Although this workout is somewhat similar to the abs portion of Karen's Streamline Fitness video, it is more relaxing and less intense. However, during the last 8 minutes of the tape, Karen offers suggestions on how to incorporate her resist-a-ring (or other fitness ring) into the routine, which would definitely make it a more challenging workout. Karen is a great instructor who is warm and friendly while still providing excellent cuing and precise instructions on allignement. She works with an assistant who displays more advanced versions of the exercises for those wanting a greater challenge. I know that this is a workout which I will turn to frequently, and I highly recommend it to others of all fitness levels.

Pilates-based (Rating: 5.00)
Review : This video is not for the Pilates purist. This is for someone who wants to thoroughly strengthen and stretch through the torso. Unlike more traditional intermediate Pilates workouts, this is not a total body workout. Your legs and arms get some stretch, but not a lot by way of strength.

Having said that, Voight leads a challenging but relaxing workout. From Pilates matwork, she includes the Hundred, Roll Up (and Roll Down) variations, Single Leg Circles, Single Leg Pulls, a variation on the Double Leg Pull, the Spine Stretch forward, a variation on the Corkscrew, a variation on the Teaser, and the Seal. She also includes from yoga modified incline planks, cobra and locust as well as side twists. And of course, a couple of calisthenic crunches and reverse crunches.

Her sequencing works well. Before you can feel assaulted by a strenuous exercise, she stretches out the muscles you just worked and/or works an opposing muscle. Though she changes the order of the exercises, this is in keeping with most modern Pilates classes.

My biggest quibble is Karen's form on the Seal. As she rolls all the way back on her head, she tells you not to let your head touch the mat. She also looks like she's using a little bit more momentum than she should. Minor quibble since she does a very good job on the rest of the movements.

I know many find the stretching at the beginning and the end extensive, but I loved it, particularly the side stretches, which a lot of traditional ab workouts don't touch.

Pure Pilates? No. Effective and soothing core training? Yes.

A Beautiful Flow of Movements (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Are you looking for a video to strengthen the "powerhouse" area of your body? That area from which all movements should begin. Karen has designed this beautifully and as you zero in on your abdominals, you also focus on strengthening you back.

This is a 50-minute ALL-floor workout. You alternate between abdominal sculpting and simple back-strengthening and stretching moves to create a more balance and stable center. Karen combines the teachings of Joseph Pilates, yoga, and ballet with her own body-sculpting techniques.

"Imagine your body, no matter its shape, having the posture, lightness and elegance of a dancer." ~Karen Voight

This will help you create a more stable center. You will find yourself sitting up taller and this particular video left me lying on the floor watching the second half because after you finish this workout, you know you have worked out.

There is a small bonus section which shows how you can incorporate the Resist-a-Ring into your workout. I didn't find that part of the video that appealing as there was no music and you would have to remember how to do all the moves. It might be useful for those who are very experienced with the moves Karen has developed. I would have rather seen them incorporated into the video in a more organized fashion.

For this video you will only need a yoga mat and a towel. This helps to give you enough padding if you are working on a carpeted surface. Karen does sell a body reform mat if you are working out on a hard floor.

If you love this video, you will also enjoy Core Essentials and Total Body Training. They are all great fun and really motivate you with a great combination of creativity and enjoyable music.

I feel completely relaxed after doing any of the Body Reform videos. They have a wonderful balancing effect on my emotions and my mind seems to be free of distraction. As if the cares of the world just drift away with Karen's magical calming voice.

You will just love some of these moves if you work on the computer all day. It is amazing how tight your shoulders and chest can become. This workout will open out your chest and stretch that tired back.

Definitely Intermediate in some exercises, but mostly this is for anyone. There is one move, you might want to consider skipping. It is the one where you are raising your back off the floor and you then raise one leg up into the air. It is tricky, tricky. I would not recommend it for anyone who is not practicing yoga on a regular basis!

Get ready for some tummy torture! This girl knows how to get you motivated. Just looking at her body makes me wish I had her motivation! She is just amazing. I can't wait for more Karen Videos. I want them ALL! And I am dying for her to make a really long and wonderfully relaxing stretch video. The one I have is good, but I would love to see her do a really creative outdoor video with tons of stretching. Something that would just help you drift away.

If you enjoy this video, look for The Method Videos. They have
similar movements and are a bit more advanced and intense.

Good for strengthening back & abs (Rating: 5.00)
Review : This is a good workout if you are looking to focus on your back and abs. As someone who works out regularly, I would not choose this as my everyday routine. It is a good addition to help add variety to your workouts. I have back problems due to an accident and I find that if I don't use this on a regular basis, I can detect a decline in my overall back strength. This is one of my favorite workouts but that is largely due to the fact that I specifically have to target train my back and abs.

I find lots of workout videos to be lacking in the music area. The music is pretty decent in this video.

Karen is one of my favorites because she is not too annoyingly chipper.

Excellent addition to a well-rounded workout plan (Rating: 5.00)
Review : -- Karen Voight is a great teacher and very easy to watch, with no annoying mannerisms or giddy "motivational" behavior. This 50-minute routine is well balanced between abs and back.
-- Karen and her assistant show different levels of difficulty.
-- The only equipment you need is a mat, although there is a section at the end that shows how to incorporate a "resist-a-ring" into the workout.
-- No single workout is going to work the abs in all the ways they should work, so it helps to rotate this tape with other types of abdominal workouts. I especially like Tamilee Webb's "I Want Those Abs," Karen Voight's "Greated Weighted Workout" (which works the whole body and has an excellent abdominal section), "Callanetics," "Your Best Body -- Abs & More" with Keli Roberts, and kickboxing.