The Lotte Berk Method: Basic Essentials (2003)
Review by Dindrane
Film:
DVD:

Directed by Andrea Ambandos

Features:

• Photo gallery
  
• Bonus workout: Lotte Berk Method Essentials Blast
  
• Narration-free workout option
  
• Trailers
  

Released by: Goldhil DVD
Region: 1
Rating: NR, safe for all ages
Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format

My Advice: Give it a try.

The Lotte Berk Method is a results-oriented program developed by Lydia Bach, while working with the Russian prima ballerina Lotte Berk at Berk’s Rehabilitative Exercise studio in London. The purpose was to create an effective, low-impact program that would yield results quickly. Concentrating on deep muscle movement and concentrated motion, the program is intended to minimize stress on the body while maximizing impact.

The workout itself consists of a warm-up set of exercises and stretches. Next, viewers are led through a series of concentrated exercises that work almost the entire lower body—buttocks, thighs, legs, and abdominals. Each exercise is accompanied by extensive instruction to help viewers achieve the important proper body alignment and intensity of motion.

One of the interesting things about this program is the economy, yet intensity of movement. Small movements are controlled very intently to ensure maximum rewards from each passing moment. The variety is also to be appreciated; this is one of the rare exercise DVDs that won’t leave you bored halfway through your first viewing of it.

The music is jazzy synth stuff that is not the highlight of the disc, but then again, it seems like some kind of quantum requirement that exercise discs have mediocre music. Licensing fees to get good composers or popular music would probably also make us regret it when time came to pay for such DVDs.

The special features includes the "Lotte Berk Method Essentials Blast," which is a ten-minute special barre workout. Nicely effective, this would be a good alternate workout choice for busy days or for when you just want a change or an additional little bit of work. There is also a photo gallery, and an option to watch the same workout without the voice track, but with the music; that’s a great option that more exercise discs should have.

If you’re looking for a good way to sculpt and strengthen your body while also losing a bit of weight, but aerobics leave you cold and bored, then give The Lotte Berk Method a try. It seems as if it would particularly appeal to anyone with knee or other joint injuries, as the low-impact, non-aerobics movements would make exercise more doable. You will feel stronger and more supple after even the first session, and it won’t be long until you are walking with the grace of a ballerina yourself.