Collage Video Blog

Collage welcomes instructors Brook Benten & Aimee Nicotera to the shop!

Exciting news! We're welcoming two highly qualified instructors that will help you crush your fitness goals, shake up your routine, and offer a new source of motivation!

 

Brook Benten, B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State University. Masters of Education in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Certified by ACSM, ACE and AFAA. And much, much more.

Learn more about Brook and view her workout DVDs.

 

Aimee Nicotera has 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, having served in a variety of positions ranging from High School Health Educator in South Central LA to Fitness Director at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa in Lenox, MA. Aimee holds a BS in Nutrition Science, a Masters in Health Education, as well as numerous industry certifications.

Learn more about Aimee and view her workout DVDs.

By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

Two More Happy Yoga DVDs Coming to Collage Video

Happy Yoga from Sarah Starr is designed to bring you the beauty of Mother Nature as you receive yoga's rejuvenating benefits, including flexibility, toning, clarity and balance. Want to learn more about Sarah? Visit her instructor profile here.

These titles have a release date of September 14, 2021. However, Collage may offer them at an earlier date! Make sure you're subscribed to our email newsletter to receive notifications. Email us at customercare@collagevideo.com and ask to be added to the list!

Gentle Seated Chair Yoga for Beginners with Sarah Starr

This DVD contains two complete gentle seated Yoga practices designed especially for beginners.

Sunflower Meadow: Bask in the serene sunflower meadow as you enjoy a gentle yoga practice while using a chair for support. Including seated sun salutations along with easy to follow yoga moves to create more ease in your hands, neck, shoulders, back, hips and more.

Ocean Twilight: Gently stretch your body from head to toe as you relax with the ocean waves at sunset. Enjoy seated sun salutations and gentle stretches designed to increase flexibility and mobility in your shoulders, back, hips, legs and more.

Gentle Yoga for Beginners with Sarah Starr

This DVD contains two complete Yoga practices designed especially for beginners.

Sunny Bloom: Soak up the sunshine energy in the bright spring bloom while enjoying a gentle seated yoga practice, great for all levels... especially beginners! Stay low on your mat and experience the benefits of gentle yoga. Includes seated, all fours, and supine stretches for your shoulders, back, hips, legs and more.

Golden Rays: Allow the ocean waves and golden sunset to recharge your body as we gently stretch from head to toe with seated and standing poses for your shoulders, chest, back, hips, hamstrings and more. Relax and enjoy all the benefits of yoga as we tone, strengthen, improve balance, increase flexibility, and reduce stress.

 

 

 

Check out our current Happy Yoga collection!


By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

What is Callanetics? Is it for me?

Some people swear by it. Some people have never heard of it. It’s Callanetics.

Callanetics became a revolutionary method of exercise and gained international recognition for its speedy body-shaping results. Some of the noise behind Callanetics may have softened over the years, but at one point, "Callanetics: 10 Years Younger In 10 Hours" outsold every other fitness video in the United States. But what actually is Callanetics? We’ll answer that- but first, let’s briefly start with its founder and origins.

Callan Pinckney (1939-2012) was an American fitness professional trained in classical ballet along with other forms of dance, movement, and exercise. She developed the Callanetics program in the early 1980s in an effort to correct and find relief from her own physical problems, including congenital spinal curvatures.

Visit Callan Pinckney’s instructor page here.

Callanetics alleviated the discomfort caused by Callan’s ailments, and the program’s approach helped others with similar issues find success. Additionally, regular exercisers who tried the program began transforming their bodies. So, what is it?

Callan + athletics = Callanetics

By definition, Callanetics is a system of exercise involving frequent repetition of small muscular movements and squeezes, designed to improve muscle tone. 

The fundamental logic behind the program is to target the body’s “deep muscles,” which support our “surface muscles.” Exercising the deeper muscles leads to improved posture, which may result in the appearance of weight loss even if very little weight was lost. Deeper muscles are best exercised using small but precise movements (according to her book, Callanetics).

These small but precise movements have a term: Pulses.

As Callan has explained, "the Callanetics Pulse is responsible for the sculpting and toning of the muscles. It is this pulsing action, combined with exact positioning and proper body alignment, which makes Callanetics so effective. These controlled, miniscule, tiny movements are the predominant, most noticeable difference when comparing Callanetics to other conventional exercise programs."

