Description

Now you can purchase the #1 Fitness video program, the original Tae-Bo in a VHS 4-pack orDVD.Includes Tae-Bo Instructional, Basic, Advanced, and 8-minute workouts. ... Read more

Reviews (182)

Literally
Living in New England, my running routine has somewhat gone down the tubes due to the frigid weather. Plus my class schedule has so many 8-5 days in it that I don't have time to hit the gym. SO, I decided just after Thanksgiving to start doing a workout tape regime that would kill less time and still keep me in shape.

My first tape...Callanetics. Great sculpting workout, but no cardio. The immediate first thought...Tae Bo. I have a lot of friends who sang the praises of Billy Blanks, but I had yet to see myself what cardio kickboxing was all about. I bought the DVD version (1) because it was actually cheaper than the tapes and (2) had all the tapes rolled up into one slim package that would probably last longer anyway.

I did what the instructions told me and did the introductory workout first. This teaches you the basics of the moves he likes to incorporate into the routines. Although I feel that he could have explained some of the positions better (i.e., when you do the roundhouse kicks, turn the foot you're standing on OUT...it will help twist your hips down so you can lift your leg as high as possible while working out your gluteal muscles...he doesn't emphasize this, just tells you to keep your hand on your hip and kick to the side), you find out his workout is relatively simple in technique. However, he warns you that he CAN and WILL make it more PHYSICALLY difficult as you progress.

I then advanced to the basics workout. Being an avid runner and gym rat, I found this to be a pretty decent workout. Built up a respectable sweat and felt empowered...just pictured kicking ex-boyfriends in the face. :) Plus, I surprised myself with how fierce I can feel...really lets out stress and remains fun.

The advanced workout...whoa. Not for the faint of heart. 45 minutes of cardio with many many many fast sequences of kicks and jabs that will make you feel like a puppet being yanked in eight different directions...it's great. :) Then, the floor work...you probably have never done so many doggy-lifts in your life! Killer! :) I highly recommend this DVD!

Taebo will get you going!
I have been doing power yoga, jump roping, running, power walking, some martial arts (at studios) and a little weight lifting and I couldn't even get toned. I was still getting slightly depressed and I felt my motivation go down. BUT then I luckily found Taebo. Billy Blanks is this incredible motivator that really gets you going. Before I got to an advanced level I started to see stomach muscle tone and overall lean muscle tone--it's really amazing. Yes, you should spend an extra 15 min of stretching prior and after each workout, but if Billy Blanks were to have included a stretch out in the videos than it would have been boring. Yes, the music [is bad]. However, you can get over those petty concerns if you take your fitness goals seriously. Don't whine, get off your seat and just do it! I'm now doing Taebo 5X a week and cardio 1X a week--despite the fact that I have recently recieved radiation treatment for Grave's disease (and will require a life time of meds). You can transcend any emotional pain in your life by your pure determinism!

They could have picked better music!!!
I love TaeBo, but it's a little difficult to get pumped up to elevator hiphop! Please! Overall, the workout is awesome. I saw results in 2 weeks, and it makes me feel strong, sexy, and empowered (I just picture kicking and punching my ex-husband in the face when I need that extra boost! LOL). This is worth the money. Maybe when you get the moves down, you could crank up some real music to kick-butt to!

ordered and e-bay cancel
I order this DVd for $20 two days later E-bay cancel my order an
said they had no more. Now I look on e-bay they have the same
taebo DVD at a higher cost???Is this a rip off or what?

Yes, It Really Works
I have had to work to control my weight since puberty. I have been working out since I was 16 yrs. old and of all the things I have tried, I have never gotten into shape as fast as I did with Tae-Bo. About a month and a half after I began the workout, people were asking me what I was doing. I was so pleased with the results! And not only do you lose weight quick, but you feel so much better! Strong and energized. I thought what I payed was pretty inexpensive after seeing what it did for me. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Yoga Workout
I began yoga about a year ago. I bought this set about 2 months ago and still absolutely love it. There are a wide variety of types of exercises, from stretching to fat burning, all at the beginner level. Most of the DVDs have 2 - 20 min sessions, so you can mix and match. Their instruction is well done; you can look at the screen to see what you should look like, but listen to understand all the fine details. They really emphasize the breath, telling you when to exhale and inhale, which is something I find lacking in many other yoga videos. If you are not sure you need so many yoga DVDS, I recommend starting with the YogaZone Intro to Power Yoga, the second session is great.

Great teachers, good mix of sessions
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! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

An oldie but goodie!
I started Walk Aerobics with the 2 Mile Walk and love it. My video is worn out so I needed to get something new. I purchased this set because of cost and it looked like it was going to give me a little more to choose from. Though it is "old" in dress and music, it still does what it says it will. I highly recommend Leslie Sansone's Walk Aerobics. Who cares how the people are dressed compared to today? Not me. As long as the workout is helping me accomplish my goal of being healthy with excercise, I'm satisfied!

Older Walking Workout Set with Leslie
This 3-DVD set includes:
- Miracle Mile DVD
- 2-Mile Walk
- 4-Mile Weight Loss Walk

If you are a veteran of the Walk Away The Pounds walking program, you will have no problem completing these walking workouts. It is a do-able supplement to the Walk Away workouts, for days when you don't want to use weights and need a little more variety. These DVDs do not have any strength training, and uses very little in the way of arm movements. They are purely cardio workouts.

However, there are a few things that really date these DVDs. Be aware that they are a re-released old workout from 1992. The music is very dated. Leslie is also continually referring to using a VCR with the workout: "Fast forward to the cool down" or "if you didn't catch this step, rewind and do it again." The clothes and hair styles also really date this DVD, from the "big sock" look to the layered leotards.

The moves themselves are more complicated than her Walk Away workouts. For example, she has you doing several variations on side steps - lots and lots of 80's style grapevines, stepping to the corners at an angle, and even backwards side steps.

The bonus features on all of the DVDs include a short biography of Leslie (non-interactive), and a URL link to Current Video (the manufacturer). For example, The 2-mile DVD features a three-minute introduction, where the walkers themselves are interviewed about the walking workouts and their success with them. Leslie then introduces the walkers (the same walkers as the "Miracle Mile" DVD). What I really appreciate about Leslie's choice of walkers is that they are "real" people. One of the walkers lost over 100 pounds!

While I really appreciate Leslie's Walk Away Workouts, I find this release to still need some tweaking (how about a make over?). I only use it occassionally, to throw some variety into my workouts. If you're bored, and looking for something else to try with Leslie, give this a go.

Excellent Workout
This re-released DVD offers three different DVD's:

The first DVD is the "Miracle Mile". This offers a great workout if you are in a hurry one morning or you just do not have the energy to pursue a two or three mile workout. Yes, the DVD is dated, looks to be early 90's to me, but the workout is just as good as her current releases! As long as I am sweating and I feel good, I do not mind the dated looks, styles, etc.

