Full disclosure: I received this DVD as a free preview. First, I have to say how much I LOVE the scenery – the sparkling blue ocean, the lush green foliage, the cool purple and white flowers, and the clear reflection pool. Sadie Lincoln does the workout in voiceover in a calm, friendly voice, and the music was perfect of this workout; relaxing and energizing at the same time.

There are two workouts on this DVD: (1) Burn & Firm, and (2) Lengthen & Strengthen.

Burn & Firm begins with wide plie squats, then we shift our weight by leaning side-to-side with an overhead arm reach. We do this several times, then repeat on the other side.

Side #1: From a wide plie stance (aka “horse stance”), bend and lean forward from waist, then lean back into chair and plie. Repeat this pattern several times, then sink into plie, return to standing with a leg lift and sink back into plie. Repeat this several times.

From plie position, lower further into plie and execute small pulses, then add lifted heels (Yikes! I felt this one!) Next is “standing diamond” where you do a sort of standing passé. With feet in V position (heels together and lifted), lift and lower into plies, keeping heels lifted (I felt this as well!) Sumo squats are next: from squat position, lift and lower at tempo, then double-time, bringing forearms to thighs, then lifting arms overhead; this gave a good cardio effect!


Side #2: Repeat everything from Side #1: Horse stance/wide plie; lean into chair/barre, then plie, alternate plies and leans; lean with leg lifts, return to plie, then plie pulses; lower, hold, lift heels, lower heels, repeat (again, killer inner thigh work!) After repeating “standing diamond” we add something new: Move up on toes, sink into plie, lifting and lowering into “drinking bird” (similar to chair pose.) Finally, some really great stretches!


Strengthen & Lengthen begins with step-taps, then we add arms, hamstring curls, and knee lifts. We sink into a crescent lunge, then lift onto our toes with back leg. This really worked my back leg! Then we shift our weight to the front leg for some graceful one-legged squats. This really worked my front leg! Everything is done on one side, then the other. Next, we move to the mat on all fours and lift one leg behind and opposite arm in front, bringing both together under torso and repeating several times before changing to other arm and leg. Then we lay on our sides for a “clam” move; with both legs lifted, toes together and knees apart, we move our knees together and apart (open & close), repeating several times before moving into a seated spinal twist – then we repeat everything on the other side.

Next we lay on our back keeping both feet on the floor for bridge lifts. With heels together, raise onto your toes and lift and lower hips one inch. Very effective! Incline core work is next – lay on the floor with a flat back (or with a towel under small of back), lift legs straight up to the ceiling, and bring one leg down the other (passé) while lowering the other leg at the same time. Repeat several times. Lay on your back again with legs up the ceiling and lower them by pulling feet down and spreading the knees wide (like a frog.) Then move to all 4’s for cat/cow, plank, child’s pose and final stretches.

I really enjoyed the first workout; the second workout was decent as well. Unfortunately, the workouts are not chaptered within themselves: I had to stop the workout to answer the door and could not chapter to where I left off; I had to fast-forward. Oh well, minor irritation to an otherwise wonderful workout!

Debbie J