This time last year I had very negative feelings about yoga. I knew the amazing benefits but tried a yoga class a few times and felt very bored. I could not relax my mind and would have rather spent my hour doing intense cardio. My feelings about yoga completely changed a few months ago after I tried a Core Fusion Yoga class. It was different from any other yoga class I had taken in the past. I actually felt like I was getting a great workout while stretching and relaxing at the same time. I took Core Fusion Yoga a few more times and decided that I in fact, did enjoy yoga! I was very excited when I heard that a Core Fusion Yoga Energy Flow class would be coming out on DVD. Now I could do intense yoga in the comfort of my own home for free!
About Core Fusion Yoga Energy Flow:
Reduce inches, tighten, lift, and tone with this unique combination of yoga, cardio, and core conditioning. An energetic, fast-paced practice, Core Fusion Yoga Energy Flow seamlessly blends traditional yoga postures with toning moves for the whole body. Get the calorie-burning benefits of cardio, the sculpting effects of Pilates, and the flexibility and balance of yoga and Chi Gong–all in one workout!
Fred and Elizabeth, the founders of Core Fusion, lead the DVD. I was happy to see that 3 of my favorite teachers, Kate, Erin, and Bergen are in the background! It is so cool to do a DVD when you know the actual instructors in real life!
The DVD is divided into five segments of 10 minutes each. I chose to do the DVD without introductions so that it would be as similar to a live class as possible. Elizabeth leads the first section which is called Energy Flow. There is arm and leg stretching, downward dog, child’s pose, and plank variations. This was a great warm up and the planks reminded me of the beginning of a live class!
The next two sections are called Sun Salutations 1 and 2. This includes Chaturangas, up dog, down dog, chair pose, push ups, and some other intense stretches. This section really got my heart pumping! It was pretty fast-paced and could be hard for a beginner but Bergen does a modified version of the moves. I still consider myself a yoga beginner but was able to do all of the modified versions at least.
The next section is Chi Gong & Hip Opener Stretches. This involves flowy arm movements while standing in a wide squat. This section also includes standing splits with pulses and curtsies. I loved the cool Chi Gong movements. This whole section felt really nice.
Next was Core & Gluteal. I did not realize I needed blocks for this section so I kind of just watched the core part! They suggest using books if you don’t own blocks but I knew that if were to get up to find books, I would have just stopped the DVD all together. The core part involves resting your hands on two yoga blocks and lifting your body up using your core strength. I’ve done this in class before and it is very intense. I was able to do the glutes section which involved lifting my legs while balancing on my forearms. Of course it would not be Core Fusion without the curl at the end! Luckily this part was short and sweet (I have a very tough time with the curl). It also seemed harder for me to do on my hardwood floors rather than the nice carpet at Exhale!
The bonus section of the DVD was Savasana and Stretches. This is something that I look forward to at the end of every live Core Fusion class. It feels so good to just lay there and do nothing after such an intense workout. I never take the time to relax and breathe when I am at home so this was a wonderful end to the DVD.
I definitely recommend this DVD! Some of the other Core Fusion DVDs are not like a real class but this was very similar. The only difference is not having a teacher to come around and correct your form. I actually liked doing it in my home since I am so inexperienced with yoga and don’t like other people watching me fall over! I was able to relax more and focus on myself instead of worrying about other students in the class. I also don’t usually last through an entire exercise DVD at home but the time went by super fast and I enjoyed every minute of it. I was drenched by the end and it made my muscles feel a lot better after being sore from so much intenSati! Core Fusion Yoga is now my favorite exercise DVD and I plan to do it every week!
Giveaway!
The wonderful folks over at Acacia are offering one of you a copy of your very own Core Fusion Yoga Energy Flow DVD!
To Enter:
1) Leave me a comment telling me your thoughts about yoga. Do you like it? What kind of yoga is your favorite?
2) Tweet this giveaway. “@MissyMaintains is giving away a #CoreFusion Energy Flow Yoga DVD! Enter here: http://bit.ly/bPL8Fq”
I will choose a winner this Thursday, September 2nd. Good Luck!
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I’m not really into yoga, but I like Core Fusion yoga because it involves toning that Core Fusion is famous for.
MelissaNibbles recently posted..Mix It Up Monday – Try- Try Again
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I like a select number of yoga classes. Laughing Lotus Midnight Yoga is always exhilarating.
melissa recently posted..Larabar Winner!
