First, my background, so you know where I'm coming from. I'm extremely advanced in both cardio and weights, as I've been working out regularly for almost 10 years and I'm a former fitness instructor myself. As for flexibility training, yoga and Pilates, I've only started seriously doing them for several months (just flirted with them for the past few years), so I'll consider myself a high-beginner, or low-intermediate in this area, that I'm serious about improving now. I know YogaSculpt (herein after referred to as YS)will help get me there.

I had to force myself to try it last night for the first time after all of the not-too-encouraging comments I read on the forum. But, I really liked YS! I think the problem is that it's not 'really' a strength tape, as it's labeled. Yes, there are a lot of sections where you will be trembling from body weight, and you will feel your abs and back. Another problem may be that most VFers who got it were expecting a more advanced workout from Karen. I think Collage's rating as Intermediate is right on target, but as a sculpting tape, I'm not so sure. It's divided into 2 sections: yoga and mat work.

The 25 minute yoga section was perfect for me: not too easy, but not too hard. I get in 3 very different yoga moods: power/athletic (Asthanga), meditative/'granola'(Iyengar), relaxing/stretching (Hatha)- I apologize if I have the 'official' names mixed up, like I said, I'm new to yoga. I think YS had a little of each, actually; a nice blend of my tastes: not too much of 'be with nature', strenuous power yoga, or boring stretch. She holds the poses a little long, but that's good for me to build up to. It's set to classical music that's ok.

I thought the 15-20 minutes of mat work (and final stretch)was pretty decent- similar to the Method, and some of Clare Dunphy's Balance, Line and Strength. YS could've used a bit more ab work, but it was intense. The back work was great (I can't believe I actually feel it today!). I LOVED the music in the second part.

The total length is perfect (42 minutes) because I get bored with these type of workouts if it's an hour or more. If you're pretty advanced in yoga or Pilates, I'd pass on this video. If you don't like all of the mystical stuff associated with yoga, or even some the Method's, give this a try. Ok, so it was my first time doing YS, and maybe I won't like it as much again, but I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this workout last night.

Instructor Comments:
Can her body be more perfect? I'm so impressed how flexible she is considering how incredibly buff she is. I think her outfits are cute, but the color, no. Her cuing is impeccable- she really shows and tells you exactly where your body should be. I have to say it again: how can someone so muscular be so darn flexible?! No fair.

Emily