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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Intelligent Weight & Lotte Berk-Based Workout
The first thing that impressed me about this video is its intelligence. It's a thinking person's workout. Exercises are strong on authentic Lotte Berk since that was a significant part of this couple's background, with additions from Pilates, yoga and classical weight training. They do an excellent job of talking you through the exercises, explaining what it will do...
Published 20 months ago by Khezla Durr
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34 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
Really has some serious flaws.
There are some exercises which aren't bad overall on this DVD, but there are issues which make this not a very enjoyable one for me to do (recognizing that 'enjoyable' and 'workout dvd' really don't go together, but hopefully you'll get what I mean).
The cuing, I think, is pretty miserable in terms of time or when a movement is supposed to begin or end...
Published 9 months ago by K. Harman
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76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Intelligent Weight & Lotte Berk-Based Workout, January 11, 2009
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
The first thing that impressed me about this video is its intelligence. It's a thinking person's workout. Exercises are strong on authentic Lotte Berk since that was a significant part of this couple's background, with additions from Pilates, yoga and classical weight training. They do an excellent job of talking you through the exercises, explaining what it will do for your body, thereby keeping you motivated from a positive place, which is so much nicer than the commonly used negative motivational techniques where somebody is screaming you through a breakneck pace. They have you concentrate on how your body is feeling the exercise, stopping momentarily if you need to, then picking it up again - instead of counting monotonous repetitions for you. This approach is so much more pleasant and sensible. The workout is muscle toning, organized as interval training. Interval training has been proven by medical research to be much preferred for promoting fat loss and heart reserve capacity, instead of long term cardio. The pacing promotes the mind-body connection and focus, which reminds me of my ballet training from years ago, or hatha yoga. You have a chance to breathe and think during the exercises, without feeling additional stress due to the exercising. Much appreciated after a hectic day at work.
The video had a warm, intimate, personal trainer feel to it with the husband and wife team demonstrating the exercises together and instructing by means of a voiceover. They alternated showing the advanced version of an exercise and clearly indicated which person you should watch if that's the level you wanted. Setting is what I call "New Age living room," lovely décor, warm earthtones, water feature, and subdued lighting, plenty of camera shots from various angles. Music so unobtrusive I didn't even notice what it was, although there is a music only option in the special features after you get tired of the instructional. My husband really liked the fact that a man was showing the exercises also - funny how the same movement can look a little different on a man. He also liked the fact that it was a husband and wife team instead of a group of women. We're pressed for time, like to do things together, and this video fills the bill nicely. No more scheduling TV time for mutually exclusive workouts. Top quality production, first class all the way. I think this delightful couple with impressive credentials has set a new standard for fitness videos, and I look forward to more offerings from them in years to come.
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87 of 89 people found the following review helpful:
I LOVE Core Fusion!, December 12, 2008
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
I'm always looking for something fun and results oriented to keep me motivated. This DVD totally fits the bill on that front. It's a really interesting and different approach to a total body workout broken up into do-able 10-minute sections that completely make me "feel the burn" AND keep me interested. The instructors do a great job of explaining each exercise clearly and showing alternate moves. Core Fusion seems to be all about small muscle movements and lots of reps so you're not working with heavy weights. However, you are repeating specific exercises for a longer period than you normally would so by the time you're done with each 10-min segment you really know you put some work into that muscle group. My personal faves are the ballet inspired chair workouts (amazing for the rear-end) and the arm workouts (awesome tri/bicept routine).
If you like this one, check out Core Fusion Pilates Plus. I bought both DVDs at once and am really pleased. Pilates Plus features the same instructors but with exercises that target the abs. The fact that I not only finished this DVD, but am doing it regularly is a testament in itself as I normally can't get through a pilates workout (find them boring in many cases) and I hate working my abs. I may be imagining things but I do feel a bit tighter all around after doing these workouts for a little while. Both Core Fusion DVDs have quickly become part of my regular workout rotation.
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47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
Ouch and Ahhh!, March 23, 2009
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
I am the type of person that might as well open a library with all the workout DVDs I have. This one makes it to the top of the list. There are several selling points:
1) time - there are 5 ten minute sections that do not feel like an eternity nor is there time wasted with talk.
2) form - these two are very careful about form and ensuring that you are able to visualize exactly how you should be doing what they instruct.
3) effectiveness - you feel it afterwards. The next day after doing about three out of the five workouts, I was feeling my muscles.
4) palatable - these two are not annoying, don't yell, have nice music (or not) behind them and are all about the work itself.