Pulses are used with specific exercises in every position (standing, sitting, lying) to target the muscles you desire to re-define while strengthening your spine and other joints at the same time.

"The key is keeping the Pulse small without bouncing or jerking. The Callanetics Pulse is a back and forth or up and down movement that is no more than 1/16th to 1⁄2 of an inch that is barely visible."

However, the Pulse is only part of what makes the system successful. The entire Callanetics program is a balance of strengthening and stretching your muscles and re-aligning your posture in a gentle, rhythmic and dynamic way.

View the Callanetics book on Amazon (This is not an affiliate link)

The video that made Callan famous (Link to the Callanetics DVD)

Have you tried Callanetics? If so, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below! Here are some customer reviews from our website:

"Not only does it work, but Callanetics makes you feel so relaxed and strong after a session. The DVD goes by so quickly and I remember the old familiar moves. I get a great stretch and feel I am strengthening my body by the minute. It simply works." Laura

"Wonderful program; just what I needed. After just sixteen hours, I'm seeing results." Kara

"I was super pleased to find this workout on a DVD. I bought the VHS version in 1989. Recently it broke and I was in a panic to find another . I have done this video for years. I am 63 years old. I still have excellent results. It still makes me feel young. I have never had any workout work as well as this one. I was 37 years old when I bought this video and I still love it today." Rebecca

 

References:

https://callanetics.com/callan/

Book: Callanetics, by Callan Pinckney and Sallie Batson, 1984

By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

Memorial Day 2021 Promotion Information

We're excited to announce that our 2021 Memorial Day Sale is live! Details below...

But most importantly, let's not allow the true meaning of Memorial Day to get lost. We recognize Memorial Day as a day of remembrance to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment this weekend to honor those that served our nation and are no longer with us. Our appreciation extends far beyond one day. We wish you all a safe and happy weekend.

Promotions:


**Terms & Conditions: discount intended for online use only and is applied automatically. Discount cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Certain items may not be eligible for discount and other limitations may apply. Excludes shipping and handling. Discount valid through June 1, 2021 at 11:59PM (EST).

By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

5 Superfruits You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet For Amazing Health

Superfoods are all the rage but have you heard of them? Superfruits are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but not all fruits fall under the superfruit category. Five superfruits you should introduce into your diet include goji berries, pomegranates, figs, acai berries and mangosteen. To gain optimal nutrients from each superfruit, it is best to consume it in its most natural, raw form- not processed or cooked. 

So what's all the hype around superfruits? We know they are healthy for us, but what are the benefits? Consumed on a regular basis, superfruits can help you live a longer, prevent disease and maintain a healthy weight- just to name a few!

 

Pomegranates contain punicalagin, a powerful antioxidant. It attaches itself to free flowing radicals within the body to neutralize them, otherwise free radicals cause damage to cells within the body. Pomegranates are also high in vitamin k, which has been shown to help prevent the hardening of arteries making pomegranates an important fruit for heart protection.

 

Figs are high in fiber, great for people trying to manage and even shed a few pounds. Consistent dietary fiber on a daily basis is important for overall health, especially gut health. Figs contain calcium, iron, and potassium. Minerals important for heart health, bone and blood health.

 

Acai Berries we’ve seen them everywhere, covered in dark chocolate, dried and acai-based smoothie bowls. While acai berries are healthy, they are best consumed in their raw, natural state to attain all the health benefits that include immune boosting, heart health, and natural energy. Due to the high antioxidant content in acai berries they have been hailed as one of the go-to fruits for beauty and skin health. If consumed on a regular basis the berries have been shown to improve ones complexion and give a radiant glow to the skin.

 

Mangosteen grows in Southeast Asia. Mangosteen is a superfruit many Westerners are not familiar with, at least not yet but they have nutrients we should all be searching for from fruit. Mangosteen contains high amounts of minerals like copper, magnesium and potassium. Important minerals help with the prevention of heart disease manage and control blood pressure. One cool fact about this fruit, they have been used in Eastern Medicine practices to treat everything from mental health to gastrointestinal issues.

 

Goji Berries native to China, these berries are packed with amino acids, fiber, iron, and polysaccharides. Research has shown consuming goji berries on a regular basis can boost energy and strengthen the immune system. Due to a high amount of vitamin c and complex carbohydrates, it doesn't give you a sugar crash post consumption.

