9 Customer Reviews
Or, Write your own review |
Balocity: Cardio with a Classic Twist |
  Well Balanced Program, but Highly Repetitive |
| Pros: A well balanced aero-tone program with warm-up, cardio, standing floor work, standing and floor ab work, and a stretch section. Good music. The dancers all have good and proper form. Cons: Very repetitive. As an intermediate/advanced exerciser and former ballet dancer I feel that I am in a good position to review this DVD. This is my second time doing the program-- I wanted a light day cardio today, but I feel this might be better for a light day pilates for me. The cardio portion is mostly low-impact (with one higher impact section consisting of an athleticized balance move that did get my heart rate up)and is suitable for beg/low intermediate. However, there is only about 20 min of real cardio, the rest of the workout is ballet toning. The ab-work and toning are for the most part low intermediate, with the more "advanced" moves consisting of standing back arabesques, develop kicks to the front and back and attitudes to the front and back. These do test your balance, so this may be intermediate for those w/o dance training or problems w/ balance, but low-intermediate for those w/ experience. The one great thing about all of these moves, is that it requires the use of your abs for balance and proper execution, so you get an ab workout w/o doing crunches (although there are crunches later in the program). The only problem is the repetition! The first time I did this DVD I wasn't as in shape, and I remember breathing hard and thinking "when is this going to end?" This time I realize it's because I was bored! The moves are repeated over and over again, with multiple variations (different arm movements, or turned out instead of parallel). Maybe if you are new to ballet, then you might need the repetition to pick up on the moves (they're not hard in terms of choreography, you just need balance), but if you have dance training, then it's just boring! I'll do this every once in awhile on light days, but hopefully I'll find something similar that's more fun. - posted by Megan on 2/9/2010 |
 |
| Great Ballet-based Cardio! |
| I bought this dvd because I wanted a ballet-based cardio workout and that is exactly what I got with Balocity. It definitely gets my heartrate up and leaves me feeling good. The floorwork section for the thighs targets the inner thighs - which I like, and there is also ab work. The stretch feels great. I am in my late forties and a former ballet dancer, but I think non-dancers could pick this up, too. The choreography is not too complicated. I often workout with The Firm and consider myself an inter/advanced exerciser. - posted by LRM on 5/23/2009 |
|
| This is a Challenge |
| I love working out to ballet videos; however, I wanted to have one that was more cardio-based but still retained the elements and feel of ballet. I really have to gear myself up for cardio, but knowing the heart benefits it provides (and the fact that I'm nearing 30), I wanted a cardio routine that didn't feel like traditional cardio. This fit the bill. It is definitely a great cardio workout but without the "drudgery of exercise," as Deanna McBrearty puts it. It has wonderful purely ballet moves. I got my heart rate in the upper target range and had a fantastic workout. It doesn't seem like 28 minutes of cardio but it is. Afterwards, I feel light and I walk taller. And my thighs are a bit leaner. The arms are incorporated into beautiful moves. There is no mindless movement; every move is focused. It's a tough workout but lots of fun to feel like a dancer - and you feel incredibly good after. Everything about this video is great: the format, the music, the moves, the set, and dancers. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. - posted by Angie on 11/3/2008 |
|
| Even I can do this! |
| It's true that the instructor and the others in the background are dancers, with far more coordination and balance than I've got, but I found the attitude and tone throughout to be helpful and encouraging.
This seems to be one of those 'you get out what you put into it' workouts, that will likely be useful for a long, long time.
At my current (beginner) fitness level, I find I ~can~ do the entire workout, if I modify bits of it to be less intense on my calves. As you go through, Deanna explains how to modify the move for less or more intensity.
Somehow, despite its' length, I find myself working through this entire workout without needing to talk myself into it or needing to 'make myself' finish.
The choreography was simple enough most of the time, but then again, there were bits I just couldn't follow. I'm assuming that as I get more familiar with the workout, and as I get stronger, I'll be able to continue using this workout and eventually clue in to the footwork. (I'm NOT a dancer, not by any stretch.)
I do hope she comes up with a shorter version, for those days when I don't have an hour to commit to this one. - posted by Anna on 6/17/2008 |
|
| I felt graceful (most of the time) |
| I did this for the first time this morning and really enjoyed it. I felt very graceful for the most part (although some of the moves made me feel a little awkward and not feeling nearly as graceful as they looked). It was a low-impact but moderate to high intensity workout. I enjoyed the recognizable music. The instructor seems to think you have prior knowledge of ballet terms which I don't so I was stumbling around in a few places when she would throw out a ballet term and tell me to get ready for it. None of the moves were difficult though so I think after a couple of times that won't be a problem. - posted by Pamela on 4/24/2008 |
|
| Fun for Dancing |
| I'm not a dancer, so it was hard to keep up the first time around, but this is truely a great WORKOUT! It has a lot of great toning and a heart pumping cardio. I enjoyed it, and can't wait to continue. - posted by Lisa on 3/11/2008 |
|
| Fun, Graceful & Refreshing |
| Those are just a few words I would use to describe this workout. The movements are very enjoyable. Some parts are a little challenging if you've never done any type of ballet work but none of the moves are complicated and get easier the more you do them. I love the graceful, flowing feel this DVD gives you and I would recommend this to anyone desiring a "lighter", low-impact and fun workout. - posted by Saundra on 3/3/2008 |
|
| Feel graceful |
| I do look forward to doing this workout every couple of days. I usually lean towards bootcamp or weight lifting workouts, so it's a nice change of pace. I have a small space to exercise in and that's all you need for this. There is a feeling of accomplishment as you improve each time you do it. - posted by Joan on 1/21/2008 |
|
| Good for light days |
| This is not a really strenuous workout but it works for me at the moment. I've been getting away from overly strenuous workouts because I think my body just needs a change right now. This workout fits the bill. Its also nice to see an instructor and background dancers that aren't totally ripped but have a more classically feminine physique. This is one of the better dance workouts I have. It just feels good on the body. - posted by Dina on 11/28/2007 |