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Creative Core + Upper Body by Shiva Rea (Acacia)

publication date: Feb 24, 2009
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author/source: Julia Bairstow

My first impressions of the Creative Core + Upper Body DVD was that one has to be incredibly fit and flexible to work through the routines  and  bend oneself into all the positions. Unfortunately neither of these adjectives can be used to describe myself!

The routines shown in this DVD by renowned yoga teacher, Shiva Rea, follow on from her two previous successful workouts, Creative Core Abs and Creative Core and Lower Body. The flowing yoga techniques focus on the upper body, toning the core, back, arms and shoulders and are designed to develop and improve one’s emotional and physical well-being.

Creative Core + Upper Body consists of three main sections:

  • Agni Namaskar (the Fire Sequence) - this is a series of flowing and stretching movements, concentrating on the correct inhalation and exhalation, which are intertwined with regular sets of prostration pushuups. Core alignment is emphasised and the aim is to build strength into the upper body.
  • Creative Core – where the participant lies on the floor on their back  focussing on  the core abdominals
  • Shavasna – this is two minutes of well-earned relaxation.

Throughout the DVD one is regularly reminded to work at one’s own pace and rhythm taking necessary pauses and breaks, which would be essential for the beginner.

The Creative Core + Upper Body is filmed in the beautiful island of Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain and often called the Garden Isle because of its endless beauty. The luscious greenery and exquisite scenery together with the gentle breeze easily complements the yoga movements used in all of the sequences.

I particularly liked the Beginners Backbend flow, which is included in the bonus features, which I think is very useful to watch and follow as an introduction to the whole DVD, particularly for those new to yoga.

I would recommend Creative Core + Upper Body to anyone interested in yoga, either a beginner or somebody more advanced. The gentle slow pace of the movements, the emphasis on working at one’s own pace together with the idyllic setting all contribute to making it a worthwhile and valuable purchase. By following the various routines regularly, I feel sure that one would have a healthier, slender and more energised body.

Click the link below to order a copy from Amazon:

Shiva Rea - Creative Core/Upper Body [DVD]