Search - Sara Ivanhoe's 20 Min Yoga Makeover - Sculpted Buns & Thighs on DVD

A nice lower body focused practice

Beth Cholette | Upstate NY USA | 11/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This nice lower body practice does a good job of thoroughly stretching the legs and opening the hips. Instructor Sara Ivanhoe begins the practice in a standing position with several variations of chair pose; each variation is held for a few breaths. She then moves on to a triangle-warrior series for strengthening the leg muscles followed by a temple pose (a plie squat)-fan pose (wide-legged standing forward bend) combo which really stretches the legs, especially the hamstrings. The practice then moves on to the floor for camel pose, first performed with one hand only on each side then both hands. Finally, there is a lunge-lunge twist-pigeon-cobbler series that is perfect for opening the hips, and Sara finishes the practice with a simple seated yoga mudra (hand placement with breath).

I enjoyed this practice a lot, as I'm always looking to open up my legs and hips. This would be an excellent yoga practice for runners or other sports participants whose lower body has become tight. However, because Sara does not provide detailed instruction, I would not recommend this practice for those with no prior experience to yoga. Finally, I think this routine is too short to provide much "sculpting," but it is an excellent practice for stretching the lower body."

Not exactly what's advertised

Kim H. | 03/04/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"
Add me to the list of mildly dissatisfied customers for this product. I was shopping for a video to use to tone my thighs and, since I regularly practice yoga and am fond of yoga in general, I thought I would see what Sara Ivanhoe had to say. I thought she might have some suggestions for exercises or positions I don't usually do in my regular yoga practice. She didn't. If only these moves were necessary to create "sculpted buns and thighs," my buns and thighs would *already* be sculpted because I've been doing warrior poses and whatnot for years. At the same time that I got this video, I also got "Look Great Naked: Thighs," and so far I am far happier with that product than with Ivanhoe's video.
"

Not Sara's Best.......

Nilsa | maine | 01/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy Sara's laid-back personality, but unfortunately her instruction and her routine doesn't seem to suit any fitness level. I agree with the previous reviewer; this is more "stretching" than "sculpting". There are too few poses which are held too briefly to provide much benefit to any fitness level other than a very unfit beginner. Unfortunately, she doesn't give enough detailed instruction to provide the beginner with a safe and effective practice, so I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner, either. A real significant problem with this video is in her instruction of the first pigeon pose, when the viewer is lunged forward on the right foot. Although she performs the pose properly, her verbal instructions are to take the right foot and move it to the right. If anyone follows her verbal instruction, they're putting their knee at risk for ligament injury. This is a serious error, and I can't believe that it wasn't caught and edited out."

Explore, Balance and Celebrate - Intermediate Workout

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 08/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sara Ivanhoe's routines are a pure joy to follow and this one is perfect in combination with the 20-minute weight loss routine. The first routine warms you up and this one pushes you just that little bit further so you get the best workout possible. She teaches everyone from Hollywood stars to normal people like me who don't want to go to the gym and prefer working out at home.

This creative routine will sculpt buns and thighs and also cleanse your soul. By focusing on breathing, you nurture every cell in your body. If you have been working out for quite a few years, some of the exercises in this routine can help you figure out if you are intermediate or advanced.

While beginners will still enjoy most of the exercises, intermediate students will enjoy knowing if they can do a back bend (you are kneeling and you lean backwards) and touch their ankles or if they are still working on flexibility. I can tell you that for the last few years I've been trying to touch my ankles and tonight I actually did. It is definitely worth working towards and boosts your self-esteem substantially. There was just this sense of joy when I could finally touch both ankles. All those hundreds of hours of practice suddenly seem worth the effort!

Mountain, Chair and Triangle pose are included as is a Temple Pose with three lovely variations. There are also some excellent outer hip stretches in this 20-minute routine.

What I love most about this DVD is the aesthetically pleasing environment and the highly creative exercises. The mood of Sara's workouts encourages my full participation and I find them especially enjoyable. Do two of her workouts and then go take a long bath with sea salts and essential oils. Life becomes art...

~The Rebecca Review, intermediate
"