If you equate building core strength with knuckling down to 101 sit-ups, think again. In her DVD Creative Core Abs, leading yoga teacher Shiva Rea replaces crunches with dynamic asanas.
Wo what'is the format?
Filmed in the White Sand dunes of new Mexico, Creative Core Abs follows the traditional format of many other DVD's - a set of asanas performed against a flawless landscape.
It's no wonder the set looks good: the DVD is shot in high definition and filmed by Holywood's Sion Michel of Memors of a Geisha fame.
The visual imagery is complimented by a continual background drum beat which works well with the vinyasas, although perhaps too much is made of this aspect.
Did it work for me?
Shiva Rea's teaching style is engaging, her instruction is easy to follow, and I adjusted to the flow of the vinyas quickly.
The sequence is strong, and as the heat built up in my body, my stomach muscles started to complain that they were not all together enjoying the experience.
The DVD lasts for approximately 40 minutes, which despite the drum player I came away feeling that my body had been worked, and my mind relaxed - a feeling typical of coming away from an average yoga class.
Who is it for?
In my opinion, it's suitable for everyone except absolute beginners. The asana flow is simple to follow, although getting the momentum of some of the sequences can be tricky.
Where to buy it?
Yoga-abode recommends: yogamatters.com
Other stockists:
This can also be bought from amazon:
There is more about Shiva Rea at: www.shivarea.com
Review by Darren Cooper
