Element: Postnatal Yoga Routine

In order to get a more accurate review on the Element Postnatal yoga routine I asked my sister (who now has an adorable baby) to try it out after waiting at least 6 weeks after birth. Below you can see her thoughts, as well as a link to Amazon.com where you can purchase the DVD if you are interested. This DVD also includes a prenatal routine which has also been reviewed on my blog.

"The pace is good and the instructor's voice is soothing and informative.

The routine is a little punishing to start with after months of no/low-activity; I was shaking by the end. The routine is also a little long at 36 minutes; I had to skip the ending shavasana because the baby woke up. A 20-minute routine would have been preferable, though the length probably isn't an issue for most people. I noticed that the narration was opposite from the demonstration sometimes - ie, the narration would say to step your right foot back but the visual demonstration showed the left foot back instead. I don't know if they were going for a mirror-effect, but it put me off a few times. Just a little thing, but it bothered my OCD mind. Overall a good routine that will build strength over time. However, I might opt for something gentler until my muscles get back into the swing of things."

Thank you Krysta for your thoughts on this workout!

If you are interested in purchasing this DVD you can start by looking on Amazon.com here.

Happy Training! à bientôt!

Top 10 Workout DVDs 2012

This is a list of my top 10 workout DVDs that I tried during 2012. I'm obviously a fan of yoga, so you will see a lot of yoga and and dance instructional workout DVDs in this list. These DVDs are the ones that I am currently incorporating into my workout regime most frequently. Each item on the list will have a link back to my original post on the DVD. The closer to the top of the list the DVD is, the more I use it in my own conditioning. 

1. Aim True Yoga with Kathryn Budig Blog Post  Level: Intermediate/Advanced
2. Shiva Rea: Fluid Power, Vinyasa Flow Yoga Blog Post Level: Intermediate/Advanced
3. Ballet Beautiful Blast Series Blog Post Level: Anybody, it burns regardless
4. Bryan Kest's Power Yoga Blog Post Level: Beg-Advanced
5. Radiant Flow with Janet Stone Blog Post Level: Advanced
6. Yoga Transformation: Weight Loss and Balance with Tara Stiles Blog Post Level: Intermediate
7. Fat Free Yoga Blog Post Level: Anybody
8. Flow Yoga: Strength & Flexibility Blog Post Level: Beg-Advanced
9. New York City Ballet Workout: I Blog Post   Level: Anybody, it burns regardless (might be helpful to have some ballet experience for some exercises)
10. Ballet Boot Camp 2 with Jessica Sherwood Blog Post Level: Anybody, it burns regardless (might be helpful to have some ballet experience for some exercises)

Happy Training! à bientôt!

Staying off my feet: A Tough Routine

School starts Monday, I'm super excited! But I'm also trying to stay off my feet so that I can dance in my classes. I've been fighting an infection in my toe and my hope is that it will be well enough to dance for my next performance and for classes this semester! Just because I'm off my feet doesn't mean I can't workout, though. In my frustration I created an intense, 20 minute routine done almost completely on the floor. Check it out if you are looking to sweat!

Happy Training! à bientôt!

Feel Skinny: A light smoothie

I made this smoothie as part of my lunch during the holidays. I was so sick and tired of heavy, rich foods and I just wanted something light and refreshing! This smoothie was a perfect fix. You can have it as a snack, or with a salad, toast, or eggs, etc. to make a meal. Instead of the stuffy feeling I got after eating the holiday feasts, I felt slim and energized!

Preparation Time: 5 min.


Servings: 2, 8 oz. glasses

Ingredients:
1/2 Orange (can be frozen or fresh)
Small handful Blackberries
1/2 Banana
3-4 Strawberries
2-4 oz. Milk (substitute with rice, almond or soy milk)
2 ice cubes (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut fresh ingredients into small enough sizes that it won't break your blender.
2. Dump fresh ingredients into the blender.
3. Pour liquid ingredient (milk) into blender.
4. Pulse until smooth.
5. Enjoy!

 I've included a picture, just for fun, of the salad I had with the smoothie. It consisted of mixed greens, cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, and sauteed mushrooms with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Happy Training! à bientôt!

You can also see this post on my website.