Exhale Core Fusion Bootcamp

Elisabeth Halfpapp, Fred DeVito
Year Released: 2010

Categories: Circuit Training (cardio and weights) , Pilates/Core Strength


LindseyLu's review is a very comprehensive!
Here are some additional, random, impressions. FYI, I do a lot of yoga, and my usual strength workouts are: Val Waters’ circuits, Montenegro Method, Dove’s Bodies 3 & 4, and some of Leah Sarago’s Ballet Body workouts (those that aren’t too barre-like – I’m not fond of barre, in general).

Wow, Core Fusion Bootcamp is a sneaky workout. I thought the moves looked pretty tame on preview, but many are tough. My weaknesses were exposed. This will be a good complement to my other strength workouts. I think the strengthening emphasis (endurance) will be very helpful for my yoga.

I loved the flow of all the segments, and of each segment into the next (with the exception of the last two bonus segments, which I reversed). I like that this is total body toning with cardio benefits - it felt like a complete and balanced workout to me. They work the arms in many non-traditional ways – so, for me, there was more arm work than appears by simply viewing the workout. I also liked that this is not typical barre (none of the barre moves that I find tedious).

I liked the yoga movements - they worked for me - and, didn't feel too fusion-y. The Sun Salutation segment included some great strengthening poses and variations.

I was very challenged by a number of moves. I can tell that this workout hits areas in different ways than my other strength workouts. All of the chair pose variations were an endurance battle for me. While in chair pose, there are also movements with arms extended (holding the ball) - these really worked my whole back and shoulders.

The jump-backs were nice and controlled - I don’t really like burpees, but I enjoyed these. They didn’t dominate the workout as much as I thought they would - they probably comprise half or less of the 2 segments labeled “Jump-Backs.” There are plenty of other moves in those sections – including those chairs!

The other difficult segments for me were the Abdominal Curl (c-curve abs) and Thigh Core. I started out okay, but couldn't believe Fred just kept going with more sets! I had to take breaks. I don't usually do this kind of ab work - but I liked both segments, particularly Liz's - some very different moves. I imagine I'll get better over time.

I don't have a playground ball, so substituted a 3 lb medicine ball for most of those moves, except the jump-backs, which I did with no prop.
The only awkward moves for me were the pivoting lunges. I'm not sure there is any benefit to the pivot - so I may do static or forward or backward lunges instead.

LunaSea

03/12/2011