|
 |
|
Shiva Rea - Creative Core Absx$5.00
  (54 reviews)
Best Price: $9.99 $5.00
The Madonna of yoga, exuding creativity and inspiration" Yogi Times. Good things flow from a strong core: a long lean torso, a healthy back, a positive flow of energy that benefits every aspect of your life. Now, one of the yoga worlds top female teachers shows you an enlightened way to a powerful core. Unlike repetitive conventional abs work, Shivas fluid yoga-based approach awakens your creativity and inner fire, building strength and grace in the same way that surfing, rock climbing, or dancing doeswhile youre enjoying yourself, not counting the minutes until its over. The program includes three flowing segments, which can be done all at once or individually. Filmed at White Sands National Park, the program was directed by James Wvinner and shot in HD by Hollywoods Sion Michel (Memoirs of a Geisha). Beautiful, effective, inspiring. Its an abs workout youll look forward to doing again and again. Amazon.com description. Release Date: 11/29/2006.
It's hard to say how Shiva Rea would react to being called "the Madonna of yoga," a phrase that appears on the cover of Creative Core Abs. But one thing is certain: the popular, California-based yogi's several DVD programs are uniformly first-rate, and this one is no exception. Roughly defined as the area between the upper thighs and lower ribcage, with particular focus on the abdominals and lower back, the core is "more than our physical center," says Rea; it is "our inner fire," the seat of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual selves (not to mention the center of a great many yoga poses). Mindful that core exercises are for many of us "a duty, not a pleasure," Rea has designed three different programs (ranging from seven to seventeen minutes) that aim to offer a more creative, innovative approach to the work. The "Water Core" segment includes various seated movements, many involving the arms as well; there are also sequences done on the back, somewhat akin to the bridge pose, as well as the "water wheel," which combines lifting the hips while alternately extending the legs. The "Spontaneous Core" section incorporates some of the previous movements with several new ones, while the "Fire Core," the longest of the three, blends very challenging poses such as chaturanga and the forearm plank with familiar standing asanas like the Warrior II. As usual, the musical accompaniment is effective but not intrusive, while the setting (New Mexico's White Sands National Park) and the HD cinematography by Sion Michel (a camera operator for Memoirs of a Geisha) are stunning. None of that may matter much while you're flat on your back, struggling to understand what it means to treat a pose as if you're "skateboarding on the empty bowl of your pelvis," but Creative Core Abs is likely to yield satisfying results for those who stick with it. --Sam Graham
MPN: DAMP8865D - UPC: 054961886593
|
Customer Reviews
|
A unique way to work your abs
By A118DD1BQQX1WX on 2006-10-17
I purchased this DVD (along with Shiva's latest Yoga Fluid Power) from another company. This DVD provides a very unique way to work your abdominals. It does not employ a lot of static crunches and situp type ab work that I am use to, instead you will utilize various body parts to work your abs. A lot of the work you will do is very much based on the rhythm of the music that is playing in the background. I would say that parts of workout are more like Shiva's trance dance type stuff, where there is room to find your own beat and style of performing a set of movements. If you are use to yoga that has you sit in a position and then move to another (e.g. Iyengar) or even if you more used to constant movement (e.g. Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga), you may still find this different. In my opinion, it is very fluid and more dance like than Shiva's very successful Yoga Shakti DVD. And depending upon what you want out of your yoga practice that could be either good or bad. I liked the DVD because it gave me a way of working my abs that I would have never tried on my own.
Fun workout say good bye to the crunches
By AR3RTSICQSCXC on 2006-11-12
This DVD is so much fun. The first time I watched it I thought it was too easy.I could not believe you could work your abs without the infamous crunches. However, the next day I was sore (the good way). It is so different you feel like a little infant playing. I really recommend this one to complement your workout or for those days when you are short in time.
Very Creative
By A23O8T3LNL9YY8 on 2006-11-03
I like the idea of using your whole body to work your core abs. This is a intersting way to keep your whittle your middle...okay, not very yogic, but you get the picture. So far, I've only completed the segments 1 at a time which has been plenty for me.