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I love Yoga, but it’s definitely a challenge, and I don’t do it all the time. I have’t done it in a long time, but did the p90x Yoga X video over the weekend. WOW! Haven’t really memorized all the names of the moves, but downward dog is my favorite because it’s such a good stretch!
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com
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I tweeted about this giveaway: http://twitter.com/kahluaii/status/22532206643
kahluaii84 at gmail dot com
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I’ve only taken one yoga class and it was hard for this body…but I haven’t given up because I REALLY want to like like it. Right now I’m doing some work out of a yoga book for runners, but I would love to try this video!
Julie recently posted..Kiara Tackles The Trails 19 – Falls Creek Falls
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ahh I want to win this one! I love Core Fusion anything.
I used to hate yoga–I think bc I thought it wasnt a calorie burner, therefore it wasnt worth my time.
Now that I exercise for different reasons–like health–I enjoy it a lot more!
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What an awesome giveaway! I love yoga – tried Bikram earlier in the summer and now I’m experimenting with Vinyasa classes and hot yoga at a new studio. Trying to find the best fit for me.
Dorry recently posted..Sum-It-Up Saturday
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I love doing Yoga poses to stretch out my body.I worried that I would get bored,too.This sounds like it would be good for me to try:-)cc
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I miss Core Fusion! So happy about this giveaway!
I loved core fusion yoga when I tried it in NY. And I love yoga generally because it is a great form of exercise to tone, strengthen, increase flexibility and elongate!
Janna recently posted..Full House
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Wow, this looks great! I’d love to win but if I don’t, I may have to buy or rent if possible! I have never done yoga – always have been scared of it for some reason; however, I am very flexible and think I could do it (just scared to go to a class since I’m like you and don’t want everyone staring!)
Great giveaway!
Oh and I tweeted too
Missy
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I am not a yoga fan, but I keep trying to like it. Of course, I would love to win this DVD since I’m rapidly becoming a core fusion junkie!
Angela @ A Healthy Fit recently posted..You Gotta Own It!
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I’m exactly like you. I never thought I was a yoga person, then I did Bikram and loved it. I was hesitant with Core Fusion Yoga but it ended up being awesome. My mind didn’t wonder and I didn’t get bored. Plus its a great workout. It does so much for your core.
Angela recently posted..Working Weekend
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It actually took me a REALLY long time to get into yoga. It just seemed to slow and out there for me. In recent years, I think yoga has become more popular and it is promoted as a really good workout. So, I decided to give it another go about a year ago and just loved it! It makes me feel energized and calm, but the best part is that it makes my muscles and body feel so good. I love being a yogi!
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I love, love, LOVE yoga! I used to be all about running, but hip problems and tendonitis side lined me for a little bit and my PT recommended yoga. I had taken a few classes in the past, but never done it consistently. Once I started taking classes a couple times a week i fell head over heels in love! My knee and hip problems cleared up and running improved ten fold. It also helped with my shoulder problems and flexibility. My body as a whole is loving it too, its helped me tone up and I look longer and leaner than ever! I started out with vinyasa yoga 3 times a week and then started adding more intense classes like power yogalate and PiYo classes in. Now I do hot vinyasa yoga 5 times a week and i’m in love:)
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I love yoga! It is a relaxing work out that I don’t dread or feel like it is going to be painful. I love listening to relaxation music that takes my stress away. My yoga hour is ME time!
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I love yoga! I go to yogaworks and love their basic classes, vinyasa, candle flow- all of it!
I would love to win this!
One Healthy Apple recently posted..This is What I Ate
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Tweeted! @onehealthyapple
One Healthy Apple recently posted..This is What I Ate
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I am a fan of yoga. It’s just too bad I’ve stopped practicing it. not sure why!?!
I really want to try bikram yoga.
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I’ve always felt like I didn’t have patience for yoga – it’s boring!! And I would rather be doing something cardio or that burns calories!! Buttt….then after my injury I realized it’s SO important to not do pounding running day after day. And I took a few yoga classes and it really stretched me out. Unfortunately I can’t afford to go to classes, so DVDs will have to do!
Tay recently posted..Weekend Routine
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I used to take up yoga in High School and then again when i got my Wii Fit, This sounds awesome tho! First time i did yoga it really toned me and it was so easy.
Would LOVE to win this!
