Teigh McDonough & Gillian Marloth
I just finished the newest addition to my YBB
collection, “Light & Easy,” and wanted to give
some impressions in this, my first actual
review. I think this is a nice introduction to
the YBB style, and a pleasant beginner level
workout. I’m not certain I’ll keep it in the
long run, but I did enjoy it.
Firstly, I needed a workout like this today. It
is very hot in Dallas, and the allergens are
wreaking havoc on my throat. So no heart-
pumping workout for me today, although I
am probably high intermediate most other
days (Cathe, P90X, SS, etc).
The set is prettier than the other YBB Lives—
pink and orange curtains with windows
instead of the brink wall. The music is
familiar stuff, with Revi on drums. The cast
comprises all female students in brights and
pastels, and Teigh has a floral bra top that I
think is adorable—the scene is set for a very
girly workout!
One of the warm-up creas is “shining your
aura,” which may have made me giggle or
roll my eyes a year ago, but I smile un-
ironically when doing these now! I actually
do feel some of what Teigh & Gillian
describe, and have come to enjoy setting an
intention before working out, and repeating
the mantras afterward.
The workout itself is very basic—step
touches, knee ups, walk forward & back—but
there is the YBB flair to each move. Plus,
you’re barefoot, which is so freeing! The
ladies teach add-on style, and take it from
the top after each addition. 20 minutes
later, you move to plies, then ab work on the
floor, using the YBB squishy ball. A brief
stretch, and closing mantra, and they instruct
us to go into the world and “Spread Love.”
Instructor comments:
Teigh & Gillian team teach add on style, and are
very encouraging and sweet.
gimmat
gimmat@yahoo.com
7/14/05
Workout time: 39:00
Set: One of the class workout rooms at Swerve Studio.Beautiful bright, colorful set. Candles in the background. Hardwood floors, blue mats. Everyone is in bright, colorful, appropriate attire.
Class: All shapes and sizes and colors. No men in this particular one, though they do appear in many other YBB Lives. Many you will recognize if you have other YBB Lives. The ever-present and sweet Heather is there, as well as someone I think is a friend, Jodi.
Music: Ravi on drums (as is the case in all YBBs), it is mellow, nice music. I liked it.
Workout begins with the typical YBB breathing, mudras, and intention setting. I love this, but I know some people don't really like a spiritual aspect to their workouts, so it bears mentioning.
Warm-up consists of dynamic stretching, which goes a little too fast for me. I don't really like to bounce stretches. There is a short set of ab work during the warmup. They do stir the pot, shoulder rolls, and stretches. They do mention rejoicing and being thankful, but not really in an obtrusive way.
Cardio portion includes marching, step behinds with arms, taping front and back, leans, a small section of squats, knees up, shimmy shaking and other pretty easy to learn, basic steps.
The section after the cardio includes ab work with the squishy ball, ballet moves for the legs and "booty" and yoga stretches with the ending mudra.
There is a great deal of TIFTTing (take it from the top), so if you don't like that you probably won't like the YBB Lives. Though I do love these, sometimes I do get a bit frustrated with doing the beginning moves over and over and only doing the end moves once or twice. Some of the most fun moves are at the end of the workouts. I also wish you had an opportunity to do the whole routine a few times through.
All of the Lives are fun, but definitely light cardio. This is the lightest of all of them. I like it for days that I am not "supposed to be" working out or when I am tired. There is absolutely NO dread factor, so this would be great if you have a hard time getting going sometimes.
Ordering info: These are available through Beachbody.com and Swerve Studios, if you call them. Swerve is faster and has better customer service, but shipping is pretty high.
Instructor comments:
I just absolutely love Gillian and Teigh. They are everything I would want in an instructor: challenging, but not in a competitive way, fun, silly, but serious when needed. They have a great chemistry together. They both are in great shape, as usual.
I love the way they are sort of casual in the liveness, but still get the job done.
Krista (benemma)
16 Sept 05
I did this yesterday after doing a really hard 1 hour total body cardio & weights workout the previous day. Read: DOMS! I had so much fun. I am a yoga fan, and am trying to work more positivity and self-affirmation into my daily life. I felt so good during and after this workout. I really appreciate the exercise options presented in YBB.
Instructor comments:
Cute, positive, wonderfully synched team teachers
Sarah
9/26/05
