Learning Some willPower and Grace With Stacey Lei Krauss’ DVD

WillPower and Grace—Did you just think of that 90s show, too? Well, kick that thought out because the DVD that Stacey Lei Krauss (creator of one of the hottest workouts of the year!) has in store for you is way better than any TV show!

The only way I can describe it is yoga meets aerobics, well kind of. Let me explain…

This hour-long DVD brings together your philosophical and physical side in a program that’ll engage everything from your toes to your self-control. It’s one of the first workouts that I’ve done that truly embraces the body and soul, and continuously focuses on the whole person—and not only what you perceive in the mirror. Just like the title, willPower and Grace, this DVD’s lessons last longer than the one-hour duration. The messages of self control and how to manage the daily stresses of life are brought to the forefront and are to be practiced and mastered. Let’s just say, if you don’t think you have willpower or grace, give this workout a shot.

As you challenge yourself to push your body’s limits, you’ll perfect your posture and become more in tuned with yourself. From cougar lunges to tree pose, this workout is efficient, equipment-free, and…wait for it…barefoot! Yes, take off your shoes—take off your shoes! HOLD IT—if your feet smell, go wash them; please wash them. Becoming one with yourself doesn’t always mean becoming one with your stench…

There are four parts to the willPower and Grace program, including footwork, a warm-up, cardio, and finally, strength and flexibility. Stacey Lei Krauss truly takes you on an exercise journey you’ve never experienced. She has attitude and spunk, and with a mixture of tribal and jazz music, you’ll feel connected to yourself and the earth.

Footwork: It’s a workout for your toes! A tree can only grow large and strong when its roots are firmly planted. The footwork focuses on each toe by lifting and lowering, and once your toes are warmed up, you engage the rest of the foot and ankle. This part was especially important to me due to many of my previous foot injuries. I’ve never taken the time to strengthen my “roots,” so I always find myself blowing over.

Warm-Up: Definitely gets your heart pumping. This part includes forward bends, planks, heart push-ups and a little bit of bouncing. If you have tight hamstrings, take it slow; the first time around you may not be able to accomplish a full forward bend.

Cardio: Here is my warning: Squats, squats, squats and lunges. These are the core exercises that get your blood pumping and your heart racing. She incorporates functional movements and modifications for each exercise. At one point, I picked up an imaginary gift and put it on the shelf—in other words, I twisted down into a squat, stood straight, then twisted and reached to the diagonal. Unlike many classes I’ve been in, this workout doesn’t contain a lot of jumping—yay knees!—unless you challenge yourself on level three. Now this is where those toes go to work: I don’t know if you’ve ever tried balancing on one foot while closing your eyes, but I usually fall over in an instant. Due to the high volume of foot-focused exercises, you’ll really connect with your inner stability and find that balancing like a blind flamingo is actually easy.

Strength and Flexibility: The final piece of this fitness puzzle is upbeat and digs into that yoga I spoke of earlier. With a mixture of push-ups and planks alongside deep stretches, you’ll feel at peace and complete.

So…take off your sneakers and get started!

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: This workout is a wonderful addition for any Fit Bottomed Girl (or Dude) due to the various levels of modifications. Lei Krauss encourages each participant to start at level one so you can build a strong foundation.

Have you ever tried one of Stacey Lei Krauss’s workouts? Maybe even taken one of her classes at 24 Hour Fitness? Tell us about it! –Raquel