loved this DVD, and use it at least 3 times a week in combination with his other power flow. The workout is quick (only 20 minutes), but you know that you just had an amazing workout when your finished. I also like the way Baron goes through each movement, I never feel like I'm doing something wrong. For anyone who loves yoga, I recommend this workout.

I am new to Yoga and have been taking classes for only 4 months. So, I am still a beginner. I would have given it 5 stars if they would demo or explain alternative positions for some of the more challenging poses, such as the camel.

Fortunately, since I have taken classes I knew how to modify them so as not to cause injury. Also I am a 46 year old petite woman in decent shape so even though this tape was challenging I was able to do most of it. I would recommend watching this tape first then getting a book that shows modified poses for the beginners before trying this tape. Or, go to YogaJournal.com and look up the poses for tips on modifications. You could hurt yourself if you are not a 20 something flexible person which I am not. I am flexible but no where near the level as most of the students in this class. The key is to listen to him and not over do it. If you can't reach the pose, get as close as possible where you "don't feel pain". After all, nobody is watching you and I've found that little by little you will get better.

I did love this tape though and the feeling I had afterwards. I worked up a sweat even with some of the modifications. The pace is good and I liked the instructors pleasant and upbeat style. I've been taking Pilates and 60 minutes of core work is more than I can stand. I find Pilates in general to be boring and feel like a work out, but they are effective.

I prefer the mind-body connection Yoga provides. I also liked that this workout incorporates other poses for back strength. This variety provides a nice well rounded and energizing routine and in only 30 minutes.

I will look for more of his beginner DVDS.