I've found that whenever I describe Shiva Rea's DVD's the word thoughtful comes to mind and that's how I feel about this. Time, effort, and care has been infused in and throughout this DVD.
no instructions at all
By A3GHCSLHZZW6S2 on 2007-03-21
This was like watching someone do a belly dance on her back, but there is no instruction! Maybe I'm supposed to use the visuals as inspiration to writhe around on my own, since this DVD advices you to create your own 'dance'. I was disappointed, but maybe it works for others who like this free form style.
Kind of goofy
By A12ANFNOSMW5VD on 2007-09-19
Creative Core Abs really does mean what the title says - the routine is kind of goofy, in my opinion. I'm really not that excited by New Age stuff, and this DVD is pretty new age what with the drummer in the background and the fairly non-structured routines. I could also do without all the earth, wind and fire gibberish.
However, the actual workout will help to tone you up assuming you can keep up with the instructor. This is not a "structured" type routine! If you are the type who likes doing 50 pushups, 50 situps and so on you will probably not like this DVD - the instructor goes into all kinds of free flow motions throughout.
- Creative Core Abs isn't for the Beginner
By A3I6H17TLMYXTV on 2007-04-02
I just purchased this DVD from Amazon in March 07. Previous reviewers are right in that the scenery is beautiful as is the background music.
I am just beginning to learn Yoga and I felt that this video is for someone who has been practicing Yoga for sometime and knows all the names of the poses even with Shiva's "freestyle" form. It was freestyle in the sense that she didn't have a set amount of repetitions, but just kept moving until her well-toned body felt it was time to stop.
I do better with very basic instructions that assumes that I have no previous experience with Yoga and takes me from a zero knowledge base to feeling somewhat knowledgeable by the end of the video. This video didn't do that for me, but made me feel even more inadequate after viewing and trying to emulate the well-toned, ever fluid Shiva.
I suggest Leslie Sansone's work-out videos (Her pilates is great) for she takes you from knowing nothing to feeling somewhat competent when the video is over. Her step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and I felt that I got a good work-out the first time to the 100th time!
Creative Core Abs would be a challenging, but exhilarting work-out for the advance Yoga student or teacher. It is also refreshing seeing an older woman (Shiva has to be past 45) looking fit and buffed as any 20 year old!
- Dancing Abs!
By A160RKKB6AVO11 on 2006-11-20
Shiva comes through again with a fabulous video that works not only your core, but your mind and spirit! What is special about this video is that you can make it as challenging as you really want it to be. There are 3 sections to the workout and Shiva informs you that you can do 1 or do all 3. By the end of the video, I could feel my abs really working. A must for any yogi or yogini!
- Shiva Rea gives you the most bang for your buck
By A3SO22HU7YOMJS on 2006-12-05
The length of these segments makes them perfect for a "before work" workout, or any time you want to include core work with another dvd that doesn't offer any.
Even more remarkable is that Shiva has produced another dvd that is miles ahead of similarly priced competition. The cinematography and music are beautiful (just like on Yoga Shakti) and the sequence of movements is well thought out. If you've never seen one of Shiva's yoga dvds you will be shocked how much work some people are willing to put into a production, and how crummy other yoga dvds seem in comparison.
- Creativity and Football training camp?
By A33EF5E904YUEE on 2006-10-30
I too had a chuckle when I saw Shiva Rea called "The Madonna of Yoga." I can now say I am among those fortunate enough to have met this incredible lady and I know from first hand experience that she would never give herself such a self-lauding name, instead, she uses names such as "River Guide" and "The small teacher" (in comparison to the big teacher that is within most of us Yogis)to describe herself.
Ok, I have that off my chest, now I will say that this DVD is shorter than the rest of her creations but brings every ounce of inspiration and a new look at the practice of Yoga that her other DVD's have. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, this is great on those days when you have less time or your body needs a workout that is less intense. None of these sequences feel like you are doing "ab work", instead, it seems to me almost like dancing. Of course the music is also phenomenal, this gift of hers for choosing the perfect music for a sequence is no accident--this lady really lives for music! I also recognize some of these movements from the Bear Bryant football days in training camp, except that those guys actually had to hold a bucket full of water and rotate around in a circle with it!
I would caution those with knee issues--this DVD and her other newest DVD; Fluid Power both have some intense workouts for the knees so remember to listen to the great guru--your body and enjoy!
- Great fun and a good workout!
