Movie » Fitness & Yoga Movies

Jillian Michaels, TV?s toughest fitness guru, delivers a high-energy workout designed to keep viewers on track with their fitness and weight loss goals! Each of these high intensity DVDs will help get viewers moving, accelerate their fat-burning potential, and tone muscles through a series of creative cardio and weight training sessions. Her self-affirming blueprint for weight loss breathes life into her viewers? workout regimen through genuine, supportive guidance backed by her impressive credentials. Jillian Michaels holds personal training certificates from the renowned National Endurance and Strength Training Association (NESTA) and the American Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certification program. Additionally, Ms. Michaels has extensive experience in the martial arts practice of Muay Thai and Akarui-Do, in which she holds a black belt. Ms. Michaels was recognized by The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for her accomplishments in both Advanced Exercise Nutrition and Supplementation for Training and Performance.

Carmen Electra leads a series of workouts combining the most useful elements of the striptease--dancing and exercise. She begins with a low-intensity workout aimed at the abdomen thighs buttocks and hips featuring a full warm-up and three cardio dance routines. Electra next performs a more rigorous set before moving into the lap dance teaching viewers exactly what lap dances are and adapting them into the context of an exercise workout as well as introducing an intense hip-hop dance with a firm emphasis on cardio. Electra's flirtatious moves will bring out the inner seductress in participants and her bubbly personality and famous physique make her an ideal host for the program. Her simple instructions and infectious enthusiasm encourage women of all shapes sizes and ages to feel confident in their bodies.

Best selling author, culinary adventurer and self-proclaimed hedonist, Anthony Bourdain has carved out a distinct place as a gastronomic Indiana Jones. In this series --Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations -- his journey introduces viewers to people and places far beyond the realm of food. This 4-disc set Includes the the following episodes: "Paris & New Jersey," "Sicily & Las Vegas," "New Zealand & Malaysia" and "Iceland & Vietnam."

Studio: Razor Digital Ent Release Date: 05/20/2008

Array

Includes MTV Pilates Mix, MTV Pilates, MTV Yoga, MTV Power Yoga

Disc 1 - Evening Stress Release for Beginners Filmed in Jamaica, Yoga Zone: Evening Stress Relief offers lovely scenery and intensive relaxation for anyone who needs to unwind at the end of the day. This workout is divided into two 20-minute practices that can be done together or separately. The first of these two sessions starts slowly by introducing breathing techniques and yoga terminology. A series of limbering stretches are taught to increase flexibility and allow optimum extension into postures. Cueing is great here, as participants are frequently reminded to breathe in and exhale with each movement. Poses that strengthen the abdominal muscles and a sequence of back bends are performed with modifications offered throughout these postures. Meditation closes out the first session with attention to eliminating tension and increasing breathing capacity. The second set is staged on a sandy beach with greater attention to body alignment and active limbs. The major muscles of the legs and arms are trained through downward facing dog and deep lunges. Postures that lengthen the abdominal wall (like the cobra) are performed as the perfect complement to the preceding abdominal work (in the first session). Breathing is also imperative here. Participants are reminded that each exhale has the ability to move one deeper into a pose (participants are also encouraged not to force their flexibility limits). This fine workout program is ideal for beginners and intermediates who are looking to reduce tension and become more limber. --Olivia Voigts Disc 2 - Fat Burning Disc 3 - Introduction to Power Yoga "Power Yoga" has gradually become the aerobics of the new millennium, driven by a no-pain-no-gain ethos that emphasizes sweat and strengthening over yoga's more subtle benefits. But this two-part, 40-minute Yoga Zone program takes a more mild approach, hewing to the philosophy that the power of power yoga depends less on aggressive, strenuous poses than on conscious awareness of oneself and the vital link between breath and movement. Both parts rely on brisk, flowing repetitions of several vinyasas (connected series of poses). The first includes some standing positions (mountain, warrior I and II, etc.), lunges, twists, side stretches, and the camel backbend; those new to yoga will find the sequence alternating between the downward dog and plank positions to be fairly demanding, but there's nothing outrageously hard here. The second part again concentrates on the downward dog, one of the essential poses in yoga, along with twists, stretches (like the "blown palm," a standing side stretch), forward bends, lunges and so on. The virtue of repeating vinyasas -- i.e., moving in and out of several poses, one breath at a time--is that it reinforces proper breathing patterns, and the instructors do a good job of reminding you when to inhale and exhale, which is not so simple as it might sound. More warm-up time would be helpful--beginners and experienced yogis alike should do some stretching before starting--but once you get going, the DVD menu allows for easy selection of either part, or the various series within them. You can also do the practice without the instruction, accompanied only by the music. --Sam Graham Disc 4 - Stretching for Flexibility Disc 5 - Total Body Conditioning Set in the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica, Yoga Zone's Total Body Conditioning delivers the intensive mind and body experience that has made Yoga Zone so popular. Divided into two distinct 20-minute workouts, the programs can be done individually for the time-pressed exerciser or together for an extended challenge. The first of these contains an informal approach to breathing and lengthening exercises. Isometric abdominal work is coupled with pelvic tilts and meditation. Some familiar postures are seen within this first session, with warrior, triangle, and mountain poses. The second session includes some deeper lunges and forward bends with the same focus on body alignment and posture. Total Body Conditioning illustrates a plausible beginning format because of its practical and approachable postures with a minimal risk of injury. In fact, programs like this can actually lengthen and strengthen the core muscles, which may aid in injury prevention. Meditation closes out both sessions and mats are necessary throughout all phases of this workout. The instruction and content here are so solid that beginners and intermediates alike will feel at home. --Olivia Voigts Disc 6 - Yoga for Abs Looking to develop those six-pack abs to show off on the beach? Then yoga is not for you. If, however, you want to strengthen both your abdominals and your lower back, while keeping your stomach muscles supple but not rock hard, then yoga's the way to go. This two-part, 40-minute program from Yoga Zone uses a variety of poses (some of them joined together in flowing sequences known as vinyasas) that are obviously directed at the abs; the scale pose (also known as the boat), for instance, will certainly work those muscles hard, as will the table pose, the "forearm plank" (the upward pushup position, but with elbows on the floor), and others. But both parts of the practice also incorporate a variety of other asanas, such as standing positions and side stretches, that develop abdominal strength more subtly, as the instructors frequently remind you to tilt your pelvis forward and tuck your stomach muscles in, thus gently but firmly engaging your abs throughout your entire yoga routine. You'll work reasonably hard, but you won't endure endless series of crunches as you relentlessly "go for the burn." With a selectable DVD menu, you can sequence the poses any way you like, or jump to any particular section. You can also turn off the instruction and do the practice accompanied only by the music track. This is a peculiar option; the point of practicing yoga is to take your awareness inside, not stare at a TV screen, and the teacher's vocal guidance is usually an essential part of that process. But if it works, go for it. --Sam Graham

