Ballet Body Signature Series Core Body Workout

I started off hating this, but then I realized it was just because I wasn't yet strong enough to even do these workouts without getting totally annoyed, because they require balance. Unlike my other barre workout videos, this one does not use a chair or barre for balance at all, so you're on your own and if your balance/core is not strong enough yet, you will know it immediately with this video!But after doing other videos for a handful of months, I decided to stick this in again and try it. Lo and behold, suddenly I'm not annoyed. :-) I appreciate the training in balance and extra core work from having to balance now. And, I like that this video has a nice, steady, more modern musical beat going than a lot of barre videos. A lot of other barre videos have more soothing, almost new-agey music (which I like for them, but the change in this video is nice), or classical piano (which is nice too, but again more modern music in this one is good).And, why do so many exercise videos feel like they're straight from the 80s!!! This one does not. Her modern attire, along with the music, gives this an up to date feeling.One thing, the instructor has NO PERSONALITY in this video, but that's OK...it's just, let get to work and get 'er done with this video. :-) No rah rah cheerleader energy with this video. She's not cutesy nor is she a hard-ar*s tough girl...she's just all business in this video.Anyway, I'm not IN LOVE with this video, thus only 4 starts and not 5. Nonetheless, I do like this video and it's different enough from my other barre videos that it brings something new and fresh to my repertoire. Recommend!

I had never done any of Leah Sarago's workouts before getting the three new Signature Series DVDs. I had heard such raves about her downloads and these DVDs on the Video Fitness forum, though, that I decided to give them a try. Although I have done similar workouts in the past, I had been worried before ordering these that the Ballet Body workouts would be too advanced for a Ballet Body newbie like me. Each DVD is definitely tough, but they are fun and the time seems to fly by.The workout runs about 45 minutes long, and you just need a mat to do it. I had been worried that it would be too long and intense for me, but Leah paces it so that just as your core seems to tire from one move, she has you move on to a different one.This Core workout includes standing core work, along with many variations on side planks and C-curve work. Since my core is my weakest area and I often struggle with lower back problems, this workout was the one I was most worried about being able to do, but I've been able to stick with it by just taking more frequent breaks. I can tell that this DVD is going to make me much stronger and help with my back issues.Also, if you struggle with neck issues when doing this DVD, try Googling "Pilates Enthusiasts Neck Strain and the C-Curve" for a great video on tips to help with strain/pain. For the last month, I have also been using Suzanne Bowen's  Gorgeous Core with Suzanne Bowen  DVD, and I think that it helped me build up to doing the Ballet Body one.One of the only negatives in this and the Lower Body workout is that sometimes I had a hard time seeing the angles and positioning of Leah's body. (In the Upper Body workout, I didn't have this problem.) Instead of shooting her straight on, the camera sometimes shot from a side view, which made it hard for me to see the exact placement. I'm hoping that as I do this DVD more, though, I'll be able to make sure that my positioning is correct.On her website, Leah also has posted various rotations for using the DVDs. (I would include the link here, but usually Amazon won't allow you to include links in reviews; if you look at the product description above, though, you'll see it.) She suggests you follow each rotation for four weeks, before moving on to the next level.Here is a basic rundown of some of the rotations:BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE:Day 1 Lower BodyDay 2 Cardio for 30-40 mins.Day 3 CoreDay 4 Cardio for 30-40 mins.Day 5 Upper BodyDay 6 Cardio for 30-40 mins.Day 7 Rest dayINTERMEDIATE:Day 1 Lower BodyDay 2 Core + Cardio for 30-45 mins.Day 3 Upper Body + Cardio for 30-45 mins.Day 4 Rest dayDay 5 Lower BodyDay 6 Core + Cardio for 30-45 mins.Day 7 Upper BodyADVANCED:Day 1 Lower Body + Cardio for 30 mins.Day 2 Core + Upper BodyDay 3 Lower Body + Cardio for 30 mins.Day 4 Rest dayDay 5 Core + Upper BodyDay 6 Lower Body + Cardio for 30 mins.Day 7 Core + Upper BodyFor cardio, Leah suggests that you do things like dance workouts, cycling, or swimming -- activities that won't "bulk" you up.I'm just starting a six- or eight-week rotation using these, so I'll be sure to update my reviews of each DVD as I continue with this program. I plan on doing dance cardio (like Zumba and hi/lo aerobics) and kickboxing for the duration of my rotation.Overall, though, each workout is very unique, and I'll post back on any changes I notice as I progress through my rotation.UPDATE AFTER THREE WEEKS: I did the Intermediate rotation using all three DVDs for three weeks (after which time I had to stop working out for a few weeks due to some stitches), and loved the results I was getting! My abs and arms were noticeably tighter, and I could see more muscle definition. My legs seemed to lag behind a bit, and I felt like my saddlebags were a little more prominent, but perhaps that is because I needed to add in a bit more cardio. These are great workouts, and I look forward to starting back up with them! The next time, I will take measurements to track my results better.

