Yoga Zone: Strengthen and Tone (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)There are lots of them to pick from and I have a small handful myself, but Strengthen and Tone is my favorite. Jen Monness leads both 20 minute sessions, one for upper body, the other for lower body. Jean Kerner assists in both sessions and demonstrates the postures for the more experienced yoga practitioner. The setting is at the Grand Lidos San Souci resort in Jamaica, wher many of the Yoga Zone videos are filmed.
In the first session you will strengthen the lower body in a variety of poses. You start out in downward facing dog and hold this pose for a bit, this pose strengthens the back of your legs as well as stretches them. Next you move into lunge position on one leg, then you test your balance by lifting one arm then the other, then you switch legs and do the other side. Then you move into downward facing dog again, this time you should notice a little difference that you can go a bit deeper into the pose. Next you move on to warrior 2, then right angle pose. Jean demonstrates a more advanced modification for right angle by reaching her hand to the floor, then you repeat this on the other side. After this you move into one last downward facing dog, stretching out the legs even more. Then you move into rag doll which is a forward bend with your elbows folded. After that you will move into chair pose incorporated with forward bends, Jen will have you repeat this sequence 3 more times, along with a "Sun Breath". Next are some poses where you balance on one leg. You stand on one leg while lifting the knee of the opposite leg, then for more advanced you can extend your leg out straight. From this you will move into warrior 3 which is another balancing pose. You will balance on one leg while lifting the other leg behind you and bending over, like you are in a "T" shape. This is then repeated on the other leg. Then it's time to stretch a bit, Jen shows you lizard pose which is a lunge pose with both hands inside the front leg, you have the option of bending the elbows for a more intense stretch. Then you move into a hamstring stretch, straightening your front leg and shifting to the back leg. Next is cat pose combined with more downward facing dogs in a moving vinyasa, you repeat this for about 30 seconds. Finally you will lie on your back and stretch some more before the final pose where you sit in a cross legged seat.
The upper body session is a little more challenging, you start out with seated spinal twists then you will stretch the triceps. You will start with reverse plank pose, then move into active cat which is cat pose incorporated with little pushups. Then you move into plank pose, here options are given to either do these on the toes or the knees, then you will move into Chataranga lowering yourself to the floor, then upward facing dog holding this pose for a bit before going into downward facing dog, again held for a few breaths. After this series you will move into childs pose, then you will do a sun salutation starting in mountain pose with hands in prayer position, then you lift your arms side and up before moving into a forward bend, then you will move into Chataranga again, then upward facing dog and finishing out with downward facing dog before coming back up to mountain pose. This is repeated one more time. Following this you will see fan posture on each side, then you move to the floor and into headstand prep which I really liked. Headstand prep sort of resembles downward facing dog but it's done on your elbows and your legs in a piked position. From here you will move into dolphin pose which is a plank done on your elbows, which I found challenging. After that you will move into sphinx pose which looks like a cobra before moving into extended seal. You finish out the upper body session with side lean pose done on each side, a nice way to end the program.
In each session there are brief commercial breaks, where Alan Finger, founder of Yoga Zone appears and offers tips and information. These breaks are short maybe lasting 20 seconds each, some might be bothered by this, but I didn't find it distracting at all.
Jen Monness does a nice job in this video, she is pleasant and does a decent job with breath cueing, she is my favorite Yoga Zone instructor. This video is best for beginner and intermediate levels, I found it to be interesting and not boring, plus it was nice to see some poses I have never seen before, such as warrior 3 and headstand prep. I have only been practicing yoga for a short time so I am still learning and improving, but I would recommend this as one of the better Yoga Zone videos I have tried.

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Yoga Zone’s Strengthen & Tone lets you take aim at creating the strong body you desire with long, lean muscle tone. These two 20-minute yoga programs feature easy-to-follow poses to develop a completely toned body.Our lower body routine provides postures and stretches that open up the hips to release tension in your hamstrings and develop long, lean legs.The upper body routine guides you to build heat and move with your breath to target your arms, chest, shoulders and back.Both segments leave you feeling rejuvenated and balanced. Join Jen Monness, senior teacher on our acclaimed Yoga Zone TV show, as she encourages and motivates you, while providing great tips for alignment and proper form.Yoga will become the best part of your day with Yoga Zone’s formula of result-oriented programs with age-defying results. Consult your physician before your begin this, or any exercise program.