Monique recently posted..Dry Falafel and stinky tzatziki
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I love yoga! Not sure what different kinds of yoga… I guess the ones I go to are called hatha yoga??? I try to catch local classes available but sometimes that is difficult because they only offer them during working hours
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I’d love to win this–Core Fusion anything is amazing! I go back and forth with yoga and am in an off phase at the moment. I just don’t seem to have the patience. That said, an hour long dvd is a lot easier for me to handle than an hour and a half long class.
I’ve taken Core Fusion Yoga a few times at Exhale but now that I’m a student again, the live classes are a little out of my price range. The dvd would be fantastic!
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I only did yoga once at a class, and it was really bad because the old man next to me smelled like corn chips. Haven’t gone back since.
A DVD would be nice. 
Eunice recently posted..What Football Can Teach Us About Weight Loss
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I like yoga…..but do not do it often enough. This looks like a great way to do yoga at home! Thanks for the chance to win!
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Love yoga! I do a hot power yoga class that is better than getting a massage.
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I like yoga, once I get my butt there. It’s really helping me stay loose and not get injured as I’m training for my first marathon, but it always seems like a struggle to get there. I can find every excuse in the book not to do it. Maybe because it doesn’t seem like a “real” workout or something. After yoga though, I always feel amazing, both mentally and physically and ask myself why I don’t do it more. I guess this DVD would give me that chance. =)
Alexa recently posted..Quick Post for a Winner!
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I do love yoga, but for whatever reason, I don’t practice as much as I should. Definitely changing that!
Alicia at Poise in Parma recently posted..A Weekend Outside in Cleveland
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…and tweeted!
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I tweeted! http://twitter.com/AlexaTC
Alexa recently posted..Quick Post for a Winner!
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Like you, when I first tried yoga, I thought it was boring. I forced myself to keep doing yoga because it was the “it” thing to do. As I got the poses right, I actually felt the muscles working and sweats strated to roll. Now, I love it. I haven’t tried Core Fusion Yoga yet, but it is definitely on the list.
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I’m not a yoga lover, but I do appreciate the stretch and calm it gives me every once in awhile!!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine recently posted..Pack Rat
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I do like yoga, and I wish I was able to take classes but there aren’t any near me.
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I tweeted for you! I am @butterjessfly
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I love yoga because it let me relax and forget about everything else…
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I’ve tried beginner yoga and really like it. My therapist suggested it for relaxation and breathing techniques and now I’m interested in reaping the benefits of being fit from yoga!
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I like any yoga that focuses on working hard but ends with relaxation!
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I’m at the point where I need to stay away from the intense card workouts and I’ve been wanting to try yoga. I’ve heard many good things about Core Fusion and I’ve seen some great results. I’d love to win and try it for myself.
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I’ve never tried Core Fusion, but I like yoga because I feel like it stretches me out, making me longer, leaner, and stronger!
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I love yoga. I have been doing kundalini yoga and shiva rea yoga for about 10 years. I tried to alternate with NIA. Haven’t tried core fusion yet, but this video looks great. Thanks for the giveaway!
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I love yoga! My favorite is power yoga – it isn’t boring and can get pretty intense (which I like.)
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I love how calm yoga makes me feel, it truly keeps me grounded.
Jasmine (Sweet and Fit) recently posted..Giveaway- Yoplait Whips!
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I do enjoy yoga, but I haven’t done it all that much to know what kind I like! I have gone to Power Vinyasa classes at Yoga to the People in the East Village, but now that I live uptown I don’t go anymore.
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I love yoga because it always makes me feel super relaxed!
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I don’t really like the super slow yoga, but I really like the power yoga classes at my gym – I gotta sweat at least a little bit to appreciate it!
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I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/kstrembel/status/22564873546
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I’ve tried yoga a few times and really like it. Core Fusion Yoga is the best — would love to win this DVD!
Jamie recently posted..Steal the Look- Hairstylist Charles Dujics Tips for Creating Cheryl Hines Emmy Awards Look
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I’m a big fan of pilates and am trying really hard to get the patience for yoga!
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I like yoga in theory, but the challenge is getting myself to the studio. And I was actually thinking about buying one of these DVDs so that I have something to do on my business trips for work when the hotel gym is lacking (as it always is).
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I love yoga and think that it’s a great addition to a cardio and strength regimen. It allows me to really stretch and stay flexible.
Being able to do it at home would be great
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I like yoga a lot for stretching, but not so much as meditation. It IS really hard to relax your mind, especially when you’re all twisted up like a pretzel and trying to balance on one foot.
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