Essentrics Workout

Sahra Esmonde-White
Year Released: 2008

Categories: Ballet/Barre


2 unique programs designed to tone and shape the entire body. The Essentric Technique is different from traditional programs due to the strengthening of the muscle being used in a lengthened position.

Workout 1 Arms, Abs & Waist Toner focuses on the upper body. Workout 2 Legs, Butt & Thigh Thinner targets the lower body. This makes a great split body routine (or do both for a total body blast).

Filmed at the Montreal Science Center, Sahra leads the workout while 2 female assistants perform the workout as well. The dvd is well chaptered so it is easy to navigate and select an area you may want work on any given day.

Workout 1 is broken up into two sections: standing work and floor work. You will begin with a fluid warmup to gently stretch the area and prepare for the deeper essentric exercises. Using no weight at all, you'll focus specifically on the contractions. Every movement is controlled and tight (you'll also perform lots of reps). Arm circles, raises, pumps--all muscles in the arms are going to feel it working! The floor work section begins with traditional abdominal work. Sahra performs multiple versions of crunches to hit all areas of the abs, including the obliques.

Workout 2 has three different segments: standing, floor work and barre work. Do them all or choose any segment to fit your needs. Again you'll begin with a small warmup to get the blood pumping and prepare the lower body for the toning. In the standing segment you'll focus on the inner thigh area, performing several sets of plies each with unique variations. The floor work segment is reminiscent of traditional floor work exercises but with a "twist". Sahra focuses on the lengthening of the move which adds an additional burn. (this segment really focuses on the outer thigh/hip region) The Z move is tough! (the floor work section is my personal favorite) The barre work uses a chair. This segment hones in on the buttock/hamstring area very effectively. You'll conclude the workout with a few stretches using the chair.

Instructor Comments:

DeniseR

04/04/2009