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Caribbean Workout: Core Pilates (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently picked up this program after really enjoying the previous Caribbean Pilates/Pilates Plus DVD's (which I've already reviewed on Amazon).
This set contains three twenty-two minute self contained workouts that were formerly on the Caribbean Workout Show. Being from a TV show there are commercial breaks which fade in and out, sometimes more smoothly than others. Still, in spite of a few rough spots in that regard, these programs are really some of my favorite Pilates based programs along w/ the Caribbean Pilates and Pilates Plus.
Their length makes them easy to fit in, the price is super low and you get a lot of workouts for that low price.
The first workout has a abs/back focus and it's very well sequenced. Jennifer Tilley, who leads the workouts w/ Shelley Mcdonald as the "student", alternates between Abs exercises and Back extension exercises. Jennifer Tilley has an interesting approach to varying the "classical" Pilates exercises as well as the way she sequences them. For me it works very well and keeps things fresh.
The second segment is a mix of Yoga type poses and Pilates exercises. It starts standing and then moves down to the mat. There's a nice mix of Ab core and back extension exercises as well a mini Sun Salute where you go from cobra into child's pose (she refers to these as up dog and down dog, but they are actually cobra and child's pose).
This segment is very much a blend of Yoga and Pilates, more so than any of the other Caribbean workouts that I have.
The third segment is primarily focused on the lower body and features a fairly extensive side lying series.
It starts w/ the hundred to warm up and then moves into the side lying position.
The one thing that I wanted to point out is that Jen Tilley first does 4 or so exercises on the right side, then switches to the left side and does the same exercises. BUT then what happens is that she continues on the left side and starting with the Développé on does a whole bunch more exercises and ends w/ small leg circles.
At that point after some gentle hip stretches, then she goes to the other side, starts with the Développé and then completes the leg series on the right side. The thing I don't like about this is that even though the same exercises are eventually done on both sides they are not done in a symmetrical order which means the left side is really maxed out by doing them all in a row while the right side gets to rest and then complete the series after the left side is done.
Fortunately, if one is aware of this and wants to make it symmetrical, what you can do is, switch back to the right side when she starts the Développé and then switch back to the left side when she does the Développé on the right side. In spite of that workable imperfection, this is an enjoyable and fun DVD to work with that definitely works the areas intended. I gave it five stars in spite of the few imperfections because overall I think it delivers what it promises and does so at a ridiculously low price!
I enjoy the personalities of the two teachers, the spontaneity of the way they interact and the scenery as always is beautiful. There is always nice gentle music during the Pilates sessions which enhances the overall atmosphere of the sessions.
If you are looking for a more "classical" Pilates approach I would highly recommend Hilary Burnett's Intermediate program. If you've never done Pilates before I would recommend Stott Basics program for excellent detailed instruction. I have heard great things about the Hilary Burnett Beginner program but unfortunately don't have that one.
Ana Caban has some nice beginning and intermediate programs as well which are based more on Joseph Pilates approach.


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Yoga Zone - Premiere Collection (Beginners) (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm addicted!!! I do one of the tapes in the collection every day. I had never tried yoga before getting these tapes. They are awesome tapes. Alan Finger's voice and accent are calming. Alan gives instruction, while other's perform the poses (asanas). It's helpful because one of the models does modified poses for those who are less flexible. Since I've gotten these tapes, I've borrowed others (done by other people) from friends and I must say my Yoga Zone tapes are still my favorite. The models seem so serene, no pasted on smiles. I can't say enough, I feel wonderful doing these tapes. My muscles get a workout, and my mind relaxes.

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Studio: Koch InternationalRelease Date: 09/24/2002

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Yoga Zone Ultimate Collection (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this collection. First, Yoga Zone tapes are my favorite. They explain the poses, what you should be focusing on, what you should be feeling, how to breathe, and how to make each pose harder/ easier depending on your level. All these sessions are suitable for beginners, and there's a great selection: flexibility, stress relief, yoga for abs, total body conditioning, intro to power yoga, and yoga for weight loss. Each DVD has two sessions. If you want to stretch, tone, relax, or move, there's a session in this collection for it. Plus, the variety keeps it interesting. If you're just starting yoga, buy/rent a Yoga Zone tape to see if you like it, and if you're going to stick with it, get this collection!

