Yoga DVD Update:

Yin Yoga with Paul Grilley

By Richard Rosen

Pranamaya; www.pranamaya.com; 5 1/2 hours.

Twenty-some years ago at the Iyengar Yoga Institute in San Francisco, my classmates and I were subjected to a practice called "timed forward bends"—each of the poses in the sequence was held passively for somewhere between 10 minutes and an eon. Paul Grilley systematized this timed, passive-holding approach as Yin Yoga, which, he says, is a complement to the more active, huff-and-puff yoga styles favored in the West. The two DVDs in this package include a lecture on Yin theory, an accompanying practicum, and three hourlong Yin sequences.

Since Yin students spend five minutes or more in a pose, a Yin instructor needs a good shtick to keep everyone interested and in place. Grilley is an intelligent and empathic teacher and a congenial raconteur, both educator and entertainer. His technique can potentially help increase flexibility and self-acceptance, not only in your asana practice but in your daily life. And this is a great resource for learning it.

Calling all Yogis …. September 2, 2008 Paul Grilley will be releasing his Yin Yoga DVD. This video is over 300 minutes of yoga and wisdom from guru Paul Grilley.



Learn more at http://www.yogayoga.com

Pure Barre: Ballet, Dance & Pilates Fusion (2007)

EVD Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

The Pure Barre Technique (PBT) is the fastest, yet safest way to change your body. PBT fuses dance, Pilates and Lotte Berk exercises while utilizing the ballet barre to create the most intense and effective 55-minute workout that exists. The results of PBT are: flat abs, thin thighs, a lifted seat, toned arms and sculpted backs. PBT is an intelligent exercise technique - each strengthening section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create strong, long, lean muscle without the bulk, while increasing range of motion. PBT will not only quickly transform your body, it will clear your mind, help you focus and contribute to a happy and healthy life. All you have to do is this DVD 3 times per week and your body will change - it is that simple.

This is an advanced workout. I absolutely love to add new innovative workout to my routine. It keeps you from getting bored. This is a fantastic workout with toning in a bellet like form. The stretching section is heavenly. I recommend this workout for anyone wanting to lengthen and tone (PBT Style).

The FIRM: Cardio Overdrive (2007)

EVD Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

Cardio overdrive will kick your weight loss into high gear. Unique low impact cardio and body shaping exercises burn calories both during and after this dynamic workout. Tone your legs arms and waist to the high-energy beat with easy-to-follow steps and Alison s expert coaching.DVD Includes:45-minute Complete Workout25-minute Express WorkoutOptional Equipment: The FIRM CardioweightsSystem. Released May 6, 2008.

The FIRM is one of those “gym quality” workout series that every at-home exerciser should own. I personally, have 10 Firm workouts in my collection. The toning and flow of Cardio Overdrive is excellent. This DVD will give you results fast if you stick to it. Whenever I feel like I’ve been slacking a bit on my intensity of workouts I like to do a FIRM video to get back into the “Warrior Goddess” mindset and push it up a notch.

10 Minute Solution: Pilates on the Ball (2007)

Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

No time to exercise? We have the solution for you the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day and we ve developed 5 innovative Pilates workouts that are just 10 minutes each. They will slim tone and tighten your whole body. Compact and ultra-efficient these workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together for one incredible Pilates ball workout! Workouts include Pilates For Abs Lower Body Pilates Upper Body Pilates Pilates for Flexibility and Total Body Pilates.

10 Minute Solution workouts are the highest quality workout you can get in a limited amount of time. It’s something about them that’s so infectious. Every time I put it in after 10 minutes I want more. I end up doing another segment and another. It’s a great way to stay motivated and sneak in a good workout on busy days. Each mini workout on this dvde is an effective routine on it’s own. This is also a great workout if you’re new to using the ball. It was released May 6, 2008.

Consider checking out some of the other workouts in the 10 Minute Solution Series also.

The South Beach Diet Super Charged Workout (2008)

Review: (4 out of 5 stars)

Lose weight faster with a unique metabolism-revving exercise program! Five years ago renowned Miami cardiologist Dr. Arthur Agatston set out to change the way America eats with The South Beach Diet. Now Dr. Agatston wants to change the way America lives by helping Americans become fitter as well as thinner and healthier...for life! He's designed a new exercise program that is based on the latest exercise science combining functional (core) fitness and cardiovascular (interval) exercise. The workout is designed to rev up the metabolism - and burn more fat and calories - even at rest.

"The South Beach Diet Super Charged Workout" DVD is a supplement to "The South Beach Diet Super Charged" book but can be used as an exercise plan without using the diet. To achieve best results, reading the book is very helpful. The book explains in depth how to maximize fitness results with interval training and core conditioning performed in a short period of time. With this knowledge you can optimize your results with the DVD.

