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DVD Crunch - Super SlimDown: Pilates Yoga Blend
So here's a portrait of yoga in the 21st Century: this ancient discipline, created thousands of years ago to enhance the meditative experience (the asanas or poses commonly used in hatha yoga were in fact designed to enable meditators to sit quietly, calmly and comfortably for hours on end), is now "a total body blast," with users urged to "get hard core" and "feel the groove," all so "your torso will look buff." At least that's how Ellen Barrett, the relentlessly sunny instructor featured in Crunch Yoga's Super SlimDown: Pilates Yoga Blend, sees it. But while that approach may sound pretty frightening to traditionalists, this can't in fairness be viewed as a typical yoga video; nor does Barrett, who commingles power yoga moves and what she describes as "core-conditioning power pilates," make any claims that it is. Many of the poses--including Warrior II, extended right angle, cobra, locust, and others--will certainly be familiar to yogis. But instead of holding these poses for several breaths, as is common, Barrett takes a more aerobic approach, "pulsing" in and out of positions as if this were a calisthenics class; while that doesn't do much to promote stretching, it does generate a lot of heat and calorie burning. Same goes for the pilates portions, which involve a lot of leg lifts, abdominal work, and other mat-based exercises. One might wish that the instruction were more detailed when it comes to proper breathing, alignment, and so on; it's also a bit paradoxical that while the "Crunch philosophy" states that their fitness programs are designed for "people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size, or ability," the only folks we see onscreen are uniformly attractive, bare-midriffed young women in amazing shape. But hey, whatever. Call it what you will, this is a fast-moving, reasonably challenging program that will likely find favor with many. --Sam Graham
Review(s): DVD Crunch - Super SlimDown: Pilates Yoga Blend
Fabulous!
I can't say enough good things about this video! Ellen is a motivating instructor (but not by any means annoying) and the music is soothing.
That being said - take it for what it is - it's really a core workout and full body rejuvenation. The breathing techniques and coordinated movements make me feel long, lean and graceful. But this workout is NOT cardio or even sweat-inducing. It works for me about once a week as "off" day exercise, when my knees can't handle a full cardio/weight workout.
Great video, instructor is not annoying
Great video, Ellen Barrett is a wonderful instructor. Her voice is soothing and she doesn't say more than necessary, instead of rambling on like certain other videos that feel the need to fill all gaps of silence. The routine is a great mix of pilates and yoga, with some challenging positions that aren't difficult at all for newbies to pilates or yoga (me). All in all, my favorite out of about 7 yoga dvds that I own.
Great workout for beginner and up.
I really love this video. She encourages you and she also move at a slower pace. I am just a beginner, however, this would work for beginners and on up. I will be using this tape often.
Related DVD's Crunch - Super SlimDown: Pilates Yoga Blend
"Calorie burning cardio plus Pilates-based toning," promises this 40-minute Crunch program, which combines Pilates-influenced standing and mat exercises. In the cardio section, instructor Ellen Barrett uses Pilates terminology (e.g. "standing imprint") as she adapts Pilates moves to rather repetitious standing exercises--mostly squats and leg lift variations--which work the core muscles of the abdominals and back as well as legs, thighs, and buttocks. The moves are sometimes slow and rarely "travel," so your heart rate might not stay elevated, although your lower body and core muscles will get a good workout. The toning section consists of Pilates mat exercises which work abs, back, thighs, and buttocks. One exerciser demonstrates easier modifications. The background music is dominated by... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 09 September 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I was cautious with this purchase... I hated Pick your Spot Pilates (by Crunch).
This is a great video! The music is great (one song is from the firm ^_^) I noticed a lot of ballet moves in this one! Ballet is great when it comes to toning!
The instructor is lively and excited, as are the people in the background. I love seeing multiple people doing the exercises "correctly" at different levels. It helps me adjust my movement/stances at my own pace.
The music was fine--- The instructor stayed up with the rhythm of the music. More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Ellen Barrett DVD Release Date: Released the 07 September 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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This Pilates workout's subtitle, "Pick Your Spot," sums up its flexibility; the three 10-minute segments each tone the abdomen, rear, and thighs using Pilates-based exercises. Crammed into each segment are up to 10 exercises. "Belly" features the 100, criss-cross, twist, and mermaid; "Butt" includes swimming, double leg kicks, and leg circles; and "Thighs" offers the frog, front kicks, and leg lifts. While each segment is too brief to challenge veteran exercisers, viewers are free to hit the pause button and add reps. Plus, a 10-minute bonus total-body Pilates workout proves more demanding than the individual segments. L.A. Crunch instructor Ellen Barrett does an excellent job of initiating newbies to the regulated breathing and core muscle control needed for the exactness of this... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 24 September 2002 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I am extremely happy with this workout! The moves are graceful, and I love that. But don't be fooled, you WILL feel it the next day if you are an intermediate/somewhat advanced like me. Ellen is a wonderful instructor, with better instruction than many. I have done this several times now, and at the end during the weight segment I keep thinking... ONE MORE SET??? However, it feels so good to finish strong, and it is only 35 minuts long so keep with it and give it your all!
The only complaint I have is the skinny rail featured on the front of the DVD...it seems like the normal gimmick in magazines though, and that's not what I am going for... I am working on my toned curves!! She is not in the video though which is good (I doubt she could keep up)... Ellen (the instructor)... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 04 October 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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This intermediate-to-advanced video from the trendy gym Crunch will work all your muscles, including your heart. The intense half-hour workout is divided into seven-and-a-half-minute segments. Instructor Susan Hitzman and her class of young, perfect hardbodies (showing off incredibly tight, sculpted midriffs) demonstrate strengthening moves that combine upper- and lower-body muscles, for example, doing an overhead press with weights and a squat simultaneously, varying the rhythm for intensity. And, of course, it wouldn't be "boot camp" without pushups. "Remember, I would rather you gave me 4 excellent pushups than 12 sloppy ones!" Hitzman announces. By the end you'll be begging for mercy, because each segment has progressively harder pushup variations, including some you've never tried.... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 27 April 2004 Usually ships in 24 hours
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