I couldn't wait to try this video after using and loving Suzanne's other 3 DVDs.I hadn't tried anything by Leah yet, but she seemed just as great as Suzanne in this selection.First things first,the video is about 50 minutes long.It includes standing work, floor work, and stretching with relaxation.If you do the whole video, you will get a full body workout.You don't need any equipment for this video (a huge plus!)Maybe a mat, if you want one, but you could do the exercise on carpet too and you don't even need that much space.
This video is good for beginners and advanced exercisers alike.Suzanne is pregnant in the program, so she demonstrates the modifications, which should be easy enough for anyone to follow if they are not up for following Leah who demonstrates much more challenging moves at times.I am in great shape.I work out 7 days a week for at least an hour a day. I weigh between 110-115.Doing everything in advanced mode is still very difficult for me at times (especially the plank series - I have to drop down to my knees for a few seconds usually).The only part I wasn't really that impressed with was the abs section.First of all, it seems too brief and second of all, it's all performed on your back - shoulders off the ground.This always causes me a lot of neck strain.Also, my abs are pretty developed, so I didn't feel this was much of a challenge (even going with the advanced choices).I guess from Suzanne and Leah, I was just expecting a little more creative ab exercises.This is my only gripe about the video!The rest is truly an amazing workout.The music, as others have mentioned, is beautiful and soothing.There is an option on the video to turn off Leah's voice over and just workout to music.I think this would be cool after you have learned all the instruction.
The stretching portion is very good.For some reason, it seems to make my body feel better than most other stretches I've done on different videos.Maybe it's just the music, but it's a nice relieving feeling.There is a nice addition at the end of the video - 10 minutes of the music for relaxation time.I admit, it's hard to just lay there and not do anything.If you're like me and your brain is hard to turn off and you're thinking of a million things you need to do, it's literally tough to make yourself just lay there, but force yourself because it is very peaceful if you can... even if you don't do it for the whole 10 minutes.
One last thing to add... Leah and Suzanne mention it at the beginning of the video, but this is more of a toning and muscle tension release workout.If you want the best results, you need to do some cardio on top of this video.While you will be burning calories doing this, it's really not a cardio workout.Leah and Suzanne reccommend doing Release about 3 to 4 times a week.I've been combining this with some Taebo and Jillian Michael's 30 day shred.It works very well.It may sound strange, but I like to do Release at about 8 o'clock at night before I go to bed because it relaxes my muscles.Good luck to all!Go Suzanne and Leah!I can't wait for more videos!
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Product Description:
Release is a fusion workout based on postural movement and flow to sculpt and tone the body, burn calories, open the joints, and release muscle tension. This workout flows from isometric holds to dynamic movements with variations of plank, chair pose, C-curve abdominal holds, plie squats, lunges, and more for a total body workout. This workout is complete with a deep stretching and relaxation segment to rejuvenate and de-stress your body. The lower body standing segment is 15 minutes in length followed by 25 minutes of upper body and core on the mat. The 10 minute stretching segment is followed by 10 minutes of relaxation to peaceful music. Modifications for all levels. Mat only needed. Music Only Option. Music composed by Alberto Rivera. Instructors: Suzanne Bowen and Leah SaragoProducers: Ed Lamberg and Nick Manginelli
