Videos & Music for Workouts
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June 2009
After two kids and a diastisis recti (separation of the abdominal
wall), I am left with a poochy belly. Any recommendations for an
effective core DVD that I can do at home to try to re-build some
strength? Also, I'd like to try to renew my yoga practice, which
will unfortunately have to be done at home. Any updated
recommendations for a great yoga DVD that can kick-start my fitness
routine?
Mommy needs to get healthy
Try to start out easy--no twisting/jack knifing moves. Melanie at
Berkeley Yoga near Strawberry Creek is great for post-partum work. So
is Jonothon Gross at Berkeley Yoga on 4th St. At home, the Gaiam yoga
videos are very good, and get the Intermediate Pilates (Anna Caban)
when you've got a good foundation. You may be able to check them out
of the library, too, to see if you like them. Good luck!
S. Carter
Although not specifically a core workout, the Jari Love ''Ripped''
series are really great because she has a lot of combination strength
exercises during which you have to engage all your core muscles, and
it really does work them. Plus she reminds you about proper form
throughout. Also I want to recommend http://www.collagevideo.com
which is a great website where you can browse pretty much every
fitness DVD (including Yoga) in existence. You can view clips of
almost all the DVDs and they have extensive customer reviews, and you
can search for what you are looking for in a number of ways. Of
course you don't have to actually make your purchase from them, but
they have a generous return policy if you don't like what you get.
fitness DVD junkie
Dec 2008
I know of a great podcast service - fitMusic.com. They post free weekly
podcasts with music at consistent tempos so that you don't have to break your
pace if you're on an exercise machine. And they have a variety of music at
different tempos, depending on whether you're running, spinning, etc. All you
have to do is subscribe to the podcast, and it will automatically download new
mixes when you launch iTunes. They also post MP3s on their website (if you
have a different brand of MP3 player). I like it because, rather than
listening to your same music week after week, you get some variety.
jeff
I listen to house music to work out. I love it because there is usually a slow
part in the beginning, then it starts to rev up, then there is the climax,
then the cool down, just like in a workout! I prefer Latin house myself but
any house music will do as long as it is not trance.
oakland mama
The whole soundtrack to the film ''Slumdog Millionaire'' is my current workout
anthem!! It features several songs by rapper M.I.A. and a ton of music by
Bollywood composer A.R. Rahman. I love it (loved the movie too). Check out
clips on iTunes.
Lisa in Oakland
iTunes has a fun feature called Smart Playlist (under the ''File'' menu). The
first option will come up ''Artist'' but you can change that from the pull
down menu to ''bpm,'' which stands for beats per minute. You can then let
iTunes create a playlist based on the tempo that you want. It could be a fun
way to see what it comes up with.
Other than that it is hard for me to recommend music when you don't state your
general tastes. Here are artists and genres that seem to have recurring roles
on my iPod workout playlists:
-- 1960's and 70's R & B and Soul (Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, the Isley
Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, etc.)
-- The Clash
-- Beastie Boys
-- Weezer
-- ABBA
-- The Who
-- The Kinks
-- Elvis Costello
-- Earth, Wind and Fire
-- The White Stripes
Jan 2007
Can anyone recommend some good workout DVDs? I go to a beginning yoga class twice a
week but need a cardio workout for home. I'd like something that's not too long -
30-45 minutes would be great. I am interested in cardio and also possibly a yoga
video as well. I'm beginning to exercise again after a hiatus but am up for a
challenge! Thanks for your recommendations.
I don't have a specific recommendation, but I love the catalogues that
Collage puts out. Each DVD is reviewed and broken down into specific
sections (for example: length of warm up and cardio and strengthening)
and level. They have tons of choices and even inspiring weight loss
stories. Here is their website:
http://www.collagevideo.com/
Tami
Aug 2005
As I sit hear and stare at my post-baby belly I am wondering if
anyone can recommend or not recommend anything that has worked
for them. I plan to eventually get a tummy tuck (after 4 kids,
the first 2 twins, it is the only true answer) but in the mean
time wanted to know if anyone has liked any of the at home ab
workouts on the market.
thanks
jelly belly
Hi there,
I just got the Denise Austin Personal Workout DVD and it has a
great ab workout. I really like the arm and leg workouts too.
Jen
Oct 2004
When pregnant, I used to do the Shiva Rae\222s Yoga Workout daily.
I loved it!!! But now that I have not done yoga in two years, I
really miss it. I would love to get back into my old routine.
