No Excuses. - Review - video recording reviews

Vegetarian Times, Dec, 1999 by Carole Nicksin

These 5 winter workout videos will keep you in shape when you can't get to the gym

Winter is here, and with daylight fading so early, heading for the gym after work can have all the appeal of exercising in the middle of the night. (And we won't even mention the word blizzard.) But that doesn't mean you have to let your muscles atrophy until next swimsuit season. If you'd rather be home when it's dark, consider an exercise video. These mind/body tapes will not only tone your muscles, they'll help you connect with your breath and encourage a holistic approach in all of the movements. They're also easy enough for beginners yet challenging enough for intermediate students. So what are you waiting for? Class is about to begin.

POWER STRENGTH YOGA FOR BEGINNERS WITH RODNEY YEE

Yoga has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity over the past few years, and power yoga is its latest--and hippest--incarnation. While traditional yoga involves holding a single position for minutes at a time, power yoga is a fluid series of poses that keep you moving from one to the next. Teacher Rodney Yee leads you through an energizing and gently strenuous workout, talking you through each position and giving helpful reminders regarding proper position, alignment and breathing techniques. The 20-minute work' out is broken down into four segments: six minutes of Sun Salutation for warming up, 10 minutes of vinyasa (various poses) for strength and flexibility, and four minutes of relaxation to allow your body to absorb the full benefits of the postures. Living Arts: (800) 2-LIVING; $10.

THE METHOD: ALL IN ONE WORKOUT

Dance movements, aerobics, Pilates-like toning exercises and yoga all figure into this eclectic and challenging workout tape. The program consists of four segments--warm-up, aerobic cross-training, a "centering makeover" (strengthening and toning exercises for the stomach, spine and hip muscles, the body's center of energy, balance and strength) and cool-down/stretch. To get the maximum benefits, you'll also need hand weights and a body bar. The focus is less on the mind and more on the body, but for an intense regimen that builds muscles, gets your heart rate up and still gives a nod to the mind-body connection, you can't beat this. Parade Video: (800) 272-4214; $12.98.

BALANCED BODY PILATES MAT PROGRAM

For several decades, dancers have used the exercises developed by Joseph Pilates (pu-LOT-is) to bring their bodies into balance, build strength and stability and unblock areas of restricted movement. Today it's become popular by regular folks seeking the lean and toned physique of a dancer. In this tape, Elizabeth Larkam, co-developer of the Balanced Body Method, makes these intricate exercises easy to understand and follow and offers lots of information about proper form and placement. An emphasis on coordinating the abdominal muscles with the back muscles makes this a particularly good workout for anyone with lower back problems. Fit and Flex: (800) 240-3539; $29.95.

THE WOMAN'S WARRIOR WORKOUT

Despite what the title implies, this tape does not set out to teach you how to go out and kick some butt. Rather, its goal is to build confidence in the mind and body so that potential predators will be less inclined to mess with you in the first place. This is done through a balanced series of mat exercises--crunches, pushups and leg lifts--taught by Melanie Murphy, a 4th degree black belt karate expert. While the workout is not that different from what you might have done in high school gym class, the emphasis is on connecting with your strength and not being afraid to put an added oomph of aggression behind each kick. And the on-screen assortment of body types is a welcome reminder that you don't have to be a size 6 to be in good shape. Sounds True Video: (800) 333-9185; $19.95.

THE HEALING ART OF AFRICAN DANCE V

Join skilled performer Wyoma in the rhythmic movements of African dance, which are said to celebrate life and promote healing. Wyoma begins by teaching the basic dance movements slowly and thoroughly, then leads you through six dances, all to the beat of an on-screen drummer. As you mimic the flapping of a bird's wings or try to embody fire or wind, a primal connection with the world of nature seems inevitable. And unlike aerobics tapes that Can leave you wondering how the heck you're supposed to do whatever it is they're doing, African dance encourages personal interpretation. It may not provide an intense muscular or cardiovascular workout, but this tape will help you develop your own sense of grace and fluidity. Plus, it's so much fun, you'll forget that you're exercising. Sounds True Video: (800) 333-9185;$29.95.