Superfruits are great to consume when you have access to them, but it is equally important to eat well-balanced, organic meals three times a day. 

We want to know! Do you eat any of these superfruits on a regular basis? If so, comment below and tell us about your favorite superfruit!

By Ryan Wallace | | fitness success, goals, Healthy, Wellness | 0 comments | Read more

Citrus Sunrise

by Wai Lana

This recipe was my younger daughter’s solution to sour grapefruit, and it’s become a regular breakfast favorite in our home. Since it strengthens your tissues, arteries, gums, and teeth, this juice is especially helpful for maintaining oral hygiene.

Yield: 1 Juice
Cooking Time: 5 Minutes
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Ingredients: 
  • 2 pink grapefruit
  • 2 tangerines
  • 2 persimmons
Instructions: 

Blend ingredients

Notes: 

Benefits: This refreshing combination cools and replenishes fluids in the body, making it an ideal drink after your morning workout. It also helps relieve arthritis, acne, and varicose veins. Citrus fruits give a boost to your immune system and helps relieve coughs and sore throats. Persimmons help treat gingivitis and canker sores.

Tip: I’m happy to see persimmons, which are common in Asian markets, turning up more and more in regular grocery stores. Always make sure that your persimmons are ripe; otherwise you could be in for an unpleasant surprise! Persimmons are virtually inedible unripe because they’re highly astringent. But if unripe persimmons are all you have, you’ll be glad to know that they ripen quickly after being frozen briefly, then thawed.

By Ryan Wallace | | Healthy, Recipe, Wai Lana | 0 comments | Read more

Instructor Highlight: Jill Miller

Jill Miller Meditating/Yoga

Embodying 22 years of expertise, Jill Miller’s yoga DVDs and classes synthesize a vast repertoire of movement arts including; Modern Dance, Pilates, Breathwork, Shiatsu, and Butoh. Jill choreographs a total experience for each individual’s body, mind, and spirit.

Her yoga strengthens you from the inside out – removing tension from the body, releasing the entrapments of the mind and reconnecting you to your core in a thoroughly conscious way. Her insatiable curiosity for authentic movement and healing infuses every moment with surprising clarity.

Jill’s fascination with core issues, not only physical, but emotional and spiritual, has led her to develop a unique approach to deep gut work called "Core Integration- A Total Abdominal Awakening."

Jill’s enthusiasm for yoga is contagious. She inspires all levels from newcomer to teacher with her daring, playful, and highly original classes. Her philosophy is deeply rooted in the work of her longtime mentors, Glenn Black, Tim O'Slynne, Lynne Blom, David Downs, and Ana Forrest.

Jill teaches workshops and retreats internationally, is a longtime faculty member of the Omega Institute and has traveled nationally choreographing programs for the Discovery Health Channel. Recognized for her unique approach, she has modeled for Gaiam, with her work featured in Yoga Journal, Fit Yoga, Breathe Magazine, Yogi Times, and on NPR; the L.A. Times calls her "kinetically arresting." Jill has produced the DVD series, Yoga Tune Up® and Pranamaya produced her newest series, Yoga Link: Easy Access to an Ageless Art. Jill Miller is the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide and creator of the corrective exercise format Yoga Tune Up® and The Roll Model Method®. With more than 28 years of study in fitness, yoga therapy and anatomy, she is a pioneer in forging relevant links between the worlds of fitness, yoga, massage, and pain-management. Her innovative techniques have catapulted her to a sought-after leader in the field of mind-body fitness and pain relief wellness.


Click here to view Jill Miller's instructor page, which includes detailed descriptions of her workouts. Or, add them directly to your cart below.


By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

International Nurses Day 2021

Today is a day to recognize the contributions nurses make to society. Thank you for your bravery, heroism, and dedication to caring for and serving others – especially over this past year. You are appreciated.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

 

Background: In 1982, a congressional resolution designated May 6 as National Recognition Day for Nurses. A few years later, in 1990, the American Nurse Association expanded the recognition to create National Nurses Week, which takes place May 6–12.

International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on May 12th, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. ICN commemorates this important day each year with the production and distribution of the International Nurses' Day (IND) resources and evidence. The theme for the 2021 resource is Nurses: A Voice to Lead - A vision for future healthcare. Learn more.

