I have never been a gym-type/workout-type person. I do enjoy walking, and have delved into light aerobic exercise, but that’s about as far as I have gone in the past. When I was offered the opportunity to review Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl Workout DVD and after reading the description, I thought it was time for me to try Yoga for the very first time. I had seen Bethenny Frankel’s TV show on Bravo, “Bethenny Ever After”, and have also seen her promoting her Skinnygirl products.
Popular NYC instructor Mike McArdle leads Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout. He has been teaching yoga for more than a dozen years. Mike is certified in Bikram yoga and Pilates and has also trained in vinyasa and power yoga. Bethenny has known Mike for several years, and he’s one of her favorite teachers because of his creative style and fun, flowing classes.
My Review: As I mentioned above, I’m not a gym-type exerciser, nor that interested in paying for classes, or a lot of equipment. But I do enjoy moving, walking, light weight lifting and home-based exercising to give myself the feeling that I am making an effort to stay fit. When my kids were younger, my fitness came from not eating much and running after them, but with them at school I’m much less active during the day. Bethenny’s Skinnygirl workout has been the perfect solution to getting me back up on my feet and focusing on me (for at least 15-20 each day). Having something rather low impact that I can do in the comfort of my own home is perfect for me.
I love that her one DVD is divided into 3 different workouts, each only 15-20 minutes. Plus there is a bonus 12-minute stretching session that I’ve started to do as a cool down after one of the sessions. The first thing I noticed was the fun, non-threatening tone of the whole experience. I tend to be self-conscious, and concerned when I can’t keep up in a class, or even with faster paced workout videos. Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout allows me to work out at my level (beginner) and actually made it easy for me to push myself without feeling like it was a chore. (A biggie for me!)
I’ve stuck with the first workout session for the last couple of weeks, each time the poses have gotten a little easier, my balance has improved somewhat, and I can hold them longer. Each of the yoga segments on this DVD work your entire body, and with the cool-down stretching session at the end I have come away feeling relaxed, refreshed, and clear-headed. I’m looking forward to venturing into the the other 2 workouts on the DVD. Remember, I’m a Beginner – each of these workouts can be done individually, or one after the other for a longer workout that would challenge those that are more “yoga fit”.
Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout DVD is currently being sold exclusively at Target; however, it will be in other Retailers nationwide starting in December. It retails for $16.99.
This is a fun yoga workout, one that I will definitely continue to do. I highly recommend it to anyone interested the learning more about Yoga, and to those looking for a challenge as well.
Disclaimer: Lauren Haugh has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Lauren did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.