Jill Miller: Coregeous - Strengthen Your Core & Enhance Beauty | Perfect for Yoga, Pilates & Home Workouts

In the saturated universe of core-based videos, "Coregeous" is a real breath of fresh air - an exceptional example of the potential to cover new territory. Jill Miller (whom I affectionately refer to as "Jiller" among my fellow yoga teachers) has worked a DVD miracle by expertly presenting the principles of physical fitness training with an authentically yogic sensibility. It's like Buns of Steel meets Mula Bandha (hmmm... or something like that...).The 2 disciplines of "yoga" and "fitness" can sometimes be at odds with one another when it comes to their theoretical underpinnings - like oil and water, fitness tells us "no pain, no gain", and yoga says, "be the love." But, Miller's unique method of physical conditioning - called "Yoga Tune-Up" - combines numerous aspects from multiple systems in a highly accessible and engaging manner. Her programs always include elements of innovative strength training and neuromuscular conditioning; authentic yoga practices, principles and techniques; self-massage therapy for deep-tissue release; a playful and curious attitude; and a genuine sense of humor. All of this (and more!) blend together into a very fun - and very challenging! - exercise potpourri, which distinctly elevates all of her programs above the typical standard for home workout routines. And never has this been more true than with "Coregeous."What's most impressive about this particular video is that Miller has managed to merge these two worlds without dumbing down, sacrificing, or diluting the bold intention of either. On the fitness side of things, there's certainly plenty of intensity - for those seeking a good butt-kicking workout, you'll find it, particularly in the "Get COREgeous" segment. Here, you can expect to creatively utilize a stability ball to max out both your "shoulder core" (accessing the often over-looked, but essential, serratus anterior) and your abdominal core, all while training these muscle groups to collectively participate in integrative functionality.On the yoga end of things, this program provides all of the nuanced intelligence, awareness, skillfulness, and integrity you'd expect from a master teacher. Yoga teachers and seasoned students whose practices have transcended the strictly physical realm of "sweat, burn, stretch, repeat," will rejoice to find a core routine that *finally* includes anatomical intelligence, intuitive sequencing, and a respectful regard for the subtleties and intricacies innate to this region of the body.A few highlights from the DVD include:* breath awareness and a mindful consideration of the muscles involved in respiration;* skillful, clear, precise, and understandable instruction; Miller has a serious aptitude for colorful and clever language when describing anatomy and movement;* brilliant use of props, which truly makes new core experiences available in original and captivating ways;* all-levels of home exerciser are carefully accounted for - from tighter beginners, to more limber adepts, Miller provides information, adaptations, and accessible options to suit multiple levels of ability/facility.A piece of advice to those who purchase the video: Begin at the end. Go straight to the bottom of the menu and select, "Message from Jill" within the "Specialty Sequences".Why begin at the end? Because her lovely words - so full of wisdom and compassion - capture the caliber of "core" work Miller is advocating. She tells us: "Being 'coregeous' is not about an external aesthetic. If you really work deeply, consciously, and precisely inside the layers of your abdomen, you will re-shape it into your most efficient native physique. If you are willing to connect, and make peace with your gutts, you'll truly re-define yourself from the inside out."As a yogi first, a yoga teacher second, and a sweat-enthusiast third, this sort of approach is the ONLY one that resonates with me anymore. Truly meaningful transformation has nothing to do with calories burned, inches lost, numbers on the scale, or the size of your jeans. Miller knows this, and she teaches core work from this perspective. What a joy - what a relief! - to hear this attitude included on a fitness video!If you're a looking for a comprehensive core program with real yogic integrity THIS IS IT.