I have been wanting to get back into exercise, after my two month long break, so I ordered this DVD, along with the upper body Ballet Body workout. I had been doing a regular Iyengar yoga routine in the mornings for a few years, but I felt that I wasn't really targeting my core, and I also felt bored by my workout. I did this DVD this morning, and it was really tough. There were certain movements that I literally couldn't do at all. I guess I need to get my legs back in shape. Anyway, it does a really good job of stretching your core muscles, and it is very extensive. I also think that the exercises go from most difficult to easiest, ending with stretching. I plan to do this two times a week, and I will update my review after a month or so to note the progress. If you buy this, make sure you eat a LOT of protein right after the workout, as your body needs it to build muscle. I have a lot of friends who go to the gym and they don't eat enough protein, so they never see results or definition. Nutrition is key for seeing results quickly :)UPDATE: So, I did this workout on Wednesday (for the first time ever), and I swear I can see a difference in definition in my stomach. I see muscles that I have never seen before, especially the external ones. I honestly cannot believe it, but this DVD really does work. I swear that it has accessed muscles that have never been worked before. I will be doing this once a week for sure, until I'm strong enough to do it twice a week. I am very lean, and muscle mass usually shows up rather quickly on my frame, but this is truly remarkable :)

The reviews were great, but the video is not what I thought. It has nothing much to do with ballet, the music is irritating to the ear - not at all beautiful, the dull ballet room with strange pink lighting was not too classy, and there was absolutely no warmup. The exercises were challenging, but I felt it was really overkill for the abs. I also felt it was not aesthetically made - rather cheaply made, in fact. I have in the past been involved with exercise video production from all aspects - choreography, acting, and editing, and this was definitely low-budget. I also don't find the voice-over to be a very effective way of teaching. However, she definitely works your core. I just was looking for something more ballet-oriented with beautiful sounding music for a change.

I really enjoy using this dvd, although some of the moves are hard going. I have been doing these exercises in between Jillian and Bob , but its not really a rest but slower and very enjoyable. My core feels it the next day but I makes me think that its doing what it is suppose to. The only negative is the lack of warm up but I improvise and do my own warm up before I start. Worth buying as its a good intro to some of the ballet move but done at a really manageable pace. I like this a lot and the time passes very quickly.

This is the absolute best workout for your core that I have ever seen!! I have issues with my lower back which flare up from time to time and this workout has done wonders for me. After doing it a few times my back is so much better and I no longer have the aches and pains that cause me discomfort. The moves are so innovative, unique and effective. Leah Sarago is a genius for coming up with this workout. I can't rave about it enough. Not only is it effective but it's fun and I look forward to it every time. I did find the first part (where you are standing) difficult because it involves balance. But the mat work is wonderful with great music to boot. There are none of those boring crunches and your core is really targeted. What I like about Leah's video's is that a number of muscle groups get used not just the ones listed. So you get a good overall workout each time. Thanks Leah!!

After borrowing this dvd from the library over and over again, I finally decided to purchase it. Excellent core workout, which is what I care about most after having a baby. I like the music and Leah is easy to watch/follow. I've tried a lot of different ballet-type workout dvds, and this is my favourite by far!