New York City Ballet: The Complete Workout, Vol. 1 and 2

I took ballet for a couple of years as a child but now as an adult am struggling to find more active activities than sewing. I don't like aerobics or running because of the high impact nature of the sports, and I have trouble breathing while doing those. I was pleasingly surprised by this dvd (I've only done the first one so far), at how much of a workout is possible with simple, low impact movements. I was breathing harder after a few of the exercises and could feel my muscles working hard. It was also nice to have that connection with gracefulness, rather than just a sports workout. The music is enjoyable and it doesn't take too long to get the hang of the ballet moves. I highly recommend this dvd!

Having no dance experience at all, this was hard to keep up with at first. I prefer to use workout 2 and customize my routine as I please. Some of the moves may require you to hold on to the back of a chair (unless you have the luxury of a barre in your home). I feel calm and graceful when I've completed my workout. You need space to move, but the room does not need to be huge; I am able to do my workout in my bedroom, which isn't large at all. The music and narration is soothing, but make no mistake about the quality of the workout - you will find yourself sweating, and you will feel muscles you weren't fully aware of before.

These NYCB DVD's are wonderful workouts. I have been dancing my whole life and now that I'm older, these are perfect for me since they do not involve a lot of pounding movement a la aerobics but strengthen and stretch the muscles themselves. I feel like I'm back in my old ballet days Particularly enjoyable if you have had formal training

I really enjoy these two workout videos. I was mild-moderately in shape before starting these videos and it really provided the extra boost I needed as far as toning is concerned. It works all the major muscle groups and provides a bit of cardio. What I particularly like is the fact that the exercises are very safe and with their instruction there is very little risk of injury. The first video is a bit more dated than the second but that is of little importance. I feel this is good for any level. You do not need to know a thing about ballet to figure it out (I certainly don't) and you don't have to be at a certain fitness level to reap the benefits of these exercises. The stretches are fabulous and keep the body limber.
PS: I convinced my husband to try them as well, who is a Taekwondo instructor and he too felt the exercises were great!

I have taken ballet for many years and have also taught. I have moved and have few classes any where close to the area. I am older but try to keep my ballet body going so I alternate with David Howard and , Dmitri Roudnev. These tapes fit right in and I so agree with the reviewer who said your body feels like a paint brush with the music and exercises in the routine. As anyone who has taken ballet for many years knows, a tendu can be a workout in itself if done correctly. It is a beautiful DVD.