In essence, Angles, Lines & Curves II is an exploration of movement, as well thought out as it is executed. The format of this tape is very similar to the structure of Kari’s earlier Angles, Lines & Curves tape and, like that production, is a fluid blend of dance, pilates and yoga. This one, however, is much more challenging – like an expanded version of the toning segment of [u] DanceWorks [/u].
As in the first ALC tape, the design is segmented (I counted 8 parts), with the basic position of the next segment prefigured in the transition. The flow is pleasant and natural, starting with a standing warm-up involving balancing and centering. From there the sections build on each other -- moving basically from lunges/side arm balances to exercises from a kneeling position to reclining moves (including side leg lifts, cobra, front and back planks, scissors and bridge) to cooling seated forward bends/downward dog. There’s even some chi catching in the cool-down.
This is a dance-based fusion workout that is so smooth I couldn’t see the stitches. For example, when she begins a combination in a yoga lunge position she doesn’t go yogish -- she makes it entirely her own thing. In general, and in my opinion, Kari brings a sense of sureness and integrity to the elements included in this tape and there’s a pay-off in the resulting product.
Kari is, as usual, an excellent cuer and she is wonderful to watch. I also like the other participants in this workout (including Kari’s daughter Danielle) – they don’t appear to be exclusively fitness pros or models.
The music is pleasantly piano-like.
My only real quibble is the set. I usually love Kari’s simple brick-walled, often windowed, set. This one is a little trade show graphic design (you know, those portable panels) – busy and unappealing (to me). But the rest of this workout is so terrific I don’t mind a great deal.
My fitness level: I have been involved in a regular exercise program for over 20 years, am 57 years old, and like to stay at an advanced intermediate level. My preferred fitness activities are yoga and strength training.
Instructor comments:
Kari can cue with the best of them and it's a joy to watch her move. She is also completely natural in front of the camera -- a very engaging instructor.
SharonNYC
sharonfrost@earthlink.net
August 29, 20002
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this video! This workout is a wonderful combination of stretch, toning, yoga, pilates and dance. It is challenging enough for an advanced exerciser and yet it can be modified for an intermediate (and possibly a beginner, although I am not certain this would be suitable for a beginner because it is quite challenging).
I can't think of one flaw with this video. The exercises flow seamlessly into each other in a very natural progression. The only way I can think to describe this form of exercise is "Pilates in motion". It definitely seems like Pilates is the main emphasis - with dance elements. A couple exercises were variations of yoga poses, although slightly different. I love Pilates but what makes this even better (in my opinion) is that the fluid dance element makes the workout more interesting and exciting.
The music is beautiful (light piano and guitar, similar to Windham Hill recordings), the production is flawless, and I love the colorful set which is very pretty.
After this workout, I felt not only toned and stretched, but relaxed and happy. I think this workout is good for the soul!
Instructor comments:
Kari is such a wonderful instructor. She is poised, confident, encouraging and has a very pleasant demeanor and speaking voice. Her cueing is excellent and she is so beautiful and graceful and inspiring to watch.
SassyGirl
10-31-02
I love this workout. I am by nature, a one-dimensional exerciser. I love cardio, but I always have to force myself to add strength, balance, and flexibility routines into my rotation. So I was amazed that I liked this video so much. I have ALC I and I find ALC II much more challenging, and even more enjoyable.
The first time I did ALC II, it was after I had finished one of Christi Taylor’s step tapes. That was a mistake. This video is not easy for me. There are a number of strength/balance combinations that I find really tough. The one in particular that stands out, is where Kari has you on all fours and you start out by lifting one leg towards the ceiling with your hip turned out slightly. Then you take the same leg out to the side and touch your toe to the floor. You bring the leg back up and finish the move by bringing your knee to meet your nose. The kicker is when Kari has you repeat this move, but now you’re supporting your self on only one arm. I can barely keep myself upright on this one. I haven’t tipped over yet, but I do sway and shake quite a bit.
You can make this video as hard or as easy as you’d like. For instance, you can take your lunges as deep or as shallow as you’re comfortable with, the same thing applies to the pushups. The more I do this video, it seems as if the strength aspects are getting harder. I think it’s because my form is improving. I’ve only done this video four times and I’ve already noticed a difference in muscle tone. My triceps have more definition and my thighs don’t jiggle as much. In addition, I have more flexibility, and my balance has improved.
I like the way Kari integrates stretching segments between strength sections; it really flows well. The music fits the choreography nicely and the background exercisers are all terrific. Kari’s a natural in front of the camera. Her cueing is impeccable and her form is perfect. I can’t wait till she releases ALC III.
Stephanie D
4 May 2003
I am an intermediate exerciser who is
getting more and more into complex
choreography with cardio. With
strength work, I flirt with advanced
workouts, but prefer a more
intermediate level. To balance
traditional strength work with weights, I
do Pilates and ball workouts. Kari
Anderson is one of my most favorite
instructors and I like MOST of her
workouts - some of her older workouts
didn't click with me, but the newer stuff
I like a lot.
Kari leads a group of background
exercisers through this workout. I
thought the production values were
high: the music was good and flowing
and helped define the workout; the set
was nice and simple; the camera
angles were good and there was no
trouble seeing what she was doing.
Plus, as usual, Kari cues and
describes what she wants you to do
impeccably. She is just one of those
instructors that convinces me I can do
anything she wants me to.
Given that, I was really disappointed
that I did not enjoy this workout. A lot
of it has to do with the number of
moves which require you to prop
yourself on your hands in this workout.
There are a LOT and, given that I have
major hand and wrist issues with
arthritis, it was not pleasant. Plus, I felt
like I was working harder than I wanted
for the payoff I was getting out of the
workout.
Instructor comments:
She is warm and supportive and
convinces me I can do lots of stuff.
