Yoga Just My Size With Megan Garcia
August 12, 2009 by Recreation · Leave a Comment
Yoga Just My Size With Megan Garcia
Certified instructor and plus-size model Megan Garcia presents a simple and rewarding introduction to yoga designed for every size and shape. Run time 28 minutes. DVD includes an additional 17 minutes of run time.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Just the basics
This really is a BASIC yoga DVD. That said, the directions are simple and easy to understand. It would be a good place to start for someone with NO yoga experience. If you are looking for something a little more advanced, I suggest Yoga for Every Body, also available here on Amazon. Lots of variety and somewhat more challenging, but you don’t have to be able to contort yourself into a pretzel to do it!
4 Stars First time Yoga - I like it - wish the DVD was longer
I ordered this DVD to add to my weight loss arsenal. I suffer from chronic low back pain - like most of us - and read that Yoga was good for strengtening and flexibility. I really enjoy this DVD but it’s too short. The stretching feels good and the strengthening poses really do work the muscles. I will order more Yoga DVDs, thanks to this successful introduction.
5 Stars Awesome start for overweight/obese yoga beginners
This DVD was great. Megan does a great job of making the poses simple for very overweight people to use. I am 5′4″ and very overweight (300lbs), but by using this DVD, my flexibility has improved greatly. It has made other exercise DVD’s alot easier to do, and I’m not self concise about going to an actual yoga class now. I highly recommend this DVD.
5 Stars Very good!
I’ve been using this dvd for over two years and still love it. It’s very mindful of the larger woman. I have recommended it to many people over the years. My only hope is that Megan will put out a new dvd soon!
5 Stars Love it
I really love this video. I am 32 and about 50 lbs overweight. I recently had lap band surgery and was anxious to start excercising. I have always wanted to do yoga and every beginner dvd I have ever tried has been to hard. This is perfect. I love it. Not to easy, Not to hard.
Sensual Bellydance
August 10, 2009 by Recreation · Leave a Comment
In Blanca’s Sensual Bellydance, you will discover how sensual dance radiates from deep inside you; how your whole body can flow like silk, and how your movements can be beautifully interwoven, breathing with meaningful, effortless grace.
The core of Blanca’s program is the Sensual Bellydance Flow [beginner-intermediate]. These are sequences of steps building from simple isolated moves to layered moves. Footwork, arm/hand patterns and head angles are gradually combined for the effect of total coordination and effortless control.
Sensuality is translated into dance through connectedness — the wave-like echoing and interweaving of movements. A special section of sensual poses and fluid transitions is designed to improve your pacing. Slowing the pace into a still pose helps you to learn measured, uncluttered dance phrasing. This section offers a 40-minute music only option — you can follow Blanca’s voice prompts, or practice a non-stop flow of combinations with music-only.
In the Technique section Blanca offers a step-by-step breakdown of the movement vocabulary for the Flow and introduces her core method: Progressions –the gradual layering of bellydance moves on footwork with a special attention to body and head angles, arm positions, and patterns.
The last section includes a step-by-step breakdown, a demonstration, and two performances of Blanca’s “Venus” choreography [intermediate] - a perfect opportunity to practice sensual bellydance!
Currently (June, 2008) and for more than eight months, this DVD, Blanca’s Sensual Bellydancehas been the bestselling bellydance DVD among the more than 240 on sale at Amazon.com.
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars Sensually Confusing.
The one thing that saved “Sensual Bellydance” is how highly excited I am to be learning belly dance again. And while all of the moves were sexy and fun, I found the instruction to be a bit vague and rushed. As a matter of fact, it convinced me to go out and sign up for an in-person belly dance class instead of relying on generalized and impersonal DVD sets. This bothers me only because I bought this DVD hoping it would accommodate beginners. I took a few belly dancing classes a couple of years back but have not practiced since and thus consider myself a re-beginner.
I felt that Blanca did not focus on explanations of moves. She kind of expected the watcher to just know what she is talking about most of the time when it came to how the hips should feel and posture.
It was also confusing when, in the middle of new moves, the DVD would change to another scene which would show Blanca waving a scarf through the air to demonstrate how my hands should flow, or something similar. One problem with that: my hand isn’t a scarf. I needed her to show me step by step with an actual hand and not rely on feckless visual metaphors.
To further confuse: during one section of the DVD, Blanca’s dancing doesn’t line up with the voice over instruction or the music. This made following her and the music (which she stressed) very hard to do.
Also as soon as one move was demonstrated, the DVD just went on to the next move without much review of what was just learned. There are also no pause times between learning moves and it is for this main reason that I would not recommend this DVD for beginners.
