The Bar Method Body: Fat Free; On the Ball: Yoga Workout for Beginners

Remember Christine Kaur's 1995 Power Yoga Kundalini, in which viewers were instructed to “pull up the energy from your rectum and sex organs and beam it out through your forehead”? Ah yes, oldies but weirdies: over the past 19 years we've reviewed hundreds of exercise videos--aerobics, step, Pilates, cardio, Tae-Bo, prenatal, postnatal, chair sitting, kid-centric, for seniors, and so on. And every year, just like in Detroit, new models roll off the assembly line with updated bells and whistles, or--in this case--balls and bars. We asked Nicole Plympton and Joanne Asala to test drive On the Ball: Yoga Workout for Beginners and The Bar Method Body: Fat Free, and here's what they had to say… Nicole Plympton: Natural Journeys'--a forerunner in the quality exercise video sweepstakes--On the Ball: Yoga Workout for Beginners is an excellently-produced, nicely-paced program that teaches viewers how to use an inflatable balance ball for support while performing many of the standard yoga poses. Down-to-earth, amiable fitness instructor Sara Ivanhoe briefly outlines the fundamental principles of yoga and discusses ball basics (choosing the right ball, air pressure, etc.) and proper form, before taking viewers through breathing exercises and a complete step-by-step succession of poses, including the warrior stance, sun salutation, downward dog, and plank, among others, aimed at increasing flexibility, as well as strengthening and stretching muscles. The entire program--including the final cool down and relaxation sequence employs the balance ball (my new best friend). Although ideal for beginners, Ivanhoe consistently offers options to viewers looking for a more challenging workout, making this a solid introduction to ball training for people at various fitness levels. DVD extras include a bonus workout blast for more intense twists, bends, and general ouches. Highly recommended. [Note: Also newly available for the same price, On the Ball: Pilates Toolbox for Beginners.] Aud: P. (N. Plympton) Joanne Asala: Unfamiliar with the Bar Method, I quickly skimmed through the routine in The Bar Method Body: Fat Free, which looked pretty easy since many of the exercises are comprised of small movements performed with a dance bar (or the back of a chair). Piece of cake, I thought…until I tried it. The Bar Method utilizes deep muscle exercises to elongate the thigh and seat muscles (so they sit higher on your hip), stretch your legs, define your shoulders, arms, and chest, and pull up your abdominals. While the exercises look deceptively simple, they are really quite challenging (some are downright fatiguing). I've done this routine for about four weeks now and can see a definite improvement: my clothes fit differently and I'm ready for a trip to the mall (well, I'm always ready for a trip to the mall). Taught by Burr Leonard, who is in her late fifties and looks absolutely fabulous, this is a fun, challenging routine that also works. Recommended. [Note: also newly available at the same prices is The Bar Method Body: Designer Sculpting.] Aud: P. (J. Asala)