If you are looking for a fun and effective yoga workout, then look no further! Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout will challenge you in just the right way. With this DVD, you will work your muscles in ways that you never knew you could. There is a mix of simple and difficult poses in this workout, but no matter what level you are at, you'll really feel your muscles working. The great thing about this workout though, is that you can modify as needed, and between Bethenny and Mike McArdle, the yoga teacher who leads the workout along with Bethenny, you'll see different variations for all the poses. Also, Bethenny reminds you throughout the DVD that you should go at your own pace and do what you can, but not to give up, which I found to be encouraging and genuine. Learn more about what the DVD is like!
 
From the DVD cover:

“Life is hectic – some days I have 30 minutes to work out, other days I have 45, and sometimes I only have 15. That’s why I designed the Skinnygirl Workout with three quick yoga segments that tone the entire body. You can squeeze in a segment every day, or do a couple several times a week – the most important thing is that you enjoy it."

"I don’t believe in expensive trainers. I don’t believe in people yelling at you. I believe in realistic, sustainable fitness plans. This practice will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and toned. Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced yogi, this is your workout – for every day or any day."

"Welcome to the Skinnygirl Workout. Make it your own, be consistent, and have fun!”
 

Some of you may recognize Bethenny from "The Real Housewives of New York City" or from some of her other Skinnygirl products. Even though the name of this DVD is Skinnygirl, you do not have to be skinny (or thin) to do it, and it doesn’t make any promises that you will become "skinny" from doing it either. "Skinnygirl" really refers to Bethenny's brand, which she defines as feeling good about yourself, no matter what your size. Bethenny says that being a "Skinnygirl" means accepting who and where you are now, making realistic health changes, and trusting, loving and enjoying yourself.

What you will find is that the workout routines on this DVD can easily be added to your day (there are 3 short workout segments: one 20-minute routine and two 15-minute workouts). You can do just one or two segments or all three—the choice is yours. Each segment is slightly different. The DVD also features a bonus 12-minute stretching routine, which feels really great!

Mike McArdle leads the workout with Bethenny, and each shows a different variation of the poses. Mike is certified in Bikram yoga and Pilates, but also has trained in vinyasa and power yoga. As he leads the workout, he not only does the poses himself, but he also makes sure Bethenny is doing them correctly. Bethenny and Mike talk with one another throughout the workout, but this is actually a good thing as you learn more about the pose technique, what muscles you should be feeling during a pose, simple ways to improve or perfect the form, and more. This is actually helpful with the poses since you are at home and may not be quite sure if you have the correct form of the pose. Their discussions may help you work out some of the details and proper form, along with where you should be feeling your muscles engage.

Overall, this DVD is a great addition to your weekly workouts. Bethenny keeps it real and what I really like about her in this DVD is that you see that she is a real person. Sometimes she doesn’t do all the poses perfectly, but Mike is there to help remind her (and therefore the viewer at home) how to keep proper form. Bethenny reminds you that you don’t have to go the furthest point to benefit from the pose. The important thing about yoga poses is to do what you are able to do without compromising form and this is emphasized many times throughout the DVD. There are some days that you are going to do certain yoga poses better than other days and Bethenny reminds you that is going to happen—and that it is okay. This DVD is a great reminder of all those things, which is empowering and motivating.
 
You can find a preview of "Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout DVD" on YouTube or purchase it at amazon.com (currently $15.99) or Acacia’s website (currently $14.44).
 

 


Are you a fan of Bethenny Frankel’s other workout DVD? Will you try this Skinnygirl Workout DVD?
 

Photo Credit: Acacia