During the warm-up and cool down stretches, Blanca once again moved to quickly, and didn’t explain the exercise in time with her movements. She would explain a move while she did it or suddenly change directions of stretches out of nowhere. This made it tricky to focus on learning anything and I felt more like I was just awkwardly trying to keep up. The warm up and cool downs were also ineffective and I was unsure of the proper way to breath or if it would help ( I know that sounds whiny but it’s true).
Another bugger was the arm positions instruction: Blanca would out of nowhere call out an arm position (goddess arms or princess arms) without any prior discussion of them or even explaining how to why to use them with what type of belly dance.
I hate to sound like I am bashing the DVD because I am not. I really liked it as a matter of fact and would just like to see some improvement. Overall, the Blanca’s instruction was enjoyable and a good work out for me as a lover of dance. But for me, as a beginner, it was exhausting and confusing.
4 Stars Great for the price
Great for the price. I like the choreo Blanca teaches in this dvd. One of the better dvd’s put out by nyworlddance.
5 Stars Great DVD!!!
I have a few belly dancing DVDs and I must say this one really is well done. I love the music and the setting/stage of where she goes through the moves. Plus I found Blanca to be a great teacher, she isn’t too over bearing or over bubbly. Over all, this is a great DVD!
4 Stars A great gift for your girlfriends!!
Wow! I was amazed when I tried this DVD, it’s so in-depth, extremely well done, the explanation for the moves is detailed, and the choreography sets are very very sensual. Blanca is a fabulous instructor and dancer, this DVD will really make you feel like a sensual woman, no matter your size or age, you will feel like a Venus!!
5 Stars Sensual Belly dance by Blanca
I was so surprised when I got Blanca! I knew it was going to be good, but it is so much more beneficial than i thought!
She teaches you flow, smooth and sensual movements as you conquer your technique. Blanca is a great bellydance teacher and i encourage you to buy this dvd great,
Leslie Sansones Walk At Home 5 Mile Walk With Fitness Band
August 9, 2009 by Recreation · Leave a Comment
Leslie Sansones Walk At Home 5 Mile Walk With Fitness Band
The 5-MILE ADVANCED WALK AT HOME program created by revolutionary walking expert Leslie Sansone is packed with exciting moves and toning exercises to take experienced walkers to the next level. Lose weight, get fit and build your strength with this total body workout! To help meet your fitness and weight loss goals, the program includes 4 fun and challenging advanced walking routines you can do at home. These programs were specifically designed to ramp up your workout and help burn more fat and calories. For those who want a greater challenge, try using Leslie’s walk boosters—the walk belt, the 2 lb. hand weights and the firming band. The routines can be done with or without the boosts, for an equally effective workout. It’s easy to follow and guaranteed to get your heart pumping. We all know that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining weight and good health, so as an added bonus, you will enjoy Leslie’s DVD segment “7-Day Healthy Weight Loss Meal Plan”. Get excited, get fit and challenge yourself with the all-inclusive 5-Mile Advanced Walk at Home program!
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars EVERYONE NEEDS TO TRY THIS!!!
I now have 11 of Leslie Sansone’s videos and I love every one of them. She often states that her workouts are not for sissies and that is very true but REALLY anyone can do them. You just set your own pace.I started working out with Leslie’s videos on April 1st, 2008. I weighed 240 lbs. It is now February 24th, 2009 and I am happy…no thrilled to tell you that I have walked away 83 lbs!!! I went from 2X to size 12. My goal is to lose 100 lbs and I know I will get there. When I started out I could barely get to the end of the 3 mile video. I’m up to 5 miles now and I love it! I’m hooked! What a great thing to be addicted to…excerize!!! Now here’s the best part….I’m 62..I’ll be 63 in just a few days and the young girls who work out with me can’t keep up!!! Please do yourself a huge favor and get started walking away the pounds today. Or just do it to be healthier. Either way, you come out a winner!!!
5 Stars Exercise anytime
I love the WATP series. It is convenient and a good workout especially when trying to get back into the swing of things. I think there is too much talking during the workout which is annoying, however, I think the workout itself is effective. It is good to be able to do 1 mile at a time for time purposes. This particular one is my favorite. I love the boosts at the end of the workout.
5 Stars Queen Mum
I’m a great fan of Leslie Sansone’s exercise dvd’s and this latest one is even better than all the others. Using it for just two weeks has enabled me to lose those last few pounds to reach my goal.
5 Stars How many miles are under YOUR belt?
Love the challenge, love the “walk belt”, don’t care for the band..I just reach for the belt and go through the routine with it instead. This CD alone is worth the investment…any booster that you choose to use will only increase your results.