The second DVD is the Two Mile Challenge. It is not hard at all and takes all of 25 minutes. This is what I do on a regular day and I can DEFINITELY feel AND see a difference-even within just a week. Just between us girls, my legs and the ::gasp:: cellulite is actually going away and firming up! (I've had a big struggle with this, but I do have a small case of it). I feel better and look forward to getting up and working out before even worrying about breakfast!

The third DVD is the Weight Loss 4 Mile Challenge. It contains three segments. The first segment is only 1 mile long in which Leslie walks by herself doing her "common" walkaerobic moves and feels more like a warm up to me. During the second segment, Leslie is joined by two older ladies and one older man. The moves are the same, but longer and more intense if that makes sense. This segment is 20 minutes long which includes a 1.5 mile walk! In the third segment, Leslie is joined by three younger ladies, which is where the challenge really kicks in. After going 2.5 miles, you have to give it everything you've got to make it. This segment is also 20 minutes long with a 1.5 mile walk. Followed by a cool-down, this is my absolute FAVORITE L.S. Walking DVD.

I highly recommend these DVD's for anyone who likes to walk in the comfort of your home, lose weight sensibly, variety of workouts and who do not have alot of time for working out. Leslie is an angel! Her programs are absolutely amazing. Remember, activity before food, and you'll stay healthy always!

Good Luck and God Bless! :)

P.S. One more thing I forgot to mention, when I started segment two of the 4 mile walk, I felt as if I was learning Salsa moves! Leslie wants you to tap, put your hips into it, so on and so forth. Later on, I kinda laughed to myself with Leslie said, "C'mon, it's just like the Mambo". This is why I LOVE Leslie and this DVD--it just does not feel like "working out" but you come out sweating everytime. Have fun!!

This is a great work-out!
The Walk series are absolutely fantastic! I've been a walker for many years, going about 4 miles a day three to four times a week plus. This is great when the weather is bad and the treadmill gets way too boring. Leslie keeps you motivated and makes the workout fun! I also have asthma and have no problems doing this workout, where I have difficulty with any aerobic type routines! Great if you're just starting out or if you exercise regularly!

I absolutely love these DVDs
My sister recomended these DVDs to me a few months ago. She has four kids currently-all in the space of just under six years. When I saw her last, she had lost SIXTY pounds just doing these DVDs a couple of times a week. I just had my second child, and after a dibilitating car accident, well needless to say, I need to loose a lot of weight. So I decided to try these DVDs. I have had them a little over a week and have done both the one mile and the two mile-infact I just finished the two mile a few minutes ago. They are great! They are very low impact-I have bad knees from the car accident, and a plate in my left arm, also from the accident, and I can do the two mile without any pain in my knees, and I can do push ups which I haven't done in almost four years! They are fun and easy, and I can tell already that I am loosing weight. It only takes a half hour to do the two mile, which I can still do with two kids. I also like this because I am so much overweight, I can do this in the comfort of my own living room, without the uncomfortable stares of other people at the gym or the track. Also, you can move around up and back, side to side, but you don't have to. It is very flexable. Currently I am living in a hotel room in MS while my husband is in Air Force training, and I can do it easily in my 12x9 hotel room. I highly recomend this to anyone who will listen ... So buy and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Great set for any level
I recently got this set of DVDs. I have been doing workouts on video like the Firm, Cathe, Pilates and Yoga for some time and I was looking for something different. These workouts are along the same lines as yoga or pilates in that they are lower impact and rely on the weight of the body for muscle shaping. Stretching is also an important factor in all of the workouts. Some of the workouts use weights to enhance the results and they all use a bar but the bar is not necessary and can be replaced by a piece of furniture or even a body shaping stick or other weighted balancing bar.

The DVDs include a special Blast section which is actually a separate workout (not just a compilation) and it is a higher intensity short piece that is great to use to compliment your workouts or to do on their own.

These workouts are great to do on their own or do combine with other activities that you may already be doing. They will enhance almost any exercise routine by adding some variety and extra challenges for the muscles.

Tones and lengthens muscles
I bought this set about 2 months ago and I do one of the workouts every other day (each dvd is 30 minutes long). I really love the Lotte Berk Method- it is very different from anything I've done before. It focuses on toning the muscle and then stretching right after to result in long lean legs and arms.

The instructors are great- not annoying at all. The workouts fly by so fast but you will feel the effects right away and the next day of course.

These workouts do not have any cardio in them but they do make you sweat if you do the excercises right - which is easy. I have noticed that my arms are definately more defined- especially my triceps. I am short but I notice a huge difference in how my legs are looking- slimmer and lean. There is no doubt that these workouts produce results but the trick is to stick with it. Consistency is key.

Fun, but ultimately only beneficial for beginners
I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed doing all of these DVDs and looking forward to them kept me motivated to workout everyday. However, after two months the results have been minimal. I'm already in pretty good shape, not looking to lose weight, and I was hoping these exercises would help to tone some of my trouble spots, but I haven't really seen much of a difference. I'm especially skeptical about the abs sections on some of these videos, particularly the video devoted to abs work. They don't seem intense enough to actually effect any sort of change and I never, ever felt sore afterwards. I will admit that I have some trouble holding the necessary pelvic tilt during abs work but I have become very skilled at holding it during standing exercises so I don't think my "form" is the reason I haven't seen any results. That being said, I have noticed that I am finally able to really hold in my abs and/or tuck under during other types of workouts and I attribute that new ability to these videos.

My biggest overall concern, however, is that there are no advanced videos available. These videos all have 10 minute advanced workouts that tease that there is much more to this method than they can reasonably include on these "beginner" level videos. I find this pretty frustrating since there seem to be no advanced workouts in the making and, not living in Connecticut or New York, I have no access to any Lotte Berk Method studios. The bottom line is this: I think it is entirely probable that the Lotte Berk (and the similar Bar Method) classes taught in studios are extremely beneficial for building and sculpting muscle, but the workouts on these videos are simply too basic to achieve real results. If you haven't exercised in a while or are new to exercise entirely, these workouts are likely to be both enjoyable and beneficial. However, if you are in reasonably good shape and, like me, have trouble fitting exercise into a busy schedule, they are impractical for more than once or twice a week usage as they provide no real cardio effect and only minimal strengthening.

Callanetics Was First
Great stuff, but do look back at the Callanetics Videos. Callen Pinckney worked out all the flaws in this system. You get immediate and dramatic results with minimal effort and no back or knee stress.

Best workout I've ever done
As a 30 year old woman with a cabinet full of dusty yoga and Pilates DVDs, I can't speak highly enough of this set. I always lose interest in an exercise routine after a few weeks, but I'm still doing this one religiously every other morning. The fact that there are four different DVDs that I alternate helps, but I also love the workout and the positive, encouraging attitude of the instructors. I feel energized all day afterwards. I also love the fact that my body looks absolutely incredible after four weeks of doing Lotte Berk. Honestly, if this were a cult, I'd say "Pass me the Kool-Aid!" ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Short and sweet should be for dessert
If I had known how short the videos are, I would have thought twice about buying them. The material is fine but the length sucks. Just know the practices are only about a half an hour.

