Search - Willpower and Grace: Move With Integrity With Stacey Lei Krauss on DVD

Fun, Different and Surprisingly Tough!

Shelley K. Gilbertson | Melrose, MN United States | 04/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! I thought I was advanced with the heavy duty cardio and weight lifting (lots of Cathe stuff) I've been doing, but this workout had me crying for mercy! It's fun, it's ultra challenging and totally different than anything I've ever done! The cardio portion is only 17 min. long, but the 15 min. warm up before hand is no walk in the park. If you put some effort into the warm up, you could definitely consider it cardio, giving you 32 min. of cardio. The core work at the end is no traditional crunches and lifts. Some tough plank work, stability work on all fours, a deceptively easy-looking dead bug series, and some bridge work at the end that had me shaking! Throughout, there are yoga moves and a lot of balancing work. The entire workout is done barefoot, which actually makes it more challenging to keep your balance and stability. Stacey and her crew show three levels of each exercise, so it's do-able for anyone, but beginners will definitely be working extra hard! All in all, a well rounded workout, which is a good addition to your routine if you're mostly doing traditional stuff. Makes you realize how many muscles you have that you maybe aren't working. Beware, though, it is different, so if you're not into that, you may not like it. Also, there are plenty of squats in the warm up and cardio portions, but they are actually fun! Give it a try!"

Intense but satisfying workout!

Christine Bonham | TN | 06/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read the reviews and since they described it as challenging, I thought I'd try it to add something new to my routine. However, I didn't really think it would be that big of a challenge because I currently run, lift weights, and do yoga, with some pilates, Tae-bo, and spinning thrown in on occasion. Boy, was I surprised! This had me utterly wiped out at the end, and left me with sore muscles the next day. I didn't even think I could get sore muscles anymore...

The warm-up is a psuedo cardio session in and of itself, but by the end of the 17 min. actual cardio workout I was wondering if I could even make it to the end. The instructor has different levels that the viewer can follow, 3 being the most advanced, 1 for beginners. At first, I could literally only do level 1, but now I am able to do mostly level 2, with a a few level 3 moves thrown in. Sometimes, just closing your eyes during a balancing move is considered level 3. The 9 min.stretching portion between the cardio section and the core workout provide a nice break, yet keeps your heart-rate up a bit. The 25 min. core workout is a a great antidote to the cardio section, nonetheless, it is still quite a workout! By the end, I am shaking, and relieved it is at an end, because I certainly am! I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to challenge and maximize their exercise routine."

Be prepared for lots of SQUATS!

YogaBaby | Indianapolis, IN, USA | 06/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This video workout has lots and lots of squats, so please be prepared for that! and I meant ALOT!
Usually I get sore muscles the 2nd day prior to the workout, but after I did this video, I immediately noticed that my gluts are sore... and the next day was even worse...

Aslo, the entire workout was done in a very fast speed with full range of motion, so safety is also something you want to watch out when you are doing it.
"

Surprisingly Tough and Good

shimi subramaniam | San Antonio, TX United States | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've done this workout twice ( although I haven't had time to tack on the core strength section) and really like it a lot. The constant variations on lunges and squats keep you moving and you really do feel it. The instructor is very likeable and inspiring. A knee injury and splintery floor have kept me from trying this barefoot ( although the Mei shoes I wear get pretty close), but I think it's a great idea. In fact, I recommend this workout to any dancer who works barefoot ( bellydancers, contemporary dancers, etc) as a great crosstraining tool."