By AQMUXDDCLJSSV on 2007-02-18
I'm a yoga and Pilates instructor, so this didn't pose an incredibly difficult challenge core-wise - BUT, it was a lot of fun!! I don't tend to want to do the same workouts that I do at work when I'm at home, plus I'm always looking for fun new ideas. This workout is effective but the main thing is, it's a blast. The best workout is the one you will actually DO, and this one fills the bill!
- Yeah! Shiva Rea!
By A11NARRTP0QOUQ on 2007-01-12
This is beautifully produced excellent core workout. My only problem with it is I wish that there had been someone working on the beach with Shiva doing an "easier" version of what she was doing. For less in shape people, this will be quite challenging and could have used a "version" that would catch someone up to eventually being able to do Shiva's version. However, this DVD is a prize for anyone wanting to work abs in a fluid creative way (instead of robot cruches that treat the body like a gym machine) hear beautiful music, and view a delicious beach and a sprited, deeply creative and alive woman. ALSO the option of doing the workout withe JUST the music is excellent and the ONLY DVD I've come accross that lets you do the class without listening to the teacher for the 100th time, though Shiva is wonderful to listen to.
- Innovative core-focused yoga practice
By AK7CAW3N1XZV6 on 2008-03-02
This is definitely a different approach to working out your core. Over time, yoga instructor Shiva Rea's media releases have become more and more fluid and freeform, and Creative Core Abs is no exception. The Main Menu of this DVD offers the following options: Introduction-Play Workout-Chapter Index-Shiva Rea Biography-Music Options-Also from Acacia.
The Amazon.com editorial review did a very good job of breaking down the three practices available on this DVD. The first, Water Core, is 10 minutes long. All of the sequences here are performed on the floor, mostly on the knees or on the back, for the effect of a sort of flowing warm-up. I found the music here very reminiscent of Ali McGraw's Yoga Mind & Body. The next segment, Spontaneous Core, is the shortest at 8 minutes; this time there's a live drummer. Shiva incorporates some of the movements from the Water Core, adds some crunch-like work, and then encourages you to put them all together in your own pattern. Shiva ends with some stretches, including cobra pose. The drummer continues into the final segment, Fire Core, a more lengthy practice (17 minutes). Here Shiva starts with kapalabhati breathing (she also calls this "Breath of Fire," but my understanding is that kapalabhati and breath of fire are two distinct types of yogic breathing). This segment is definitely the most intense, as it incorporates quite a bit of plank work, including what Shiva calls an "advanced agni kriya," or a sort of rapid plank with hopping each knee in and out; elbow plank appears as well. This segment is the only one which includes some standing work, as Shiva performs squats, a fun take on Warrior 2 (adding a bow and arrow arm movement), and wide-legged standing forward bend.
As mentioned above, this is definitely an innovative approach to core work. However, I found the actual effect on my core to be somewhat hit or miss: sometimes I felt that I was strongly targeting my core, but at other times, it was so difficult to follow what Shiva was doing that I didn't feel I was getting much of a workout at all. While some will surely find Shiva's unique approach refreshing, many are likely to find it just plain weird. Although I do like Shiva, I find myself closer to the latter camp. I don't mind non-traditional approaches to core work, but overall, this DVD was just not a good fit for me.
- Fun Ab Yoga Workout
By A2L6EV0V3SOATU on 2007-12-07
I bought this DVD a year ago , done some of it once and forgot about it since I was doing mainly her "Yoga Shakti" & "Fluid Power" and other workout DVD's, then a week ago I've done the whole DVD from start to finish and it was so much fun. The moves are very fluid and free yet you do feel your abs working especially if you focus to move from your core. I tried to do some of the exercises on the balance disc and it was much harder!
There are 3 segments : Water Core (also on Fluid Power) and Spontaneous Core are a little bit similar , most of the work is done on your back , some on your side or while sitting , some exercises similar to traditional crunches but with a little twist like double crunches with your legs in badhakonasana. Fire Core is the longest and the most challenging since it involves a lot of plank work , like doing a running move with your legs while in plank position. It ends with some standing poses which was refreshing. If you want a fun and different core workout then this is it.
