Search - Fat-Blasting Yoga on DVD

Good workout, but not yoga!

Megan Henry | 01/02/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big Denise Austin fan, so I was prepared to love this video, but I've got to tell you--I'm pretty disappointed. This was a good workout, but there was very little yoga to do with it. While the postures and moves are based in yoga, it seems a stretch to call the workout itself yoga; there is no emphasis on breath, there is no emphasis on posture or correct form. It is definitely not a beginner workout. It is a good aerobic workout, and yes, all of my muscles feel it today, but if you're looking for a good YOGA workout that will yield the same results, try Crunch's Yoga videos--they're great."

Don't get bogged down in semantics

Melissa Bruce | Baltimore, MD | 09/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Fat-Blasting yoga, it is not traditional yoga. The box clearly states that the poses are performed "in a flowing style to increase the heart rate, boost metabolism and burn calories and fat." If you're looking for a DVD to teach you the traditional poses and breathing techniques, this is not the one. If you're looking to lose some weight and gain some flexibility, this is an excellent choice.My goal when I set out three weeks ago was to lose 50 lbs by next summer, and by alternating this DVD with Denise's "Pilates for Every Body" (along with a better diet), I have already lost 10 lbs. It is difficult to give an overall loss, because these programs build muscle, which, of course, weighs more than fat. Suffice it to say, I have a very defined waistline again, my stomach has flattened out considerably, and I can see definite muscle tone in my arms and legs. I have had a difficult time in the past sticking to exercise programs, but I now find that I start to feel a bit sketchy if I haven't worked out by around 7 p.m. This workout is fun, and I found early on that you can do your own slight modifications to the poses until you've gained the flexibility to do them the way they are taught. I look forward to working out every day, and I especially enjoy "Yoga Days." After three weeks, I am more flexible, more balanced and more focused - and did I mention, lighter?One complaint: I'm certain that in the Balancing Stick series, she has you doing one leg twice and the other leg four times, and I'm not sure she's consistent with count on other exercises. Once you get familiar with the workout, though, you can adjust for that. Denise tends to say "This is my favourite," for several stretches or moves. This is not as annoying as funny, when you realize that she really loves what she's doing. She's very motivating, and she seems to realize that not everyone is at her fitness level. Incidentally, I have suffered knee, shoulder and back injuries through gymnastics, and I find that this video does not aggravate those at all. I recommend, however, purchasing a stability ball if you're serious about this workout. It really takes the pressure off your back when doing things such as situps and double-leg stretches."