5 Minute Yoga Back Stretching Workout



Time:  7:18
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat

This stretching video will give you a few good stretches, yoga style, but her instruction is sub-par.  I finished it feeling like it was nearly a waste of a good five minutes of my time.  If you want a good yoga style stretch that doesn't take a large amount of time check out the yoga segment of the BeFit in 90 program.

POP Pilates for Beginners Total Body Workout



Time:  28:44
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat

This was a really simple pilates workout.  It is absolutely perfect for a pilates beginner.  I think Cassey did a great job explaining all of the movements and proper ways to modify them to your fitness level.  Even though it was simple, I still got a good workout from it.  Most of the time, I really like simple and basic because it gives me time to really focus on the movements, the breathing, and the contractions.

Namaste Yoga Beginner Series Class 1: Episode 129



Time:  1:10:33
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.

Dr. Melissa West starts off the video explaining that this is the first in a series of classes for beginners. This class goes through many preparatory poses, those poses that will help to relax us and open us up so that we are able to fully open into each of the harder poses that she does in many of her other classes.  She moves through each pose slowly and carefully and gives modifications where needed.  I felt so open and refreshed after completing this video.  I certainly look forward to doing the rest of her beginner series and then plan to try out more of her other videos.

Kendell Hogan Bootcamp Calorie Burn



Time:  30:35
Equipment needed:  None

I love Kendell Hogan.  I remember working out to him way back when he started out and step aerobics was all the rage.  His workouts are tough.  No joke.  If you want to sweat, Kendell will get you there.  I had to change my clothes before doing yoga after this workout.  Sweat was induced.  Thank you Kendall!

This workout is from the now defunct ExerciseTV.  I've done this workout before when ExerciseTV was still around.  I remember loving it and that's why I scheduled it when I found it on YouTube.  Kendell does a great job of working you hard while still keeping it fun.  In this workout he shows you three levels of exertion.  You can do whatever level challenges you and keeps you moving.  He will take you through the routine again and again adding on a new exercise consistently throughout the workout.  I hit a wall towards the end, right before doing the mountain climbers.  Thank goodness for the mountain climbers.  That time gave me a break and time to recover so that I could push past that wall and end the workout strong.

There's nothing quite like a good strong cardio workout.  I feel fantastic right now.  When I sweat, I want to sweat for a reason.  I want to know that I worked hard at something to get that sweat on. I deserved the sweat I was dripping today.

Yoga Online: Full Yoga Class for Beginners



Time:  1:12:27
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.  Yoga strap.  Towel or blanket (optional).

I decided to do a yoga workout this evening.  So this is a bonus post today.  I'm pretty sore from the other workouts I've done lately and I really want to get back into a regular yoga practice, too.  I have an injury in the bones in my upper-back, as well as tightness and sometimes sciatica in my hips.  I'm hoping that a regular yoga practice will help heal those problems.

This workout is slow and controlled.  If you've never done yoga before, this will help you learn many of the typical yoga poses.  The instruction is precise and I need that because I don't always want to have to look at the screen to see what needs to be done next.

I would have liked there to have been more modifications suggested since this is a class made for beginners.  Not everyone is going to be limber enough or strong enough to move into each pose as suggested.  You may need a yoga block when in triangle.  You also don't have to jump out into any pose, just step out.  I don't have a yoga strap, so I used one of my elastic exercise bands.

I loved the relaxation at the end of the routine.  I love savasana.  I always feel so fully relaxed and rejuvenated after a properly guided savasana.

The only reason I gave this 4-stars is because of the lack of modifications suggested for beginners.  Any well done beginners yoga would always show the modifications that can be done for every pose.

Insane Home Fat Loss Legs and Butt Workout

photo by GabboT CC BY-SA 2.0 | alt from original

Time:  12:10
Equipment needed:  Chair for balance (optional).

