 I LOVE Core Fusion! |
| Review Date: December 12, 2008 |
| Reviewer: GG, |
I'm always looking for something fun and results oriented to keep me motivated. This DVD totally fits the bill on that front. It's a really interesting and different approach to a total body workout broken up into do-able 10-minute sections that completely make me "feel the burn" AND keep me interested. The instructors do a great job of explaining each exercise clearly and showing alternate moves. Core Fusion seems to be all about small muscle movements and lots of reps so you're not working with heavy weights. However, you are repeating specific exercises for a longer period than you normally would so by the time you're done with each 10-min segment you really know you put some work into that muscle group. My personal faves are the ballet inspired chair workouts (amazing for the rear-end) and the arm workouts (awesome tri/bicept routine).
If you like this one, check out Core Fusion Pilates Plus. I bought both DVDs at once and am really pleased. Pilates Plus features the same instructors but with exercises that target the abs. The fact that I not only finished this DVD, but am doing it regularly is a testament in itself as I normally can't get through a pilates workout (find them boring in many cases) and I hate working my abs. I may be imagining things but I do feel a bit tighter all around after doing these workouts for a little while. Both Core Fusion DVDs have quickly become part of my regular workout rotation. |
Intelligent Weight & Lotte Berk-Based Workout
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| Review Date: January 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Khezla Durr, St. Louis MO |
The first thing that impressed me about this video is its intelligence. It's a thinking person's workout. Exercises are strong on authentic Lotte Berk since that was a significant part of this couple's background, with additions from Pilates, yoga and classical weight training. They do an excellent job of talking you through the exercises, explaining what it will do for your body, thereby keeping you motivated from a positive place, which is so much nicer than the commonly used negative motivational techniques where somebody is screaming you through a breakneck pace. They have you concentrate on how your body is feeling the exercise, stopping momentarily if you need to, then picking it up again - instead of counting monotonous repetitions for you. This approach is so much more pleasant and sensible. The workout is muscle toning, organized as interval training. Interval training has been proven by medical research to be much preferred for promoting fat loss and heart reserve capacity, instead of long term cardio. The pacing promotes the mind-body connection and focus, which reminds me of my ballet training from years ago, or hatha yoga. You have a chance to breathe and think during the exercises, without feeling additional stress due to the exercising. Much appreciated after a hectic day at work.
The video had a warm, intimate, personal trainer feel to it with the husband and wife team demonstrating the exercises together and instructing by means of a voiceover. They alternated showing the advanced version of an exercise and clearly indicated which person you should watch if that's the level you wanted. Setting is what I call "New Age living room," lovely décor, warm earthtones, water feature, and subdued lighting, plenty of camera shots from various angles. Music so unobtrusive I didn't even notice what it was, although there is a music only option in the special features after you get tired of the instructional. My husband really liked the fact that a man was showing the exercises also - funny how the same movement can look a little different on a man. He also liked the fact that it was a husband and wife team instead of a group of women. We're pressed for time, like to do things together, and this video fills the bill nicely. No more scheduling TV time for mutually exclusive workouts. Top quality production, first class all the way. I think this delightful couple with impressive credentials has set a new standard for fitness videos, and I look forward to more offerings from them in years to come.
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Core Fusion helped me heal my back AND gave me the best body of my life!
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| Review Date: December 11, 2008 |
| Reviewer: C. Hesse, NY, NY |
| One night I sat up off the couch and felt something shift in my back. The next day I could not move. I heard CF is great for people with back injuries, so once I got the ok from my doctor to start moving, I did so via the CF Body Sculpt and Pilates Plus DVD's!! MAN, let me tell you- to be able to go at my own pace, engage in movement that worked both the intensity of MY level of fitness and challenged BEYOND it, without feeling my back was amazing! Plus, I was able to build my strength, shape my body like never before, and shave inches off my thighs and waist, all while healing my injury! I felt empowered in a very defeating situation. it was so good for me mentally and emotionally to know I could still EXERCISE while doing something safe and effective for my body! I have never FELT STRONGER!!! |
This is the Tonic of Youth!
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| Review Date: December 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: B. Greer, New York, NY USA |
| I am a 45 year old man who has taken class with Fred and Elisabeth but do not have the time to attend their Exhale studio classes regularly...I found these DVDs to be awesome. The DVD's have allowed me to develop a daily at home routine using Core Fusion stretching and strengthening exercises on my own while getting instructions and reminders on how to perform them properly. The end result has been that I rarely suffer from back aches and sciatica that had plagued me before. Thank you exhale's Fred & Elisabeth for sharing this amazing routine! |
BEST THING OUT!!!
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| Review Date: June 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: I. Pretty, Durham, NC |
This workout video is awesome!!! I don't even know were to being! The tape is broken down into 5 - 10 minute workouts (that go by fast might I add). They are broken down by upper body, thighs, gluteus (butt), abs, & stretches. You can do which ever one you feel you need targeting, but if you do them all, that is when you get the full workout. After every segment the instructors do stretches to take the tension off your muscles. They even have 2 bonus workouts that are only like 10-15 minutes as well.
