Karen Voight - Pure and Simple Stretch ASIN: B00000INB3 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: My Favorite Stretch Video Comments: This is my favorite stretch video. I have a stressful programming job and work long hours. When I want to relax and loosen up, this is the video I use. I have used it regularly for the last 10 years and although I continue to try other videos, I have not found one I like better. It is one of a handful of exercise videos of all types, that have stood the test of time. Karen Voight's video is so easy, so relaxing, and the best overall stretch video I have. Karen gives me time to to relax into each stretch, which I totally love to do. She has a wonderful neck and shoulder stretch routine that I particularly look forward to doing. None of my many Yoga videos can replace this overall stretch video.

Karen Voight - Pilates - Total Body Training ASIN: B00005K22Z Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Really good workout. Comments: This is a wonderful workout and most importantly it does what it promises. My only complaint is that You should not by the VHS because buying the compilation DVD that has this workout plus Karen's Abs and Back is a better value. You will definitely want to purchase the abs and back workout in addition to this one.

Your Personal Best Workout ASIN: 6304061951 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Good for beginners and all levels! Comments: A lot of tapes I've seen I hate doing again because they get too complicated with the footwork - (I'm not a Rockette, and you only have so much room in your livingroom!). I liked this tape because I know I got a good work out, and it's broken down in sections to keep you going. I enjoyed the transitions~ aerobics to body sculpting to aerobics again. Karen Voight does an excellent job explaining what you're doing, and whats up next - I enjoyed it so much I didn't realize the whole tape was done! Usually I can't wait to get a tape over with! Also enjoyed the beautiful scenes in Hawaii - the beach and interior shots.

Karen Voight - Energy Sprint ASIN: B00000INB1 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: This one is for serious exercisers Comments: If you are looking for a challenge, this is it. She takes you through so many leg squats and lunges that your thighs tremble. 2 hours later, you are still jittery. Its awesome. I have never gotten such a intense leg workout. And us women need that. I always rate the workouts by the soreness the next day. I usually get sore from this one. I try to do it 2 times a week. Even once a week will super charge your metabolism into high gear.

Karen Voight - Pilates - Abdominals and Back ASIN: B00005K22Y Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A great effort! Comments: This tape is 43 minutes long. It starts with an 8 minute stretch, goes on to 30 minutes of pilates like ab work, and ends in a relaxing and thourough 5 minute stretch. As always, Voight's instruction is clear and friendly without being TOO friendly, if you know what I mean. I consider it an intermediate level tape although I still do it and I have been doing pilates for years because I just like Karen. You will gain core strength and flexibilty from this tape and it leaves you feeling nice and refreshed! You can't go wrong.

Karen Voight - Great Weighted Workout ASIN: B00000INB2 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Hard but Challenging Comments: I have done The Firm tapes for about 6 months but have found Karen Voight to be more effective. I like her teaching style.. as one reviewer put it " not a peppy cheerleader". I did find that the tape was difficult as a beginner but I am hoping with more use I will be able to master it. In some of the exercises I couldn't believe she was doing them with weights and still talking! There were moments where I had to put the weights down because I simply could not do the exercise with them. Personally, I like the music. It is better than the soft porn type that "The Firm" uses!

Karen Voight - Pilates - Core Essentials ASIN: B00005K22X Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Funky New Moves Comments: Karen really pours her creative energy into this workout. She teaches from a blue full moon type platform with a background of purple that is actually quite relaxing. In her red outfit, the scene becomes rather interesting. I also liked the camera angles in this one. There is plenty of movement and you are never bored. While you will recognize some of her signature moves, she has also incorporated some new variation. To optimize the results, she believes variety is key. She puts new twists on classic exercises. She has refined all the exercises so you don't waste energy. She has a way of focusing on fewer reps, but you get so much out of each lunge, squat, pushup and ab crunch. Basically, you are using your own body weight in combination with light resistance. You will also focus on the essential muscles of your arms and legs. Karen has fused the teachings of Joseph Pilates, yoga and ballet with her own body-sculpting techniques. You will need a pair of Green Genie balls, a set of 5lb. Hand weights, a yoga mat and a towel. One great feature is you don't need a ton of room to do the moves in this video. You can't really substitute a set of 3lb. hand weights for the Genie balls, just so you know. Once you order the video, there is a pamphlet that tells you were you can order the essential tools you need for her videos. The workout starts with some simple standing stretches and moves into a warming sequence of lunges. If some of the choreography gets a bit much, just be patient. By the third or fourth time you use this tape you will have it down. The first part is the most intense and involves lots of bending at the knee. Gets your heart rate up. Compared to most workout videos, it is really such a short segment. The workout then moves to "Legs and Butt", focusing on a floor routine, which is quite creative and inspiring. Karen makes sure she tells you what to watch for and gives pointers throughout so you keep concentrating on each exercise. The "Arms, Back and Torso" segment includes pushups that are combined with yoga moves and I found them quite enjoyable for a change. Then you move into the Abdominal section, which is also a floor routine. Finally, you "Cool Down" and stretch out. This segment could have been longer. I always want more "stretching!" 40 minutes seems more like 20 for some reason. It is just plain fun and the music keeps you motivated! A bit disappointed with the muffled sound of Karen's voice at times...that is tolerable...yet annoying! Don't let that stop you from purchasing this great workout. Although, I really expected the sound to be of a superior quality as that is what I'm used to with her videos. Did I get a bad video? I don't notice this problem in Total Body Training which is part of the Body Reform series. Sigh.

