42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent...Enjoy This One!, October 14, 2005
This review is from: Louise Solomon's Yoga & Pilates (DVD)
Louise Solomon's combination Yoga and Pilates workout has wonderful benefits for all levels. Beginners especially will find this to be a wonderful way to ease into practicing Yoga positions,learn correct breathing techniques, and gain strength and flexibilty while toning and slimming. I consider myself at the intermediate level of both Yoga and Pilates, and still found this to be quite an effective workout.Even advanced practitioners may find this unique method to be a useful change of pace for revitalization, and a new surprise for your muscles. This workout will be excellent for post natal women, but should not be used by pregnant women. It will be excellent for anyone,all ages, men and women, who have not worked out for a while and want to start getting back in shape. Just keep your own physical limitations in mind.
The first thing you should know is that you will need some sort of resistance band. It doesn't say it on the case, but there are some pictures on the back showing the bands being used. Also a towel or pillow will help make some of the exercises more comfortable for you.A Yoga mat is also a good idea, as it will help to hold your poses, and I like that they keep dust and carpet fibers away from my face.
After giving a really good demonstration of the correct breathing methods, the first class, about 25 minutes, concentrates on moves that will tone and strengthen your core. Abs,lower back, pelvic muscles all get a pretty good work out, that you will defintely feel. These stretching and toning moves, using your legs, will allow you to become more flexible for the Yoga poses.
If you are a beginner, you will probably want to stop after the session(and if you made it through the entire session..way to go!)and give your muscles at least a days rest, before trying the second. If you are intermediate or advance, you can do both classes.
The second workout, involves more Yoga moves. Basic poses are practiced. You'll be strengthing the midback muscles and getting in some good spinal twists, along with some great arm, leg and butt toning.Once again, If you have some sort of physical limitation or are new, you can always modify to what is most comfortable for you.
Then there is a bonus mini workout, for those that need a little revitalization at the office. Whether you work from home or away, Louise shows some great exercises that will take away some of those stresses (mental and physical), from sitting at a computer all day.
The DVD is excellent. There is chapter search(use this also for choosing workout), there are subtitles in English, very helpful for hearing impaired viewer, and there is a French language track as well. Louise is soft spoken and will guide you gently and expertly through all the moves. It's always a good idea to view the workout before trying, so you have an idea of what to do. If you do these workouts(you can work your way up to both) several times a week, and eat healthy, you should see some nice toned results.It's a workout to enjoy! It will also prepare you to move on to something more challengeing when you feel ready.
Remember to breathe, eat healthy and..ENJOY!...Laurie
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Newby Enjoyed Yoga & Pilates !, June 24, 2004
This review is from: Louise Solomon's Yoga & Pilates (DVD)
I am quite a bit over weight and very stressed out. I liked the idea of using the Yoga and Pilates together. A more seasoned exercise person may not find this that challenging, but I LOVED IT! I wish I had known before hand that I needed a stretchie cord. But it was wonderful!!! I especially enjoyed the relaxing meditation at the end. I felt really energized and truly relaxed after doing this!!!
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beginners Rejoice, September 4, 2004
This review is from: Louise Solomon's Yoga & Pilates (DVD)
I had never done yoga or pilates before in my life, and knew nothing about the moves, etc. In fact, I was skeptical. Louise Solomon goes through a thorough explanation and demonstration. She is a certified Yogalates instructor from Australia, and her voice is calm and soothing while it allows you to focus on working the core muscles. There are 2 workouts on this DVD. I started with just the first one which is about 20 minutes. After a week I tried both workouts, which gives you an hour workout (this includes the relaxation portion, which I consider "dessert"). This workout works best if you also purchase stretch bands like she uses. I've worked out at least 5 days a week for the last 3 months and lost 2 inches in my waist and 4 inches in my abs (I'm eating healthy along with this program). Good workout and I feel rejuvenated upon finishing. Highly recommend for the beginner. I'm now working on her Vol 2 workout.
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