Pay it forward: You can express your appreciation and gratitude for our everyday heroes by sending a message of encouragement. We know that it can be difficult finding the right words, so here are a few statements (courtesy of Hallmark) that can help you get started:

  1. “Your passion for your patients’ health is appreciated every day. Thank you for all you do.”
  2. “Your compassion, optimism and kindness do not go unnoticed. We appreciate you!”
  3. “Because of you, we live in a happier, healthier world. Happy Nurses Week.”​​​​​​​
  4. “Just a moment to recognize you and your hard work. Happy Nurses Week!”
  5. “You brighten peoples’ days—including ours. Happy Nurses Week!”​​​​​​​

Some health systems offer a form submission that allows you to write to an employee. You do not need to know them or have been personally treated by them. Here are some examples: Atlantic Health System​​​​​​​, The University of Chicago Medicine, and Sanford Health. There’s no limit on thanking a healthcare professional.​​​​​​​

Discount: We're offering all our customers 15% off today using the code IND2021.**​​​​​​​ Terms: For online use only. Discount code cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Certain items may not be eligible for discount and other limitations may apply. Excludes shipping and handling. Coupon valid through May 12th, 2021 at 11:59 PM (EST). Now extended to May 13th, 2021 at 11:59 PM (EST)

Free gift: If you or a loved one is a nurse - current or retired - we want to give you a gift. Email us your order number at customercare@collagevideo.com and we'll send you a free drawstring bag.

By Ryan Wallace | | 0 comments | Read more

Instructor Highlight: Debra Mazda

by Debra Mazda

Eating the right food, exercise and living a healthy life. Sounds easy but can be very difficult. But does it have to be? We all want to stay fit and look good and of course to have good health, but we also know that it is easier said than done. However, just small changes can make huge difference. We may not all be able to be an athlete, but we can all improve, and always change small things in our day to day life. This story really shows that even if life is all but salubrious it is possible to do something about it. Be inspired!

 You are a real fitness guru, but some decades ago your weight was over 300 pounds. That is a lot to carry around. Even with the motivation it must have been hard to start exercise. How did you manage?  

Yes, I did weigh over 300 pounds many years ago, I was chronically depressed and hated myself, I was in a very dark place. Back then I was in an abusive relationship with food as my comfort, friend and saving grace back then. I was an emotional eater who was slowly going further and further into a world that I was not sure I could or would come out of.

Have survived sexual abuse and using food as my comfort my weight escalated over time. In my 20’s , at over 300 pounds, I decided that I had enough and found the courage and strength to begin my personal journey back upward and I started with exercise. I found the courage to walk  into a fitness center where everyone was a size 2. I met a bodybuilder named John who helped me and never judged me, I took my first fitness class weighing over 300 pounds. It was a now or never moment.

I had been on every diet on the market, but it wasn’t until I began to exercise that I lost weight but more importantly I began to feel so much better. Sometime later, I walked into a Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylum, became the training director, and never looked back. I eventually lost over 150 pounds and still have my weight off 30 years later. Exercise was the catalyst for me!

You are talking about the aha-moment. What do you mean by that?

I was the diet queen, uppers downers, injections, starvation, binging, weight watchers, diet pills, and nothing worked long term. It was not till I thought I was having a heart attack and was told I was obese that nothing sank in to my brain. That was my aha moment!

I talk in depth about this moment, in my new book “Eating my secrets”. I became focused, determined and nothing was going to stop me. Once I realized that dieting was getting me nowhere fast, I took matters into my own hands. I began to breathe and learned how to live. I started not only to eat better but befriended food. I realized I was in control. I had the power not the diet. No longer was I focused on negative thoughts about myself. While that was many years ago, and those days are far gone, today I live a very different life. Learning how to use food as fuel and nourishment for my body to move changed my life.

Another interesting thing about your weight loss is that you began by cutting your portions in half.

Back in the 70’s obesity or being overweight was almost unheard of. Most people were a normal size; today two out of three women are either overweight or obese. When I decided to make life changes after being told I was fat and obese I had to find out how to eat differently. However, there was not a lot about nutrition for me to read that would be a help. I had to take matters in my own hands and came to conclusion that if I ate only half of what I normally ate that would do it and it did.