Can anyone recommend a good tape for a beginner? I am looking
for a light 30 (or so)-minute workout, but mostly I am
interested in the relaxation aspect of yoga.
tatiana
anything by Rodney Yee. I particularly like the ''power yoga''. it's been awhile
since i've pulled them out myself, but his tapes are still kicking around here
somewhere. maybe it's time i dusted them off myself! it's perfect for
beginners like you and me. I particularly look forward to the ''cool down'' at the
end of the workout. his voice almost puts me to sleep and I can actually get
into the ''clearing of the mind'' segment. if you can get past him doing the
video in what looks like a black cloth diaper (?). the other tapes of his i have
are yoga for abs and back care yoga, but i always go back to the power yoga
tape because it's a more comprehensive workout.
namaste
Sept 2004
I am hoping that someone can recommend a great yoga video or
video series for an absolute beginner. Thank you.
You will learn so much more by attending an introduction to yoga
class rather than using a video. The teacher will be able to
help you understand poses in a way that a video can not. There
are so many good yoga studios and teachers in the bay area.
Feel free to contact me if you want more information.
Betsy
My absolute favorite video for beginners is an older one
(1993). It is Jane Fonda's Yoga Exercise Workout. You might
not be able to do it all at first but I feel she explains things
really well. I found good reviews and availability on
amazon.com where you can get a used copy.
Karen
March 2003
hi there,
can any one recommend a yoga video for beginners?
thanks, janet
I really like my Yoga For Weight Loss video. The teacher is
Suzanne Deason, and there are 4 women doing 4 different levels.
It's a great workout and the teacher gives lots of good
instruction on how to do the poses carefully.
Irene
I bought ''A.M and P.M. Yoga for Beginners'' by Rodney Yee &
Patricia Walden for my first go at Yoga and I really like it
lisa
March 2008
I'm looking for a yoga DVD I can do at home with my 2 yr-old.
Any recommendations?
Yoga Mom
I just bought a mom and toddler yoga/pilates DVD at Target, of all
places. It's distributed by Parents magazine and is located at the
end of an aisle near the paper supplies/crayons section. It's not the
most challenging series of poses in the world, but it's fun and my son
really seems to enjoy it. Every morning now he wakes up and says
''baby yoga?'' And I've been in a much better, more relaxed mood, I
think in part because of this little DVD.
There's also a new toddler yoga class starting up in Piedmont. You
might want to check it out:
'Itsy Bitsy Yoga' for Tykes, 22mos-5yrs
9-9:45am,4125 Piedmont Ave,Oak
yoga4baby@yahoo.com/510.318.1470
anon
Jan 2008
Can anyone recommend a good Yoga DVD for children in the age
range of 6-10? My children are interested, but we've only found
some for younger kids.
Thanks!
Yoga Mom
My daughter (age 7) uses the DVD for adults that came free with her mat. She thinks it
is cool that she is just as good as the adults.
-- mom of yoga kid
Nov 2007
I'm looking for recommendations for a good yoga video for my 3 and 5 year old
children. By ''good'' I mean something fun for this age which helps them focus on
body awareness and provides some exercise. I don't do yoga myself so I'm clueless
here. This is for my 5 year old in particular who has some mild sensory processing
difficulties. He loves to stretch his body, which helps him to be calm, relaxed and
more focused so I thought yoga would be good.
Thanks.
yogi kids' mommy
Check out Shana Banana Yoga from the Contra Costa or Alameda County
libraries.Good Luck. Namaste.
Rebecca
My kids love ''Yoga Kids: For Ages 3-6'' with Marsha Weinig. We also
have ''Yoga Kids, Vol. 3: Silly to Calm''. Both are wonderful
introductions to yoga. You can find them at amazon.com.
yoga mom
May 2003
Re: Preschooler Yoga Class
My 3 year old neice has a great kid's yoga video, it's by a
company called ''Gaiam'' (they produce a lot of yoga videos and
have a line of yoga props). I've seen their stuff for sale at
Blockbusters, Discovery Store and on the internet. She will sit
there and watch the video sometimes as if she was watching
cartoons, and other times she'll get up and do it along with
the video. Sometimes my sister does it along with her. Or out
of the blue she will show you the yoga poses she knows. The
video is great as shows kids doing the poses and also compares
the poses to animals etc. which make it easier to remember. For
example, for tree pose, which they call flamingo pose, they
show a flamingo.
anon
Can anyone recommend a good yoga video? Also, I heard mention of
a kid's yoga video - anyone have recommendations? Finally, do
you know of a good yoga video I can do with my 3-year old? (I
checked the website - no yoga video recommendations there.)
Thanks -
~Rebecca
My daughter (now 4 and 1/2) has enjoyed a video called
Yoga Kids. She usually just watches it, though. The Yoga
Garden game and books have been more useful in
motivating her to actually move. Of course I am interacting
with her more, too. I find it hard to engage her at all if the TV
is on. I've seen the video for sale at The Yoga Room on
College (before or after a class).
