Mandy Ingber: Yogalosophy

I kind of freaked out a little when I ordered this because some of the reviews were (in my opinion) a little harsh. I have been doing yoga for about 6 years and I love it. This is not a yoga dvd for yoga purists. In my mind, if you're a yoga "purist" - whatever that means - you're probably not doing yoga dvds anyway. She's not a guru. She doesn't claim to be. She is putting forth an approach that utilizes the clear benefits of yoga asanas along with tried and true toning techniques to give you a full body workout that is beneficial despite the fact that it is low impact.It is clear that regardless of her approach, Mandy is knowledgable about yoga practice. Yes some of her cuings are a little unorthodox and it's not like a yoga class where you have a soft spoken yogi help move you through the asanas and then reward you with a minute long shavasana at the end. What she brings is a knowledge of yoga and helps apply it in a way that will help you see results.A lot of people complained about her talking. I actually found it refreshing - like having your friend instruct you through a workout. She's really funny actually. A couple of times I wanted to say "yeah, ok I get it you have a rockin' bod" because she would say things like "This move is the reason I look good in these shorts" which, she did look good in those shorts, but that's a given. I think after a few times doing the routines you should be able to do it without cuing and then you don't have to listen to those funny little lines!This is a pretty tough workout. I consider myself relatively fit - with a dance background and a regular routine of yoga and cardio. There were a couple of times during the routine that I had to take a small break. You don't realize how hard your working!A couple of reviews said something about it being a little "Jane Fonda-esque" in the approach. Again, Jane Fonda had one of the best selling workout routines of all time and a freakin' hot body so ... is that so bad?I came across this review of Yogalosophy that sold me: [...]I encourage you to take a look at that review, check out some clips on YouTube, and give it a try. I feel great after doing it. Just the amount of post-workout jelly leg to let you know you're alive!

I am overweight, but not significantly, and I was afraid to try this. Admittedly I bought the DVD because Mandy Ingber is Jennifer Aniston's trainer. I love Jen and I remember Mandy from a movie when I was a teenager. I was worried the moves would be too fast or that I would be uncoordinated or out of sync.That was far from the truth. Mandy moves at a pace that is just right, with several opportunities to rest. I could really feel those muscles working, and literally burning, but not in a bad way. The arm and abdominal poses were very difficult and I couldn't do a couple of them, so I tried to maintain it as long as I could.I like Mandy's funny comments such as "I have a nice a$$" and "you can think about the guy you have a crush on" and "If you're still doing this you're a champ." Very motivating. I also like the beach scenery. Very calming.The best part about this workout is that I could really feel my muscles working but I SWEAR they were NOT sore the next day. I was absolutely amazed by that!

I checked this dvd out from the library and let it sit here for a couple weeks. Today I popped it in and a few minutes after finishing the workout, came here to amazon to order my own copy... that's how much I loved it!I didn't do the section that starts with sun salutations, she says to either do that or warm up with a different cardio. I did 25 minutes of 'Sprint 8' intervals on the elliptical before doing the main Yogalosophy section with cues. I feel so great right now! I will definitely be doing this combo again and often. If you don't have an elliptical, I would warm up with some walk/jogging on a treadmill, outside, or better yet on a rebounder. Check out Peak 8 or Sprint 8 intervals too.Another reviewer mentioned the "thighs shouldn't touch" comment as dangerous for those with EDs. Mandy wasn't espousing that view, she was making fun of the 80s type magazines that said things like that. (Anyway, they probably shouldn't for most body types). I am sensitive to remarks like that, but I didn't get a negative ED type vibe at all, I heard a healthy "like your body as your work to improve it" kind of message.

I did this workout for 4 weeks (3x a week) and I saw great results in my butt and abs. My butt is smaller and my obliques are more defined. This workout is fun and fast paced, it gets your heartrate going and you will sweat a little.This is a combination of toning and yoga so for instance, she's go from Crescent pose into Lunges. A totally new way to do yoga, not only is it effective but it's very fun as well!The Fully Loaded Challenge is about an hour long but it goes by so quickly. This is a very relaxed practice, like all yoga workouts should be, and the cuing is little vague, sometimes she'll go into a pose without explaining it or telling you to go into the pose. Once you do this workout enough, you'll get used to it and not need to cuing. She keeps it fun and she is very quirky and cool, which makes the workout a lot more enjoyable.I would recommend this workout to anyone looking for a challenging and fun yoga workout, (and someone looking to tone the stubborn part of their glutes) because it is simply the best.I hope Mandy comes out with more yoga workouts in the near future, I'm hooked!

I thought this was a tough but fun workout. It didn't really feel like your typical yoga - it felt more like a strength training class! My whole body was shaking and I worked up quite a sweat! I'm with the others, I didn't love that her mantra was often, "I have a great ass. I have a great ass" over and over again, because I do yoga more to FEEL good and feel strong than to get a great ass. If she got a great ass, I guess that's a bonus. But it was a little irritating. That said, I'm not offended by off color words, it's just not the type of yoga mentality that I'm used to, but that's kind of the idea. It's a new way of doing yoga - in her own unique way. When I want a hard workout, I'll turn to this. Probably not often, but I don't regret the purchase.

Purchased this DVD as a gift, already have one myself and its fantastic. A really good mix of yoga and toning. Not to difficult to do and if you do it twice a week you really see a difference and feel the difference. Note for anyone buying this, take your time and build up the amount of each exercise, she does 8 of everything do 4 to start and then increase every time you use the DVD, it really works all your muscles. Good luck

I was a little hesitant to purchase this. I read many reviews, some good and some not so good. I don't want to spend a lot of money on a gym membership so I buy a few exercise DVDs.Yogalosophy is not your typical yoga workout. It is relaxing but it also helps strengthen your core and every other part of your body. I really found it stimulating. It's relaxing enough that you're not huffing and puffing like doing aerobics but let me tell you, you feel it the day after.I don't regret buying this DVD. It's perfect for those days I want a routine that isn't as strenuous as a high impact one but with just about all the benefits.I highly recommend trying it you won't regret it!

Merci. Bien reçu!

difficult to follow some of the class as she assumes you are looking at her all the time. Needs to be have more verbal direction as it is sometimes difficult to be looking at the tv screen and doing the moves at the same time

This is a great yoga workout and a great core workout. This may not be for those who take yoga a little to seriously, Mandy is great for making it feel light and still kicking your butt. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! way to go girl, way to let people feel great about their workout again