Release(Ruah)
2009
What is it?
A 50-minute Pilates and Yoga-based toning and flexibility workout. Your instructors are Leah Sarago and Suzanne Bowen.
Who is it for?
Intermediate exercisers. Expect some challenges. You will need a mat.
What to expect:
Often you know what to expect from an exercise DVD by who the instructors are. So when I saw Leah Sarago and Suzanne Bowen featured on the back of the DVD box for Release, I knew I was getting an expertly-instructed workout that was going to make me work. And it did — every part of my body got a challenge. The DVD is divided up into four different segments: the first 15 minutes warms you up with a standing routine that focuses on building strength and endurance in your lower body. You hit the mat for the next 15 minutes of arm and core work — lots of moving planks and slow push-ups. Next up is 10 minutes of core work, mainly abs and back, and finishing up is a 10-minute stretch/ cool down. While most of these Pilates and Yoga-type moves don’t seem too difficult at the beginning, Sarago increases the difficulty by adding pulsing motions or bringing you back for a second set (when you’ve already fatigued your muscles during the first!). Bowen appears in the first two segments and shows easier modifications (she found out she was pregnant when they were prepping the DVD — not to say that this is a pre-natal workout. It’s too difficult for that; only Bowen’s expert level of fitness enabled her to participate). You don’t do any heart-raising cardio or lift any weights with this workout, but there are moments when you will be breaking a sweat. You finish this DVD feeling stronger, more flexible and relaxed.
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