Yoga & Pilates

I just read one reviewer's comments on Louise Solomon's Yogalates DVDs (I have vols. 1&2), and strongly disagree with her assessment that it doesn't help anyone to tone up and lose weight. After using both videos over the past 15 months I've lost over 85 pounds, and have toned and defined muscles in a way that I've never experienced before, even when I played tennis and racquetball. I now understand all the hoopla about Pilates -it really does stretch and lengthen your muscles in a way that other exercises do not. I started with vol. 2 (I accidently found it at a local Walmart) not knowing anything about Louise or Yogalates, although of course I'd heard of both exercises separately. For me it was perfect, and the sessions perfectly timed and gentle enough for someone returning to regular exercise after being sedentary for awhile. It wasn't until I'd been working out with it for about 4-5 months that I found vol. 1, which is more laid-back and easier than vol. 2, but which has some moves that definitely challenged muscles in a way that I hadn't felt with vol. 2. Louise's calming voice adds a soothing dimension, and I can't tell you how relaxed I am after a workout. Alternating both videos and varying the order of each section will help to keep you from getting bored with the routines. I'm now at the point where I use them in addition to some workouts (usually in the AM when I need a faster-paced routine to get me going) on FITTV because I'm really a lot stronger now. In addition to the weight loss my entire perspective on living has improved, I've influenced other family members to become more active, and all have lost significant amounts of weight. Overall, I recommend her videos (I'm hoping to get vol. 3 but it seems it's not available in the US yet) to anyone who wants to get in shape and begin/maintain a healthier lifestyle. I haven't felt this good in 20 years - this is the best $10 I've ever spent. The rewards I've received are priceless!! P.S. Part of the concept of Yoga is going inside of oneself to find inner peace. This is probably why there is no music during the workouts (the intro./end music is very peaceful/soothing), and why the set is devoid of any potentially-distracting background. If you embrace the concept of body/mind/spirit coming together as one during your exercise session, your focus will not be on the video setting but on yourself, and the positive steps you are taking to improve your health.

We ordered Volume 1 and Volume 2, and the 2 disc set, thinking they were all different. They are all the same. The box set of 2 are the same ones as the separate DVD's. Even though Amazon shows them as different. And also recomends that people who bought these also bought the box set. We like the DVD's. We just ended up with 2 copies of each.

Perhaps you've tried a regular yoga or pilates workout and you were a bit intimidated, or maybe you just simply don't know where to start. Either way, Louise Solomon's Yoga and Pilates workout will start you out gently, focusing on proper breathing techniques, all while helping you tone and sculpt your body.

If you are looking for a heart-pumping, sweat dripping workout DVD, this is not for you. Louise takes her time with each individual movement, explaining how to position your body and reminding you to maintain proper posture. This, in my opinion, is very beneficial for beginners. There's nothing quite as bad as waking up "the day after" and feeling as though you've been run through a chipper-shredder. Louise makes this nearly impossible with her gentle reminders and beginner-friendly modifications on more difficult exercises.

The DVD is broken down into four segments: The first emphasizes breathing and abs, then arms and upper body, followed by a lower body routine. The fourth segment is a "total body" workout. If you are a beginner, you will do the first three segments, either together or seperately dependent on your fitness level, then finally progress on to the fourth workout.

Although I would classify this as a gentle workout all around, there are still some postures that will cause you to break a sweat!

The lack of distracting background scenery or music is a pro to me, although some viewers might consider this a con. I like the lack of background, but a soft musical backdrop might add to the relaxing quality of Louise's voice.

I'm giving this video a 4 star rating instead of a 5 due the limited amount of postures used during all workouts. Anyone who has done a "regular" yoga or pilates DVD will find the limited number of moves somewhat frustrating.

I do, however, believe this is an ideal (and economical) way to learn the basics of both disciplines. Please remember to go ahead and buy a yoga mat when you purchase this, otherwise the positions, such as down dog, are going to turn into something more like "dog with twisted ankle and bruised head." (It's possible to do it without, but MUCH harder.)

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 12 reviews  4.1 out of 5 stars