core

Core Rhythms 4 DVD Dance Exercise Starter Package
$23.88
Love this exercise program, you don't have to be an athlete to use it. Simple instructions and encourages you even if you can't keep up with them. Love the beginners video, explains the basic steps and I used this a few time before going to the regular workout DVD. You have the option of the full workout DVD or the condensed one when you don't have enough time for the full workout. Love the music and the instructors.

Core Rhythms Dance Exercise Program Starter Package 3-dvd Set!
$30.00
I agree with another reviewer that most of the low ratings are due to frustrations rather than the actual product. The fact is that this is designed to teach people to dance while getting a workout. Keyword being dance, which is never easy if you are a beginner. It requires time and patience, and results often happen when you least expect it.

I just got this a week ago and started with the kick start DVD. I am very uncoordinated and horrible at keeping time and this was very helpful. Now, the key is, once that becomes easy, don't expect to be able to do the full workout. I did the kick start section every day for a week and often times would repeat the workouts 2 or 3 times to make sure I fully got the moves. The fact is that if you are good, but not great, at those moves then the full workout will be kind of hard. Muscle memory is key.

The other thing I did was watch both the full and quick workouts while I was stretching. It's good to know what to expect so that when you go into the workout you don't have to keep rewinding. When I started out I just repeated the warm up a few times because that alone is pretty energetic (I'm also short on time usually).

Overall I really enjoy this. It's fun, pretty low impact knee-wise (maybe that's because I'm too worried about stomping and pissing off my neighbors below me), and I have actually become a way better dancer - which is shocking considering I have issues walking. You just have to go into this with an open mind and know that you don't have to do the full anything, you can break it down into sections and seriously go at your own pace. Don't let your frustrations get the better of you.

My only complaints are that they don't do enough 8 counts and the music could be a bit better. The thing with the 8 counts is that, for me personally, I can't count music too well, so it'd be nice to throw those in from the beginning so you can train yourself to the beat better.

The Core Performance: The Revolutionary Workout Program to Transform Your Body & Your Life
$19.95
This is a great book in concept, but next to impossible to actually use unless you bring the entire book in with you and/or memorize all the workouts, routines, and exercises (which there are a huge amount). The workouts and routines are great, but it basically requires you to buy the cd that creates workout sheets for you. Unless you have a photographic memory, this is very tough.

Also, like all other good workout books, the routines are mostly based on a 5 day a week in the gym for 1+ hours a day. You'll also have to eat healthy. Not really sure this is so revolutionary. Overall, good book. Really tough to use.

Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt
$8.24
I had a baby six months ago and now have a 26-inch waist by doing these exercises correctly (takes a little time to master the abs positioning if you haven't taken a pilates class before), walking and choosing my sugar *wisely*. No personal trainer, no meal delivery service, no nanny, etc. If I can do it anyone can. Worth a try!