Streamline Fitness ASIN: B00000INAZ Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Quick but tough, thorough, and with nice blend of styles. Comments: This was my first Karen Voight video, and I liked it a lot. When I read reviews on other sites, I found that many people complained that the workout wasn't challenging enough, but I found it to be a just-right short workout for my intermediate level. The workout begins with a rather lengthy (7-minute) warm-up that goes quicky from one move to the next. This section raises your heart rate somewhat, although I would have preferred a shorter warm-up with more time devoted to toning. The 17-minute segment of standing toning exercises which follows is definitely tough. Karen uses 3-lb. weighted balls, but she is also shown using dumbells. I started with 5-lb. dumbells and could do the first few exercises okay, but I had to lower the weight. I don't have weighted balls, so I used my 2-lb. ankle weights but held them in my palms similar to the balls. Some of the reviews I read said that the workout moves too fast to use heavier weights, but I think that with practice, I could stick to the 5-lb. dumbells. For most of the exercises, Karen does one slow set and then a second faster set in which she does move quite quickly. I found the upper body portion to be strong on the back and shoulders but less intense for the biceps and triceps. Karen then moves to a few exercises for the legs, including squates, lunges, and leg raises for buttocks. Because the entire toning section lasts only 17 minutes, no one muscle group is worked out particularly hard, but it's great if you're looking for quick overall toning--it reminds me of Tamilee Webb's I Want That Body. You can stop the tape after the toning segment--Karen pauses at this point--or continue on to the next section, for abs. I was surprised to read that the abs section is 17 minutes long, as it went by very quickly. Here Karen combines traditional crunches--some done holding weights--with more Pilates-type abs moves. Each exercise was very intense, but not so difficult that I was unable to perform any moves; I felt like I got a very good abs workout. The tape ends with about 16 minutes of basic yoga poses. This section flowed nicely from the abs work, and it provided a nice stretch at the end of the workout. I found Karen to be an excellent instructor: she is amazingly fit in appearance without being intimidating, and she did a great job cuing and explaining each move. The background music was jazz/R&B (some with vocals) which was pleasant without interfering with the workout. One thing that was a little odd was how the images flashed between different sets. The main set consists of Karen in a studio with her hair down and giving live instruction, but during each exercise, the camera flashed to Karen in the studio with her hair up, Karen in a living room setting, and Karen outdoors. Although this was a bit strange, each set was appealing, and I didn't mind the transitions. Overall, I would recommend this workout to advanced beginners/intermediates looking for a fast, varied toning program that is not too strenuous. I plan to do this workout on alternate weeks with Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight, which is a little more challenging.

YogaSculpt ASIN: 6303908802 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Challenging yoga practice Comments: I had read a bunch of unfavorable reviews of this video. Either it wasn't challenging enough as a sculpting workout or it wasn't meditative enough. Also, I got the feeling when reading between the lines that it wasn't exactly yoga, either. I'm pretty snobby about my yoga practice, but I'm a new Karen Voight fan and I have a lot of respect for her precise approach. I took a chance on this and I'm glad I did. The practice is about 45 minutes long and begins with a quick breathing exercise in Mountain Pose. Then she moves onto the standing series, which is about 25 minutes long. A modified Sun Salutation utilizing Awkward Chair (and no jumping), and then moving into Lunge, Warrior I, Warrior II, Right Angle and Triangle. Then to the floor for work on the abdominals and back with such yoga classics as Boat and Bridge. Throughout the practice, I was very impressed with her precise instruction and fluid movement into and out of poses. In Boat, for instance, many students flop out of the position after two or three tries. She made sure her students moved out carefully. Also, her instructions on alignment and foot position left little room for error. That is very important, particularly for the standing poses where you need to maintain just the right angle in your back leg. Finally, I loved the classical music she used for the video; it provided just the right rhythm without being too distracting. I broke a sweat during this practice even though it doesn't look that tough on preview. Because I am an advanced yoga practitioner, I was very surprised that people less advanced would feel this wasn't strenuous enough. I think the key is breathing: if you're not using deep full breaths on your inhale and exhale, you're strengthening and maybe stretching; if you incorporate the proper breathing, this is a more vigorous workout. The intensity level is somewhere between Total Yoga and Yoga Zone for Power Yoga for Flexibility and Endurance. Beginners may find this too challenging, but Intermediates and Advanced yoga practitioners should find this a good workout.

Strong and Smooth Moves ASIN: B00000INB0 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great Energy Boost Comments: I enjoy Karen's videos. She sticks to the workout and motivates you. She's not hype, just solid kick-your butt. I enjoy doing the Stong and Smooth Moves video at the gym (only because I don't have a bar of my own). Anytime I don't feel like running but want a good workout, I use this video to get my heart elevated.