I loved this workout!  Mike's personality is fun and I really, really like interval training.  There are only two exercises in this routine that are repeated in 4 rounds.  The exercises are simple but tough.  You might need a chair for balance but you can be brave and try it without a chair, too, that will make the workout a lot tougher.  The one-leg deadlifts work the hamstrings, gluts, and core and they also stretch out the hamstrings at the same time, which I really needed today because I'm super tight back there.  The jumping lunges are simple and quick but also get your heart rate up.  It's a quick, simple, and tough workout for your lower body.  I'll definitely be scheduling more of Mike's workouts.

Intense Ab Workout 12 Minute Tabata “Core Doom”

image source | alt from original

Workout Breakdown
Total time: 12 minutes
Set tabata timer for 24 rounds
20 seconds of ab exercise of your choice (do as many reps as you can within 20 seconds)
10 seconds of rest

Choose from the following ab exercises:
  1. V-ups
  2. V-holds
  3. Choppers
  4. Leg Lifts
  5. Bicycle Sit-ups
  6. Half V-ups
  7. Sit-ups
  8. Leg Lift Twists

Time:  12:00 (the video is 13:29)
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.  Tabata timer.

Being a former BodyRocker, I like order and tracking my reps, so I listed each exercise on a piece of paper with three spaces next to each one so I could write down my reps during each rest period. There are enough exercises listed above to do each one three times. That's 3 rounds through 1-8, so I did them in order each time through.

If you can't do full sit-ups, I can't, especially with my lower back being bruised, then do crunches.  Do your best with each exercise and watch your form.  The amount of reps you get is not as important as doing each exercise with proper form.  I linked up each exercise to a video that shows you how to do each one.

POP Pilates: New Body Makeover (Legs, Abs, Arms)

photo by José Vílchez CC BY-SA 4.0 | alt from original

Time:  29:43
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.  Towel for lower back & hips (optional).  Yoga block for knee (optional).

First of all, let me say that this is not a beginners pilates workout. If you've never done pilates before please do a beginners program or two so that you can learn how to modify the moves to your fitness level or physical abilities. If you have lower back or hip problems, double up on exercise mats (I did) or place a towel underneath those body parts when doing the movements that place stress there. When you are on your side doing the inner-thigh work, you can rest your head cradled in your arm down on the floor rather than up on your elbow in your hand. This will place less stress on your neck. Also, when in that position, you can use a yoga block underneath the knee that's placed in front on the floor. You may be tight in your hips or having your knee on the floor might place too much stress on your lower back. Cassey does tell you how to modify some of the movements but not all of them and not always at the beginning of each exercise. You might want to watch this first before you do it.

The workout was great. It was tough and I'm still feeling it, especially in my abs and legs. I'm certain that I will be sore tomorrow. The music was fun and Cassey's teaching style is fresh and quirky. She says "Oh My God" a lot. It kind-of made me giggle in the way that I would giggle at my teenager's quirkiness. She uses great music and her whole personality is light-hearted in a way that I can tell that she's probably like that all the time and I like that.



Check our more from Cassey Ho!

Sadie Nardini 20 Minute Weight Loss & Fatburning Yoga

image source | alt from original

Time:  17:50
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.  Yoga block.

I felt so good during and after this yoga routine.  Sadie teaches you how to really breathe into your core in a way that I've never experienced before with any other yoga I've ever done.  Although this workout is short, you get warm very quickly.  My heart rate was definitely up at the end of the workout.  Sadie also mentions that you can repeat the routine again if you have more time and want more of a workout.

I think this yoga routine is better suited for an Advanced Beginner to Advanced yogi.  I don't feel that a complete beginner to exercise and/or yoga could do this workout without knowing how to properly modify some poses to their abilities.  Sadie does show you some modifications but not for every pose.  For instance, when she's in Warrior, she is balancing on her back toes.  I needed to put my foot down, with my toes facing outwards for more stability, which is how I've always experienced Warrior.

Sadie has a peaceful yet powerful teaching style and I really enjoyed this workout, which is why I rated it 5-stars even though it's not for all yoga levels.  I'll definitely be doing more of her yoga workouts in the future.

Oh, and, always remember that yoga is a practice, not a perfection.  Do what you can.  Move into each pose in a way that honors your body and it's current abilities.  Do not force yourself into a pose that hurts.  If you feel pain, stop.  Strength, stamina, and flexibility will come with time and further practice.