Sienna
Jan 2009
Looking for recommendations of prenatal yoga DVDs - preferably
short routines and relaxing but good overall stretching,
strengthening, etc. Thank you.
anon
I loved the ''Zen Mama'' prenatal yoga DVD. You can do the entire practice (about an hour) or it is broken into chapters to just focus on areas that might be sore or need focused stretching. There are modifications for each trimester of your pregnancy.
A yoga mom
Aug 2006
I could only find one mention of a prenatal yoga video on the BPN web site
(Shiva
Rae's), and was wondering if there are others that mothers have particularly
liked.
Thanks
-Kara
I like Dr. Christine Anderson's Dynamic Prenatal Yoga. It's
challenging (in good way I think) even for someone who had a
yoga practice before becoming pregnant, and has some nice focus
on the pregnancy as well.
Here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00075K832
I enjoyed Yoga Mama Prenatal Yoga. The instructor is Sue
Elkind. It featured a short enough (about 40 minutes) workout
that I would actually do it - didn't feel like it took too much
of a time commitment, if you know what I mean. The level is
pretty gentle, and I found her to be fairly non-annoying, which
is apparently hard to find in prenatal yoga dvds! And the women
doing the workout with her were at all different stages of
pregnancy, which was nice too - and she shows options for how to
do some of the poses differently for when you're more pregnant.
- another yoga mama
April 2003
Hi everyone,
It's been six months since my baby got outta my tummy and I'd
like to get back into shape! My body has totally changed since
birth.
Anyhow, I would like recommendations on Yoga or Pilates DVD's -
I figure these are much cheaper than paying for $10-$15 a class,
plus it's easier if i just have my baby w/ me in our rec room,
than getting us all together, in the car, etc.
I have a background in dance and gymnastics so i'm not looking
for anything too easy, but i'm also still a beginner! I'll
probably buy 2 or 3 to start and then build my library.
Thanks in advance!
stacy
Hi Stacy,
About pilates dvd's- I reccommend Stott pilates highly. I am
a pilates teacher and have seen a lot of videos by different
companies and Stott's are high quality and very clear and
concise. As a former dancer myself I really appreciate their
precision of movement- and they should be excellent for
someone postpartum. You can order these online at
www.stottpilates.com. You will want to start with beginning
matwork and eventually progress upwards. There are also
some yoga infused pilates titles now. These have all been
out on video for a long time but should be becoming
available on dvd this month. I also reccommend that you
take a few pilates classes as when done properly pilates is
a very precise form of exercise and it is good to make sure
you have good form to get the ultimate benefit. I teach a
couple mat classes a week- which are small so I have lots
of opportunity to correct. You could even bring your baby
along. If you have any other questions you are welcome to
phone me at 510-508-1408 or check out my website at
www.optimumpilates.com.
Good luck.
Andrea
The Stott Pilates series of exercise videos are by far the most
well-respected by professionals in the fitness industry. Moira
Stott has adapted, updated, and expanded the standard (and
previously very limited) Pilates exercises to comform with current
thinking about exercise physiology.
Helene
I recently lost 55 lbs in 6 months through the consistent use of
Pilates and Yoga DVD's at home. I know exactly how you feel-you
want to lose weight and firm up without going to the gym. I have
two toddlers (born in 2000 & 2001) and workout DVD's have been
the perfect solution for me. My husband commented that we own
more exercise DVD's than regular films, but he loves the
results. I set my alarm for 4:30am and get my daily excercise in
before my children wake up. My two favorite DVD's which have
really made a difference in my body are: Classical Pilates
Technique-Complete Matwork
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000069YWP.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg,
and Bryan Kest's Power Yoga-Intensive Body Sculpting
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000069YWN.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
Both DVD's are available on Amazon.com and they are well worth
the price. They both also feature modifications for everyone
from beginners through advanced(and what Classical Pilates
calls ''super advanced''), so these are two DVD's that you can
grow with at your own pace.
twounderthree
i went the video route with pilates, and then yoga, after
pregnancy, and it was very helpful--but i also recommend taking
a series of classes and/or goign to a few drop in pilates
classes. even the best videos are not goign to measure up to a
teacher who can direct you. that said, i think moira stott's
pialtes tapes are some of the best out there--she explains well,
tells you what you're supposed to be doing and what
muscles/joints/ etc. you're working. if you've got dance
experience i'd go for her intermediate tape, but you might try
the beginner for info/pointers (or buy a book, like mari
winsor's 'the pilates powerhouse,' to get the little details).
i also like grace lazenby's 'all the right moves,' a combination
yoga & pilates (more yoga) intense workout! Jennifer
Kries' 'the method' series offers good workouts, i think, but
only if you know what's going on--imho, she offers little in the
way of explicit instruction for too many poses. you can also
read the reviews of these videos/dvds at amazon.com--many are
quite helpful.
good luck & have fun!
jessica
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