Product Description

"Exhale’s Core Fusion will tone you from head to toe" --Prevention

A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at the exclusive Exhale Spa--now you can get these same results at home.

Named "Best Fusion Class" by New York magazine, this unique program is one of the quickest, most effective ways to get a thin, sleek physique. In five segments of 10 minutes each, the Pilates-based moves deliver washboard abs, perfectly sculpted arms and shoulders, and a tighter, higher backside—fast.

The secret to Core Fusion Pilates Plus is that it works from the inside out, integrating your core with every move. The deep-toning approach goes far beyond the surface muscles, working hard-to-reach areas that traditional exercises can’t reach. Infused with yoga-inspired postures and core-conditioning exercises, this invigorating workout produces real results and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years’ combined experience teaching Pilates, yoga, dance, and Tai Chi, disciplines that inform the Pilates Plus workout. They are founding team members of Exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the country.

Stills from Exhale: Core Fusion Pilates Plus (Click for larger image)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3923 in DVD
• Brand: ACORN MEDIA
• Released on: 2008-12-02
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.66:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 50 minutes

Real Simple Magazine blog
The Best "Core" Workout I've Tried

USA Today
It's the overall feel that makes these programs unique -- low-key instruction combined with an intimate, spa-like setting, plus a personal-trainer-style focus.

Prevention magazine
Prevention Tested: 5 New DVDs We Love! Target each muscle group with laserlike precision

Customer Reviews

HEALED MY BACK!!!
I hurt my back, was unable to fold forward, or sit. When given the go ahead by my doctor to move again, I found the Core Fusion Pilates DVD, and the Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD, to be the only workouts that I could do without increasing my injury. In fact, it helped do the exact opposite and helped HEAL my back. After 6 weeks, I went from having a severe condition to being clean and clear. I did not take any drugs. I went to the chiropractor regularly, iced my injury, and did Core Fusion, and I feel better than ever!!! Not to mention I lost inches from my waist and hips, and am the strongest, leanest, and most flexible I have ever been! This dvd is AWESOME and empowering!

Another take on the Lotte Berk Method
The creators of this DVD- and the Core Fusion program at Exhale Spa- were instructors for the Lotte Berk Method years ago. As such, there program has the same elements- ballet exercises (they demonstrate with a chair instead of a barre), yoga, Pilates and orthopedic exercises. This release emphasizes more yoga (lots of planks and stretches) and their take on Pilates principles (they fall into the "tuck" school vs. the neutral spine). Based on the clips of the companion Body Sculpt release, it looks as if that one emphasizes more of the ballet work.

Others have criticized the amount of stretches in this and other Lotte Berk Method derivatives, but I think that's one of the method's strengths (no pun intended). I like that they integrate the stretches into the sets so they are difficult to skip- people don't stretch enough, particularly through their hips- but I'd prefer that they both waited a breath or two longer before the stretches began and held them for a longer period of time.

This release contains no weights- "just" body resistance. They more than make up for that with a long plank sequence and their variant on Knee Dancing (who knew that could work your obliques so well?). The star of the release is probably going to be Pure Core segment. While they include some classics like the Roll Up and some crunch variants (my least favorite ever), it's their take on the flat back work that might leave you breathless. First they start with a rounded back in a seated position then move the legs together, bent, straight, on the ground, and lifted, with variations of all. Then they do the same against a wall. This tough, and you'll feel your abs as well as your upper body and quads.

I thought this was a challenging practice, but maybe a little too much. Although the creators take turns showing modifications- he shows the ones demanding more strength, and she shows the ones showing more flexibility- much of what they show would still be too much for a lot of people. Maybe they should have added a third modifier as the Lotte Berk releases did so everyone would feel like they could participate.

This is very challenging, and many people who already like barre workouts will enjoy the abdominal section.

PILATES "A" PLUS!
Exhale: Core Fusion Pilates Plus

I absolutely love this program. I am a Pilates lover and although this is not a typical Pilates routine - the practice is based on Pilates principles - it's great to throw in, tone and sculpt, and mix things up. The instructors are easy to follow and explain each move thoroughly. It's no wonder this spa is so popular with the stars - I can feel a burn instantly. I highly recommend this program for any Pilates lover looking to mix up their practice and try something new.