Right around this time last year I felt my abs burn from the Goddess Abs workout by the two women behind Yoga Booty Ballet, so I thought it was about time that I tried a couple more workouts by the peppy duo. I was looking forward to testing the two-disc set that includes Goddess Booty (25 min.) and Yoga Core (30 min.), but my experience with these DVDs wasn't all-around positive. Gillian and Read more

I'm always looking for ways to sculpt and strengthen my abs without having to do crunches, so I was psyched to try Shiva Rea's Creative Core Abs ($9.99). I've loved her Yoga DVDs in the past (especially Fluid Power — Vinyasa Flow Yoga), so I had a feeling this would be just as great. Her voice is calming, her instructions are clear, and her routines are always challenging. The DVD includes Read more

Are you a little skeptical about how hula hooping can keep you fit? I was too until I checked out HoopDance ($24.99). It's an instructional fitness DVD that's perfect for beginners who want to learn how to move their bodies in a sexy way that tones and strengthens. Even if you can't keep a hoop in motion for more than two seconds (like me), Christabel Zamor, founder of HoopGirl, will give you Read more

The DVD Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress ($14.99) is designed to wake up the dormant kundalini energy that lies in your fourth chakra. Once you wake up this energy, it will awaken your spirit, energize your body, and relax your mind. Too bad this DVD totally put me to sleep. I did really like the calming all-white background and the melodic music Maya Feinnes (the instructor) made herself. Read more

If you suffer from pain or tightness in your back, neck, or shoulders, then you might really benefit from using the Viniyoga Therapy For the Upper Back, Neck, and Shoulders DVD. The first part of the video explains why so many people have these pains in the first place and how yoga can be integral in healing these areas. The second part breaks down some simple exercises and poses to warm up and Read more

It is always fun to mix some accessories into a Pilates workout, and the magic circle is one of my favorite Pilates props. Mari Winsor (caution: The Winsor web site has automatic video/audio) has a 20 Minute Circle Workout DVD. This workout is short and to the point. Adding leg squeezes to ab work just seems to make the abs work more deeply. Plus it is nice to work lazy inner thighs! This DVD Read more

If you are looking to move it at home, but can't stomach another loud, in your face, overly busy workout DVD, I suggest you try Ballet Conditioning produced by Element. Shot in a lovely garden overlooking the ocean don't let the serene environment fool you because this workout will make your legs burn. It is what I would have called in my dance days a quad gripper. The fronts of my thighs got a Read more

A while back I reviewed the beginner yoga DVD, Better Sex Through Yoga, Volume 1. Well, I decided it was time to get a little more advanced, or rather intermediate and try Volume 2 ($14.95), the Intermediate edition. This isn't an erotic video with explicit instructions of the Kama Sutra sex positions. It's just like any other yoga video, except this 46 minute workout focuses on opening your Read more

Did you know that Billy Blanks is still kicking ol’ school? He just released a new series of DVDs and the other night I checked out Billy Blanks Amped ($17.99). I was impressed that the DVD wasn’t over produced and you could tell that the workout was shot in one take with many cameras, so the folks exercising on the DVD were working with you. Billy Blanks does not slow down. He has, however, Read more