The DVD begins with an introduction from Dr.Agatston in which he explains that new research has shown how interval training in short durations can provide greater benefits than lengthy workouts. The workouts follow the introduction. There is a 20 minute cardio interval training workout and 3 fifteen minute total body workouts to select from. In the book Dr. Agatston uses walking for the cardio training but gives alternatives. In the video the instructor varies exercises using simulated jump roping, lunges etc. Each burst is followed by a recovery period. For example you might do 30 seconds of jumping jacks followed by a 45 second recovery period of marching in place. The 3 total body workouts follow the exercises given in the book and evolve in difficulty from Phase 1 to Phase 3. Agatston also suggests a leisurely walk of 15- 20 minutes on the days you do the total body workout.

What I like about this workout is the length and organization. It’s really structured to try to give you the best results possible. Anyone who is a fan or interested in the South Beach Diet will enjoy this routine. It was released on May 13, 2008.

Similar workout is the Abs Diet Workout.

Walk Slim: Fast and Firm 4 Really Big Miles (2007)

Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

Leslie boldly says this is her best walk ever. If you want to walk off weight fast this is the workout for you. It s jam packed with great music boosted walking and body sculpting using one of Leslie's favorite boosters the Firm Band. This challenging 4 mile walking workout will power your walk to a whole new level . It s fast; it s fun; it works! Motivation pops on your screen to keep you walking at the perfect speed to burn hundreds of calories. Our popular mile markers allow you to choose a 1 2 3 or 4 mile invigorating walk anytime of the day. Add the Firm Band while walking to fire up the intensity of your fat burning and slim and shape your upper body. What a powerful combination! You will finish this total body walking program with a calming stretch to keep your joints moving in a full range of motion along with keeping muscles long and flexible. Now you have every feature you need to Walk Off Weight! Go for it! This DVD was released on May 6, 2008.

Walking is the one of the most beneficial forms of exercise you can do. Leslie Sansone is the queen of the “walk videos.” When you do one of her workout you know you’re getting a good 2 or more miles walk in the comfort of your home. I love these workouts because on days when you’re dead tired, just not motivated to do the whole aerobics thing, or too sore you can manage to walk. You can fit in one of Leslie’s workouts. We all will have those days some more than others and when they do occur grabbing a walking workout will keep you on track. A must have for anyone working out at home.

Check out any of Leslie’s walking videos for a good stroll in your living room.

Workout: One-On-One Training with Jackie (2006)

Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

Get the results of a celebrity trainer at home with Jackie Warner star of Bravo's hit show Workout and owner of Sky Sport Spa in Beverly Hills. This DVD includes three highly effective fat-burning and toning routines featuring Jackie's one-on-one training technique that delivers results! There are three 20-minute workouts included focusing on Upper Body Lower Body and Core/Abs respectively. Each workout consists of challenging circuit strength/toning training followed by short bursts of cardio to get the heart-rate going.

This is one of the best workouts I’ve done this year. Within three weeks of using this workout as suggested 3x a week I lost three inches around my waist. It’s a complete head to toe quality gym results driven type of workout. Jackie breaks the routine up into 20 minute segments designed for the upper, lower, and abs. Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie is exactly that. You feel like you’re at SkySport working out but without all the fancy equipment and beautiful California view. I’ve been doing this workout since the release date on May 20, 2008. I originally saw it on ExerciseTv on Demand and fell in love. Anyone who is trying to lose weight by working out at home must have at least one or preferbaly three quality gym like total body workouts within reach. One-On-One Training with Jackie is one of the best workouts released this year by far. Rent or buy it today and feel the difference. As Jackie says, “You can do anything for a minute, feel the burn.”

Another workout that is “gym quality” is Jillian’s 30 Day Shred.

Phil Ross' Street Combat Mixed Martial Arts: The Complete Collection 4 DVD Set (2008)

Review: (4 out of 5 stars)

A 4 DVD - 1 CD collection designed to teach you Mixed Martial Arts while you get fit! Includes S.A.V.E. Level 1: Learn footwork, kicks, punches and defensive tactics with this great beginner workout. Fit 2 Fight: 90 minutes of heart-pumping, muscle-building fitness skills for the intermediate level matrial artist. Includes segments on grappling and defensive tactics. Combat Ready: Advanced students will be challenged with this workout that includes high level combinations, defensive tactics and grappling. Let's Sweat: The ultimate fitness challenge includes one hour of routines designed to rip your muscles, increase your flexibility and improve your cardio strength as you get ready to fight! Audio CD: Powerful Spirit: You will maximize your training through empowerment and relaxtion with this mental conditioning CD.

I’ve done several tapes from Rick Ross’s S.A.V.E. series. He’s a no-nonsense type of instructor. Self-defense is always a valuable skill to learn in the world we live in. It also can burn some calories in the process. Ross’s workouts are designed to get your heart pumping and then grappling. From first hand experience try not to do everything in the videos. Many of his moves are extremely advanced. You can injure yourself if you don’t work up to the level displayed in the video. This collection features a workout from each of his series. It’s great to have when you feel like kickin some serious butt or switching up your routine to something different. It was released June 10, 2008.

If you’re interested in more self defense than check out some of his other series such as Fit 2 Fight, Combat Ready, and the renowned S.A.V.E. DVDs.
Read more about self-defense HERE.

