Review STOTT Zenga Power + Strength Level 4 DVD

[TinierTina]

Zenga Power + Strength is more interesting than to do than yoga,
and I find it tests whatever balance I have; its effects have
already prevented at least one fall. But I have to do it quite
regularly for that aspect to work. It takes the static standing
balancing backbends and adds a third plane of movement to the mix,
in a dynamic fashion; and in novel, creative ways. PJ O'Clair, while not as breezy or as perky as Denise Austin or those types; at least is not full of the big, hyper-engaging smile--sometimes in a pilates teacher I go for the less-cheerlead-y types ... and this is FUSION - so sure, it could go either way, but in yoga-dance-pilates fusion, imho, less is more, and chiller is better ...

So, I've found this is that miracle practice, requiring neither
the litheness nor the limberness in body that barre or flow yoga
require - that I do not quite possess (though I do have agility).
It's kind of like a cardio barre routine in spots, but instead
requiring balance and agility, not relying on placement (unlike
some of the Exhale Core Fusion routines). So, it's kind of like
the barre and the yoga for the rest of us. This workout does
require accessories that I already have (I swap in a yoga 3-minute
egg for the standard block, although I have those as well; because
I REALLY want some of the wobble-board effect in one of the
movements. But you could use the requisite accessories as needed
) and I will also be working up towards the core endurance
level needed for Extreme Pilates, Strength and Agility on the Mat.

I hope to keep you posted soon, as to my workaround for that -
"stolen" from a member at my former blogsite, before I migrated to
a real and different blog host. Hey, they "stole" from me all the time

I have an additional STOTT mat (but a Level 5, not 4) in my possession, and I consider myself a strong Level 3 - Now, I can tell, on previewing
that particular STOTT Pilates Level 5, that I can cross-train to
it, using other pilates modalities ... it will be a lengthy
undertaking before I could so much as use it in its entirety.

Though my new membership at VF has inspired me to at least give it
a try.

I need to have developed the requisite balance between the sides
of my body with the cross syndrome I have. Long, sordid story; and
no, I never have done pilates machines. Can't afford them, whether
at home or in a group class setting. I've always been into
meditation. Because of this, I had finally taken up yoga again,
from the 2nd to the 4th years, fairly frequently here and there at
a studio, but most of the studios became more of an atmosphere
that had not had me feeling centered afterwards.

At the same time, I'd practiced slow flow yoga at home, frequently. I'd
continued doing yoga; mostly or only; for over 7 years total.

During that time I'd gotten back into classical mat pilates at a
studio, and occasionally at home. But I've needed more low-impact
cardio than yoga or pilates alone could provide. I have too many
chronic conditions to be able to get that from walking/running.

Add in more strengthening and working of my lower body needed, as
well as the kinds of movement someone who is 60, yet active,
vigorous and much more the dancer than athlete should look into.
All at the same time.

But, I do a lot of dancing, as well.
I'm hoping I could try this mat class that is an alternative to
yoga, live some day ($$$, time, the stars aligning). Until then,
I could look forward to working with a sequel to this practice in
the future. I can't believe I have done this practice so much
already. I fell really really hard for this ...

And the best part is - just to remember to smile, but not the real
big one that will result in at least ten demerits, I tell myself. YMMV.