4 Stars Love it!!
I love this DVD. She knows how to motivate you and make walking so much fun! And using hand weight and such makes it more challenging. I walk everyday thanks to this DVD! Thank you Leslie!!
Dance Fitness for Beginners with MaDonna Grimes Urban Street Heat
August 8, 2009 by Recreation · Leave a Comment
Dance Fitness for Beginners with MaDonna Grimes Urban Street Heat
Award-winning choreographer, MaDonna Grimes, is renowned for her innovative dance moves. She founded the MaDonna Grimes Fitness and Dance Theatre Company, has released a CD, and is the author of Work It Out. She has a master’s degree in dance performance and choreography, and has appeared in many fitness and fashion magazines.
Who knew getting a full-body, cardio workout could be so much fun! Urban Street Heat is more like a dance party than an aerobics class. MaDonna Grimes makes working out fun in this fresh and funky Dance Fitness for Beginners program.
You’ll have a great time performing this program, which combines attitude, street style, and easy-to-follow dance steps. The Hip Hop freestyle routines, designed for women and men, are bursting with style and energy. You’ll learn some fresh new moves that will really spice up your workout. MaDonna breaks down all the steps, and combines them into one dynamic routine that you can take to the clubs.
Program Features:
- Sexy, fun moves work the entire body
- Lose weight, burn fat
- Aerobics workout boosts energy
- Hip Hop freestyle routines for women and men
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars fun workout
This is a fun way to get the heart pumping. I like this instructor. She is very personable.
3 Stars FUN!!!
Bought this for my 16 year old daughter who wanted to learn dance moves while exercising. We have fun doing it together.
4 Stars This makes me want to work out!
As a self proclaimed couch potato, I’ve vowed to start moving my body more. All of my other workout DVDs make exercise seem like a chore to do but this one is different. I actually look forward to popping in this DVD and trying to get the routine down pat. MaDonna Grimes is funky and wow, she can move! The instruction is a little lacking as she sometimes forgets to describe the moves as she’s doing them so it takes some practice figuring out arm and leg placement. It’s not very fast-paced which is why I think they call it a beginners workout. But it does get your blood pumping and it’s a ton of fun and that’s all I need right now. As I outgrow this one I am definitely buying the more advanced DVDs. Dancing makes even working out fun!
5 Stars really enjoyed it
This dvd was a great second step from Kelley Peters. So obviously I am new to hip hop. It helped me get the rythym and cadence. Some slo-mo would have helped me with the steps, but I’m getting it anyhow. The dancers were a great bunch.
1 Star Definately NOT for beginners…….
Unless you are as fit and agile, from the beginning, as a teen, this is NOT the one for you.
Yoga for the Rest of Us Essentials for Every Body
August 6, 2009 by Recreation · Leave a Comment
Yoga for the Rest of Us Essentials for Every Body
At last, yoga that any body can do! Ease into the world of yoga, whatever your age and ability, With this dvd collection featuring host Peggy Cappy s three best-selling specials Yoga for the Rest of Us, More Yoga for the Rest of Us and Back Care Basics. Peggy’s unique approach to yoga has adults finding new energy and flexibility and feeling better then they ever dreamed possible. In her first two programs, Peggy modifies poses to make yoga accessible to every body. In the third, Peggy focuses her attention on stretches and exercises especially designed for back care. Strong, healthy back muscles provide support for your spine and can result in more energy and vitality in everything you do. By breaking the programs into short segments that can be done separately or combined into various complete workouts, Peggy shows you how to incorporate yoga into your daily routine, day or night. Discover how easy it can be, and how quickly you’ll see the benefits for your body and spirit. Special Bonus Features! Travel to Peterborough, New Hampshire, to meet Peggy Cappy, a yoga instructor who has worked with students of all ages and abilities for over 20 years, and has perfected a yoga program that is easy, effective, and enjoyable. Plus enjoy a bonus segment for your back! Let Peggy show you two restorative poses where, with the aid of a chair, pillows, or the wall, you simply relax and let gravity work for you, bringing comfort to your body and peace to your mind.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Calming Exercises
I’ve never done yoga before but when I saw Peggy Cappy on PBS I wanted to give it a try. She has a very soothing, calming voice and gives easy-to-follow instructions in a slow manner. I especially love the restorative poses which are very calming after a long day at work.
5 Stars Always wonderful
Peggy Cappy is always wonderful. The collection is great to have (an update from my VHS) and her new back care is very helpful. Just the sound of her voice and the ease of the movements is great for anyone with back “issues.”
