Product Details

• Actors: Nimeera; Aleya; Amustela; Gerson Kuhr
• Directors: Donna Sayada
• Format: NTSC
• Region: All Regions
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Serpentine Video
• DVD Release Date: September 15, 2006
• Run Time: 64 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000I6AHTA
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,646 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

About the Actor
Gerson E. Kuhr is certified both as a Fitness Instructor and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength Professionals Association, and has trained for several years as both a body builder and power lifter. He began personal training in 1993 with a focus on general strength training, but it was his association with the Washington Area Middle East Dance Association (WAMEDA) that launched him on his present course. In his capacity as editor of the WAMEDA newsletter, Gerson spoke often with dance instructors who voiced the same complaint: their students had difficulty holding a proper dance posture. When it became clear that the problem was weak muscles of the abdomen and lower back, Gerson began working with his own dance clients to develop a safe, effective program to strengthen this critical area. The results of his efforts are contained in this fun and challenging DVD.

About the Director
Donna Sayada has been producing and directing Middle Eastern Dance videos since 1989. She is a principle of one of the largest independent DVD distributors in French speaking Europe. During the 1990s she produced a weekly cable program about France for the US market. She currently produces bonus materials for her company's many releases. She has also created a music label, Sands of Time Music, to distribute authentic Egyptian music to Western audiences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly wonderful, April 26, 2007

By	atisheh (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

I wasn't sure at first whether to buy this video. I wondered whether the exercises were all that different than the usual ab work, and if one actually winds up using it frequently enough to make it worth paying $30 for a twelve-minute workout.

I eventually decided to take the risk and buy it, and I have to say, I've been extremely pleased. It doesn't give an intense burn like a 40 minute ab video, but it is very focused, the exercises are unusual enough not to be boring (though crunches are in there too), and it does give the feeling of being tighter after doing it. I also really like that he has a pelvic tilt exercise (for the transverse abdominis muscle) and two lower back exercises to balance out the ab work.

Also, while I don't do it every day, I've found that this is the one video I turn to when I want to do *something* physical that day, but am too tired/don't have enough time to do an hour or something.

The enclosed booklet has descriptions of all the exercises with photos and muscle explanations. Brilliant!

This is not a video which promises magic weight loss or a complete transformation. But it is a good little ab workout, and you're likely to do it more often than the longer, more intense videos. Little by little, that work takes its effect. I should also mention that, pharaoh outfit aside, this video would be useful for *anyone* looking to slip a little ab exercise into their schedule. None of the moves are bellydance moves -- they're just ideal for dancers who need a powerful core.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, effective ab workout!, February 25, 2007

By	Latifa (Maryland) - See all my reviews

Finally: a simple, effective DVD that can help anyone look like a belly dancer, with a sleek, toned midriff! Core Training for Belly Dancers
targets 4 abdominal areas plus the lower back, and the dancers who have used it have really seen results.

I have known the man behind the DVD -- Gerson Kuhr, the "Fitness Pharaoh" -- for some time, and have seen the impressive results he gets in his role as personal trainer for several dancers in the Washington DC area. My expectations were high when I heard that he was producing a DVD, but the DVD has exceeded my expectations.

I think the beauty of the DVD is its simplicity. It's a short, easy workout that works. The DVD begins with static stretches, then moves on to lower abs, internal/external obliques, upper abs, transverse abdominus, and lower back. There are two different workout levels, plus variations. The DVD comes with an illustrated booklet that explains the whole workout (very handy for travel, if you don't have a DVD player).

This is a high-quality production, with great lighting, a well-designed set, and superior videography and editing. The exercises are illustrated very clearly by three local dancers (Amustela, Nimeera, and Aliya) whose impressive abs have been developed through working with Gerson. There are a few whimsical touches; I especially liked the titles that undulate, letter by letter, across the screen.

This is a great DVD!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the abdominal DVD I've been waiting for! , October 23, 2006

By	Jennifer A. Dawson (Middletown, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's perfect! I like that the basic workout is simple and short for those times when I'm on the run and is great for a "crunchtime" workout. I am especially pleased that it has so many modifications further on in the program.

I really appreciated the demo models (who are working bellydancers) - I always get demoralized when I get a tape that has these rippling, 21 year olds who look like they don't have an ounce of fat on them and never have. It was important for me to see a realistic presentation of what I can expect from following the program.

The insert is fabulous - I enjoyed reading about each dancer and what they've gained from the program. It's also handy to take with you if you're going to be on the road and do not have access to the DVD.

I've been doing the basic workout for about 2 weeks and have been rewarded with more definition in my mid-section, my backbends are becoming easier (because my abs are stronger) and my belly rolls are much more visible! I'm looking forward to seeing how it's affected my dancing in a couple of months.

Nit-picks:

1. The soothing voice-over. At one point Gerson leads an exercise. I'd prefer his voice instead of the lovely, even-toned voice over. I like the commanding tone of personal trainers ;-) But that's a personal preference.

2. When I play the DVD in my computer, the sound is warbly. Plays fine in my DVD player. It's probably my computer.

Summary: You don't have to be a dancer to benefit from this workout, if your abs are 'less than perfect' in any way, then buy this DVD - you won't regret it!