A normal breakfast for me back then was a rack of ribs, three or four eggs drowning in butter, quart of OJ and two to three biscuits again drowning in butter. Today, as a professional I know a lot about foods and tell women this, stop dieting! Find out what will work for lifestyle, such as environment, daily schedule, culture, etcetera.

Would you say that a lot of food and eating issues are due to bad habits and not hunger?  

Yes, I would. Emotional eating has it grips on a lot of women not matter what size they are. Food becomes comfort, friendship and a friendly night out for a lot of women. Eating out of boredom, sadness, shame, or for whatever we use it for can be easier than to look at what we might be eating emotionally for. The move more, eat less philosophy is so complicated but we need to search inside to figure out what is eating us.

Emotional eating has nothing to do with hunger, there is a hole inside of us and for million food is the comfort to fill that hole. For me, pray and God has played such a part of my recovery. God has been with me thru it all and I give him the glory for pulling me out of the miry clay and he has never let me down even when I wanted to crawl in a hole and hibernate.

You are now 65 years old, how do you manage to stay healthy and not put on weight again?

At 65, I feel fabulous and am in great health. I do not take any medications, I eat well, stopped binging many years ago, sleep 6 - 8 hours per night and workout 4 - 5 days a week. I have some minor aches and pains every now and then, but I attribute my great health to my lifestyle.

I know that you have inspired many women to embrace a healthy living and especially getting them to move. Now you have also written a book, would you like to tell some about it?

My book is called “Eating my secrets” and is a book about health, healing and hope. This is not a diet book; it is a book about my journey as well as other women’s journey. I talk about my own journey to wellness. I talk about my weight, depression, sexual abuse and how thru all of those setbacks, trials, doubts, fear and shame I was able to come out and taste the victory! It is a fascinating story.

And to all who want to take the step, but hesitate. How shall they get started?

Take a deep breath, know you are worthy to look and feel better. Just take that first step and continue one step at a time. This is a journey not a destination. We are constantly evolving and so take the ride, move your body, eat well, laugh at yourself, have a great support system and know that you got this!

By Collage Video | | 1 comment | Read more

An Important Announcement from Collage Video

To Our Valued Customers,

During this Public Health Emergency your Collage Video team is thinking of you and your desire for a healthy home and family. As the situation remains fluid, we at Collage are staying as flexible as possible within government guidelines. There might arise a situation where we will be asked to close our offices temporarily, which would result in an unavoidable delay in processing and shipping. We will keep you informed here and via social media in that event.

Although gyms and public facilities are closing indefinitely, this doesn’t serve as an excuse to stop exercising regularly.  In fact, it’s more important than ever.  Exercising regularly helps strengthen your immune system and a strong immune system better equips you to fight an illness.  This happens to be an opportune time to utilize fitness videos at home.

We recommend considering our online streaming service, CollageVideo.TV, which can be accessed from your TV, phone, tablet, or laptop.  And more importantly, in the comfort and safety of your own home.

You can take advantage of an on-going promotion honoring Women’s History Month and receive a free month.  See details below.

 

Use promo code WOMENS30 for ONE FREE MONTH

Get access to hundreds of fitness programs from instructors like Denise Austin, Gilad, Kathy Smith, Amy Bento and more, anytime, anywhere, and on any device. There’s something for everyone, from beginning workouts to advanced workouts, senior workouts, and everything in between. It’s easily categorized, such as step, cardio, yoga, Pilates, dance, and more.

NO obligations, if you don’t like it, just cancel it.

By Collage Video | | 1 comment | Read more
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From Our Blog

  • Collage welcomes instructors Brook Benten & Aimee Nicotera to the shop!

    Exciting news! We're welcoming two highly qualified instructors that will help you crush your fitness goals, shake up your routine, and offer a new source of motivation!   Brook Benten, B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Texas State University. Masters of... read more

  • Two More Happy Yoga DVDs Coming to Collage Video

    Happy Yoga from Sarah Starr is designed to bring you the beauty of Mother Nature as you receive yoga's rejuvenating benefits, including flexibility, toning, clarity and balance. Want to learn more about Sarah? Visit her instructor profile here. These titles... read more

  • What is Callanetics? Is it for me?

    Some people swear by it. Some people have never heard of it. It’s Callanetics. Callanetics became a revolutionary method of exercise and gained international recognition for its speedy body-shaping results. Some of the noise behind Callanetics may have softened over... read more