Amazon.co.uk Review
The New York City Ballet Workout routine was developed by Peter Martins and the New York City Ballet along with the New York Sports Club. If you envy the ballet dancer's long, lean body and graceful, elegant movements, then this beautifully produced video is for you. First watch the rippling muscles of four gorgeous ballet dancers (two bare-midriffed women and two bare-chested men) performing the warm-up moves to classical ballet music, while Martins narrates: no ballet technique is taught, so it's look-and-follow if you have no previous ballet training. Then get down on a mat for slow lower-body stretches. A difficult abdominal series is next, followed by "floor barre" exercises to tone the thighs and buttocks while still using the abdominals, then moves to strengthen the back and upper body. Next is a series of standing exercise segments using various ballet movements to strengthen the legs and postural/balance muscles. The workout is divided into 17 short sections, which may give it a disjointed feeling if you're used to more continuity. At the end is a bonus sequence with profiles of the four performers, all dancers with the New York City Ballet. We get to watch them performing, practicing, and eating. One dancer makes the point that ballet is very athletic, but because it's supposed to look ethereal, the hard work stays hidden from the audience. If you love ballet (even just watching it), you'll enjoy this workout. (By the way, Sarah Jessica Parker introduces the video, but does not have any other role in it.) --Joan Price, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Great muscle work.......2006-07-24
Using this DVD on a regular basis will allow you to use all your muscles intensely, especially those of the legs and abdominals. Surprisingly, the NYCB workout isn't extremely difficult, as I expected it to be, nor is it tailored at dancers - anyone who is healthy and has exercised a little bit in the past will be able to do it; the DVD doesn't explain the dangers of letting your knees go over your toes in plies for example, so I think you need to know some of these basics of exercising before you start. You don't have to be superfit to use this, as all the exercises consist of small moves that will work the muscles and there are no intense cardio moves, so you can really build up your strength over time, and even if you start off by doing 20 minutes, in a couple of weeks you will be able to do the full workout. The workout for the legs is fantastic, a lot of stretching that elongates the muscles, as well as some typical ballet exrcises such as plies and tendus that will give your legs a new look after just a month of regular use - I was really pleased with the effects on the legs and bum...you can actually see that your behind looks flatter and less "droopy" after 2 weeks :) I found the abs section difficult at first, but you have to keep working at it and you'll soon see that you can do a few more repetitions or sets each time. A very pleasant but effective workout, one of my favourites.
Fantastic for dancers and those who want to dance.......2006-05-28
Having got this about 3 years ago, and doing it whenever I have the time, it has helped so much with my turnout and ankle strength, plus overall strength. There is a fab abs workout which uses all your stomach muscles, and if you do the exercises properly, as a dancer with full posture and commitment to every move, you should be suitably knackered. I was already a dancer but started actual ballet lessons last year and due to using this workout, i found my first lesson a doddle and the teacher was shocked I'd never done an actual ballet class before.
The flexibility exercises are so brilliant, and it is clear every time you do it how much you've progressed. I ended up with my leg practically behind my head!
My mum is also an ex-dancer and choreographer, uses this regularly to keep herself in top shape.
A must for all dancers but would not recommend to non-dancers. The effect is not the same without correct form!
It's Good, but be careful with INJURIES!.......2005-03-29
Ok, I must be honest, I looove this video. It makes me feel so girly and graceful that I can't stand myself sometimes, lol. And it has wonderful stretches and ab work and leg work. BUT be very very careful in NOT putting too much pressure on your body. Don't overdo the exercises or you'll end up with a hurt lower back and strained ankles, like me!!
This video works, but don't try to do the movements exactly like the dancers, for example in Pliés, don't go all the way down like them 'cause you'll hurt yourself, go to where it feels comfortable. And when working your back, don't overdo it the first time!! I know it's really tempting to feel the tension on your back (because then it feels like 'you're working it') But in reality, you're just hurting it. So I DO recommend this video, just be careful!
