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 5
Day Fit Yoga (4 out of 5 stars)
Gaiam/ 5 different yoga workouts
In a nutshell: So we have five different yoga workouts here
to give you a variety and let you do something every day. As sual
with Gaiam, the production quality is amazing and their instructors
a top-notch. But…it’s hard to get much out of yoga I find
with a 15-20 minute workout which is what most of these are (despite
what it says on case). The idea of it being for weight-loss is misleading
since doing these alone will not help you lose weight. Still, they’re
great workouts for when you have a little time and would like an energy
boost or some relaxation.
Synopsis: Make every day matter. Put a daily dose
of variety into your at-home yoga practice with five energizing workout.
Yoga masters Rod Stryker and Suzanne Deason cover all the bases with
these full-length programs to get you strong and centered.
AM PEAK PERFORMANCE YOGA with Rod Stryker. Optimize physical and mental
well-being and become more at ease in everything you do, with this
series of gentle morning stretches that help awaken the body.
PM PEAK PERFORMANCE with Rod Stryker: Focuses on breathing, relaxation
and ‘softening the mind.’
AM YOGA for WEIGHT LOSS with Suzanne Deason. Gentle selection of morning
Yoga exercises to help maintain weight loss by restoring a stronger
connection between the body and mind.
PM YOGA for WEIGHT LOSS with Suzanne Deason: Series of energizing
and fluid movements to relax the body and mind at the end of day.
STRESS RELIEF YOGA with Suzanne Deason. Unwind, soothe and relax yourself
with this calming workout and revitalize your mind, body and spirit.
DVD includes five full-length workouts and guided relaxation and meditation
Extras:
none
The instructor: Both are wonderful and get right
to it, which I love—no small talk. Very calm and soothing
voices.
Worth purchasing? If you’re a beginner to
yoga and just want a taste of it, yes. If you’re looking for
a hard weight-loss program—not so much.
|
 Results
Fitness: 10 Days to a Better Body (5 out of 5 stars)
AnchorBay/ 35-minute workouts
In a nutshell:
Holy Shitake! This workout seriously kicked my ass. Yes, I am nine
months pregnant right now but that’s not the point. Even doing
the lowest impact with no weights, I was dying. I can’t wait
to do this when I’m trying to lose baby fat because I know
it will work wonders. It’s the rotation between high impact
cardio and weight training. I imagine you would see a difference
in 10 days since it’s so intense. What’s great is that
the workouts are only 35 minutes each. You need a mat and two sets
of weights (lighter and heavier). I added my own stretching to the
end because that’s my fave part. Love this one!!
Synopsis: YES, YOU CAN SEE CHANGES IN YOUR BODY
IN JUST 10 DAYS! This DVD and Meal Plan are your shortcut to a better
body. The DVD features two 30-minute workouts that alternate short
bursts of fat blasting cardio with intervals of muscle conditioning.
The first workout will give you leaner legs, a tighter tush, and
a flatter belly. The second workout will sculpt your entire upper
body and tone your abs. These interval training workouts are the
secret to changing your body in the shortest amount of time. Combine
them with the Better Body Meal Plan and get ready to celebrate the
new you: stronger, slimmer, and totally sexy. Better Body Meal Plan:
Get ready to eat to lose! Use this meal plan to lose weight and
stay satisfied with 10 days of meals and snacks that fight fat.
About the Trainer: Cindy Whitmarsh (www.cindywhitmarshfitness.com)
is a NASN and ACE Certified, has a BA in Corporate & Community
fitness/nutrition, and has over 18 years experience in fitness and
nutrition. Her passion is helping others to make dramatic health
and body changes for life!
Extras: none
The instructor: I was ready to hate her based on
the cover, but she was great! Cindy Whitmarsh is encouraging and
didn’t grate on my nerves (which is impressive as EVERYONE
grates on my nerves these days).