The Many Colors of Rainbeau's Yoga
This 4 tape set by Rainbeau Mars is a treasure of Yoga Gold with many unique colours.

If you only owned one set of Yoga Videos I would say this would be one of my top choices without a doubt. The reason is that there is so much variety between these tapes that you can choose one on any given day depending on your level of energy or depending on what you want to focus on.

What is special about this series is that each of these programs is completely unique. Many Sets of Yoga programs are basically the same routine with more poses added (or harder variations) rather than unique programs unto themselves. Rather these programs are completely different from each other. What's nice about this is that you can actually alternate these programs each day or combine them if you have more time without the routines overlapping.

The first two tapes "Beginners" and "Pure Tranquility" are gentle tapes that let you melt into wonderful yoga flows that will make you feel incredible as you open up your body, mind and spirit with movement and breath.

The last two tapes "Pure Power" and "Pure Sweat" will challenge you and push you to new levels of strength, endurance and flexibility while maintaining the true essence of yoga which is awareness and breathing.

Rainbeau Mars is a wonderful and inspiring teacher who comes across with real depth and sincerity. You feel like she's right there with you leading you through the practice. She's a real yoga teacher and not an aerobics teacher who decided to do a yoga video because it's the "in thing" .

Also, these tapes clock in at about 30 minutes so they are very easy to fit into anyone's schedule so there are not reasons to ever skip a day of Yoga.

Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Namaste

Great Set of Videos
I got this package for a christmas gift. I have been doing yoga on and off for about a year, and have just become serious. But dont confuse serious with flexible....this set is just what i needed. Each DVD has chapter menus, so you can jump to a section you like. Each DVD also shows several camera views for the 5 basic yoga poses. Dont let the cover art on the DVDs fool you, she does not include some of these more difficult poses in the routine. I do agree that she may talk just a bit too much, but I doesnt bother me. I would recommend these to someone who is intermediate and would like to add some DVDs to their collection. I like to do these on days when i dont have time for the hour yoga classes at the gym. My only complaint, is that each workout is under an hour, and on those days when i do have time, it would be nice to have a longer workout. But, each tape focuses on different things, so you can really make your practice your own.

A Good, Solid Yoga Program
I like this set mostly because there is something for whatever yoga mood you are in, whether you need a challenge or a chance to relax. Rainbeau is a very good teacher, although I will agree somewhat with another reviewer who said she talks an eensy bit too much during the practices. However, the things she is saying are important and I am always glad to have been listening. I have purchased some real cheeseball yoga tapes and this is much, much better. I would definitely recommend it.

pasta ain't even close
i was blown away..i've tryed year after year to get
my health right...the doctors put me on pasta and it
helped a little but pasta ain't even close to the
health in this video..i've lost 250 pounds in a year
and have already started dating again because i feel
like a new man..yoga (don't confuse this with yogurt
the popular dairy desert) this is totally different..
this is all about breathing..this has also helped me
quit alcohol..i was an alcoholic for 54 years...i went
to jail for being drunk at a taping of "wheel of fortune"..
that long night in jail got me thinking about a new way
of life..that's when a friend of mine from the church
gift shop turned me on to this video..without it i'd be
dead and i never would have heard of yoga..i would have been
one unflexible corpse..but now with this yoga video i feel
like i'm never gonna die...i feel like it's not even real..
sure friends of mine have died this week but they were
screwin around with speed...i feel like i'm gonna live
forever and i want to thank Mrs. Mars...i also heard
she's a big fan of the red hot chili peppers and i love
them too..all the guys in that band do yoga...i guess
it's the hippest thing goin so don't feel like it's gonna
make you uncool...i've been busting a move more than
ever since the chicks found out that i do yoga...i feel
like i can fight Tyson with the new power i got in my
leg muscles...this video will change your life if you're
a boozer or junk food addict..it'll even change it if
you're just plain bored...believe this yoga thing has
something to do with god..i couldn't touch my toes a
week ago now i'm feeling holy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

New Yoga Basics
Fitness guru Kathy Smith leads a gentle introduction to yoga, with plenty of adaptations for special needs. She starts with very simple postures for body awareness, proper breathing, and relaxation. Smith explains how to do each pose correctly, how to use your breath, how to modify if necessary, where to focus your concentration, how the body should be aligned, and what parts are working. Her instructions are clear and explicit. Modifications are offered for both more and less flexible exercisers, letting you adapt the yoga practice to your own level. Some of the poses seem like traditional stretches you're already used to, and Smith makes the transition to the more challenging poses easy to follow. If you've been intrigued by yoga, but are intimidated by the poses you've seen among experienced yoga practitioners, this is a terrific starting place. (Floor poses: 22 minutes; standing poses: 22 minutes; guided relaxation: 10 minutes.) --Joan Price

New Yoga
"New" yoga? Not really. The asanas (poses) in this 55-minute routine are essentially variations on the ones that have been around for millennia. But Kathy Smith and cocreator Rod Stryker for the most part avoid the pitfalls of many yoga videos, which tend to undervalue proper instruction in favor of displaying beautiful bodies in the kind of impossible positions usually seen at the Cirque du Soleil. Split into two sections--the first one concentrates on sun salutes (a series of poses to generate heat and build strength and balance) and various standing poses; the second, shorter one is devoted to sitting and prone asanas--New Yoga offers clear, concise instruction, emphasizing the use of the breath and proper form and alignment (although Smith fails to mention why the latter is important; it's to facilitate the flow of the breath and blood throughout the body). Some of the routine is quite demanding, but experienced yoga people will have few problems and newcomers should catch on quickly. Plenty of alternative and modified poses are offered to accommodate both intermediate and beginning levels. --Sam Graham

New Yoga Challenge
"Each of us has unlimited potential. How completely we realize it is the challenge," says fitness guru Kathy Smith. Smith has been enjoying yoga as part of her own program for more than 20 years. She finds yoga beneficial on its own, and complementary to her other fitness activities. Here she teams up with yoga master Rod Stryker for a rigorous, intermediate-to-advanced yoga routine. This workout is more vigorous than you would expect from yoga--you move from one challenging pose to another without stopping, building strength and stamina as well as flexibility. Stryker does almost all of the verbal direction, and he is a superb instructor: precise, personal, welcoming, and offering plenty of alignment cues. Both instructors demonstrate the poses beautifully with exquisite form--you may get distracted just wanting to stare at them. Occasionally they show modifications so you can do a pose in good form even if you're not as flexible as they are (and who is?). The production is polished and top quality. Running time is one hour, divided into deep breathing and warm-up (5 minutes), continuous standing poses (30 minutes), floor poses (20 minutes), and guided relaxation (5 minutes). If you're experienced in yoga and would like a new challenge, this program will delight you. --Joan Price ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What are you talking about???
Give her a break, guys! This is the first and only yoga program I have seen and while it is challenging it is by no means impossible or asking too much. I really appreciated her 'breaking it down' so much since I had never tried yoga before. If you can't follow her, and I couldn't at first, there are also a man and a woman behind her that are using simpler versions of the positions. The only problem I had was readying myself mentally, I was kind of self-conscious and giggly when I tried it with my friend, but when I tried it by myself something clicked. Now I am addicted, thanks to this set. And, the harder versions give me a goal to work toward! And, best of all the price is right!! Thanks Kathy, your fan, Susan