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52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
Core Fusion helped me heal my back AND gave me the best body of my life!, December 11, 2008
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
One night I sat up off the couch and felt something shift in my back. The next day I could not move. I heard CF is great for people with back injuries, so once I got the ok from my doctor to start moving, I did so via the CF Body Sculpt and Pilates Plus DVD's!! MAN, let me tell you- to be able to go at my own pace, engage in movement that worked both the intensity of MY level of fitness and challenged BEYOND it, without feeling my back was amazing! Plus, I was able to build my strength, shape my body like never before, and shave inches off my thighs and waist, all while healing my injury! I felt empowered in a very defeating situation. it was so good for me mentally and emotionally to know I could still EXERCISE while doing something safe and effective for my body! I have never FELT STRONGER!!!
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
An excellent workout, August 6, 2009
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
This workout was great. I completed it about 15 minutes ago and I can definitely feel it right now. The workout is broken into 5 10-minute segments which is a format that I love as it means you can break it down for a shorter workout and even if you do the whole thing is doesn't feel like an eternity because of the changing segments. The general idea is to do strengthening exercises followed by stretches to lengthen the muscles.
Overview of the segments:
Arms: this was probably my least favorite segment. I prefer the arms segment on 10 minute solutions pilates perfect body. It was about 6-7 minutes of arms work and then 3-4 of stretching the arms. It felt rushed and the cueing seemed a little off. Also, I just didn't find it very hard. For this segment you need light handweights.
Thighs: this segment was excellent. They claim you need a chair to do these excercises however if you have reasonably strong thighs and good balance it's not necessary. These exercises make you feel your thighs, mine started shaking like crazy at one point and are really effective.
Glutes: I think this was the hardest segment on the DVD. I really like that they had a segment devoted especially to glutes, a lot of video through them in with thighs and I don't think they work very hard. In this segment you're glutes will work hard, and a chair is an absolute necessity. I had to take several breaks during it but am looking forward to working up to the full segment.
Abs: I'm glad this segment was short because although it was good work for the abs it was a bit boring. You put your feet up on the wall and hold yourself in a sit-up position (don't think this sounds hard? neither did I but try doing it for about 8 minutes) and then do variations from there. Not my favorite ab workout but effective, I definitely felt my abs straining.
Stretch: I really like it when DVDs have a specific long segment devoted to stretching. That said, this was not my favorite stretching segment. I wish the stretches had been held a little less long and there had been more different stretches. It ended and I still felt the need to do some other stretches to really feel stretched out. But the stretches they did were good, and there's something to be said for holding them for so long and really makin your body relax into the stretch.
Overall, I definitely recommend purchasing this video. It's a really effective workout and I certainly liked all the segments enough to continue doing them even if they weren't my favorite. Also I really liked that they had two instructors, a man and a woman, and showed simpler variations of many of the moves, including when it was best to rest if you needed it. One con I haven't mentioned yet (and this is a personal preference thing) is that the instruction is voice-over which is not my favorite and I sometimes felt like the cueing was not right on. Final thought: For $15 worth it!
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
This is the Tonic of Youth!, December 24, 2008
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
I am a 45 year old man who has taken class with Fred and Elisabeth but do not have the time to attend their Exhale studio classes regularly...I found these DVDs to be awesome. The DVD's have allowed me to develop a daily at home routine using Core Fusion stretching and strengthening exercises on my own while getting instructions and reminders on how to perform them properly. The end result has been that I rarely suffer from back aches and sciatica that had plagued me before. Thank you exhale's Fred & Elisabeth for sharing this amazing routine!
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Buns of Steel!, September 2, 2009
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
As a Barre instructor, I have been familiar with Core Fusion for years now. I used to take Core Fusion classes at the Exhale Santa Monica location and literally jumped for joy when I found out they were starting a DVD collection (and would no longer have to shell out $20 a class)....introducing CORE FUSION BODY SCULPT. This video has literally transformed my body, which, for someone who spends an inordinate amount of time teaching AND working out is no small feat. I do this video 3 times a week and sometimes break the video up into small parts to do throughout the day. What I love about this DVD is how it allows anyone to do it regardless of equipment (all you need is a chair and use soup cans if you don't have access to weights!) and the informative way in which both Fred and Elisabeth instruct you. Personally, I quit my gym because I found it incredibly boring to huff and puff the calories away on the elliptical. This DVD will give you long, lean legs and one seriously perky tushy. My mother, who is quite possibly the most critical woman alive, even commented on the amazing results it's given me. She's a pilates instructor and even SHE found the video remarkable -- my poor father has been forced to do the video with her and even he can't stop singing its' praises. If you love the long, lean, and STRONG look...this is for you.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
BEST THING OUT!!!, June 22, 2009
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
This workout video is awesome!!! I don't even know were to being! The tape is broken down into 5 - 10 minute workouts (that go by fast might I add). They are broken down by upper body, thighs, gluteus (butt), abs, & stretches. You can do which ever one you feel you need targeting, but if you do them all, that is when you get the full workout. After every segment the instructors do stretches to take the tension off your muscles. They even have 2 bonus workouts that are only like 10-15 minutes as well.
