Xtend Barre Lean & Chiseled

Andrea Rogers
Year Released: 2011

Categories: Ballet/Barre


This is a 55 minute ballet inspired workout done at a nice quick tempo. Andrea works out in a large open white room with 2 background exercises. Both backgrounders show modifications- advanced or beginner, with Andrea performing the intermediate level. You will need a chair (or ballet barre), and a light pair of dumbbells (1-3#'s).

The dvd is nicely chaptered- you can play all or select a section. Sections include: a 6 min warmup,11 min upper body, 23 min barre, 10 min core, and a 5 min cooldown Also included are: a tutorial, bonus clips, and more. The warmup is a nice active ballet style movements & the cooldown is a limber stretch segment. A lot of the moves hit the core (love it) and she includes plenty of balance work (need it!) making this a very well rounded workout.

Upper Body: Using 1-3 pound weights you perform standing ballet postures with: arm circles, arm crosses, pliet reach, etc. Then move to the floor for 1 legged tricep pushups, modified pushups, plank shifts, etc.

Barre: Using a chair or ballet barre you perform standing ballet moves such as: pliet heel lifts with an optional hop, pliets from 1st to 2nd position, front attitude, inner thigh sweep to wide pliet, C-curve closed leg squats w/ a heel lift, an active pliet series w/ an optional hop, ballet style lunge series, curtsy to leg extensions, glute raise series, outer thigh lifts. leg circles, etc.

Core: On the mat core focused work includes: ankles crossed leg drops, V-twists, scissor leg drops w/ a twist, oblique leg drops, extended leg situps, side planks, twisting teasers, etc.

I would rate this solid intermediate done following Andrea. Follow a mod and/or adjust your poundage to vary the intensity of your workout. Andrea provides excellent cuing & form pointers & obviously knows her stuff! I love that the pace of this workout- quick enough to get your heart pumping a bit but still controlled movements. I really like Andrea & look forward to more workouts from her. I like that while this is an elegant ballet style workout, its still a bit athletic and very flowing. If you liked Tracey Mallets- Booty Barre, you will also love this! Received to review.

lindseylu8

03/21/2011