Yogalates - Firm, Fit And Flexible (DVD)

...in terms of cardiovascular activity and may be too slow for some people. Also, the voice of Louise Solomon can get a bit irritating after a while! She also looks a bit Botoxed so I'm not sure how much is due to Yogalates and how much is a good surgeon.  ... more

WHAT IS IT:
It is a mixture of the core firming and breathing elements of Pilates with the stretching and meditative aspects of Yoga. This DVD has a warmup and separate sections focusing on the abs, buttocks and a full body workout. There is also a partner or solo resistance stretching section. It is presented by Louise Solomon who claims to be the first person to combine Pilates and Yoga and the DVD was filmed in Byron Bay, Australia.

GOOD POINTS:
Unlike many workout videos, this is really easy to follow with Louise Solomon explaining at the very start the breathing technique in a way that makes it very clear how the breathing fits with the exercises. It sounds silly but it is often easy to forget to breathe whilst exercising particularly if you are experiencing some pain. Once you have got through the introduction and learned the necessary techniques - and for this the breathing is really crucial - the set changes to a workout area where you can see people with a range of abilities doing the exercises. This is really encouraging as some of the exercises are quite challenging so it is reassuring to know that you are not the only one that is not so flexible.

One of the best things about this DVD is that it is really really relaxing whilst still being challenging. Once you have got the hang of the breathing, it makes the exercises seem much less intense and you will actually begin to enjoy the feeling of stretching yourself. It's more like an acute awareness of your own body than anything like pain. In the abs section - which is the one I have been focusing on the most as it is good for your tummy and back - you can really feel each vertebra as you release from some of the stretches. It made me feel really calm doing this workout.

As for results, I have definitely noticed that my tummy area is more toned. However, the biggest difference it has made to me is with my back. I don't have serious back problems - if you do, I would advise that you spoke to a doctor before attempting this workout as it could do more harm than good - I often experience stiffness or twinges in my back. Since doing this workout regularly, my back has felt a lot more loose and flexible. I've also felt a lot more energised. It's strange but the DVD makes you feel mentally relaxed but physically invigorated at the same time.

I would recommend this for people of all ages and abilities as you can choose to do less strenuous stretches throughout and still get the benefit of the workout

BAD POINTS:
This doesn't have the same sort of payoff of more intense workouts. If you are into the adrenalin rush of exercise, this workout won't satisfy you as it works in a completely different way. It is very sedate in terms of cardiovascular activity and may be too slow for some people. Also, the voice of Louise Solomon can get a bit irritating after a while! She also looks a bit Botoxed so I'm not sure how much is due to Yogalates and how much is a good surgeon. 

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