Way Too Hard For Beginners
I have taken 2 Beginner yoga classes and asked my sister to get me a tape or CD to work with at home. The first so-called 'Beginner' CD is much too difficult for the average beginner. It takes you through poses we never even touched on in the classes I've taken. Kathy Smith has you hold the poses too long and you have to use some props which means you have to stop and get things. The 'Intermediate' CD isn't much better but incorporates some poses that could have been on the beginner CD. At this rate, there's no way I'm ever going to get to the 'Advanced' CD. Wouldn't recommend this series unless you're at least at the 'Intermediate' yoga level.

Overall good program, but more Yoga and less Kathy, please!
I really enjoyed the yoga programs on this DVD, the advanced class is especially challenging and well explained, but the camera work is unfortunately a whole different story! FAR too much time is spent focusing on Kathy and not necessarily on the parts of her body which she is doing the yoga position with. The advanced program is actually led by a very knowledgeable man and is just wonderful, but part of the time he is explaining important positioning and proper alignment, what do we see but a close up of Kathy's face! What is UP with THAT? If one has a strong background in yoga, it may be best just to listen and not to watch the screen. Overall, this DVD provides a wonderful, well balanced workout and provides some of the best instructions of any of the Yoga DVDS I've used, but doesn't always provide the appropriate visuals to go along with the verbal instructions. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Expert Instruction!
I first began Yoga in the latter 70's, but stopped when the aerobics craze hit full swing. I had also purchased Alan Finger's book "Yoga Moves" in the 80's, which is also available on video and is taken directly from the book, which came out in 1984, but is a little outdated now. However, the "Yoga Zone" tapes are his newest works and with them you CANNOT go wrong!

My spine is out of alignment, which has caused some back and shoulder problems and pinched nerves. My chiropracter advised me to take Yoga up again. He couldn't emphasize enough how good it is for you, so after researching tapes and reviews for some time, I decided on this set.

Alan gives VERY clear and detailed instructions throughout, so your are only limited by your own level of skill and capabilities, but that will change with practice. The workouts are nearly an hour each, but it doesn't seem long. Yoga is supposed to be as much introspective as it is physical, and the slow precision that Alan undertakes is the perfect accompaniment to tune into yourself as you perform the "Yoga Moves".

Don't let the term "Beginner" fool you. I tried the Yoga for Dummies, which is very well done, but is for EXTREME beginners. This is more advanced than that, but not extremely so, so your goals should be easy to achieve with time and practice.

Alan is a Yogi-raj and has practiced Yoga for 40 years now, so he knows what he doing and so will you if you follow these videos!!!

Love This Set
I started using this set of tapes about 2 years ago. At first I was very sporadic, but have recently started doing a tape 3-4 days a week. These tapes are wonderful for beginners. I've tried other yoga tapes and have been unable to keep up and to understand the directions. I am nowhere near the capability shown on the tapes, but am able to keep up. I hope to continue using this set for years as one of these days, I may actually be able to do all the exercises just as the yoga experts do! You do have to set aside an hour for each tape and that was the hard part for me at first. However, like other habits you just have to keep doing it.

my opinion
I am a beginner in yoga, and I did enjoy the "Introduction to Yoga" tape. Personaly, I did not like what few psuedoscientific comments made by Master Alan Finger. I also could not find "Meditation" tape to be worth a while. The "Conditioning and Stress Release" tape and the "Flexibility and Tone" tape have many redundant instructions from "Instruction to Yoga". Again, I am being subjective as I review this tape collection. If you are just begining yoga, and just want something to start with, my suggestion is to get only the "Introduction to Yoga" tape.

Don't buy this product
One of the DVD's if defective and the distributor, Koch Entertainment is a pain to deal with about getting a replacement.

Love This Set!
I own MANY yoga videos, and I have to say that this boxed set is one of my favorites. Alan Finger is a great instructor. His voice is calming and he gives lots of instructions. You will find that the first 2 or 3 minutes (explaination and prep) is the same for all the tapes, but that's not really an issue. The poses are simple enough for a beginner, but I have found that with time and as my comfort level increased, I'm able to "advance" the poses myself. I would truely recommend this set to anyone. I also enjoy Candlelight Yoga with Sara Ivanhoe. Another wonderful instructor. Even though my yoga tape collection is probably about 50, I always return to these tapes, because I find them so relaxing and enjoyable to do. I actually look forward to doing them every evening Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

This is a great collection
I am a bellydancer who also likes to workout and I found these DVDs a great collection. There is an intro DVD that is great for beginners, but a fun workout if you are more experienced. There is also an advanced DVD that gives you something to look forward to if you are just beginning. I found the workout challenging on many levels and I learned some new bellydance moves! The advanced is called Warrior Goddess and it does encourage you to challenge yourself! The finger cymbals is a fun video and I don't know any other video/DVD that teaches this in a way that you can really learn to play them. The veil DVD was a great workout for the arms and as an experienced bellydancer, I did learn some new moves. The production quality is very nice, costumes are inspiring and they never get boring, no matter how many times you do it.

I am happy I bought these DVDs!
I am happy I bought these DVDs, though I nearly didn't because of some of the other negative reviews. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so I am here to add mine to the mix. I have many bellydance DVDs and craved more: more variety, more bellydance moves, more fun, more bellydance and The Goddess Workout filled my needs. Dolphina has a great personality, and makes bellydance more fun, interesting and sexy than any other dancer/fitness instructor. All her comments, tips, and instruction fascinate and motivate me. She is very charming and makes me laugh( like shimmies can cause earthquakes - She is being playful people). I really do love her style and found it refreshing to see Bellydance be sexy, afterall, why would you want to do bellydancing if it wasn't sexy?(there are plenty of other workouts). I love Veena and Neena's videos because they are very good instructional videos, but they are not sexy at all. Another great aspect to The Goddess Workout videos is she teaches a wide variety of bellydance moves, moves I didn't see in other videos, especially in Finger Cymbals, Veils and Warrior Goddess. The instruction in Intro to Bellydance is good and accurate. Most people have already mentioned, Dolphina's sets and costumes are superior to all others. Basically, I find the other negative reviews about these DVDs extremely harsh and to say there are no redeeming qualities in these DVDs is ridiculous. These DVDs are EXCELLENT and I think that you should give it a try and make up your mind for yourself.

very fun workout
i have both the beginners and the warrior goddess dvds. i think they are a great workout..very fun. and it helped that you were dancing, because normally i quit workouts because they are too boring, but this one kept my interest. however, i didn't like the fact that the workouts weren't challenging enough. after going through both the videos once, i never got a work out the second time. (and i have never done bellydancing before so that is not the problem). but all in all, it was a very fun workout. and i loved dolphina's encouragment.

