Yogalates [2001]

Amazon.co.uk Review

Australian Louise Solomon has combined the ancient system of yoga with the modern system Pilates, resulting in her own Yogalates. Her intention is to unite yoga's breathing, its internal workout, and its benefits for stress and anxiety together with the Pilates focus on strengthening deeper muscles. But her promise that this can help you lose weight in 28 days cheapens her premise. The implication that neither system is adequate is also misleading. Nevertheless Yogalates will appeal to older, professional women looking for a toning regime. Solomon is not at ease as a presenter: as a teacher her style features constant talking and instruction, which is good if you want your mind occupied, but stressful if you want to clear your mind and relax. Her strengths lie in encouraging knowledge of the body, notably the spine and the natural curves. Those familiar with yoga will gain most from this, otherwise following it can be confusing. The other key problem is that many of the stretches involve a particular resistance band. You can try and make do with a pair of lycra leggings, but eventually you'll give up. This looks deceptively easy--it's not. If you can stick it through, the chances are you will tone up in 28 days. But don't expect it to be fun. --Lorna V

Customer Reviews:

Nice and Effective.......2007-10-16

Louise Solomon has put together a brilliant program. I have two other of her videos (Total Body Toner and Fit Firm and Flexible) and her book. I enjoyed working with the band, and like the fact that it is floor work. The workouts on this video are definitely 'baby friendly' in that your baby thinks you are playing with them when you are working out. You can also stop what you are doing, tend the baby and then start right back up where you left off, not possible with aerobics or free weight training as you have to gradually slow down and then stretch before stopping. I enjoyed the yoga poses in the second workout, and the bonus corporate workout is about 7 minutes and it is effective for your shoulders (relieving tension) and for your legs (encouraging the blood back to your heart). It is for people who sit at a computer desk all day. She recommends doing that workout twice daily when you are at your computer. I find her instructions great and her voice very soothing. I like that I don't have to change and get 'geared up' (that feeling of impending dread) for these workouts and that I can just put the DVD in and do my workout and then go out right after. I don't have to worry that I am a mess like I did with traditional gym workouts and aerobics. This program fits my life, and doesn't BECOME my life like trying to schedule trips to the gym.

One other thing that I really like and appreciate about her workout programs is that you don't need to buy any expensive equipment which then you have to store. You just need a cushion, a handtowel and if you don't have a mat, a blanket folded to give you two layers to lay on works just fine and then for the standing postures, just work barefoot on your carpet or hard floor. I have even done this video laying on my bare hard floor before I had the idea to use a folded blanket. Another reviewer said she just used a stretchy knitted scarf instead of the wide fitness resistance band. I think if memory serves me correctly, I even tried used my dressing gown/bathrobe belt for this. It isn't stretchy but in a pinch it will do until you can buy a fitness band.

A no excuse workout that you can do so easily. One workout is 26 minutes and the other one is 30 minutes. If you were to go to the gym, that is at least an hour or maybe even two hours to get ready (pack your kit), drive there, get changed, do your class then get changed and drive home again. With this, you put in your dvd, do your workout and then go - no fancy clothes, no fancy gadgets. I never put on workout clothes - just exercise in whatever I am wearing be it pjs or jeans and yes I have even done this program while wearing a skirt (nobody sees me - I always close the curtains)! So all it takes is the workout time and the 30-45 extra seconds to put your dvd in the player and then put it away when you are finished. Very doable I think - I have a toddler these days and I can do it with her climbing all over me (LOL). It allows me to have time for me, and not get stressed out - I used to get so stressed with my first child because I was trying to do mainstream fitness programs that just don't work if you have a baby or toddler - I would frustrate myself and my child. I don't have that with this program - I am much more laid back and am able to stop the program if need be, then start right back in where I left off.

an effortless way to enjoy exercise.......2007-06-04

As a lifestyle coach, I recommend this yogalates programme to my clients as a way of making simple exercise part of everyday living. If you are someone who doesn't like the idea of going to a class, this offers a comprehensive workout which will appeal not only to the beginner but to the more advanced student too.

I have practiced yoga and pilates on and off for the past 32 years, since I was 18, and have attended weekly classes and yoga days. Recent commitments have made it difficult to get to a class and I've missed the exercise! Yogalates is a winning combination of pilates toning exercises with traditional yoga postures such as down dog, warrior and triangle. I use the programme 2 or 3 times a week, working through one of the two workouts, which each last 30 minutes. Sitting for long hours at a computer can really affect your body and, since I started a few months ago, I have definitely felt better and much more aware of my body posture.

Louise Solomon is professional and precise about her presentation and whilst I didn't initially warm to her slightly cool manner, I have come to really appreciate her clear and informative instructions. If you need some extra motivation to get you exercising, then having Louise Solomon by your side will help you get in shape in the privacy of your own home and at a pace to suit you.

Yogalates.......2005-01-26

I was disappointed with this DVD in that they do not show you full views of the instructor when they are caryying out the movements, so if you want to hold a move correctly this is not always possible.
The range of exercises covered are quite good though. Not bad but not great either. Also instructor looks out of shape, not a great incentive when working out.

pacey and worthwhile.......2004-07-03

I don't like going to exercise classes- so I decided to buy this and try it at home! I have been following parts of the DVD each day for nearly three months and have noticed a big difference in the way I look and feel. I actually enjoy getting ready to join in-which is a first for me!

Doable for the very overweight.......2004-06-20

I find the exercises on this DVD to be quite good for someone like me who is not very flexible. Yes, she talks alot, but that's to be expected when you exercise with a DVD. If less talking is preferred, ideally you'd want to take a class with a live instructor. I prefer the privacy of my home and am quite happy with this tape. I use a knit winter scarf instead of a theraband and it works just fine for me. Therabands are easy and cheap to find at sporting goods stores. I've just been too lazy to pick one up. I am amazed how the isolated movements tone the muscles so well. I'm getting good results. I don't love doing the tape, but heck, I don't love doing any exercise. I'd recommend this to those looking for a way to start some kind of exercise. I'm happy with the DVD and use it four times a week.

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