Sweat summary: World-renowned yoga instructor Rodney Yee leads you through a calming Hatha flow designed to help you identify and correct body alignment. The “core” in the title refers to your physical and mental center—not your abs. So while your abs will be engaged throughout the poses, it’s not a strenuous ab workout.  Sweat factor: Low Mood: Mindful What we liked: This DVD is ideal for the yogi who feels like she’s nailed the basics of her warrior I and II poses and wants to fine-tune her asanas.  What we didn’t like: The slow pace might be frustrating if your mind moves quickly and you’re looking for a fat-melting flow. But even the most experienced yogis knows that sometimes it’s necessary to slow down and focus on alignment to make sure you’re getting the most out of each pose. Rating:  3 Remotes

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Full review:The name of this workout might be misleading at first glance. The “core” in the title refers to the neutral, balanced state of your physical and mental center —not your six-pack, as many fitness buff might think. Performing the simple alignment exercises designed to correct and improve your posture will help you tweak everyday movements, and work to rid your body of aches and pains. As Yee says, achieving balance helps “steady your body and clear your mind,” something that every stressed-out yogi can appreciate. The DVD is ideal as an occasional yoga refresher course, and you can’t beat the in-home access to the wisdom and calming presence of Yee. To develop a balanced center, Yee focuses on five sections of the body, and offers short, eight-minute routines for each: Lower Balance, Back Balance, Internal Balance, Bending Balance, and Restorative Balance. Choose to play each section individually or all together based on how much time you have. In Lower Balance, Yee takes you through a few basic moves such as alternating between rotating feet and legs inward and outward while sitting with legs outstretched. This seemingly simple exercise helps to redistribute weight properly, loosen tight muscles, and sit more upright. Then, in Back Balance, you’ll move through a series of arching and rounding poses, such as cat and cow pose, to align the spine. In Internal Balance, you’ll learn how simple twists and adjustments to your lower back, pelvis, and chest areas can boost the health of your internal organs. Next up is Bending Balance, which includes our favorite pose: the seated forward fold (see instructions on the next page!). The focus in this segment is establishing a neutral center, so that you’re not arching or hunching and can achieve a centrally balanced core. For the last section, you’ll need two bolsters like yoga blocks (or rolled up towels) and a yoga strap. Yee demonstrates how to use these props to establish a healthy, neutral position for your spine. Then he leads you through a mindful, guided meditation. The result: you finish the soothing practice feeling refreshed and centered. Available at amazon.com ($14.98). [pagebreak] Media Platforms Design TeamFavorite move: Seated Forward Fold 

  1. Sit on the floor with legs together and extended in front of you, arms by your sides. 
  2. Rotate legs so that toes point in and heels point out. Then rotate legs so that toes point out and heels point in. Do this 3 to 5 times to loosen hips.
  3. Keeping legs together and feet flexed, sit tall, reaching crown of head toward ceiling, rolling shoulders back and down. 
  4. Hinge at hips, bringing chest toward thighs, keeping spine straight. Try to wrap hands around feet (pictured), or rest hands on shins or thighs. Hold for 20 seconds.
  5. Return to start by lifting torso slowly to an upright position. Media Platforms Design TeamWhat to wear: There aren’t any inversions, so you don’t have to wear tight-fitting clothing, but you want to make sure your clothes are form-fitting enough so that you can see the subtle movements, such as tucking of your pelvis. Editor’s pick: Gaiam’s Breathe Racerback tank top ($68; gaiam.com) fits the bill! The fabric is supremely soft to the touch, but also has mesh panels to help keep you cool if you want to wear it during a more rigorous practice.   See more review with our Fitness DVD Reviews section!