Customer Reviews

Tantric Toning: The Stress-Free Workout [VHS]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love the fact that the video is separated into 5 segments based on the earth's elements- each element has a different quality of exercise so I can get a great short workout in whatever element I feel like I need at that time.(Earth for grounding and security, Air for uplifting and lightness, Fire for cardio and to release anxiety, and Water for fluid movement and cleansing.)

I found Tantric Toning to be an interesting blend of workout styles, namely low-impact aerobics, yoga, and Tai Chi. It reminded me a bit of Petra Kobler's BREATHE, but unlike that video, you don't have to repeatedly "take it from the top," which I find to be boring. Instead, this workout includes a very wide variety of different movements, flowing from one to the next. The workout begins with an 8-minute warm-up focused on "being present." This section consists mainly of simple standing pose such as horse, a basic pose in which your feet are spread and your knees soft. There are also plies, hip movements, and ankle circles to warm up the lower half of your body.

The main body of the workout consists of four sections which flow seamlessly from one to the next. The first, Earth (8 minutes), continues the standing poses for slightly more intense stretches, such as triangle pose. The Air section (8 minutes) is similar and adds some balance moves such as leg lifts. The third section, Fire (10 minutes), is both the longest and the most fast-moving. This segment provides low-impact aerobics: you'll do poses such as bow and arrow (similiar to warrior pose), but you'll move through them very quickly. The arms are thoroughly worked in this section, as most of the poses require them to be held up at shoulder level or higher. Finally, the workout ends with Water, a 7-minute cool down. The poses here are more recognizable from traditional hatha yoga, including standing forward bend and variations on tree pose (called waterfall and water droplet here).

The total workout is about 41 minutes in length, but the video ends with a 15-minute meditation called "Color Meditation." This is a seated meditation (either in a simple cross-legged position or hero's pose) focused on color: as a lens filter fills the screen with color, instructor Stephanie talks about the positive and negative emotions associated with that color, going through red, green, yellow, blue, and ending with white. I usually don't enjoy meditation, but I was pleasantly surprised that the 15 minutes passed very quickly. Overall, this workout is definitely "stress free" as it promises. Although the toning benefits are probably limited, you will definitely raise your heart rate, particularly during the Fire section. This is a nice program to use on weekend or other light days, and it can be performed with or without the color meditation at the end.

This tape is a wonderful workout for women who feel negative about their bodies. Stephanie's easy manner and encouraging comments makes you feel feminine and strong, no matter what you think you look like.

Because of the exercise moves and Stephanie's style, the tape is also great for starting out. She begins with easy, slow, graceful moves, then gradually builds up the momentum. The later, 'less-slow' moves are built on her earlier moves, so they're easy to follow (and do at your own pace). The later moves are not really fast, but if you're out of shape, they will definitely get your breath going.

The color meditation at the end is Very relaxing - you come away feeling energized and better about yourself.

This is not just a workout but a moving meditation complete with yoga, tai-chi, chi-kung and original practices designed by the creator, STEPHANIE! This program is holistic and releives stress like magic. The color Meditation freed my body and mind of all negative emotions and reinforced my most positive attributes leaving me well toned, stress free and with a positive, mental attitude. Nothing like beautiful Guided Imagery to make the world seem better. Stephanie's voice is also very soothing and reassuring. I felt more sensual and attractive. I love it!!!!!

I have looked for an exercise tape that would allow me to feel good about myself when I finished it, and this one is IT. This tape offers just enough challenge to keep it from being boring, but neither do you feel like a failure because you couldn't finish the routine.
Stephanie does a great job of leading you thru the different phases of the tape, and her constant encouragement and vocal pictures make the routines a pleasure, instead of a chore.

I love this workout - it's truly stress-free. I look forward to doing it everyday. I love the fluid, graceful moves as well as Stephanie's soothing voice. I highly reccommend this workout!

I absolutely love this video. I am not in shape and have a tendency to be very hard on myself for it. I have bought/borrowed workout videos in the past and found them too difficult (read: discouraging). I was pleasantly surprised by this video, which I could do all the way through from the very first time! I love Stephanie's manner and visualizations. She leaves me feeling like a strong and capable woman. I don't always do the color meditation at the end, but both the workout and the meditation are wonderful.

I started this workout because I am Type II Diabetic and insulin dependent. Every evening I've had to take 35 units of long acting insulin as well as between 5 and 10 units of regular insulin. I did the workout, from start to finish and my blood sugars went from 208 to 88! I didn't use any insulin that night, nor did I need any the next morning! I LOVE THIS TAPE! For any diabetics out there who have difficulty exercising, this video is for you! Enjoy it! I still have to take insulin occasionally, but I Love what it does for me! I know that you'll love what it does for you!

I did not care for the inaccurate visulization meditation at the end of the tape, but again, I can't say enough GOOD about the exercise tape itself! Enjoy!

this tape is energizing, invigorating, and spritually uplifting! love it--it sets a wonderful tone for the rest of my day.

I have been doing Tae Bo for a while, and I bought Tantric Toning for weekend stretching and toning. Boy, was I surprised! It really worked me. I could feel the fire in my body! I know when I finished, Stephanie -gave- me a workout! And the best part is? It wasn't hard! Her voice is also very soothing, and what I liked best was the designated woman who did stuff the "easy way" for us beginners. That way, you don't feel compelled to do what Stephanie is doing. You can watch Bobbie and see what she's doing and follow her.

This is the best workout next to Tae Bo!