3 years later...and i still love it!.......2004-12-28
Having owned this DVD for 3 years, and never having written a review I felt the time was right to share my thoughts.
I spent years trying to find a workout that eliminated the annoying 'thud-thump-thud' soundtrack that so many producers believe motivate us. I also wished to tone up within the extremely confined space of my tiny living room - having two small kids leaves me no other option. I ought to add that I'm one of those people, so often envied, who is thin...though this has its own problems - far too skinny, and no muscle whatsoever.
However, since starting this fabulous programme, I love my body. Wonderful muscle tone (I now have shapely calves, for the first time in my life), amazing flexibility and total awareness of posture.
I always wanted to practice ballet when I was a little girl, but being brought up by my dad, it never seemed to cross his mind to send me. This DVD has satisfied this long, latent yearning! Watching the dancers, listening to the beautiful music and attempting their moves - it has become my most treasured past-time. So relaxing - I miss it dreadfully if I can't find the time to do it!
If you're looking for a workout that's challenging, but not sweat-inducing, that's both calming AND energising, and that creates a beautiful well-toned body, then look no further.
This work-out is perfect...
This does change your body shape and it relaxes you.......2004-09-06
Contains stretching and relaxing movements in a well explained way. The voice over is very calming and not irritating, and the classsical music adds to the feeling of tranquility - which makes it easy for repeat viewing. It is not a cardiovascular workout, but is great for toning and stretching and it does get you warm. After having done the workout for about 5 weeks(about once a week and alongside existing cardiovasular workouts at the gym) I can tell a slight difference in my body shape. However even doing the DVD once makes you more aware of your body, your movements and your posture, and after a few times you can tell that you are more flexible and can do the movements more easily. It is enjoyable to do and simple to follow, and you notice differences in your ability quickly.
Amazon.co.uk Review
The New York City Ballet Workout routine was developed by Peter Martins and the New York City Ballet along with the New York Sports Club. If you envy the ballet dancer's long, lean body and graceful, elegant movements, then this beautifully produced video is for you. First watch the rippling muscles of four gorgeous ballet dancers (two bare-midriffed women and two bare-chested men) performing the warm-up moves to classical ballet music, while Martins narrates: no ballet technique is taught, so it's look-and-follow if you have no previous ballet training. Then get down on a mat for slow lower-body stretches. A difficult abdominal series is next, followed by "floor barre" exercises to tone the thighs and buttocks while still using the abdominals, then moves to strengthen the back and upper body. Next is a series of standing exercise segments using various ballet movements to strengthen the legs and postural/balance muscles. The workout is divided into 17 short sections, which may give it a disjointed feeling if you're used to more continuity. At the end is a bonus sequence with profiles of the four performers, all dancers with the New York City Ballet. We get to watch them performing, practicing, and eating. One dancer makes the point that ballet is very athletic, but because it's supposed to look ethereal, the hard work stays hidden from the audience. If you love ballet (even just watching it), you'll enjoy this workout. (By the way, Sarah Jessica Parker introduces the video, but does not have any other role in it.) --Joan Price, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Great muscle work.......2006-07-24
Using this DVD on a regular basis will allow you to use all your muscles intensely, especially those of the legs and abdominals. Surprisingly, the NYCB workout isn't extremely difficult, as I expected it to be, nor is it tailored at dancers - anyone who is healthy and has exercised a little bit in the past will be able to do it; the DVD doesn't explain the dangers of letting your knees go over your toes in plies for example, so I think you need to know some of these basics of exercising before you start. You don't have to be superfit to use this, as all the exercises consist of small moves that will work the muscles and there are no intense cardio moves, so you can really build up your strength over time, and even if you start off by doing 20 minutes, in a couple of weeks you will be able to do the full workout. The workout for the legs is fantastic, a lot of stretching that elongates the muscles, as well as some typical ballet exrcises such as plies and tendus that will give your legs a new look after just a month of regular use - I was really pleased with the effects on the legs and bum...you can actually see that your behind looks flatter and less "droopy" after 2 weeks :) I found the abs section difficult at first, but you have to keep working at it and you'll soon see that you can do a few more repetitions or sets each time. A very pleasant but effective workout, one of my favourites.
