When we sweat, it is a sign that our body is getting rid of unwanted toxins and fat cells- that calories are literally being burned. This is no ordinary sun salutation flow. Instead, it is a totally innovative program of ... more »arm balances, core strengthening and twisting postures that will aid in digestion and detoxification of the body. The end result - that radiant glow that we all want!« less
Actor:Sara Ivanhoe Director:Andrea Ambandos Genres:Fitness & Yoga Sub-Genres:Yoga Studio:Goldhill Home Media Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 11/30/2004 Release Year: 2004 Run Time: 0hr 20min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
Nice routine with a standing posture and twist focus
Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 12/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"In Power Beauty Sweat, instructor Sara Ivanhoe does not rely on a traditional series of sun salutations to build heat in the body; rather, she adds movement to standing postures to intensify. She begins in a seated position with a simple side stretch and twist, then moves to kneeling for a kneeling side stretch (gate pose) and side plank. From here, the practice evolves to standing postures, including fan pose, a standing twist, and chair--each pose is repeated with movement and then a twist to both sides. Balance work comes in the form of eagle pose, and then there is a series consisting of dog pose, lunge, runner's stretch, and cow (or bull) performed to both sides. Dolphin pose further strengthens the arm muscles, and finally, there is a lying hamstring stretch. As with all the practices in this series, Ivanhoe ends with a mudra--or yogic hand gesture--using a detoxification mudra here.
Despite the title, I felt only minimal sweat as a result of this practice; it definitely did not build as much heat as a power yoga routine. However, the large number of included twists felt wonderful for my spine, and the excellent hip openers felt great as well. Instructor Sara Ivanhoe's personality in this practice is similar to her prior Crunch and Dummies videos: she is very down-to-earth, although some may find her language a bit patronizing at times. Overall, this is a nice, short yoga routine for focusing on standing postures and streching the spine and hips."
Feels great but not as intense as the title
Mia Sangria | New Orleans, LA USA | 06/07/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I would recommend this for the days that you want to do 'something' but aren't up for anything too vigorous.
For me, the intermediate self-taught yoga practitioner, it wasn't as challenging as I had expected. I only broke a very slight sweat, however, I have to admit that after the workout I really did feel GREAT for the rest of the day.
If you're looking for more vigorous yoga I recommend Sarah Ivanhoe's Crunch Fat Blasting Yoga workout."
Quick but powerful
MeWorry?Gal | Bothell, Washington | 10/07/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I chose this separate DVD because of price, the instructor and the 20 minute factor. I have been doing Yoga on and off for the last couple of years but have recently been doing it twice a week. I liked this DVD because the moves were not the typical sun salutations taking up the beginning and the positions were challenging. As an intermediate on the lower end of the spectrum the 20 minutes worked. I did not sweat but I felt it in my legs the next day. The short session can almost guarantee that I will do this frequently by itself or along with a 30 minute cardio. I will probably look for the set to see what the others are like."
Deceiving Title
fitness fan | 01/01/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another enjoyable and quick yoga workout, though as with the previous review, I barely broke a sweat. I like this DVD when I'm pressed for time and need to fit in something."
Nice 20 minute yoga practice...
Teedums | White Bear Lake, MN | 11/20/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Power Beauty Sweat is another video in Sara's 20 Minute Yoga Makeover series and it's my favorite of the ones that I have tried. I wouldn't necessarily agree with the title as other reviewers but I still enjoyed this practice quite a bit. I really enjoyed the scenery which is a backdrop of the mountains and ocean in Hawaii, very colorful.
You start by sitting on the floor in a cross legged position, you will first do a side lean to each side then a spinal twist. Then you will come onto your knees for gate pose, where one leg is extended out and you lean over it. You have the option of moving into stage 2 which is putting your arm behind you, I personally skip this. Then you move into a side plank pose with a straight arm, this was tough for me, I may do this one on my elbow next time. The option of moving into stage 2 by putting your arm behind you is given again here. Gate and plank are then repeated on the other side.
Then you will stand for fan pose, adding twists to each side before moving into a standing twist. This is followed by chair pose twist, and eagle pose with a shoulder stretch. You finish out with a nice series of poses such as downward facing dog, lunge stretch, hamstring stretch, cow pose, dolphin pose and a quadricep stretch while lying on your front. Then you will end up in a cross legged position with a Mudra hand gesture.
I would consider myself intermediate at best in yoga, I expected this practice to be harder than it was, though some poses were tougher for me than others. But overall a very nice practice, I like doing this one in the mornings especially. I like Sara Ivanhoe as an instructor and seem to click with her style of yoga. Overall I give this one 4 and a half stars."