Rave Ruah Release

[Lilypad]

Good Afternoon,
I did this workout yesterday for the first time and I just wanted to say that I loved this workout. I liked it because it was tough and soothing at the same time. It had some what of a cardio effect for me as well. I didn't get really sweaty but my heart rate did rise nicely. I did have some really mild doms in my chest area, my abs, hamstrings and believe it or not my biceps. I guess it was from that move that they do on their knees with the arms/wrist. When Leah said this move works your bi/tri's in my mind I was like no way does this butterfly type move is working my biceps...But I was wrong. LOL From previous post I read that you can use light hand weight if you wanted and of course I did.
Started out with 2lbs quickly went down to 1 lbs after about 5 minutes I had to drop those too!! The only thing that bothered me was my low back with all the chair pose squats,plié squats,and lunges. Hmmmm any advice there?
I really really enjoyed this workout. No equipment necessary and no shoes. In the intro Suzanne says to use the workouts 3-4x a week for optimal results along with some cardio. I feel like Release and Warrior have a little of yoga, Pilates, and barre. I also feel like it's very similar to EB Yogini. Can't wait to go home and do Warrior today.

[yogapam]

I really like both the Ruahs! I agree they are a lovely combo of yoga, pilates, & barre. You have reminded me that I have not done them in a while and should pull them out.

[hotncmom]

Release is a favorite of mine too! I'm back to a rotation of mostly Ballet Body, but I often go back to Release and Warrior when I've lost strength and need to build back up, or when I just need a less-intense but still challenging Leah Sarago style workout. I love both Leah and Suzanne (Tighten, Tone and Torch is another go-to).

I've never thought about using weights for the knees portion. Isn't it hard to flex and extend the wrists while holding weights?

[Lilypad]

I only used weights for the standing portion of the workout. For the butterfly move I thought about it but quickly gave it up. The weights are only 1lb each. They are not that big. I suppose you could hold them between your palm and thumb or use weighted gloves/wrist weights.

[Kathleen Ann]

I love both of these. I have them in my Ellen Barrett rotation because they feel the same as her workouts.

[alisoncooks]

I go through phases where I really like these...and then where I find them REALLY redundant. I personally like Warrior better than Release, probably because there's more floor work in Release and I find it really challenging.