Fantastic for dancers and those who want to dance.......2006-05-28
Having got this about 3 years ago, and doing it whenever I have the time, it has helped so much with my turnout and ankle strength, plus overall strength. There is a fab abs workout which uses all your stomach muscles, and if you do the exercises properly, as a dancer with full posture and commitment to every move, you should be suitably knackered. I was already a dancer but started actual ballet lessons last year and due to using this workout, i found my first lesson a doddle and the teacher was shocked I'd never done an actual ballet class before.
The flexibility exercises are so brilliant, and it is clear every time you do it how much you've progressed. I ended up with my leg practically behind my head!
My mum is also an ex-dancer and choreographer, uses this regularly to keep herself in top shape.
A must for all dancers but would not recommend to non-dancers. The effect is not the same without correct form!
It's Good, but be careful with INJURIES!.......2005-03-29
Ok, I must be honest, I looove this video. It makes me feel so girly and graceful that I can't stand myself sometimes, lol. And it has wonderful stretches and ab work and leg work. BUT be very very careful in NOT putting too much pressure on your body. Don't overdo the exercises or you'll end up with a hurt lower back and strained ankles, like me!!
This video works, but don't try to do the movements exactly like the dancers, for example in Pliés, don't go all the way down like them 'cause you'll hurt yourself, go to where it feels comfortable. And when working your back, don't overdo it the first time!! I know it's really tempting to feel the tension on your back (because then it feels like 'you're working it') But in reality, you're just hurting it. So I DO recommend this video, just be careful!
3 years later...and i still love it!.......2004-12-28
Having owned this DVD for 3 years, and never having written a review I felt the time was right to share my thoughts.
I spent years trying to find a workout that eliminated the annoying 'thud-thump-thud' soundtrack that so many producers believe motivate us. I also wished to tone up within the extremely confined space of my tiny living room - having two small kids leaves me no other option. I ought to add that I'm one of those people, so often envied, who is thin...though this has its own problems - far too skinny, and no muscle whatsoever.
However, since starting this fabulous programme, I love my body. Wonderful muscle tone (I now have shapely calves, for the first time in my life), amazing flexibility and total awareness of posture.
I always wanted to practice ballet when I was a little girl, but being brought up by my dad, it never seemed to cross his mind to send me. This DVD has satisfied this long, latent yearning! Watching the dancers, listening to the beautiful music and attempting their moves - it has become my most treasured past-time. So relaxing - I miss it dreadfully if I can't find the time to do it!
If you're looking for a workout that's challenging, but not sweat-inducing, that's both calming AND energising, and that creates a beautiful well-toned body, then look no further.
This work-out is perfect...
This does change your body shape and it relaxes you.......2004-09-06
Contains stretching and relaxing movements in a well explained way. The voice over is very calming and not irritating, and the classsical music adds to the feeling of tranquility - which makes it easy for repeat viewing. It is not a cardiovascular workout, but is great for toning and stretching and it does get you warm. After having done the workout for about 5 weeks(about once a week and alongside existing cardiovasular workouts at the gym) I can tell a slight difference in my body shape. However even doing the DVD once makes you more aware of your body, your movements and your posture, and after a few times you can tell that you are more flexible and can do the movements more easily. It is enjoyable to do and simple to follow, and you notice differences in your ability quickly.
UK DVD:
- Nip and Tuck Workout-The Natural Way
- Pilates For Athletes
- Pilates for Beginners - Lynne Robinson [2007]
- Pilates for Life:20-Minute Pilates Abs & Butt [2005] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Power Yoga - Strength [2004]
- Pulse Yoga Express [2005]
- Pumping Nylon [2000] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Pure Pilates (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Rael Pilates: System 27 [2003] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- Richard Freeman - Ashtanga Yoga: the Primary Series
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