I'm the type who loves pilates, no cardio workout tapes (not a fan). The first time I used it, I felt good, relaxed, lengthened & stretched out. By the next day you see a difference. You don't feel sore until the end of the next day. Every workout you do no matter what it is, you are going to have soreness until you continue to do it regularly. I've been doing it for 4 weeks now, so far my body looks MUCH better, it looks a lot more toned (and that was my main problem). I lost a dress size already, but still the same weight. I can't wait to see my body in 4 more weeks! This DVD is great!!! |
core fusion
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| Review Date: January 11, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Judith A. Taylor, |
| I love the combination of strengthening and stretching. I have always had weak abs/core and after 3 weeks I can already tell a difference. It changes the way I do my other activities - skiing, running- and my posture has improved. Love it and am looking forward to the next video. |
Buns of Steel!
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| Review Date: September 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Alyssa Holden, Santa Monica, CA |
As a Barre instructor, I have been familiar with Core Fusion for years now. I used to take Core Fusion classes at the Exhale Santa Monica location and literally jumped for joy when I found out they were starting a DVD collection (and would no longer have to shell out $20 a class)....introducing CORE FUSION BODY SCULPT. This video has literally transformed my body, which, for someone who spends an inordinate amount of time teaching AND working out is no small feat. I do this video 3 times a week and sometimes break the video up into small parts to do throughout the day. What I love about this DVD is how it allows anyone to do it regardless of equipment (all you need is a chair and use soup cans if you don't have access to weights!) and the informative way in which both Fred and Elisabeth instruct you. Personally, I quit my gym because I found it incredibly boring to huff and puff the calories away on the elliptical. This DVD will give you long, lean legs and one seriously perky tushy. My mother, who is quite possibly the most critical woman alive, even commented on the amazing results it's given me. She's a pilates instructor and even SHE found the video remarkable -- my poor father has been forced to do the video with her and even he can't stop singing its' praises. If you love the long, lean, and STRONG look...this is for you.
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Just what I was looking for.
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| Review Date: December 19, 2008 |
| Reviewer: reader, |
If you enjoy Bar Method or Lotte Berk, you will love this workout. I love the format of this dvd. You can do a quick 10 minutes workout or a full body longer workout. I wanted some new bar style workouts but don't always have a full 40 minutes every day and sometimes just want to focus on one body part. So this is perfect for me as an add on to a cardio or if I am just short on time.
The workout itself is the perfect level of difficulty - hard but not so difficult I put off doing it. I haven't had this particular workout long enough to see results specific to this dvd, but this style of workout gives me great results, especially in the buns and abs areas. |
Love it
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| Review Date: May 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Matsar, Florida |
| All of these 5-star reviews speak the truth! I'm someone who hates workout DVDs but really wanted to find something new and interesting to do at home since my own workouts have become stale. After reading the reviews here then viewing clips I took a chance and bought it and now I'm hooked. It's challenging without being exhausting and I even feel invigorated enough after the 50 minute workout to attempt the bonus "flat back/round back" bonus feature (I say attempt because it truly is the most challenging core sequence I have ever done). The 50 minutes goes by quite fast and I love how it's broken up into 10 minute segments, that way you can really push yourself since you know it's going to be over quickly. The movements are intense and the instructors demonstrate beginner modifications along with the more advanced exercises. The instruction is very good and easy to follow, not distracting or annoying like most exercise DVDs. The music is good as far as these things go, not overwhelming, peaceful but enough to keep up the energy. The workout targets the upper body, thighs, glutes, and abs, followed by a 10 minute stretch and cool down. Your legs will be shaking buy the middle of the glute sequence and your butt will be on fire so YOU KNOW you are getting the job done! The ab series is done with the feet up on a wall so you can really feel the abdominals start to work right away -- a very challenging sequence but motivating and you will find yourself pushing past the pain because you know it's only ten minutes. I'm definitely going to buy the other Core Fusions DVD in a few weeks since I'm so impressed with this one! |
Finally, something different!
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| Review Date: July 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Beachbabe1984, Ontario, Canada |
I just started using this DVD a few weeks ago and it is fantastic! It has helped me take inches off my thighs and butt that I couldn't lose before. It's composed of five10-minute sections: arms & shoulders, thighs, butt, abs, and stretch. The exercises use small movements with lots of reps - your muscles stay in a working zone through most of the 10 minutes, so you really feel a deep burn by the end. The two instructors are wonderful at encouraging you to keep moving through the burning sensation. Having two of them is great since throughout the workout, they are always demonstrating beginner and advanced modifications.