Joseph Pilates developed a unique fitness system combining aspects of martial arts, gymnastics, yoga and ancient Greek training techniques, focusing on the coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Pilates practiced what he called The Art of Contrology until his death in 1968, at the age of 88. He left his studio - and his legacy as a trainer, teacher and innovator - to his student and colleague Romana Kryzanowska. Today, the conditioning system bears his name, is one of the most popular and fastest growing fitness methods in the world. Known simply as PILATES, its leading teacher and practitioner is also recognized by only one name, ROMANA.

For nearly half a century Romana has traveled around the world, teaching this true Pilates method that she learned directly from Uncle Joe. Her clients include athletes, dancers and celebrities. Even the most successful Pilates teachers and other fitness experts regularly come to Romana for advanced instruction and certification in the Pilates method. Now, for the first time, Romana has created a video series for home use.

There are three words to describe Pilates:

- Stretch
- Strength
- Control

Introduction to Pilates Matwork
There's no better way to get started on Pilates at home than with a 1-on-1 from the grand mistress of the true Pilates method. Romana's Pilates: Introduction to Matwork will guide you step-by-step through the basics of Pilates. You'll discover your Powerhouse and what it means to you overall well-being. You'll develop a positive mind-set, while stretching and strengthening your muscles. Romana's Pilates will get you on a path to improved health and fitness.

- Easy to Learn
- Fun to do
- Builds Strength
- Sparks Energy

Optimum Weight Management
An intense aerobic workout is the key to burning fat and building muscle. Romana's Pilates: Optimum Weight Management is designed to help you achieve your ideal weight, while stretching and strengthening your muscles. Now you don't have to jog or ride a bike before you get to the free weights or machines. Romana's Pilates unique approach accomplishes it all in one workout.

- Increase your Heart Rate
- Gain Energy
- Develop Stamina
- Look Better
- Feel Fit

Powerhouse Mat Workout
In Pilates, the 4-inch band incorporating the hips, abdomen and lower back is known as the Powerhouse. A strong Powerhouse is the key to fitness. Every other muscle group works from it. Romana's Pilates: Powerhouse Mat Workout will teach you to control your body with a minimum of motion and maximum effect.

- Tighten your Abs
- Firm-up your Buttocks
- Stand Straighter
- Feel Stronger

Mat Challenge Workout
This is the ultimate home workout for the experienced Pilates practitioner. Designed for both men and women, Romana's Pilates: Mat Challenge Workout will test your limits in the three principles of a true Pilates workout - STRETCH, STRENGTH and CONTROL. In just twenty minutes, you'll utilize every muscle in your body in a unique and intense workout. You'll discover new levels of:

- Power
- Endurance
- Coordination
- Balance
- Spirit

Special Features:

- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- Interactive Full Motion Menus
- Chapter Selections
- Photo Galleries
- Trailers

Done three times a week, a few well-designed movements, properly executed in sequence, are worth hours of calisthenics or contor.