Search - Jennifer Kries: Hot Body Cool Minds Level 3 on DVD

Life Force Power Challenge- aptly named

dnk | Boston, MA United States | 08/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe I heard Ms. Kries say once that she wanted to put a "health club in a box", and that's what she's done with every disc in this series. This one is for the members who have gone to all of the beginner and intermediate classes- and came three or four times per week (and maybe enrolled in a teacher-training program). In other words, a lot of this is very advanced. If you haven't already built up deep strength, visit her other discs.

But if you have, this has everything: Qigong, the Five Tibetans, Pilates, Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, Jazz Dance, Ballet, a Cardio/Sculpt routine and finally a lovely Yin Yoga and Meditation practice. Please note: the full footage is almost four hours long. It would be pretty unrealistic to expect anyone to work out for that long, especially when so many of us are time challenged in the first place. Therefore, five of these sections are under 30 minutes, and Kries has come up with seven premixes that address different physical goals (heating up, cooling down, quick toning, etc.). Note: most of these are over an hour long. Of course, you can also pick and choose a section off the menu (which is what I usually do).

There is some repetition of footage. If you have the Waking Energy disc, you have the Waking Energy Standing and Yin Yoga and Meditation sections. Also, the Cardio Sculpt section is very similar not only to what's on Level 2 but also Kries' 2000 release, Perfect Mix. Not identical however- she's added a few new movements and overall increased the pace and stretch. You'll sweat.

That's a guarantee for most of the other segments as well. The Jazz and Ballet segments are fast-paced, and the Pilates segment includes most of the advanced classical syllabus. Make sure you have already built up control and strength before you attempt this- some movements put weight on the upper spine/shoulders (JackKnife, Rollover, Boomerang, Advanced Corkscrew), and these movements are contraindicated for some people. In other words, if you can't do something or it doesn't feel right for you, leave it out. As advanced Pilates practices go, this is a perfect length- not too short (see Romana's 14 minutes of advanced matwork!) or too long (see the hour long practices of a number of other instructors)- 35 minutes is just the right pace, and even lets you get a little stretch.

The Yoga segment is also fast-paced and demanding, particularly of balance and upper body strength. It's a nice, long practice, and you should feel like you worked your heart as well as your muscles when you're done. Again, leave out what you can't do.

If you made it through all of those challenging sections- or even if you didn't!- the Yin Yoga and Meditation section is a wonderful reward for your hard work. If you follow it with the other sections, you should be warm enough to ease into the intermediate or advanced levels of the long-held postures. Very soothing and nourishing- your only complaint will be that it wasn't long enough.

If you're an experienced practitioner, you will find this very satisfying."

MAGICAL

Mini Marshmallow | Bergen County, NJ | 01/13/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

""JENNIFER is a master instructor and highly knowledgeable. She is a leader in the Pilates/Dance/Yoga world. Level 3 is part of a 4 part series and I thoroughly enjoyed this innovative and rejuvenating experience. Level 3 may have the same segments, but they have progressed to challenge your skill level. As usual, it is packed with options that you will surely want to do EVERYTHING! IF you want more in-depth knowledge and are open to Eastern philosophy and how this workout benefits the bo dy (synovial joints, etc) Jennifer is IT."
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