Owen called this "a killer workout for your hips, glutes and legs," as well as for core stabilization, accompanied by mellow reggae music. Instructor Trish Muse allows little rest between sets of squats, lunges and modified dead lifts, and also includes an upper-body and ab workout. Owen liked the introduction, which covered the basic movements and addressed safety issues, and found the instruction easy to follow, although "they did use a couple of terms like 'neutral spine' and 'pelvic tilt' that, if you didn't know what they meant, you still wouldn't after they explained it. Nonetheless, you still could do the exercises quite well," and Owen thought she might continue using the tape, though only once a week.
"Hilary Burnett's Pilates Advanced" (23 minutes, $14.95; 800-433-6769; mindbodymat.com). Reviewed by Marcia Smith, 42, of Seattle.
Smith had been looking for a coach to guide her through a Pilates workout and, after watching this tape twice and following it three times, said she'd found what she wanted. She liked Burnett's imagery ("Cinch in your waist like a corset") as well as the flow and message of "body and mind" integration. Smith, who has taken several Pilates mat classes and worked individually with a trainer, agreed that this was an "advanced" workout. "There were several moves I had never seen before and couldn't do." But she could perform most exercises and get an excellent workout, and plans to get Burnett's Intermediate tape to practice the difficult moves.
"Kathy Smith: Wellness, Mind & Body Relaxation System" (30-minute video, two 20-minute audio tapes; $12.98; 800-433-6769; www.kathysmith.com). Reviewed by Donna Lathrop, 60, of Kent.
Lathrop thought the video portion of this system felt like yoga and the audio "guided relaxations" seemed like meditation, both of which she said was just fine — once she realized she probably shouldn't try to follow the audio tape while driving! She liked Smith's opening instruction and found most of the stretching and control exercises easy to do, though she thought in retrospect she could have watched the video through first, to learn the moves and also prepare for the need of a towel and blanket. "I enjoyed both the video and audio, and am quite excited to have something new to guide me in my exercise routine, as old practices seem to get boring and stale, making me avoid doing them. Long ago I tired of Richard and Jane. I am now a Kathy Smith fan! I was both energized and relaxed by these experiences."
"Yoga Fusion: Beginners' Basics" (45 minutes, $14.98; 800-433-6769; www.collagevideo.com). Reviewed by Shirley Clark, 74, of Kenmore.
"The tape was, for me, a good way to start an exercise program," said Clark, who watched this blend of yoga, Pilates and sculpting twice before trying it. Though 45 minutes was a bit too much for her at the beginning, and push-ups were difficult because of an old shoulder injury, Clark liked demonstrator Kim Haegele's modifications, use of home props and especially her breathing instructions. "I felt much better after doing the tape, my posture was better and I wasn't stiff and sore afterward."
"Chair Yoga" (45 minutes, $19.95; 800-551-4386; www.chairdancing.com). Reviewed by resident services director Deborah Luxem and the seniors at University House in Wallingford.
The first time those who were not familiar with yoga tried this workout, they found it challenging, Luxem said, but the second time was easier. Those who already had been following along with a floor yoga tape were impressed they could cover so many muscles and poses from a chair. The program gave seniors who cannot get on or off the floor an opportunity to participate within their physical abilities. Some thought the pace was too fast, as when they didn't have time for the instructed three breaths before moving on — but they liked the reminders to breathe. Some found it awkward to watch the video from certain stretches. But overall, Luxem said, "This Chair Yoga video was such a hit, the review group wanted it put on the activity calendar as a regular exercise."
Other video sources
Some additional clearinghouses for exercise videos:
• www.videofitness.com (includes suggested experience levels, as well as consumer recommendations, chats and links to retailers)
• www.homeworkout.com/videos (includes customer reviews and a "rental program" in which consumers can receive a full refund if videos are returned within 30 days)
• www.befitvideos.com (also includes many dance videos)
• www.workoutmusicvideo.com (also includes many audio tapes)
Resolution resolve
"Setting goals is a great thing, but New Year's resolutions do more harm than good," says Alan Cohen, author of "Why Your Life Sucks (And What You Can Do About It)" (www.whyyourlifesucks.net). "It puts an exaggerated amount of pressure on people, and when they stumble, it sends them lurching into a depression." His alternatives: Modify behavior: Don't lay guilt, don't pursue punishment and cultivate appreciation. Avoid the belief that a prerequisite for success is struggle. Ask others for what you want (which increases your chances of getting it). Get on with your life — stop living in the past. Realize that your self-worth is not measured by the company you keep. Don't try to keep everybody happy all of the time. Avoid being so involved in planning for tomorrow that you miss today. Take risks.
Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. She can be reached at 206-464-8243, mmartin@seattletimes.com or P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.