Worth purchasing? Yes, yes, yes!! One of the best
workouts I’ve seen in a long time.
|
 Anna
Getty Pre and Postnatal Yoga Workout (5 out of 5 stars)
Red Distribution/ 50 minute prenatal, 9 15-minute post workouts
In a nutshell: The
best prenatal workout I have found. And I have tried MANY. This
leaves me relaxed yet energized and helps to relieve my back pain
and swelling. It’s also the only one I could do over and over
since the instructor didn’t make me want to throw my pillow
at the tv. It also has cool music and a lovely set.
Synopsis: ANNA’S PRE NATAL YOGA WORKOUT
Anna brings you this 50-minute yoga workout, with menu screen flexibility
to structure your own daily focused routine. And the exercises are
easy, safe and effective created for you to use throughout your
pregnancy. This DVD invites you to connect to your breath, your
body and your baby in preparation for a graceful labor and birth
experience.
ANNA’S POST NATAL YOGA WORKOUT
These workouts help re-connect you to your body, mind & spirit
as you navigate through the first year of motherhood. Anna has designed
9 progressively challenging 10 – 15 minute workouts that fit
perfectly into a new mommy’s busy schedule. It also includes
7 breathing & meditation segments to help you maximize your
time to yourself. This DVD provides the tools to help you re-build
your core.
Extras:
• Spanish language option for yoga
• Nutrional questions answered by LUNA’s Registered
Dietician
• BONUS viewing options on the main menus allow you to structure
your own workout
• Mommy & Baby Yoga Demonstration
• Nutritional Questions Answered by LUNA’s Registered
Dietitian
• Advice from renowned pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene –
author of best seller "First Kicks to First Steps"
• A Pre and Post Natal Nutritional Guide & Shopping List
from LUNA BAR (coupon included)
The instructor: Anna Getty only
speaks in voice over here and she’s a good instructor. There
are a few miscues but for the most part she’s very soothing
and gives good direction. She frequently reminds you to listen to
your body which is very important during and after pregnancy.
Worth purchasing? Absolutely. Can’t wait
to try the post-natal workouts!
|
While
I do work out (obviously) I don't do sports. I'm completely unco-ordinated
at anything where balls go flying at my head...I just had to write
that. So I wasn't hugely excited about these SportsYoga
dvds when they arrived. But then I popped one in and realized that
I could just look at Billy Asad's rippled  arms.
Yum. Seriously though, I passed them on to my parents who both ski
and play tennis, sigh, and they thought they were really cool. And
my dad has never done Yoga in his life. So here you go, a way to
get your man to do Yoga and to look at bulgy biceps. Available in
Tennis and Ski. |
 10
Minute Solution: Hot Body Boot Camp ( 5 out of 5 stars)
Anchor Bay/ 50 minutes total
Synopsis: No time to exercise?
We have the solution for you – the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone
can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we’ve developed
5 kick-butt boot camp workouts that are just 10 minutes each.
The segments focus on getting you the hottest body in the shortest
amount of time. Compact and ultra-efficient, these workouts fit
into even the busiest of schedules and will give you a hot body
makeover. Split them into 5 separate workouts or do them all together
for one incredible, body-transforming workout!
HOT BODY CARDIO: In this segment, you will perform a series of
highly effective boot camp style exercises at a high energy pace.
Hot Body Cardio will jump start your body into the fat blasting
zone!
AB ASSAULT: You are going to belly fat basic training! This abs
workout utilizes combat maneuver styles exercises to wage an all-out
assault on your midsection. You’ll get that hot body 6-pack
plus a strong and sexy lower back.
ROCK BOTTOM SCULPT: Take aim at those buns and thighs with a mission
to tone, tighten and firm! Rock Bottom sculpt will put your bottom
in the jiggle-free zone.
CALORIE BLASTING DRILLS: Four different boot camp drills will
sculpt your body from head to toe while still giving you the calorie-blasting
benefits of cardio training. Get ready for a whole new body.
BETTER BODY STRETCH: Lengthen your muscles in this athletic, active,
flowing stretch using the help of a towel. Improve your overall
flexibility and give a much needed release to all those muscles
you worked out in the other hot body segments. A set of handweights
and a towel are recommended for this workout.
DVD Bonus! Create your own custom workout by programming any of
the five segments in the order you select.
Extras: none
The instructor: Amy Bento is good. There are
a few mis-cues but nothing major. She’s quite likeable and
encouraging.