Great style, unhelpful camera work
My daughter and I really enjoy Dolphina's style, enthusiasm, spirituality, encouragement and humor. However, the camera work is not good much of the time. As others have said, while she's demonstrating complex lower body moves, the camera is on her upper body and you have absolutely no idea what she's doing down below. She's wonderful, but she needs to find a new cameraperson.

"Shoyle boyle" is Turkish for "Not So Great"
Really this DVD set is mediocre at best- particularly the beginners video. The biggest gripe I have is the Camera work. An exercise video should concentrate on the exercises being shown but half the time the camera is only looking at her face. They did a wonderful job as far as scenery and costumes, but its all worthless if you can't see what or how you are suppose to be doing the moves. Also, its more of an annoyance than anything, but she's really into the whole Chakra thing, I'm sure many people like to hear this stuff but personally I find it pretty Hippie Dippy, but what did I expect from someone named "Dolphina". Aside from her granola personality, she seems to be a good instructor, if only she could adjust the camera person/director's chakras into making a practical bellydance video. ... Read more

Description

If you’re ready to begin feeling more relaxed and energized, Lilias! Yoga 101 Workout For Beginners is the right place to start.Lilias Folan, acclaimed yoga expert and popular star of her own PBS-TV series, is your personal instructor for this beginner program. Lilias! Yoga Workout for Beginners will enhance your breathing capacity and help you reduce stress and muscle tension no matter what your age, current level of fitness, or knowledge of yoga.Join Lilias and her easy-to-follow program to start your day with energy and enthusiasm and to end your day feeling renewed and free from built-up tension.Experience the wonderful benefits of lasting health & vitality with yoga.Yoga welcomes you at any age of fitness level.Yoga will help you feel great!Let Lilias Folan be your guide to its timeless joys.She will show you new ways to increase energy, fitness and relaxation.As America’s favorite yoga expert, and star of her PBS-TV series, Lilias has introduced thousands of people to the wonderful benefits of Yoga.Whether you are just starting with Yoga or wish to experience more of its benefits, this is the perfect video for you.This new video package combines four of Lilias’ best PBS programs to provide anyone with a solid foundation in Yoga.Program One demonstrates easy ways to begin Yoga and teaches viewers warm up stretching, breathing and relaxation exercises needed to get started.Program Two introduces props to maximize the benefits of various Yoga moves.Combined with additional exercises this program will show you to enhance relaxation while still increasing your fitness level.Program Three shows how to balance strength with flexibility and improve energy with stretches and moves for every part of the body.Finally, Program Four focuses on using Yoga techniques to generate inner happiness and well being along with improved strength and energy. Designed to stretch, gently strengthen and relax the entire body, Yoga is a proven method to achieve lasting health and soften the aging process.This specially priced series will give you a complete introduction to Yoga and help you feel fabulous after one session.Let Lilias’ inviting personality motivate you to discover what it is like to look and feel your best! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

my perspective
I bought this set before I read the reviews here. I am a personal trainer/fitness instructor, and I thought these workouts were well written, well-produced, and well executed. One of the most difficult things to do as an instructor is break down a new dance style without stopping the workout. Rania did an amazing job of starting techniques slowly, repeating them, layering them, then speeding them up to tempo. After watching the performances at the end, I realised why she left the more strenuous or potentially dangerous moves out of the fitness programs. I was really impressed with the whole set.

When I read through the reviews I noticed that most of the negative reviews came from people proclaiming to be belly dancers. I was a jazz dancer before becoming a fitness professional. There is a big difference between teaching dance for fitness than for teaching dance as an art form. When teaching for fitness, you have to use only the moves that are effective in terms of fitness, safe, and ones that target a range of muscles groups for a well-rounded workout. If you are expecting to learn to really dance, buy a dance instruction tape. If you want to work out safely and effectively using bellydance moves, this set is first class. Congratulations to Rania.

uninspiring--sorry Rania although your dancing is gorgeous!!
I am now a new fan of Rania's dancing after watching her performances at the end of the videos but I am sorry to say I cannot give positive reviews for most of this series. I own many bellydancing videos and have enjoyed all of them up until I bought this set. The only one worth keeping to me is the Cardio Shimmy, only because it will help strengthen the legs and improve the shimmy. Rania is an absolute beautiful dancer but these tapes were extremely uninspiring. These have some bellydance instruction to them but none of the moves are broken down and they are way too repetative--which is even worse because I didn't like the moves we had to keep repeating. The combinations weren't smooth and flowing. Ok, so I read the reviews and was warned that there was no Middle Eastern music used for the exercising, but thought that would be interesting and fun--WRONG!! Well, it would have been if it was great Latin, or Great Hip-Hop music as Rania said a couple of the videos were going to be worked out with. That music was dreadful. ... I also was very much annoyed by the facial expressions of many of the ones on the video, including Rania's. Rania does a bellydance routine of her own at the end of each tape and they are absolutely gorgeous to watch and I loved them. I am now a huge fan of Rania's dancing and would love to see more of her performances. I certainly hope she learns from this and tries to create some new videos. I believe she will be able to create a great bellydancing program to workout to. If she does try some new tapes I will probably purchase them hoping she has chosen better music and a more variety of bellydancing moves that string together more beautifully. So, all in all... I would definitely recommend getting "Cardio Shimmy" and accompany it with other bellydancing tapes. "The Sensual Art of Bellydance" for beginners and then "The Goddess Workout" set for intermediate and a bit more are great videos. For more advanced, Suzanna DelVecchio has wonderful videos out but you will have to find them online on bellydance websites as they are not sold here. I wish they were. She gives complete instruction and then a good workout with those new moves learned. The audio is not that great, but the instruction and moves are so great I can forgive it.

A Fresh Workout
This is a fun, fresh workout with lots of flexibility work for someone with a 'challenged' back. Rania explains the moves well, with good camera angles and a slow intro to new moves - then it's up to you to keep up! Very enjoyable.

fun to do with my Mom
this workout is also fun to laugh at. The main teacher is so stiff and her fake smile is annoying. She sometimes says the wrong things at the wrong times. I watch her backup dancers more because they're better dancers.
It's fun though because I like learning to move my body in that way and it's nice together time with my mom.

