Element: Barre Conditioning

I've run through this video now a handful of times, and have to say, it's great. I'm not in bad shape...I backpack for days in high elevation, ride my bike and do circuit training. Yet still, this video busts my butt, literally. I still haven't been able to make it through the entire thing without taking breaks or skipping parts and moving on to just finishing the other side of my body to work both sides.But the background of the video...a beautiful landscaped yard bursting with flowers with a blue sky and the ocean behind, and her calming and encouraging voice, make you want to stick through the video. Unlike other high energy butt/leg workouts that I do, to loud high energy music or at the gym, when you do this one you feel like you're in a yoga class.Some of the exercises, you're barely moving AT ALL, but holding squating postures while she says, "OK, the dreaded inch!". Meaning, in that squat posture, now just move up and down the tiniest fraction of movement. Then, your legs start shaking and you're in pain and you want to stop but her calm, encouraging voice comes on and says something like, "that shaking means that your body is changing". And suddenly you have the energy to just do it for a few more seconds before collapsing. :-)Overall, a great video.

I actually rented this DVD through Amazon Instant Video to see if I would be interested in this whole "barre" workout phenomenon. I casually pressed play and started following Sadie along in the standing workout. I think I was 5 minutes in when I started yelling at my laptop because my legs, which before this moment I had always regarded as quite strong, were shaking uncontrollably and I could barely follow along. But, I placed my imaginary pointe shoes and big girl leotard on and continued the workout, all the while trying to emulate Sadie's grace. By the end of the workout, my legs were aching in places I never knew existed (and I run/bike/hike/workout frequently).Needless to say, I am purchasing this DVD. I was also delighted to discover that Sadie is from Portland, so many Barre3 classes are offered all over Oregon so I can attend some classes in person. If you are like I used to be (hesitant about trying this form of exercise), I highly recommend that you try it! There is no doubt in my mind that completing these exercises will make me a better runner and overall human being. And, really, if I can pirouette my way around the house a little more like Misty Copeland, I'm in.

In the last few months I've been doing a lot of barre workouts. I bought a bundle of DVD's from Barre 3 featuring Sadie Lincoln and I really like her as an instructor.There are two workouts filmed in a gorgeous outdoor setting. Burn & Firm is a lot more challenging than Lengthen & Strengthen. I was sweating up a storm and my legs were shaking durning B & F, whereas L & S was much more gentle.Compared to the Barre 3 workouts that I've done, these have almost no upper body work and I missed that element. Also, the instructions are done via voiceover, in the B 3 workouts they have microphones. I don't like the voiceover as much.This is a good introduction (and a great price) to barre workouts.

Each workout is a little over half an hour.The video is shot outdoors with a beautiful ocean view and lovely garden.The music and instructor's voice are soft and gentle.The workouts use small moves with many repetitions to tax the deep muscles.The next day I feel noticeably stronger and more balanced, but not sore.The only thing I don't care for too much is the instructor's emphasis on qualities such as "physique, tone, carriage, and grace" rather than strength, balance, and flexibility. In other words, there is too much emphasis on your appearance. She does talk about athleticism and functional fitness too, though, so it's not too bothersome. I gave it five stars because of the results.

This is the perfect exercise routine for when you just don't feel like punching, jumping, or kicking. It's no/low impact and you don't move around a ton. There is a lot of "holding" of the positions and tiny movements within the holds. This feels like such an elegant workout, and I love it. You will be challenged! There are a few Yoga concepts and exercises included (for example, a seated twist during the cool down).I love the instructor! She is extremely encouraging and pleasant on the eyes, and she lovingly guides you the entire time. She teaches alone with a beautiful ocean in the background.Some people may find her flowery movement descriptions a little pretentious, but I don't. I'm just thinking of my friend, who criticizes many Yoga instructors in Portland for this same reason.

I am fit, experienced with using DVD workouts and have done some Barre before. I found these workouts easy to follow and beneficial.

Bello

What a great DVD! I enjoy the barre class at my local dance studio, and this Barre Conditioning program is perfect to do at home between classes or while I'm travelling. All you need is a chair and a rolled up towel! Can be done in a hotel room while on business trips! Brilliant! I just pop it in my laptop.The DVD features two different workouts. I love to mix it up from one day to the next, or even do both if I have the time. Sadie Lincoln is very encouraging and has a very pleasant voice.If you have and enjoy Elements: Ballet Conditioning, you'll definitely want to add this one to your workout DVD collection (or vise versa)!

I give this 5 stars, because this is a really good workout. It makes my legs tremble and ache each time I do it, though I have a rather good fitness level and exercise daily. I still think that it would be nice if Sandie would have added an abs/core and an upper body part to the disk to make it a full body workout.

I LOVE this Barre conditioning workout! I am a new Mom and started doing this workout just over a month after giving birth via C-section. I really wanted to get back into working out but didn't want to start with weights or running as my body was still healing. This workout is amazing! It's helped me get back into shape after baby and is still challenging a few months later.