Yogalates Complete [DVD]

I have been doing yogalates on and off for about a year. Lately, though, I've been doing it for about 3 months straight, which the presenter/creator Louise Solomon recommends to see results. I have a long history of starting/stopping diets and exercise routines, gym memberships, etc. This is the only program that has had a lasting effect on me, one that I continue to do and love. At 16 pounds, it is SUCH good value. I bought it for retail when it first came out. There is enough variety to suit everyone or yourself depending on your mood. I've had back and neck problems and doing this has helped. Some exercises suit beginners and some suit the more advanced, you need to work your way through all of them and see which ones feel right at first, then move on to the harder moves later.

To describe the actual process: well, it's calm and slow, meditative, yet very intensive. Sometimes it's as little as holding a pose like you've paused midst-crunch, and it feels like it lasts forever, building strength into your abs. yet, it's so gentle no never feel like you're straining joints, etc. There's no annoying background music, Louise talks through the exercises which helps sometimes (reminds you to relax face muscles which you didn't realize were clenched) and sometimes you have to have extra breaths to get back in time with her breaths, as she talks so long sometimes. Still, never a problem. Once you've done the exercises enough, you should have it memorized. I do, and the other day when my dvd player wouldn't play, I did my own routine using my favourite moves. It utilizes yoga poses, of which I'm not familiar, as I never did exercise like this before, but they're like intense stretches. It strengthens the core muscles around your spine and if you're a true beginner, follow her beginner routine. It's usually Louise and about 3-4 other people in the video, and one person always does an easier version of the exercise/pose, which helps. From experience, I recommend doing the beginner ones until you're ready to move on, otherwise you might be sore the day after.

As far as results go, it definitely works. I haven't had massive weight loss, as I've only just started eating properly again. But the difference in my body is hugely noticable, and this is the first summer I feel more confident about showing my legs. For something that feels so 'easy' while you're doing it, it gives results akin to going to the gym. My arm muscles are toned. My waist and abs are defined, and my legs are more toned. I recently noticed my ankles look better (!) Now that I've stuck with it, I am reaping the rewards. It's pleasant to do, and I do it first thing in the morning, and find that it gives me more energy. I can tell the difference in days that I've done it and days I haven't, I'm much more lethargic and my neck and back are more twingy on days I don't do it. I go through phases where I get tired of it, but I always return.

You need space in your living room to be able to lay down and freely move your arms and legs around. I also have just discovered the helpfulness of have a yoga mat. I got an extra cushiony mat and found it has made moves MUCH more comfy. I think I'd injured my wrist doing Wii tennis and doing one pose (downward facing dog) was hurting a bit, but the mat helped. Also, I recommend doing just one workout which is 20 - 30 minutes every day during the week rather than the whole thing (1.5 hours) 3 times a week, just easier and less boring that way. I used to do it the last way and found it worked better doing one workout at a time, maybe two if I felt in the zone, but some dvds have 3 workouts. One more thing; pay attention to her 'breathing system', because I think this is where a lot of the ab work gets subtly slipped in, and as a singer by trade, I think it's helped my lungs get stronger.

This boxset is amazing value. Your body will change, be more toned and, if you're like me, will make you more aware of your posture, thus improving your back etc. There's also a concentration on pelvic floor muscles, which I believe has improved as well, great if you've had a baby. Just get it and don't give up after a week or two; you might notice a few changes right away, but the sculpted look will take a few months. Doing this and eating more healthily has made me feel a hundred times better, both physically and mentally. I can't believe I'm actually writing a review about how much I LOVE an exercise video. Seriously... get it.

This box set of 5 Yogalates DVDs has been one of the best exercise purchases I've ever made. Yogalates has been the first form of exercise that I've managed to sustain for longer than a couple of weeks at a time. I have been practising Yogalates for over 4 months now, and am still not tired of it.

Having all 5 of the DVDs is great too; I tend to hop around and do an advanced bit of one of the DVDs, then do an easier section that I know will be relaxing. It just gives more variety.

It's just fab - I get home from work at the end of the day and look forward to doing some Yogalates as a way of unwinding and getting myself out of a bad mood.

For a while, I felt like it wasn't doing much, but I stuck to it, and loads of people have now said I look slimmer, and that my tummy's flatter. I feel like I should be doing more cardio activity, but so far I haven't been, and I'm still seeing benefits.

Look at it not as an expensive purchase, but as an investment in a flat tummy and no more flab.

Yogalates is the concept invented by Louise Solomon, which as you have probably guessed, a fusion of Yoga and Pilates.

The DVD's in the boxset are as following:

- Yogalates: Look great in 28 days!

- Total Body Toner: 4 Workouts, Abs, Upper Body, Lower Body and all 3 together for the advanced student.

- Ultimate Yogalates: Sculpts and tones buttocks and legs, arms and abs.

- Yogalates Energizer: Workouts using the resistance band which is included with this DVD.

- Yogalates Firm, Fit & Flexible: Focuses on stretching and strengthening.

All of these DVD's are available seperately.

I think this boxset is a great purchase, you are spoilt for choice with workouts as on average there are 2-4 workouts on each dvd so you can do 1 section of a DVD that takes 20 mins or do the whole dvd and do an hour.

In most of the reviews I have read people have said that they don't like Louise's voice and that they find it patronising. You have to realise that as being a yoga teacher she talks very slowly, and a lot, in a very soothing voice. I don't find it irritating at all, the commentary helps me to do the moves, especially when I'm all bent out of shape and I can't see the telly to follow the students! I'm not particularly confident at Yogalates so I appreciate the continual breakdown of moves.

You don't really need any kit for this DVD. A resistance band is included with Yogalates Energizer, but if you haven't bought that then you might want to consider buying either a resistance band or the DVD (though the DVD is probably cheaper!) as I find the resistance band is really useful to do difficult moves. Otherwise Louise recommends using things around the house to help you, she recommends a blanket if you don't have a yoga mat, and she uses hand towels and cushions in her workout and I'm sure everyone has those!

I have really enjoyed using all of the dvds, I'm a beginner and I find all the moves manageable to do. Louise always starts with a basic move then shows you ways to 'advance' it, but then there is always one student who continues doing the beginner move so that you can choose not to advance if you wish. It's really useful, I always give the difficult moves a go but then I can always go back if I find it too difficult. The DVD's are not fast paced, they are really well explained and so easy to follow.

The DVD is shot in a white room which people have commented on as boring, but it doesn't bother me. There is also no music, I think this beats whale music or the awful soundtrack that most fitness DVD's have, but if it bothers you that much you can always put on your own music!

All in all I really love these DVD's, I find that I actually WANT to work out which is really unusual for me, I'm a complete couch potato! I have got more energy in the day and the lower back pain that I usually get in the evening has eased considerably. I manage to do 2 30 minute workouts a day and have started to see results after a fortnight.

I would really recommend these dvd's, if you're still unsure then read the testimonials and watch the video clips at www.yogalates.co.uk!