Description

This yoga DVD requires no extra equipment (although two sections use optional tools) and is a fun way to stay in shape. NBC’s Biggest Loser television show trainer, Bob Harper leads former Biggest Loser contestants and winners through an intermediate yoga workout.Six Week ProgramThe workout is subtitled as a 6 Week Program for Maximum Weight Loss.   * Weeks 1 – 2 include the warm up, 20 minute Yoga Level 1 and the cool down.   * Weeks 3 – 4 include the warm up, Yoga Level 1, 15 minute Yoga Level 2, and the cool down.   * Weeks 5 – 6 include the warm up, Yoga Level 1, Yoga Level 2, the 10 minute Yoga Level 3 and the cool down.Warm UpThe warm up is 5 minutes long and is made up of easy to follow yoga stretches including side, arm, chest and leg stretches. Bob also focuses on breathing. His descriptions and directions for the movements are clear and easy to follow.Yoga Level 1Yoga Level 1 is 20 minutes long. The poses include many downward dogs, warrior sequences and planks, among others. It is more of a classic yoga style than the other levels and does not use any extra equipment.Yoga Level 2Bob calls this section “Yoga Pilates Abs.” It is 15 minutes long and focuses on strengthening the core area, including the abdominals and back. A water ball is used to add a little resistance but is not required. A small dumbbell, or nothing, can be used as well. Harper adds new movements that will keep the core challenged. He suggests modifications for more advanced exercisers. Planks and side planks help to work the core in this section, while bridges work the backside of the body.Yoga Level 3This section focuses purely on strength training. The routine incorporates dumbbells with traditional yoga poses. The moves are slow, controlled and effective. The free weight work is kept to simple movements that blend well with the poses. While not a traditional yoga routine, adding the free weights will add a new element for the home exerciser looking for something different. Important and helpful form and safety tips are given with most of the movements. Chair pose and warrior pose are two of the moves included in Level 3.Cool DownThe cool down includes 5 minutes of simple stretches designed to relax the body after a tough workout.CustomizeThe DVD can be customized. The routines are broken up into three levels. The user can choose any or all of the workouts to do at one time. Each workout can also be done with music and instruction or music only.EffectiveThe Biggest Loser DVD’s are popular for a reason. They are easy to follow, encouraging and up-beat. Bob Harper is an effective trainer who engages the user and involves her in the workout. This is mostly an intermediate level workout. The weight loss component comes from the many body weight supporting poses that are included, as well as the strength training done with the optional dumbbells and water ball. His claims of building long, lean muscles are misleading, as muscle shape is determined mostly by genetics and cannot be modified by doing yoga. The DVD is an effective workout and will be a positive addition to those at home exercisers looking for something a little different to add to their yoga selection.http://fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_biggest_loser_weight_loss_yogahttp://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Workout-Weight-Loss/dp/B001GP5TLIEnjoy !