Yogalates: Firm, Fit and Flexible [DVD] [2005]

I was looking for a substitute for BodyBalance (this is a mixture of Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi). Couldn't find any BodyBalance DVDs, but spotted Yogalates which is a mixture of Yoga and Pilates; so decided to give this a try - particularly since reviews were good. The DVD starts with a warm up and then has 3 main exercise routines (each about 20mins long). There is also a relaxation session and a short extras section at the end. As previous reviews stated, there is no background music, which doesn't bother me. The instructions for every exercise are very clearly explained and easier options are also given. Many of the exercises are similar to BodyBalance and even though I am used to them, I do ache a bit the next day; so fairly pleased with it. The DVD will hopefully keep me going until my BodyBalance class restarts later this year.

This dvd really is excellent. The way you can tailor it to focus on certain areas and make it longer or shorter depending on your time constraints.I still find elements of this dvd challenging so really appreciate the different levels of each exercise that are demonstrated meaning if i start to struggle i can take myself down a level, it also feels great when something that seemed impossible a few weeks ago can now be followed.I find her voice very soothing and her instructions very clear. There is a lot of emphasis on not pushing yourself into discomfort. One thing that i have noticed about this dvd as opposed to other pilates dvd's is that when to inhale/exhale is made very clear not just mentioned once and forgotten and at the start of the dvd you are taught the correct breathing technique. By the end of the dvd i feel so calm and relaxed which is a great way to feel after a work out and means you can face it first thing on a morning to set you up for the day or right before bed to empty your mind and make you feel relaxed before sleep.A great dvd.

Louise has put together another fantastic program and I felt the benefits of this program while doing it. I appreciate her direction and it doesn't matter how many times I do her programs, the direction does not ever get boring or unnecessary. It is so easy to forget to breathe and with these types of exercises it is important to breathe properly. This workout is a challenge, however it is not impossible to complete. I don't sit there and think 'Oh please be finished please be finished soon!'She has broken the program into target areas, such as bums, tums, thighs etc, and it is very effective. The only drawback is with the selection menu. It isn't set up with workout 1, workout 2 etc. It is right into the target workouts, and so you actually don't know from that menu where one workout starts and the other ends. Like all her programs, except the cardio enhancer and the ultimate, it is a relaxing way to tone and strengthen your muscles.I highly recommend her whole Yogalates system.

Would highly recommend Louise Solomon's DVDs. I'd got bored stiff of following various aerobic and excericse DVDs when I first tried one of her Yogalates DVDs. I've recently purchased this and 2 of her other DVDs because I liked the original one I'd bought so much. They work on two levels; firstly she has several different less than half hour workouts on the DVD so they don't take too long and you can alternate so you're not always doing the same thing, or if you have time you can do a couple together. Secondly, on the surface most of it seems fairly easy but as time moves on you grasp more and more of what you should be doing, the different muscles you're using and you start to realise what you should be achieving. I have noticed a huge difference in my flexibility and general fitness since doing this for half an hour a day.

I have just recently taken up Yoga at my local gym but cannot always get there. I decided to buy a DVD to see if I could do the same at home. This DVD is great - very similar to the yoga I already do so it felt as if it had been made for me. She is very clear with instructions and all moves are explained so that you don't feel it necessay to try the moves with your head permanently turned towards the tv. I haven't found her voice annoying at all, just very relaxing. I do miss the background music that I get at the class but I have bought myself a cd so that I can put this on in the background at home. This is definitely worth a try and I have looked for some of the other yogalates DVDs so that I can keep the yoga varied depending on how I feel.

I found this DVD easy to follow, some of the exercises were challenging at first, but as there is an option to "follow the beginner" I did this.After a just two weeks three times a week, I've found my bum and leg muscles are really toning up, and I am becoming much more flexible and able to join in with the full exercises. Also my neck and shoulders are becoming looser and more mobile - this has to be good as most days are spent hunched over a computer in the office and I often suffer neck/upper back ache which has now diminished. Definitely recommended!

I have been doing yoga and pilates for 3 years so i am used to these practises and how to do them. This was the first DVD from the Yogalates range i bought and i found some of the poses painful and rather straining! I was not put off though and tried some of Ms Solomon's other DVD's and what can i say? I'm a fan!!!!!I liked them...She is really good and i like her voice/accent and find it really soothing and relaxing. Trust me you don't want an instructor who sounds and makes you feel like you're training for the Marines! Louise Solomon has given yogalates instruction to the Aussie Cricket team, i am reassured by this and trust her methods as a result. I have a back problem too and yogalates has really helped. I would not recommend this DVD to start with but i will suggest you try her other DVD's first to get a taster of Yogalates.

Excellent dvd, I had this dvd years ago and used it to kick start weight loss. I found that it increased endorphins because it always made me feel good. Once I got to a target I gave it to a friend and started going to gym. Several years later, overweight courtesy of Ben & Jerry’s and my mate Cadbury’s lol so re - purchasing to kick start and hopefully enjoy it as much as last time. Highly recommend these yogalates dvds.