Shape Up with David Howard

David was a ballet teacher of mine, in the 80s, when I lived in NYC to study there. This tape was made at that time. It includes a lot of his "floor barre" routine, which he used to give after the regular barre, before the center, as I recall. I wanted to find a recording of that, so I am glad I found this. I have since then began to study Pilates, and some of this is based on that, too.

I was disappointed. I used to take classes with David Howard when I danced with New York City Ballet. The shape up was not strength building enough . I was and am used to taking Pilates for all my stretch and strength.

Based on ballet and yoga technique.A perfect at home routine to keep you stretched and limber - and set allthe parts of your body in correct relation to each other. You can do just the first stretch part to begin; yet there are also advanced cardio and strength exercises.As David Howard says, it is "based on ballet and yoga technique."

This is the best program, I use it almost everyday! I got the first copy long time ago. Over the years, I bought several more for friends. I have tried other programs too, this has been the best. The instructions are right at the point (such as, "stretch the legs out to lift them up", while attempting to lift up is hard to achieve, stretching them does make it happen). If 60-min cann't be done in a day, I usually do it over two-day period. The music is quite beautiful too.

A fantastic workout full of retro-styled goodness! This video features an insanely good core workout nicely balanced with flexibility and aerobic conditioning. Very good if you dance and need to strengthen your core while continuing to work on your extension.

This video is timeless, and is probably one of the best and most effective ballet workout videos in circulation.

I used it when it was a video for many years and now as a DVD. I have achieved very good results for overall fitness.

There is really very few exercise tapes that are this good! Excellent stretch, great stomach workout. Worth every penny. I am so glad I found a copy of this tape!