Pretty to look at, but uninspiring
I've taught fitness for over 15 years. I was a jazz dance major in college and have also started studying various forms of Middle Eastern Dance. My review of Rania's videos will incorporate all three points of view.
In terms of fitness, this is where they rate the best. The Cardio Shimmy is the most challenging, at about a beg-intermediate low-impact workout level. They are safe moves, although I believe Rania left out some key verbal cues for proper technique and alignment. The verbal cuing on the DVDs is also either not aligned properly with the video, or Rania cues late. A participant needs time to react to verbal cuing, thus the instructor needs to cue a couple beats ahead of a new move in order for it to be effective. A good amount of the cues were also completely off beat with the music. Once you know the moves, play the DVD with only the music. Rania and her team are in very good shape, so in this way are inspiring.
From a dance perspective I find Rania's style to be very stiff. This stiff style works very well with her performance of the Phaeronic Temple dance (bonus feature). Her delivery, smile and arm movements are wooden, maybe she was nervous. Her "back-up" dancers were pleasant to watch, as they exhibited more grace, extension and ease.
From a Middle Eastern Dance background I've most commonly seen a different method of doing hip isolations. Rania initiates the movement by straightening the leg. While this can be a good way to help beginners, it also needs to be emphasized that most hip isolations are not meant to rely on the leg movement, the legs are just "carried along". This difference in technique shows greatest when Rania looses her hip shimmy a few times (in Cardio Shimmy), with lots of movement still going on in her legs.
I recommend this series to beginners who wants a light, different workout at home, or someone who wants to get an idea of beginner belly dance moves at home before going out to study somewhere. More exprienced dancers can also use the simple combinations to brush up on their technique or practice zill drills (although it's not Middle Eastern Music) along with their dancing.
The special features were enjoyable. I've watched Sohaila over and over again. She has impeccable, inspiring technique, elegance and grace. Marina is a little firecracker with lots of energy. Her drum solo and cane dance are lovely. Lochia shows folk inspired dance with interesting combinations of folk inspired costuming in cabaret style fabrics. Rania's temple dance was well executed, the costume beautiful. ... Read more

Description

All you need to get fit, stay fit and feel better than ever
Your 50s are a decade of change and opportunity. This total body workout system is designed to address your changing body’s unique needs. You’ll find effective and easy-to-follow workout routines, expert advice, and inspiring examples. Join top model Cindy Joseph and noted exercise physiologist Robyn Stuhr, whose enthusiasm and expertise will pave the way for you to make this your happiest, healthiest decade yet.

Program Features:
-Insights into the major physical changes of the 50s
-Exercise tips for achieving maximum results
-30- to 40-minute core routines
-Advanced/alternate routines
-Keeping Fit Fundamentals, Q&A sessions with medical experts Lisa Callahan, M.D., author of The Fitness Factor, and Lillie Shockney, R.N., author of Breast Cancer Survivor’s Club

DVD BONUS FEATURES: include tips for creating a personal fitness plan, more Keeping Fit Fundamentals, suggestions for beginners, participant biographies and glossary of terms.

Cindy Joseph, one of today’s most popular print and television models, began her modeling career at age 49. She shares her enthusiasm for exercise and for the amazing potential of life in your 50s.
Robyn Stuhr, administrative director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, is a certified exercise physiologist with 20 yars of experience in sports medicine. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

got this for my mom
The title says "keeping fit" which implies you already have been fit and are active. My mom is not a die hard, but does walk and uses a stationary bike now and then. She found this work out to be not very challenging at all... so I would recommend this only to someone who has been *sitting* for 50 years.

Strictly for Beginners
As stated in the first review, if you are an avid exerciser you will not learn anything new from this series of exercise tapes. For the person new to exercise these tapes give a lot of useful information on form, muscles, technique and modifications. I am in my mid 50s, am an avid exerciser and I have to modify exercises due to arthritis in my knees, so I thought their approach to exercise is a good one. The moves on each tape is very basic and easy for a beginner to follow, which would definitely seem boring to an experienced exerciser. Both Cindy and Robyn have trouble keeping time with the music, and Cindy was out of step a few times, but I found this to be encouraging for a beginner. It clearly shows that not everyone is always co-ordinated, even Cindy Joseph! And in fact in the cardio video Robyn tells Cindy that it didn't matter when she missed a cue, the important thing was that she kept on moving. Isn't that what exercise is about? My only real complaint is the camera angle is at times a bit frustrating, it is cocked sideways some of the time getting a shot of the beautiful Cindy. But because the moves are quite simple, after doing the tapes a time or two anyone would have no problem following along. Our bodies do change in our 50s and in order to keep fit it is important to exercise and make modifications when necessary to avoid injuries. If you can hang with the funky camera angles, all in all a good place for the beginner to start a well rounded fitness program.

Deceptive Title, This is Strictly for Beginners
I turned 50 a month ago, and have been an avid excerciser for over 15 years, either at home using videos, or at the gym. I purchased the entire collection, thinking that perhaps I might gain some insight or suggestions on improving or modifying my routines. These tapes are boring, repetative and frustrating. I'm thinking perhaps the music was added after each DVD was recorded, since I can't imagine anyone being as rhythmically challenged as these two seem to be. The word "Keeping" should be removed from the title, since if you are already fit, these workouts will not keep you there. Actually. there are many other instructors with workouts for beginners that would definitely motivate a person new to excercising to continue working out. It's a shame, actually, this collection seems to perpetuate the myth that people over 50 need to slow down....I disagree!

Effective, easy-to-follow routines
There are three DVDs in this set: Flexibility; Strength; and Aerobics. All of the exercises are taught by exercise physiologist Robyn Stuhr, and model Cindy Joseph joins in and provides occasional commentary on the exercises, e.g. "This feels really good," or "I can really feel this stretch." Cindy also demonstrates a yoga routine near the end of the Flexibility DVD, although it is a bit hard to follow because there is little narration, just directions printed on the screen as the two women go through the routine. I couldn't help but notice that when I'm in the 'down dog' position, it's difficult to read the directions on the screen. Someday soon, I'll just have to memorize the yoga segment.

I've been going through these DVDs for about a month now, one per morning, along with a couple of other exercise videos (a Pilates workout and a Tai Chi video) to round out the week, plus walking in the afternoon, and I've already begun to notice some improvements in my posture and flexibility. There are some deep bend knee exercises on the Strength and Aerobics DVDs that I can't do--when I was going through physical therapy for my knees, my therapist recommended against them--but Robyn Stuhr usually supplies an alternate exercise for those of us who have experienced problems with various joints. Keeping fit in my 50s is definitely different than it was in my twenties--no more jogging, for instance, and these DVDs take our changing bodies into account. Robyn even gives a brief introduction to Kegels during one of the strength routines.

Each DVD begins with an introduction, body basics, workout tips, and a section on 'know your muscles' before it gets into the core routines. Once you've watched these sections a few times, you will probably want to skip directly to the core routines via the menu. Each DVD closes with some upbeat, feel-good advice from Lisa Callahan, M.D., author of "The Fitness Factor," and Lillie Shockney, R.N., author of "Breast Cancer Survivors' Club."

