Power Yoga Plus

I've been using videos to exercise since the late eighties and Denise Austin and Kathy Smith were my first video workout instructors. I've always considered Denise Austin's exercise videos to be for beginners and as my fitness level improved, I pretty much out grew her videos. Collage has also rated most of Denise's videos as "beginner" but I think they made a mistake with this one. Power Yoga Plus is definately NOT for beginners. So if you are looking for a challenging yoga/pilates workout, this is one to consider adding to your collection.

The video consists of two 20 minute
workouts that fuse together a mixture of yoga and pilates moves. Some of the Pilates moves are very advanced like the teaser, leg pull ups, and kneeling side kicks. Not many modifications are offered either to simplify any of these moves.

I was pleased to see that this workout includes some upper body work. Exercises like the bug (posterior delt raises), boxing (works the triceps and shoulders), bicep curls, and the zip up (upright rows) are demonstrated. Deinise even throws in some lunges at the end of the 2nd 20 minute workout.

Overall, this is a very good pilates workout but I would rate it intermediate/advanced because of the types of exercises performed and because no modifications were shown. The $9.99 I spend at Target to get this workout was well worth it.

Instructor Comments:
A little more reserved than what you might expect when it comes to Ms. Austin. She is still plesant and cheery but it is much more toned down. Her instruction is very clear.

Tiffanee Saunders

I'm not normally a big Denise Austin fan, except when it comes to her yoga/pilates workouts and this one is no exception. There's a 22 minute yoga section with basic moves that allow for some challenge and some good stretches. Next is a 20 minute pilates section with a few exercises at the end that incorporate arm work with light weights. Not a tough workout, but a good stretch and some of the exercises are surprisingly challenging if you want to do them as well as Denise does. I also liked the set - a dark background with subtle lighting. I found it very relaxing.

Tammy