XTend Barre: Ballet Workout [DVD]

I saw ads for Ms. Robert's online Ballet fitness subscription, but as I live in a rural area with poor internet service, DVD instruction is my only real option. I have a Mac (2011 Pro), and this DVD worked perfectly without changing the Region settings (I am in the US). The case and video menu are in German, but the video was filmed in English. Ultimately I purchased this DVD as the language didn't matter because all key movements would be in French anyway. Super fast shipping.

I think this DVD is great, the exercises are interesting and challenging and there are elements of ballet dance movements in the warm up. My only issue with this DVD is that the women doing the movements with you have perfect hair and make-up throughout, so really no issues at all! (It would just be nice to see them in as much pain as I am!)The warm up is really fantastic with lots of ballet movements and high level of cardio involved. I used to do ballet when I was at school and love this opening sequence. Even though it is a warm up it is very high energy.The arms section does require small hand held weights but does movements that are new to me and I have been doing a variety of workout dvds and gym classes so I enjoyed this. The section without arm weights is quite challenging too which is good.The barre exercises are typical ballet barre movements. Again I enjoyed doing these however I do find the repetition of the leg lifts difficult and have had to stop because of cramp so do stop and stretch it you need to!The core section is very Pilates focused and I find it it very difficult. I have some Pilates dvds and thought I was getting the hang of it until I tried this core section. This is definitely there to further push and challenge. I will try it again when I have a stronger core I think.Andrea Rogers is really positive and pleasant throughout and talks through the exercises at a good pace. Most exercises you start off doing slow then move it up to tempo once you end got thing hang of it which is great.

Ok, I am not really. But in my imagination I am.I bought this to add some stretches to my limited exercising - I am disabled, so anything that gives me ideas for seated stretches is very helpful.I have always been a ballet fan, and was under no illusion that this dvd would be easy. I am dipping in and out of it so far, with varying success. I can certainly feel my muscles muttering at me for a day or two after doing even ten minutes which is great, as it means it must be doing something!For anyone who is more able bodied this would be a good one to follow to tone up.Excuse me while I go and pirouette some more if only in my imagination ....

i really enjoyed this for the weeks i did it, which is good as i had just been diagnosed with M.E and was determined to keep moving gently. I lent it to someone though and never got it back but i am concidering re ordering it again to stengthen and tone. was not easy and i needed rest but it was worth it to gradually build up.

Excellent dvd can really feel my muscles have worked hard after doin this dvd. Definatly gets you sweating. There are a couple of moves where she does them abit faster to make it cardio and get your heart pumping but its not hi impact. Love this dvd would highly recommend.

Great dvd. An excellent cardio workout with some toning with the dumbbells and arm movements. I assume it might be a bit fast for a beginner but i had no problem keeping up with the speed.

I have done ballet as a youngster, and this DVD does take you through many parts that I personally remember doing, and while you may not think it is making a difference, perseve with it. The next day you will feel those muscles have been worked, and some that you did not realise that you had.However saying that the arm section for me was not a good as the rest of the DVD, though I am expecting to see a definite improvement from the st of the workout.

This is a good DVD..will defo work one out..the ab work is tremendous and barre work is though..I would like if she had concentrated a little more on extension of legs and thighs,plies and those intense dance routines that really work the muscles very deeply

Fantastic sweat inducing workout. Every inch of me was shaking and aching after this awesome dvd. Even the warmup was hard! I had done a little ballet before but I don't think it was necessary for this product.

Just awful. The instructor's form is appauling and its far too fast. If they slowed it down rather than trying to be cool it would be better. But as it stands could easily cause injury as you struggle to keep time. Literally the worst exercise DVD I have. There is zero connection with Pilates either, there is no proper core engagement and alignment is constantly compromised by the speed of the workout. Total waste of money.

Awesome if you love ballet but have never had any experience, and are looking for a full workout - it takes 55 minutes to do without stopping for a breath (found I had to to start with!) and afterwards you feel amazing although I've never sweated so much with a workout as I do with this one!

This DVD is great as it works every part of your body. It is split into sections so if you don't have time to do the whole DVD (55 minutes) then you can just concentrate on one area e.g. legs/core etc.I really enjoy doing this DVD and would recommend to anyone who wants to do a challenging, energetic but very enjoyable workout in the comfort of their living room.

This is more like an aerobic class with pointed feet but in terms of of work out, it was hard! You do not need to have done ballet for this exercise routine.

This is a great work out, I love the way there are two other women supporting, one doing the easier option, the other - taking it a little bit further - so you are doing as much as you can. Would recommend - loved it

all I can say is OW! It takes a few runs at it to get your muscles past the aching stage, but after only a fortnight of sticking with it I can see a NOTICEABLE difference in muscle tone (ie I now actually have some)

Hard work but worth it.BasedHard work but it is worth it.