Equipment needed: a stretchy Pilates body band; straight-backed chair; hand weights; and a thick book or step to stand on for two of the strength exercises. The exercises don't take up too much floor space, and I only have to move one easy chair out of the room in order to do all of the routines without banging into anything.

The "Flexibility" DVD runs for 81 minutes, with about 65% of the time spent in exercise.

The "Strength" DVD runs for 74 minutes, and the "Aerobics" DVD runs for 65 minutes with about the same percentage of exercise time versus the 'talking heads' segments.

The background music is soothing, in contrast to the whumpa-whumpa stuff found on many exercise tapes. The one minor annoyance other than the silent yoga routine was the occasional tricky camera angle. It's sometimes hard enough to position myself correctly for a particular exercise without having the camera cocking sideways for a shot of the beautiful Cindy, who didn't even start modeling until she was forty-nine. More power to her, but this is not a modeling session, so next time, keep the camera steady. Then the rest of us can figure out what she's doing without having to mentally rotate her position through a couple of dimensions! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Leslie does it again!
I was looking for ab work to do after my walk and this set is perfect! I can do the ball workout or the Pilates and then use the yoga for a great stretch. You can tell Leslie is a real woman with a real life, her products help you fit fitness into your life.

Easy, fun and non-intimidating
This series is the easiest method of learning yoga, pilates and ab work with the balance ball. I have thus far only done the Yoga and Pilates, but both are incredibly simple and surprisingly effective. A good way to add variety to your workouts, esp. if you're already doing alot of Leslie's other workout programs. I recommend this series and commend Leslie for doing a service to the fans who love her workouts-a little change here and there challenges the body and keeps the mind motivated and fresh.

Easy to do!
I was looking for a yoga and pilates dvd that was short and simple. Leslie does a great job showing how easy yoga can be. ... Read more

Description

Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martial arts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on the coordination of the body, mind and spirit.Joseph Pilates, practiced what he called "The Art of Contrology" until his death in 1968, at the age of 88.He left his studio – and his legacy as a trainer, teacher and innovator – to his student and colleague Romana Kryzanowska.Today, the conditioning system bears his name, is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness methods in the world. Known simply as PILATES, its leading teacher and practitioner is also recognized by only one name, ROMANA. For nearly half a century Romana has traveled around the world, teaching this Authentic Pilates method that she learned directly from "Uncle Joe". Her clients include athletes, dancers and celebrities.Even the most successful Pilates teachers and other fitness experts regularly come to Romana for advanced instruction and certification in the Pilates method.Now, for the first time, Romana has created a video series for home use. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Not My Way
I began my Stott Pilates training 6 months ago, and someone told me to get this 4 DVD set because it features the well-known Romana Kryzanowska. Since I never studied with Romana, I thought this 4 volume video set would help round out my Pilates training. Although I'm far from being an expert, I couldn't see the importance of this eminent Pilates instructor. There were moments when Romana was teaching, but she didn't teach enough to justify buying this 4 video set.

People say that Romana teaches the classical approach to Pilates. These videos are definitely different than Stott Pilates, but I couldn't comprehend her supposed brilliance. She made me laugh (I used my Powerhouse) a couple of times when she was strict with a demonstrator.

I'm sure that Romana is an excellent instructor, but the video didn't really express the specialness.

Many Fish In The Sea
This DVD collection is alright, but I've seen others I like better. I began my teacher training through the Peak Pilates program, and I love the great benefits you can achieve from the method. Videos cannot replace private instruction, but some DVDs are good at explaining and demonstrating Pilates. If you are just beginning Pilates, you might want to try "Pilates for Dummies." This is definitely a good introduction. If you want a wide ranging menu of excellent mat workouts try "Pilates Complete for Everyone." If you want the most traditional Pilates with complete workouts showing basic-advanced workouts try "Classical Pilates."

Forgive me if I am wrong
But isn't Daria Pace, who wrote one of the good reviews, the granddaughter of Romana Kryzanowska and a teacher of Romana's Pilates?

Truly, this DVD series leaves much to be desired. As anyone who bought the full collection knows, the beginning of each DVD is the same. The workouts are flawed in presentation - didn't they rehearse? - and lack the quality of instruction I expected from such a production. Considering that these DVDs feature Romana and some of the best Pilates practitioners in the world, it is a crying shame that they aren't any better than they are, and that Romana's own granddaughter has to deny her heritage to promote them.

Still Inspired!
I'm the granddaughter of Romana Kryzanowska, and I've been surprised by a few of the not so favorable reviews some folks have issued here. I think this video series is great, if you're a beginner and have not had much exposure to the Pilates method, then this is a great way to start the learning process and have something you can follow at home. From what I can tell, many individuals who possess more experience with Pilates than the average person or are instructors by trade have very lofty expectations and are looking for a video product that will help them learn more advanced exercises or become better Pilates teachers. Simply put, these folks are missing the boat; with the exception of the Mat Challenge Workout video, this series is geared towards beginners or folks who are new to Pilates, not certified instructors or experienced students. As my grandmother tells you at the very begging of each video, this series wasn't designed to replace a private lesson with an instructor, let alone a seminar of any kind. This is because you can't put your hands on someone or adapt to their specific body type or ensure the student is applying the appropriate rhythm and dynamics on tape like you can in person. Also, the vast majority of Pilates exercises should be learned and practiced under the direct supervision of a certified instructor, otherwise individuals can take on unnecessary risk when trying to work out at home. While later videos may focus on more advanced pieces of Pilates equipment and exercises for more experienced Pilates students and teachers, this series does not. My grandmother has always been reserved about providing instruction through video, for one simple reason...SAFETY. As a result, her video series takes into account beginners are most likely to buy and use videos; therefore Safety was the primary driver of the exercises that were selected and taught in the first series. If you're new to Pilates, buy it and begin your Pilates journey in a safe manner, while learning more about Joseph Pilates and Romana Kryzanowska in the documentary; experienced instructors and students get yourselves to the studio and take a lesson with a certified instructor.

Finally, the real deal!
I feel that after wasting lots of money on Pilates videos, I finally got what I always wanted. A real workout and real understanding of Pilates. Fantastic! ... Read more

Description

The extraordinary benefits of Yoga are being enjoyed by an ever increasing number of people. No one is better at teaching Yoga than Lilias, and now she shares her renowned knowledge in the Complete Yoga Fitness For Beginners series.These wonderful programs will provide benefits for all areas of personal fitness, from firming and shaping the entire body to building cardio strength to advanced relaxation techniques.This is the perfect way to use yoga to help tone and firm your whole body and achieve total fitness.Learning Yoga is easy with Lilias and the Complete Yoga Fitness For Beginners series can be enjoyed by beginner and advanced users alike.