- Swammi-Mommy
By A2MEED6H0XWAN4 on 2006-11-02
Wow, I love Shiva. What a wonderful way to work your abs and core. This is much better that doing crunches and counting reps. I am liberated from my old ab routine. This DVD allows you to work incredibly hard and deep but still enjoy the whole process. I love the section when Shiva suggests that you to close your eyes and work creatively combining the different movement she has shown. This DVD is perfect for Yogis and non-Yogis.
- I did not like this ab workout
By A2GDP28AAO1KBD on 2007-07-08
I bought this DVD with high hopes, but I did not like it. It is very much about "move on your own" "feel the music and work your abs" The background music is trance drumming.
- very unusual
By A2OG83SEU9HL6D on 2007-07-11
I am a Shiva Rea fan and I was disappointed by this DVD. First, it is very short, only 30 minutes. It doesn't feature the yoga matrix. Second, the workouts are not that great. I do not feel that I get that great of an ab workout. I would prefer to continue with my Pilates videos for that. I guess it is a new kind of ab workout where you work the abdominals functionally, but I am used to a different type and it wasn't for me. Also, in some areas, she tells you to improvise your ab workout. This is a lot like Yoga Trance Dance, but you're on your back. I felt strange doing this. I am a dancer, and when I dance, I perform improvisationally, but doing an ab workout improvisationally was really strange. It's not that I enjoy ab workouts so much that I can just let my spirit flow!
- Boy, am I out of shape!
By A3I54TBQQ29SOT on 2007-01-26
I purchased this DVD because I never reclaimed my abs after I gave birth 2 1/2 years ago. I want them back! I think that this DVD will do the trick. It is a full yoga workout that also focuses good attention on the quads (a chronically weak area for me), shoulders, and hips. I am doing this as my only workout some days, supplementing with some cardio on others - it is short enough to fit into my busy schedule, and gives plenty of workout to me in my broken down condition.
I do find that the rapid pace of the DVD is too much for my level of fitness and yogic ability. For now, I am sticking with the setting-up variant of the pose, and settling into it, instead of moving on with Shiva into the more active variants. The key, for me, is to always keep doing something, and resist the temptation to sit back and watch while I am resting. I don't think that an "easy version" person is necessary to complement Shiva - the easy versions are all there, if you give yourself a little freedom to improvise around what Shiva is doing. And improvisation is one of the themes of the DVD, so I suspect that this is intentional.
I do not think that this DVD would be at all appropriate for true Yoga beginners; it requires a previous understanding of working with your breath and invoking your muscles. Also, a very fit person without previous yoga experience might find it "too easy," from not understanding the underlying principles that give yoga its kick.
I knocked off a star for some production issues that happen to bug me personally. The setting (White Sands, NM) is beautiful, but I find myself wondering, "how did they get Shiva and her mat into the middle of the wind-rippled sand without disturbing it?" Also, the soundtrack doesn't match the actions of the drummer who you can see onscreen. The setting and the cinematagraphy are very ambitious, but they lack the little touches that would blend it into a seamless whole - I find myself thinking about production logistics, instead of being too immersed to notice.
- Fluid, freestyle ab workout
By AD3AKSBN6W78O on 2007-02-08
For those who desire a break from the mundane abs crunch workout, this video features a freestyle way of engaging your core muscles. Once you perform this, it seems natural that there are many very fluid movements for tightening up the abs, and in the process improving flexibility. I also find it to be somewhat meditative, and definately de-stressing. It is very creative. Although I still do my crunches and standard stomach exercises, using this DVD with the wonderful music in the background once or twice a week is a nice addition to my routine.
- Kind of a weird workout
By A147QU6VLZ0F7E on 2007-12-07
I guess this is a good abs workout, but a little new-agey weird. I thought it would be more like yoga. Unfortunately, this DVD has now migrated to the bottom of my stack of workout DVDs... Oh, well.
- Great 35-minute workout
By A3W4PBZ59H61CJ on 2008-01-18
As usually, Shiva Rhea shines in this DVD. I would have appreciated, however, if it had been made clear that this product consists of excerpts from her Fluid Power and Trance Dance DVDs, which are, by the way, outstanding. One is probably better off buying these two last DVDs and complement them with Rhea's Yoga Shakti DVD... unless, of course, one is only interested in a quickie workout for abs.