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Studio: E1 EntertainmentRelease Date: 11/26/2002

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Yoga Kids, Vol. 2: ABC's for Ages 3-6 (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)my daughter is 2 and absolutely adores this DVD. We already have and love "Yoga for the Kid in All of Us" (also recommended) and I wanted to get her another "yoga show" to expand her repetoire. If you found Yoga for the Kid... a little silly at times, then you will love this one. It is not dumbed down at all, but very pleasant and intelligent for parents and children. The instructor is calm, yet upbeat and does not talk "down" to the kids or use a sing -song voice (this is a huge pet peeve of mine- I cannot stand the dumbed down tone of most kids videos). I enjoy this one a lot. She goes through a different pose or excersize for each letter of the alphabet, usually an animal or object a child is familiar with. her explanation for "Om" (for the letter O) is very good, and the Namaste song for N is quite lovely and we hum it all day after we see the DVD.

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GAIAM KIDS YOGA KIDS 2:A B CS - DVD Movie

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Yoga For Weight Loss for Beginners (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Having done yoga both with videos and in a class, I found this video to be a step above most other yoga videos. It is arranged in three sections, each having multiple workouts. The first section is designed for beginners, with one section teaching a basic set of poses, and two sections with flow-style practices of varying length. That is, the poses flow from one to the next for continuous, slow movement. The pacing is great - slow enough to allow good form in each pose, but fast enough to allow you to move along with the breath, as you breath in and out. However, it is clearly not "remedial," and includes poses requiring some flexibility, balance, and strength (e.g., downward-facing dog with one leg raised, as well as some balancing poses). If someone lacks flexibility or strength, I'd definitely recommend starting instead with "Essential Yoga for Inflexible People," which a friend tells me is perfect for beginners. The second section (the one I use the most) is a little more challenging and also has several different flow-style practices that vary in focus (arms, legs, total body) and length. It's surprising how much your heart gets beating and you really feel your muscles working. They are the ideal every-day workout. The third section is an interesting twist - yoga along with light weights or a resistance band to get even more strength training work. Again, there are several different practices that vary in focus and length. Very clever and fun. The instructions on how to work in each pose are extremely well done. Usually, the biggest downside to learning yoga from a video rather than a well-conducted class is that you can't get individualized instruction, and so you can learn the poses incorrectly and not get the full benefit of the practice. However, the instruction is so well-done that I found this video to instead help me refine and improve my use of the various poses. Finally, the filming is simply beautiful, with a gorgeous ocean landscape. This is quickly becoming my favorite yoga video!

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Reshape your body and feel great with these easy to follow routines. Now you can burn calories while toning and stretching your entire body. These practices will leave you feeling invigorated, more energetic and de-stressed. Three Sections Of Routines Getting Started Routines As You Progress Routines With the variety of of routines, this DVD is perfect for both the beginner and seasoned student alike. You will feel younger, more fit and in shape with these targeted and effective routines. This stunning and beautiful DVD was shot at one of the most majestic, tranquil beaches in the world, Half-Moon Bay, Antigua! This revolutionary, interactive DVD allows you to choose from 12 customized routines ranging from 15-60 minutes to get you toned and feeling great. This special, easy to use system allows you to find the routine that is just right for your needs. Veteran instructor Maggie Rhoades gently guides you through these proven and effective routines.

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Yoga For Beginners (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been enjoying yoga instructor Barbara Benagh's other recent DVD release, Yoga for Stress Relief, so I decided to take a look at this one as well. This DVD, released by Body+Soul magazine, is intended for those new to yoga. There are a total of 5 shorter (

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From the Editors of Body + Soul Magazine comes a new line ofDVDs designed to excite, inform, inspire and encourage your quest toward abalanced and healthy whole life. YOGA FOR BEGINNERS is the perfect way to be introduced to Yoga andit helps you to explore and experience the numerous benefits of yoga. Thereare 8 routines to help build strength, increase flexibility, improve yourhealth and vitality and transform how you look and feel. Routines are led by renowned instructor Barbara Benagh who expertly leadsyou through tailored workouts ranging from 10 to 60 minutes. YOGA FORBEGINNERS was filmed on location at one of the most beautiful, tranquilbeaches in the world, Half-Moon Bay, Antigua, which adds to the overallexperience of tranquility. DVD HIGHLIGHTS: -8 Customized, Targeted Routines -Exclusive Interview with the Instructor -Routines from 10 - 60 Minutes -Includes articles from Body + Soul magazine

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