Shiva Rea - Yoga Trance Dance (2006)

Review: (4 out of 5 stars)

Shiva Rea has been teaching Yoga Trance Dance for more than 10 years. Now, for the first time, her most popular workshop is available to anyone who wants to experience celebration, rejuvenation, and creative joy through movement.

Appropriate for all ages and experience levels, Yoga Trance Dance begins with prana-initiating yogasanas, flowing into an exploration of free-form, breath-driven movement to free your creative life force and cultivate embodied freedom. It features the Yoga Matrix format, which allows you to customize your practice by choosing and organizing portions of the program to suit your needs every time you use the DVD.

This is a beautiful DVD the dance combined with yoga really gives you a contemporary new age vibe. You can customize your routine according to your time and what you’re in the mood for. It also has a short documentary about Shiva Rea that is very insightful. Anyone into the practice of yoga and or dance will love this extended workout. Released on May 9, 2006. A great workout to add to your exercise regime or yoga dvd collection.

You may also enjoy the Shiva Rea’s Yoga Shakti DVD as well.

Dance of the Kama Sutra With Hemalayaa (2007)

Learn to live in and love every inch of your glorious body!

The Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian text, promotes the cultivation of sensuality as a sacred duty. The need to cultivate and reconnect with our sensual selves -- the goddess at the core of every woman -- remains as strong as ever, but the din and rush of modern life make the opportunities all too rare. Through playful movements and heart-centered meditation, yogini and Indian Dance expert Hemalayaa takes you on a journey of discovery. Find the freedom and fullness of expression that come from embracing yourself and your body. Join Hemalayaa in a dance of love and laughter that instills confidence, joy, and poise. The steps are sassy, suggestive, coquettish, and enormously fun. Gesture by gesture, swish by swish, you will remember that you are -- and have always been -- a divine dancer.

Review (4 out of 5 stars)

Two words Kama Sutra or is that one word…lol Hemalayaa’s sexiest workout is full of sensuality and joy. Unlike her previous workouts which actually were workouts this dvd focuses more on learning to release the inner sex goddess. She teaches you how to move slow and sexy to some spicy indian music. I loved this workout or should I say DVD. Warning: This is not a major calorie burner! So, if you’re trying to lose some serious weight don’t waste your time. Strip tease DVD’s and sensual dance workouts like this one are excellent to help build your confidence and all women can benefit from these type of routines thrown into your weekly mix of workouts but don’t count them as “working out” cause it’s not. If you’re just starting out on your weight loss journey stick to aerobic and aerobic/toning workouts for the first two months than start to change it up with a few sexy workouts inbetween. This dvd was released July 31, 2007.

Hemalayaa - Beautiful Belly (2008)

From the creator of The Bollywood Dance Workout and Bollywood Burn

This unique dance-inspired abs workout is the perfect way to tone your tummy while having fun. Fitness star and yogini Hemalayaa draws on dance moves from across the globe in three 12-minute routines that offer a refreshing new way to work those all-important core muscles.

Start with a fast-paced cardio warm-up, then choose one, two, or all three routines. The upbeat music and variety of moves keep you interested and make the time fly. Hemalayaa goes way beyond boring crunches, creating workouts you'll love to do. You’ll shimmy, stretch, and bounce your way to the belly you’ve always wanted: shapely, strong, and sexy.

Review (3 out of 5 stars)

It is unique but more than I wanted. Most of the movements felt like they were too challenging or not enough of a stomach workout. This dvd seemed more like a creative extended cardio workout than a focused ab workout. I would recommend this workout if you’re looking for a change from your ordinary toning routines. The release date of this workout was May 27, 2008.

Another similar workout you might be interested in is Hemalayaa’s The Bollywood Burn Dance Workout.

The Bollywood Dance Workout With Hemalayaa (2007)

For ALL fitness and experience levels.

Inspired by the Indian film tradition of infectiously expressive music and dance comes a sexy, saucy, calorie-burning, full-body workout. Fitness star Hemalayaa leads you in traditional moves that will tone you head to toe while unleashing waves of energy and joy.

The movements are simple—no exercise or dance experience required—but the results are big.

You’ll be getting a cardio, sculpting, and stretching workout while having a blast—and learning moves you'll love to flaunt on the dance floor. Just let yourself go and boogie to the bhangra beat. It’s impossible not to.

Review (4 out of 5 stars)

I loved this workout. I have to admit it started off a little funny. The warm up has a bunch of head shakes and mouth circles that seemed just plain silly to me. I thought that I might not enjoy the rest of this workout if its anything like the warm-up. Surprisingly this workout is great. Once Hemalayaa's energy and extremely positive "We are Goddesses" attitude infects you it's non-stop fun. She uses moves like the "Gorilla", "Running Man", and of course the "Goddess" to get you really moving. All of the leg hops and transitions get your heart pumping and calories burning. You feel like a bollywood princess. This is a great workout DVD. I was actually sweating by the end of it. Minus the less than desirable moves in the warm-up this exercise video is the perfect to add to your routine. This DVD is 50 minutes long and was released on January 2, 2007.

Another workout similar that you might want to check out: The Bollywood Burn also starring Hemalayaa.