Release Date: September 12, 2011 (Target and Target.com), December 6, 2011 (Nationwide)
Running Time: Approx. 50 min., plus bonus
Following the success of Body by Bethenny, celebrated author and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel returns with Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout, debuting on DVD from Acacia on Monday, September 12, 2011 exclusively at Target and on Target.com (SRP: $16.99). Bethenny is the star of Bethenny Getting Married? (the most-watched series premiere in Bravo’s history), and New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin, The Skinnygirl Dish, and A Place of Yes. Since people always ask Bethenny how she stays in shape, she created Body by Bethenny last year, and this creative-based follow-up features three yoga workouts (two 15-minute, one 20-minute) with instructor Mike McArdle.
“Do you hear my Darth Vader breathing?” – Bethenny
As a fan of Bethenny Frankel and supporter of all of her endeavors, I was very enthusiastic about trying out Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout which hits stores this fall. The work out begins with an introduction from Bethenny which is just under 2 minutes in length in which she lets the viewer know what they are in for. She stresses that consistency and enjoyment are key in this 3 part work out, which works out the entire body. I definitely enjoyed myself throughout the hour that I put aside for this DVD. She also mentioned that this workout DVD can be for a first time yogi or an experienced yogi. Those are two very different levels, so I was very interested in finding out if that were true. As an intermediate “yogi,” I found the first workout, which is 15 minutes in length to be a breeze.
Although there wasn’t much time to stay in any one position for too long which was a bit odd. The second workout, which is 20 minutes in length held about three challenges for me, two of which were moves that I was previously unfamiliar with. My best workout of the three definitely came from workout two. Also, Bethenny’s dog, Cookie makes a brief appearance towards the end of workout two. Workout three is 15 minutes in length and will really help people work on their balance, which I need lots of practice with while the 12 minute bonus stretch really aids the viewer in getting in touch with muscles that they did not know they had!
What’s really great about this workout is that Bethenny Frankel is not a professional yogi, so she feels how we feel while doing these work outs and because of her personality, she has no problem saying how she feels about it all. This makes for the most comedic work out DVD that I have ever owned. Talk about unrehearsed. It’s as if I’m participating in a private work out session of hers. Another great aspect of this DVD is that Bethenny and New York City yoga instructor, Mike McArdle are not over the top peppy like most workout trainers are on DVD. Of course that enthusiasm may be a great encouragement to many, but this work out feels like more of a relaxation than actual work, so there is no dramatized enthusiasm needed. In fact, among her many tips, Bethenny encourages going at your own pace and taking a break when needed.
Although, after you get used to the pace and routine of the poses, there really should be no need for a break during a 15 or 20 minute work out. Perhaps if you press play all. She does “shake it out” a few times, which I too found myself doing a bit so it was encouraging to see her do it as I have never seen that take place in yoga DVDs. She’s realistic about the whole yoga approach for newbies and intermediates and that is a huge comfort. Also, Mike McArdle is a wonderful instructor, walking the viewer through every pose. There is not a moment that McArdle is not talking, not giving instruction in each workout. Overall, I found this work out to be easy to follow along to and it was a relaxing challenge if there is such a thing. Although after viewing the bonus feature, “From Body by Bethenny,” I have come to the conclusion that her first work out DVD is more my work out style. So depending on your level of experience and comfortability with yoga, this may or may not be the DVD for you! I definitely urge you to give it a try!
Bonus Features:
* Recipe Booklet: Sample Recipes from The Skinnygirl Dish
* Bethenny Frankel Biography
* Mike McArdle Biography
* From Body by Bethenny (4:39 minutes)
Own Bethenny’s Skinnygirl Workout on DVD September 12, 2011 at Target and December 6, 2011 Nationwide.