Karen Voight: Lean Legs and Buns ASIN: 6303106897 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Tough tape Comments: This is an awesome tape that works all of your legs and butt! It even has a great warm-up/calf work section at the beginning, not many tapes include calves. It's a hard tape, but you know you've really accomplished something when you're through. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to change your lower body. Karen is a very precise instructor, I would have been intimidated if I were just starting out. She wants you to do each move just right so you get the most out of your workout. She has gorgeous legs herself, she must know what she's talking about!

Karen Voight Complete Body Workout with bonus Training book ASIN: B00006SCNW

Karen Voight: Firm Arms and Abs ASIN: 6303106889

Power Packed Workout ASIN: B000008TYG Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Kicks your ass. Comments: This is a great exercise video if you've hit a fitness plateau. The music is pretty eighties funky and the moves are a little difficult, but it gets your heart rate WAY up there and really is quite energizing. Just when you think you're going to die, she stops and you actually feel really good.

Strong and Smooth Moves ASIN: 6303451551 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Challenging and Fun Workout Comments: I've owned this video for about a year and have yet to tire of it. The music is great, the set very different from most videos as it has strobe lights and other interesting effects (you even see the cameramen darting around from time to time). It has a fantastic warm-up that is like a regular cardio section in other tapes. The cardio itself is a bit challenging as far as the foot work but that is what makes the workout so interesting. After the cardio, it has a great strength workout followed by some stretching exercises. Karen recommends using the 12 lb. body bar but if you don't have one, you can use a chair for some of the exercises + a set of 5 lb. hand weights.

Karen Voight: Great Weighted Workout ASIN: 6303106862 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: every muscle screams for mercy! Comments: Karen Voight is the workout goddess. She has found a way to combine modified low impact aerobics with an incredible weight workout. My entire body screamed with delight after the workout. When I'm in the mood for a really good burn... this is the video I grab! You won't be disappointed.

Karen Voight: Power Packed Workout ASIN: 6303106870 Customer's Rating: 2 Summary: No Direction! Comments: Just a warning to anyone who is just starting, I work out every morning, this video was so discouraging. Karen does not ease into any moves. You can't keep up because she is changing without saying where to go..I love to sweat, but this was a turn off. I want to have a little direction. Not on of her best, and I love Voight videos.

Karen Voight: Energy Sprint ASIN: 6303106919 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: This one is for serious exercisers Comments: If you are looking for a challenge, this is it. She takes you through so many leg squats and lunges that your thighs tremble. 2 hours later, you are still jittery. Its awesome. I have never gotten such a intense leg workout. And us women need that. I always rate the workouts by the soreness the next day. I usually get sore from this one. I try to do it 2 times a week. Even once a week will super charge your metabolism into high gear.

Karen Voight - Lean Legs and Buns/Firm Arms and Abs ASIN: B00004STFI Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: already seeing results after one month! Comments: This is a fantastic tape. This workout really works your entire upper body. My back, arms and abls are all visibly tighter, and my posture has greatly improved. I'm very glad I found this tape. I have never gotten any results with my arms before. Ms. Voight takes each exercise slowly, so you get the full benefit of each movement. I've used tapes where they do everything too quickly for it to do any good. By the way, you don't need a step if you can improvise with your equipment a little. I chose to buy an incline board instead and my workout room has a step.

Karen Voight - Cardio Strength Circuit Training ASIN: B0000639JZ Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Excellent workout Comments: I am an advanced exerciser. This workout is excellent IF and ONLY IF an exerciser keeps a good form throughout the workout. Karen is the best instructor out there. She provides very good technique, no junk. I highly recommend her workouts and you will see results. Just do not cheat and always maintain a good form!

Firm Arms and Abs ASIN: B00000INB5 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: already seeing results after one month! Comments: This is a fantastic tape. This workout really works your entire upper body. My back, arms and abls are all visibly tighter, and my posture has greatly improved. I'm very glad I found this tape. I have never gotten any results with my arms before. Ms. Voight takes each exercise slowly, so you get the full benefit of each movement. I've used tapes where they do everything too quickly for it to do any good. By the way, you don't need a step if you can improvise with your equipment a little. I chose to buy an incline board instead and my workout room has a step.

Core Essentials Pilates ASIN: B000063K4H

Ease Into Fitness ASIN: B00004STFH Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Slow and Steady Comments: Karen Voight is an exceptional instructor with great versatility. This tape is designed for people who need to ease into fitness with reduced chance of injuries. Approriate for seniors as well as younger folks struggling with physical problems. This is a safe and sound way to build strength and begin a fitness routine.

Pure and Simple Stretch ASIN: 6303106900 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Lots of stretching in a short time Comments: This 35 minute stretch workout is just right to loosen up after an aerobic exercise session or to start the day. It hits most body areas so I feel stretched all over. Several variations of most stretches are demonstrated for different levels of flexability. The pace is relaxed and explanations are clear. I use this tape weekly to supplement other exercise.

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