Check out more from Sadie Nardini.

Denise Austin Cardio Fat-Burn Workout

image source | alt from original

Time:  19:15
Equipment needed:  None

This was a nice low-impact cardio workout.  Denise does 3 routines in this workout and gives you enough repeats of the routine to get it down and really get into it.  My heart rate was up by the end of the workout.  There is a lot of side-to-side movements, so if you're very limited in space, you might have a tough time doing this one.  I do recommend that you watch this video beforehand, so that you see what you're going to be doing before you do it.  That will allow you to see where you may have to modify some moves and so that you can get into the routines faster and really get into the workout rather than stumbling around the first few times through the routines.  Denise and her class are a bit bouncy throughout this workout.  You don't have to do that to get a good workout with this video.

Check out more Denise Austin videos!

Denise Austin Butt Shaper Exercises

image by Chrizz CC BY-SA 3.0 | alt from original

Time:  10:30
Equipment needed:  Exercise mat.  Dumbbells (optional).

I liked this workout.  It was challenging in parts and I'm sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow.  I don't care for getting on my knees too much, though, as they tend to hurt when doing some of the exercises done here.  If you have knee problems, this workout most likely isn't for you.



More great workouts from Denise Austin!

Jennifer Galardi Standing Abs

image source | alt from original

Length:  10:25
Equipment needed:  None

This 10 minute workout is simple and fun.  I like Jennifer's teaching style and many of the moves she uses mimic belly dancing moves which what makes this workout fun.

Check out more workouts from Jennifer Galardi.

How to Make a Protein Shake with Brooke Burke

image source | alt from original

Shopping list:
The perfect blender.
A variety of coconut water or almond milk.
Your favorite protein powder.
Frozen berries or bananas.
Omega 3-6-9 oil.
Peanut butter or almond butter.
Fresh kale.

Denise Austin Hit The Spot Arms & Shoulders

image source | alt from original

Length:  10:08
Equipment needed:  1-3 lb dumbbells or heavier depending on your fitness level.

This is a nice workout for the arms and shoulders.  I started with 3-lb weights but quickly went to 1-lb weights on many of the shoulder exercises because the 3-lb are just too heavy for me right now.  Like any exercise that uses weights, the more weight you use the harder it will be.  So know your fitness level and be sensible.  If a weight is too heavy for you, move to a lighter weight or do the movements without weights and really focus on the contractions.  There's no shame in starting light and working your way up.



Do you like Denise Austin?  Be sure to check out more of what she has to offer.

Denise Austin Yoga Stretch Workout

photo by yoga mama CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 | alt from original

Length:  12:16
Equipment needed:  exercise mat.  chair for balance (optional).

This is a simple yoga inspired stretching routine.  Denise covers all areas of the body from head to toes.  There are a few moves that require balance, so have a chair handy if you need it.  Anyone who's done any type of yoga before will have no problem with this stretching routine.  If you are a complete beginner, you may find yourself unstable in a few of the moves.  For instance, when you're on the floor in the modified runners stretch, you may feel more comfortable keeping your hands on your knee rather than lifting your arms up into the air, like Denise does.  For the hamstring stretch, you might also want a strap, exercise band, or towel handy, if you're tight in that area.  Only stretch to tension.  Never stretch to pain!

5-Minute Standing Stretch Routine

photo by Kanaka Menehune CC BY-NC 2.0 / alt from original

Length:  5:51
Equipment needed: chair for balance (optional).

I love that this stretching routine is done completely standing.  Sometimes getting down to the floor can be difficult and uncomfortable.  I also tend to be a traditional stretcher, leaning more towards these types of stretches than the popular yoga stretches.  There are a few stretches that she does that require a bit of balance, so it might be wise to have a chair or table handy to hold onto so that you can focus on the stretching and not the balancing.  It's a good stretching routine.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Yoga Basics Workout

photo by k4dordy CC BY 2.0 / alt from original

Time:  9:48
Equipment needed:  exercise mat

I really like this yoga video.  The instruction is good and I love the flow of the workout.  I always feel really stretched out and warm after finishing this video.

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