Yoga for Weight Loss Workout Kit

Jill Miller
Year Released: 2008

Categories: Yoga


I finally discovered Jill Miller this Spring and have loved everything I've tried from her, so I decided to get this kit when I was wanting more. The kit includes:

~ 3-lb weights with handles. I like these actually, even though they are light. They work well for a little extra work when doing pushups and side planks. And they act as mini pushup stands. They were part of the reason I wanted this set, and I'm not disappointed with them.

~ Round yoga block. I don't really need this, but it is a little bit larger than my regular yoga blocks, so it is nice in some cases to have a wider base, like when you are putting your hips on it.

~ DVD with 3 workouts (Functional Strengthening, Kinetic Conditioning, and Bonus Core.)

Functional Conditioning is pretty basic and definitely geared toward beginners, so it is probably not something I will do much. However, I enjoyed it the time I did it, just because I enjoy being led by Jill. I always feel like I am tuning into my body more when I do, and it felt good for me, even if I don't think it will make me stronger.

Kinetic Conditioning has a little more substance to it, but is still not too difficult. I do think it includes some nice functional work for the smaller muscles in your shoulders and upper back though. Again, I probably won't do it much, but I felt good when I was doing it.

The core work is actually pretty nice. It starts out easy, and none of the moves last very long. However, with focus I find that this can be pretty effective. The final leg lift moves are actually pretty tough. I have discovered because of the chaptering, I can pretty easily get to the bicycle moves in the 1st workout, the walking plank move in the 2nd workout, and then finish up with the Bonus core work and get a pretty decent core workout in about 15 minutes.

Instructor Comments:
I normally wouldn't want to pay $30 (the price at Target) for what amounts to a 15 minute core workout (since I won't be using the other sections that much.) But I'm not disappointed with this purchase, since I do like the weights that it comes with, and I really enjoy working out with Jill. I think this set would mostly be preferred by those new to exercise, but there are parts of that can be enjoyed by people of all levels. I could go on for a long time about how great I find Jill. She is the yoga instructor I have been looking for. She has a style that is very relaxed and approachable, yet she does not dumb down her yoga for the masses. Her knowledge of anatomy is impressive and I learn things from listening to her. Because she explains so much while you are doing the work, I find her workouts to go by very quickly, which has never been my experience with yoga in the past.

Lisa C

07/09/2009