I'm the type who loves pilates, no cardio workout tapes (not a fan). The first time I used it, I felt good, relaxed, lengthened & stretched out. By the next day you see a difference. You don't feel sore until the end of the next day. Every workout you do no matter what it is, you are going to have soreness until you continue to do it regularly. I've been doing it for 4 weeks now, so far my body looks MUCH better, it looks a lot more toned (and that was my main problem). I lost a dress size already, but still the same weight. I can't wait to see my body in 4 more weeks! This DVD is great!!!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Simply the BEST home workout video I ever did!, January 27, 2010
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
I am a veteran of collecting home workouts as well as a former dancer, with a complete library of pilates, yoga, cardiobarre, ballet fusion, etc. etc. etc. videos and DVDs. Because of actually DOING the videos on a regular basis (4-6 times a week depending on my schedule), I think that I am in above average shape and rarely get noticeably sore muscles or am winded by any workout any longer.
This video changes all that. I was really looking for a new challenge and found this Core Fusion program after some research. The first time I did it: WOW. My legs especially noticed the difference, and I had a hard time getting through the thigh segment without pausing, which has not happened with another workout in years.
-The first 10 minute segment is arm work, with light hand weights. I liked the different arm and back muscles that were targeted, and though I could get through this part without too much trouble, after about 4 workouts I could see increased definition in the muscles in my shoulders and back.
-The second 10 minute segment is the leg work using a chair and long holds in some classic ballet stances with clever alterations. This part has made the biggest difference to me personally, I lost at least an inch on my thighs after a month or so and my legs STILL shake at certain points in the workout. The best leg work I ever did!
-The third 10 minute segment targets the butt and legs while using a chair for support, and lots of leg lifting in various ballet positions really lifts the rear and strengthens the standing leg.
-The fourth 10 minute segment was also very powerful and intensive, it is the abdomen segment and it was also one of the most difficult that I had encountered, with long holding postions and lots of core strengthening. I STILL can not complete the entire segment without a break or two, so it continues to challenge me.
-The fifth and final segment is the stretching portion, which is very soothing and yet lengthening. The leg stretch portion really showcases how much leg work has been done early, as I still often have shaky legs at this point.
HIGHLY recommended for those already in good physical shape and want a long term, consistent challenge!
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
Results....period, May 20, 2010
This review is from: Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt (DVD)
There are a number of reviews on Amazon for this DVD, so depending on how you determine what type of workout is right for you, the following factors might be taken into consideration:
1. Low impact, strength training - this video certainly delivers as a workout that doesn't involve much "jarring" exercise - a big reason why I personally like it. No sneakers, you can work out in your PJs
2. Time - I prefer workouts that are under 30 minutes as I frequently find it challenging to find time to work out (effectively) for an hour. The workouts in this DVD are broken out into (approx) 10 minutes, focusing on arms, thighs, butt, core and stretching. I like the fact that I can devote 20 minutes and target certain areas, and you will absolutely feel "the burn". You may not be sore the next day, but your muscles will definitely feel tired. Although there is a lot of time devoted to stretching, I do feel that it is necessary to take a break to realign your posture and stretch for the purpose of "sculpting" lean muscles. Although the stretching may seem unnecessary or prolonged, it appears that the time of rest helps to shape the body into more of a dancer's physique.
3. Effectiveness - I personally think this is the most important factor. As much (or as little) as you enjoy the instructors cueing, tone, delivery, etc, it really doesn't matter if you are not getting the results from the workout (in my opinion). Any workout depends on the individual to push themselves beyond their own physical and mental limitations to truly see change and results. I have been using Body Sculpt 5x a week for about 3 weeks and I can honestly say that I have lost inches in my waist and thighs. I have a very athletic build and never thought my legs could be "slim"; I've always assumed I had "soccer legs" as my calves and thighs were typically quite bulky. With Body Sculpt, I have seriously noticed a slenderizing effect on my legs, to the point where a lot of my pants are fitting LOOSELY (for pants that I wore in COLLEGE, I am now in my 30s). I think this is the most dramatic, and truly telling, evidence of the effectiveness of this workout. Although the voice over and comments occasionally annoy me (ears over shoulder, shoulders over hips, blah, blah, blah) , I try to ignore the monotonous monologue to get to my end goal, which is to stay slim!!!
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