Special Features:

- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- Guided Yoga CD
- Serenity Now Video
- Interactive Full Motion Menus
- Chapter Selections
- Photo Gallery ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Ready, set, go buy this one!
Lilias Folans "Flowing Postures" series is what I encourage beginners and the yoga curious to begin with. No matter how "in shape" we may look and feel without good posture we are out of shape. The posture supports our entire body. The first video has gentle movements to tone and build strength in the upper arms w ithout building large muscles. Strong toned long lean muscles is the message here.
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"serenity now" features slow, rhythmical breathing with relaxing postures that will help you to unwind and quiet that inner chatter. Come on you know you think too much . This will help you get centered while in the background beautiful, soothing music is playing.

As you gain strength and balance move on to the last video a wonderful cardio workout. Lilias is my favorite instructor . I first discovered her in the seventies on PBS. I think if not mistaken. She had a show either really late at night or really early in the morning. Which can be one and the same I suppose.

yoga homework
I've been attending a yoga class once a week for awhile. Before I received this set, I was stiff at the beginning of each class. I couldn't remember all the positions or the order in which they should proceed. With this set and another Lilias 2 box set, I can practice 6 days a week and attend my class on the 7th day, fully prepared and flexible. Lilias is the WOMAN. I practiced with her in the 70s on a PBS station and feel that I've reunited with an old friend. I can only hope that I've aged as gracefully as this gentle woman. I love these tapes and hope you will also.

It's made a difference in my life!
I never thought I'd be able to do yoga because of an old back injury. Most yoga videos have too much twisting and strain for beginners or the skittish folks like me. But Lilias Folan's yoga series is wonderful. The four tapes give me enough variety so I never get tired of these routines, and they have made a real difference in how good I look and feel. They're designed so I can make them more challenging as my conditioning improves. My wife, who is in good shape, also enjoys these tapes. It's truly Yoga for everyone! Lilias has a warm, non-intimidating manner, and unlike some of the popular yoga videos, it doesn't waste time on fancy settings and show-offy postures. Highly recommended!

Stress reduction you'll want to stick with
After being sedentary for a couple of years (grad school combined with a full-time job will do that to you), I decided it was time to exercise again. I tried a few tapes but Lilias's were the ones that really hooked me. I love the variety of the tapes -- I do all four over the course of a week and feel that I'm getting a good all-over workout. I always feel completely de-stressed after doing the tapes, and I'm quite a high-strung person. If I have any complaints, it's that "Serenity Now" is perhaps the least relaxing of the four. I'd been hoping for something a bit more meditative.

Yoga For Everyone
Why is this video set so wonderful? 1. There are four tapes. One concentrates on the mind, the other two on specific parts of your body and the final on cardiovascular fitness. We all know if your mind isn't into it, sometimes you just can't push yourself to workout. It's true a run or vigorous workout does wonders for releasing stress, but you must get yourself to the workout! How many times do you decide to just sit and vegetate rather than make it to the gym or go for that run? With the "Serenity Now" video, you can calm your mind and also give your body a gentle workout that may precede the more intense three videos in the series. The "Legs and Buns" video and the "Arms and Abs" video both concentrate on specific muscle groups and parts of the body. They contain intense yet peaceful, flowing postures that really work muscles you don't even know you had! The "Cardio Challenge" video is much the same and concetrates on a series of repetitive postures, beginning slowly and quickening the pace so you're performing flowing exact movements that will definitely get that heart rate up and make the brow sweat a bit. The key here is that they're intense but they don't involve a lot of jumping around. You can obtain just as good a workout through the peacefulness and serenity of yoga than if you were to take an aerobics step class with loud pounding music and twenty or thirty others jumping around you. 2. Lilias is not concerned with fancy footwear or body baring leotards. She is a beautiful woman and not your average every day gym rat in your local workout meat market. She has a very calm presence and one that's soothing and encouraging as well. She speaks in a pleasant, calm voice and warns you of problems you might encounter while going through the combinations of poses. Her demeanor belies the tremendous strength, agility and ability with which she performs the yoga poses. It's clear she's been doing this for years and years. In fact, when I was younger, I would watch her series on PBS as she had a yoga workout program on there for quite some time. 3. You don't need 1000 square feet of shining hardwood floors to use these videos. In fact, the exercises are completed barefoot and in comfortable clothes that allow movement, not restrict it. The postures are completed in a small space so you don't have to move that coffee table! 4. You don't need yoga mats or a block although you may find these things nice to have as you advance in your practice. Lilias suggests using pillows or a belt in place of the former and these work just as well. 5. The videos appeal to a wide range of people. I am a housewife and freelance writer. I am not athletic but manage to stay fit with my daily routine and by eating sensibly. My husband, on the other hand, is an army officer who runs quite a bit. I would say he's in prime physical condition. We started doing the videos together and not only do they appeal to the both of us and they're something we can do together at the end of a long day, they get his heart rate up as well, and they're much less taxing on the joints compared to running three or so miles a day as he's done. 6. The videos are short but provide the necessary daily workout time period. Each video is around 35 minutes in length so you're not saying, "I have no time to do an hour video." Just 35 minutes works wonders. They're such fun and I feel so good after doing one, I often do another and sometimes another. 7. They really do work! I'm not going to fib here. I don't enjoy exercise unless it has to do with swimming. I've never subscribed to high (or low for that matter!) impact aerobics, gym memberships or jogging. I've tried a few other workout videos but they were either too long or involved too much jumping around or were just plain boring. The day after I completed one of Lilias' videos, I could tell a difference in my body, and just this morning, after doing the "Cardio Challenge" with my husband last night, he awoke to pleasantly sore and taut muscles- a sure sign it's working! And, look how long yoga has been around. In my time in Nepal a couple summers ago, I never saw an out of shape yogi! 8. The pleasant background music, lovely postures with beautiful names AND a different "cool down" for each of the videos adds to the appeal of this series. Above all, if you find you need something different in your life in the way of exercise, and you're looking for a way to simplify your life (time to go to the gym...money for a membership or classes) and bring more peacefulness and serenity to your presence and being, these videos are definitely for you. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great tapes
I found this set to be challenging but doable. I use a regular step and a step stool instead of the fanny lifter, and I use a chair and hand weights to replace the sculpting stick. You have to increase the weights pretty quickly, but that's a good sign of progress. I like all the tapes, and think there is a nice variety without sacrificing quality.

What they don't tell you
I bought this DVD set thinking it was a great price for 4 DVDs. However, what they don't tell you is that most of the exercises are only effective if you buy their specific equipment: the "Sculpting Stick" and the "Fanny Lifter." The "Sculpting Stick" was nothing more than an 8 pound bar and included 3 VHS's that contained the same exercises that I already had with the DVD set. The "Fanny Lifter" was the same story: it was packaged with more unwanted VHSs. The "Fanny Lifter" is nothing that spectacular. It consists of a 6 and an 8 inch step. If you want to know what you are getting, go with another exercise tape that TELLS you what equipment you need to have before using it. For example, the Denise Austin series not only tells you what you need (which is often optional), but doesn't force you to buy a specific set of equipm