Elise GulanElement: Ballet Conditioning

DVD arrived in pristine condition and very promptly.

A little about me: I bought this DVD because I was seriously out of shape. I have a little dance/ballet experience, but not much. I also have scar tissue around both my knees and if I do too much I definitely feel it. However, having done ballet in the past I also knew that it's one of the best ways for getting in shape, so I was excited to find this DVD.The first time I did it, it was pitiful. I managed about 20 minutes before I gave up and laid on the floor pouring sweat for a while. The next time I did about half the reps of everything and skipped a couple of the hardest exercises, but made it through to the end. That was 6 weeks ago, and I've been doing Ballet Conditioning at least 3x a week since then. Just in the last few weeks I've finally worked up to doing all the exercises in the recommended reps, but even before that I noticed definite changes in my body. My saggy butt moved back where it belongs; my pants are noticeably baggier (especially my thighs); my tummy is losing fat, gaining definition, and developing some impressive ab muscles; my arms and shoulders are also gaining definition and developing muscles without looking like a muscle-man. Can I chalk it all up to this DVD? Probably not. I alternate this with Quick Fix: Stability Ball Workout (my "lazy" days) and go for daily walks, but I think this deserves much of the credit for my recent 10Lb weight loss.Even though the workout is almost an hour in length, and physically demanding I never get bored with it, and like Elise Gulan says several times throughout it, the more muscle strength and flexibility you gain the more of a workout you get. I love her as an instructor because she's not at all obnoxious; no irritating cheerleader-y pep talks, and excellent cuing. She's definitely encouraging, but it's not fake or overdone.One thing that I have noticed is that some people say this is tough on knees. I'm far from being an expert, but I can see how if you're not doing the exercises correctly it could be very painful. If you're turning out into first position from your knees instead of your hips, or not using your muscles to control your landings during the jumping section it will definitely hurt. That may be the only way in which having a little ballet experience pays off, but I don't think it's that hard to learn.I do have one complaint about this DVD: I wish the beginning warm-up was a little longer and had a greater variety of stretches. I did just the stretches contained on the DVD the first half dozen times I used it, and it was fine; I didn't hurt myself or anything from lack a longer warm-up. However, I know my body well enough to know that's not enough for me, so I spend about 10 minutes doing stretches before I even start the DVD. I find that doing that allows me to get much deeper into the workout. But that's my body and of course everyone's is different, which is why I'm not knocking a star off over it. Overall though this is definitely my favourite workout, and I highly recommend it if you're looking to tone your muscles and lose weight.

This DVD is for those of us who are bored, tired, or sick of Jillian Michaels and similar workout "gurus" whose workouts coerce the viewer into frantic and frenzied movement during an inefficient and painful 20 minutes of yelling and punching. This DVD is also for those of us who prefer measured and elegant movement, combined with the history, moves, and strategy of a discipline that has been shaping bodies for over many centuries.I am not a fit and slim ballet dancer like the leader, Elise, but that didn't make me feel any less graceful as she led me through a series of yoga-inspired stretches, then onto ballet moves that incorporated basics such as plié, port de bras (how to carry the arms), relevé or balancing on the balls of one's feet. There are some jumps such as jumping from second to first position in a cardio section, and the ab section is mostly doing bicycling moves with the legs.I appreciated that Elise first did the exercises slowly, then gradually increased their tempo once I got used to them. She also explained what each technical ballet term was, giving the video authenticity. What struck me the most is that she often mentioned that while it was okay to stretch or move within your range of mobility, that, with continual practice, one's flexibility will increase. As simple as it sounds, it made me want to continue to work out to see the effects of the program. I also appreciated her ballerina's sensibility shining through with reminders to smile and to enjoy the movements. They weren't phony, but I could see she enjoyed the exercise. The video even ends with a curtsy to applaud your efforts!Although I gave the video 5 stars, on account of the high production quality, beautiful setting, affordable price, emphasis on elegance and legitimate ballet, I do have a few suggestions. First of all, the music is primarily smooth modern chill or jazz. I was hoping to have some classical music as I find that most relaxing. The music here is not horrible, but it would have been nice to have perhaps an alternate audio track.Secondly, a previous reviewer mentioned that it would be too hard to do this DVD without prior knowledge of ballet. While I'm familiar with some ballet terms, and took ballet in kindergarten, I can't say that that gives me any advantage over someone who hasn't. Elise explains the terms she uses. And who knows, perhaps you'll exercise your mind in learning something new, as well as your body!