I LOVE Core Fusion!December 12, 2008 GG 74 out of 75 found this review helpful
I'm always looking for something fun and results oriented to keep me motivated. This DVD totally fits the bill on that front. It's a really interesting and different approach to a total body workout broken up into do-able 10-minute sections that completely make me "feel the burn" AND keep me interested. The instructors do a great job of explaining each exercise clearly and showing alternate moves. Core Fusion seems to be all about small muscle movements and lots of reps so you're not working with heavy weights. However, you are repeating specific exercises for a longer period than you normally would so by the time you're done with each 10-min segment you really know you put some work into that muscle group. My personal faves are the ballet inspired chair workouts (amazing for the rear-end) and the arm workouts (awesome tri/bicept routine).
If you like this one, check out Core Fusion Pilates Plus. I bought both DVDs at once and am really pleased. Pilates Plus features the same instructors but with exercises that target the abs. The fact that I not only finished this DVD, but am doing it regularly is a testament in itself as I normally can't get through a pilates workout (find them boring in many cases) and I hate working my abs. I may be imagining things but I do feel a bit tighter all around after doing these workouts for a little while. Both Core Fusion DVDs have quickly become part of my regular workout rotation.
Intelligent Weight & Lotte Berk-Based WorkoutJanuary 11, 2009 Khezla Durr(St. Louis MO) 62 out of 63 found this review helpful
The first thing that impressed me about this video is its intelligence. It's a thinking person's workout. Exercises are strong on authentic Lotte Berk since that was a significant part of this couple's background, with additions from Pilates, yoga and classical weight training. They do an excellent job of talking you through the exercises, explaining what it will do for your body, thereby keeping you motivated from a positive place, which is so much nicer than the commonly used negative motivational techniques where somebody is screaming you through a breakneck pace. They have you concentrate on how your body is feeling the exercise, stopping momentarily if you need to, then picking it up again - instead of counting monotonous repetitions for you. This approach is so much more pleasant and sensible. The workout is muscle toning, organized as interval training. Interval training has been proven by medical research to be much preferred for promoting fat loss and heart reserve capacity, instead of long term cardio. The pacing promotes the mind-body connection and focus, which reminds me of my ballet training from years ago, or hatha yoga. You have a chance to breathe and think during the exercises, without feeling additional stress due to the exercising. Much appreciated after a hectic day at work.
The video had a warm, intimate, personal trainer feel to it with the husband and wife team demonstrating the exercises together and instructing by means of a voiceover. They alternated showing the advanced version of an exercise and clearly indicated which person you should watch if that's the level you wanted. Setting is what I call "New Age living room," lovely décor, warm earthtones, water feature, and subdued lighting, plenty of camera shots from various angles. Music so unobtrusive I didn't even notice what it was, although there is a music only option in the special features after you get tired of the instructional. My husband really liked the fact that a man was showing the exercises also - funny how the same movement can look a little different on a man. He also liked the fact that it was a husband and wife team instead of a group of women. We're pressed for time, like to do things together, and this video fills the bill nicely. No more scheduling TV time for mutually exclusive workouts. Top quality production, first class all the way. I think this delightful couple with impressive credentials has set a new standard for fitness videos, and I look forward to more offerings from them in years to come.
Core Fusion helped me heal my back AND gave me the best body of my life!December 11, 2008 C. Hesse(NY, NY) 48 out of 49 found this review helpful
One night I sat up off the couch and felt something shift in my back. The next day I could not move. I heard CF is great for people with back injuries, so once I got the ok from my doctor to start moving, I did so via the CF Body Sculpt and Pilates Plus DVD's!! MAN, let me tell you- to be able to go at my own pace, engage in movement that worked both the intensity of MY level of fitness and challenged BEYOND it, without feeling my back was amazing! Plus, I was able to build my strength, shape my body like never before, and shave inches off my thighs and waist, all while healing my injury! I felt empowered in a very defeating situation. it was so good for me mentally and emotionally to know I could still EXERCISE while doing something safe and effective for my body! I have never FELT STRONGER!!!
This is the Tonic of Youth!December 24, 2008 B. Greer(New York, NY USA) 18 out of 18 found this review helpful
I am a 45 year old man who has taken class with Fred and Elisabeth but do not have the time to attend their Exhale studio classes regularly...I found these DVDs to be awesome. The DVD's have allowed me to develop a daily at home routine using Core Fusion stretching and strengthening exercises on my own while getting instructions and reminders on how to perform them properly. The end result has been that I rarely suffer from back aches and sciatica that had plagued me before. Thank you exhale's Fred & Elisabeth for sharing this amazing routine!
BEST THING OUT!!!June 22, 2009 I. Pretty(Durham, NC) 14 out of 14 found this review helpful
This workout video is awesome!!! I don't even know were to being! The tape is broken down into 5 - 10 minute workouts (that go by fast might I add). They are broken down by upper body, thighs, gluteus (butt), abs, & stretches. You can do which ever one you feel you need targeting, but if you do them all, that is when you get the full workout. After every segment the instructors do stretches to take the tension off your muscles. They even have 2 bonus workouts that are only like 10-15 minutes as well.
I'm the type who loves pilates, no cardio workout tapes (not a fan). The first time I used it, I felt good, relaxed, lengthened & stretched out. By the next day you see a difference. You don't feel sore until the end of the next day. Every workout you do no matter what it is, you are going to have soreness until you continue to do it regularly. I've been doing it for 4 weeks now, so far my body looks MUCH better, it looks a lot more toned (and that was my main problem). I lost a dress size already, but still the same weight. I can't wait to see my body in 4 more weeks! This DVD is great!!!
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