The arms and shoulders section requires some light hand weights (5lbs was too much for me. It seems to be inspired by classical strength training moves, but given a bit of a twist. The thighs and the butt segments use a chair as a barre for some ballet-inspired exercises - these sections are difficult, but really produce results. The ab workout is also challenging. My only issue was that it requires you to brace your feet on a wall, which in my apartment, does not allow me to watch the TV. Though using a voiceover prevents wasted time in this DVD, there are times where the cuing is lacking. They often make subtle changes to their movements and don't mention it on the voiceover. This means you sometimes need to sacrifice your position to make sure you're still keeping up with them.
This program provides something a little different from most workout DVDs of this type. It seems to be a very effective and challenging mix of training styles. Best of all, it leaves you feeling relaxed and energized, not strained (well, you'll be sore the next day...). I definitely recommend giving this one a try!
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Simply the BEST home workout video I ever did!
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| Review Date: January 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: BlueRoses, Los Angeles, CA |
I am a veteran of collecting home workouts as well as a former dancer, with a complete library of pilates, yoga, cardiobarre, ballet fusion, etc. etc. etc. videos and DVDs. Because of actually DOING the videos on a regular basis (4-6 times a week depending on my schedule), I think that I am in above average shape and rarely get noticeably sore muscles or am winded by any workout any longer.
This video changes all that. I was really looking for a new challenge and found this Core Fusion program after some research. The first time I did it: WOW. My legs especially noticed the difference, and I had a hard time getting through the thigh segment without pausing, which has not happened with another workout in years.
-The first 10 minute segment is arm work, with light hand weights. I liked the different arm and back muscles that were targeted, and though I could get through this part without too much trouble, after about 4 workouts I could see increased definition in the muscles in my shoulders and back.
-The second 10 minute segment is the leg work using a chair and long holds in some classic ballet stances with clever alterations. This part has made the biggest difference to me personally, I lost at least an inch on my thighs after a month or so and my legs STILL shake at certain points in the workout. The best leg work I ever did!
-The third 10 minute segment targets the butt and legs while using a chair for support, and lots of leg lifting in various ballet positions really lifts the rear and strengthens the standing leg.
-The fourth 10 minute segment was also very powerful and intensive, it is the abdomen segment and it was also one of the most difficult that I had encountered, with long holding postions and lots of core strengthening. I STILL can not complete the entire segment without a break or two, so it continues to challenge me.
-The fifth and final segment is the stretching portion, which is very soothing and yet lengthening. The leg stretch portion really showcases how much leg work has been done early, as I still often have shaky legs at this point.
HIGHLY recommended for those already in good physical shape and want a long term, consistent challenge!
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Core Fusion in my home - Awesome!
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| Review Date: January 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Nicole Southard, New Jersey |
| During a Core Fusion class at Exhale my legs would shake non-stop. After 50 min of the cd my legs still shake, that's how I know I'm getting the same benefits without going to the studio! Another wonderful feature is how the cd is broke down in 10 min workouts. Having three kids I don't always get the time to do an entire workout. I can do 10 min and come back an hour later and do another 10 min. The benefits are the same and now I really have no excuse. Thanks for bringing Core Fusion to my home! |
WOW!
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| Review Date: February 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Christina Florida, Florida |
| I've been lifting heavy and working large muscles and doing lots of cardio for 6 months. I've lost 45 lbs. When I saw that this uses small weights, I was sceptical. This worked all the supportive smaller muscles as well as the larger ones, I was aching in a good way for two days! I love it. I came back two days later and did more. I can tell that it's going to do more for my quads and glutes than squats and lunges, because the burn is so much more intense. My butt would recover quickly from standard exercises, but for 24 hours my muscles are tight after these workouts. If you're a fitness model, do these before a shoot. Brilliant. The arm exercises are awesome and very challenging. I highly recommend this DVD for body building, you won't get big, but you'll get strong. Combined with cardio, you'll get ripped! I would really like that butt on the cover, can I have it please? |
Core Fusion will kick your Butt
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| Review Date: February 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Chicareader, NYC |
I have takes classes at Exhale and use the dvd for wheN I have no time to go to the gym. I love it.
It's split into five 10 minute sections-
Upper body
thighs,
glutes,
core and
stretch (and also a the bonus sections).
So you can use whatever you feel like or all of them.
I do feel as much of a workout as when I go to the studio class.
It's a great DVD with precise instruction.
I throw in some cardio and I have a complete workout. |
Oof!
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| Review Date: March 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. Potter, Portland, OR |
| This DVD kicks my butt, but in a good way. They go through each muscle group in separate segments, first working the muscles to exhaustion and then following that up with stretching and flexibility exercises. I am utterly exhausted when I'm done, but it feels really good. My one caution: my low back reacts badly to overextension, and I definitely did that here. If that's an issue for you, pay careful attention to whether you're doing anything that's going to hurt. I'm going to have to skip some of the exercises and do something else that won't leave me quite so achy for the next few days. But I'm still going to keep using the rest of this video! |
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