- Excellent, but very fast paced
By A1A17K25QHU9T0 on 2007-02-06
The methods in this DVD are guaranteed to be different from any other core (abdominal) exercises you've done. The moves are based on yoga and are very fun and creative. I have to warn you that the DVD takes off at a blistering pace, so it takes a while to keep up (at least for a yoga novice like me). But once you get going you'll have an ab workout that really works and continues to be fun.
The music is excellent and the DVD lets you configure what you see and hear.
I dinged it a star because I really could have used an instruction section that teaches the moves and positions slowly. Also, sometimes the fancy production gets in the way of being able to see what Shiva is doing.
- Tough, but intriguingly challenging
By ATY4T5QTM0KW8 on 2007-02-20
Creative Core Abs is a challenging video. I do not recommend it for beginners to Shiva Rea's particular style, but those familiar with her workouts will find it enjoyable and fun.
- Shiva's amazing
By A25ER320D0VSAX on 2007-04-13
If you already have Shiva's YOGA SHAKTI, you don't need any other DVD's. If you just like Shiva, get them all - and tolerate repeats. This is a DVD geared for less time while focusing on one area of the body. It's great stuff!
- Spectacular Scenery, Good Music, Great Ab Workout, What's Not to Like?
By A2QEEZWVIZJFYG on 2006-10-25
I have not been disappointed yet in any of Shiva Rea's DVDs (I believe her new Fluid Power one is my favorite). This is another that will be incorporated into my rotation. The workout is fluid and, as another reviewer mentioned, not crunch-heavy at all. Definitely a different way of working your stomach muscles. Doing any of her longer flows I feel my abs working , but for an extra day or two a week when you don't have the time to do a longer workout, this 30 minute program is ideal to just focus on your abdominals. A very enjoyable workout.
- Bikini season, here I come!
By A21YSSBKL5WO9O on 2007-03-26
This was my introduction to Shiva Rea, as well as yogic core exercises, and I'm wild about both! As a dedicated beginner yogina (occasional practice for 2 years, daily home practice for 3 mo.), this DVD is my favorite way to end the active part of my morning yoga session. I really do feel like I'm unleashing creative energy (as goofy as that may sound), and I've definitely both built muscles and gotten more svelte. Since becoming serious about my yoga practice, I've gone down a whole dress size (I'm 22 and I haven't been a size 6 since the 8th grade!), and I definitely think this DVD has helped. Most importantly, though, it's really fun. I think most people will find something to love about this DVD.
- Creative Abs
By A2NNNXV36ZIWJ7 on 2007-01-20
This video is awesome. It's so much different from any ab video I've ever done. I've never done any of the exercises on here but they work! You can feel it while you're doing them! This video is fun and very different from any you've ever tried.
- Want some fun?
By AUP1JDNBM1N6X on 2007-01-24
You can have it with this dvd. I (mexican yogini) never thought working the abdominals would appeal to me. Now, with Shiva Rea's Creative Core Abs, I enjoy them !!! Could you believe it? If not, try it by yourself.
- Fun short and sweet
By A3K2ABP8N0IDTW on 2007-02-12
This core video is a lot of fun. I bought it because it was cheap and I wanted to try a different type of yoga video. This is not your typical yoga video but it is a lot of fun and you can really feel your core working.
- Very different way to look at abs. I felt very foolish.
By A22GX4WUDEGBQY on 2008-01-24
I am not very comfortable with this dancey, wiggly, free form way to work your abs. I feel like I look like a big out of shape slob doing this tape, while Shiva is near anorexic it looks good on her- but I feel and look like a fool dong this type of workout. Not impressed- but i had sore abs afterwards, I am embarrased to ever do it again.
- Unique Core Workout
By A2MH8AUPD1RJ3R on 2007-03-13
The first thing you notice about this DVD is the breathtaking scenery--it's filmed in White Sands National Park, New Mexico.
The roughly 35-minute workout is divided into three segments: Water Core, Spontaneous Core, and Fire Core. Shiva provides easygoing instruction. Using both Sanskrit and English terminology, she shows modifications of the more difficult moves. On days when you just don't feel like working out, try this DVD--Shiva's fusion of yoga and toning might just change your attitude.
|
|
You may also be interested in...
|
|
|
|
|
|