Worth purchasing? I have to admit, I didn’t
actually DO this one. Five months pregnant I can barely lift my
butt off the couch some days so that’s where I sat while
I previewed this. It looks freaking hard. I got tired just watching
it. I will throw this into my rotation once I pop the thing out
and hopefully will be able to get my body back fairly easily.
It looks at least Intermediate level and like you will work up
a sweat.
|
Most
basic Yoga dvds are very basic. You stand and sit and get bored.
Yoga Body Lean And Defined Total Body Workout is a little
different. You need to know a little about Yoga to do it, but you
don't have to be advanced. Stacy McCarthy talks about things I'd
never heard before on a DVD, like the three "locks" (muscle
contractions) which are important for a good Yoga workout. Go figure.
I liked this one because I didn't get bored although 50 minutes
is a long time for me and my short attention span. It's a good dvd
for beginners and more intermediate yoga-lovers and it's a little
unique. And after doing over 100 workout dvds, that's something
you really look for! |
 Pure
Barre (4 out of 5 stars)
Pure Barre/ 45 minutes
Synopsis:
The Pure Barre Technique is the most effective, fastest working,
yet safest way to change your body. This 45 minute full body workout
will not waste your time. In just 10 sessions you will begin to
achieve flat abs, a lifted seat, toned thighs and well defined
arms. You will be amazed at your narrower, leaner new physique.
Before beginning the workout you will need two sets of weights
(one heavier set and one lighter set), a mat, and a sturdy support
to hold on to, a counter-top or chair will suffice.
Pure Barre was created by dancer/choreographer/fitness guru Carrie
Rezabek who leads you through a system of exercises targeted at
the parts of the body that need it the most. You will begin with
a warm-up and light weight-work to melt away fat and shape your
upper body. Carrie then guides you through specific movements
which target your legs, seat and abs. Each strength section of
the workout is followed by a stretch section which will help you
achieve the slim look of a dancer.
Carrie opened her first ballet barre and pilates studio in 2001
in the Detroit area. Carrie studied at New York City’s Lotte
Berk Method as well as owned a Lotte Berk studio. Due to demand,
Pure Barre began licensing in 2006 and there are now Pure Barre
locations nationwide.
The Pure Barre Technique truly is the answer. All you have to
do is this dvd 3 times per week and your body will change - it
is that simple.
Extras: none
The instructor: Carrie Rezabek is killer. She
knows her stuff better than probably any other fitness instructor
I’ve seen. She’s also adorable and very likeable.
I’ll buy what she’s selling.
Worth purchasing? I’ll say yes based on
the workout itself. It’s oh-so-tough. But feels oh-so-good.
If you’ve done Lotte Berk, it’s like that but tougher.
I loved it. My legs were on fire and afterward I felt like Jello.
BUT—there needs to be more stretching. I found I would pause
the dvd and hold stretches longer myself. Also, who came up with
the production here? It’s awful. The camera person is drunk
and the music is incredibly boring. If they fix that this will
be one of the best workouts out there barre none….heh.
|
I
love Gaiam. They're always so refreshing and healthy and pretty.
They have this new series on Ayurveda featuring Ayeurveda
for detox, for  wieightloss,
and for stress relief. Each one includes the basics of
Ayurveda and  eating
plans, and then each talks about its own topic. Then you get a workout
tailored for the dvd and your needs including meditation, self-massage,
breathing exercises and yoga. Each one also includes a 36 page guide
on your topic. They're really cool and would make a great gift for
the health nut you know (perhaps yourself?) |
The
Firm Cardio to Go Kit (5 out of 5 stars)
Gaiam/ four 10 minute workouts and one 45 minute workout
Synopsis: With
today’s busy schedules, The FIRM Cardio-To-Go is the perfect
solution. Lightweight and compact for easy storage in a closet or
in a suitcase, you ll be able to work out anywhere and anytime.
The FIRM Master Instructor Annie Lee will show you how to use the
intense 10-minute workouts to lose weight and sculpt your body.
It s all here in an easy-to-carry, fun and fresh kit.
The SLIM WITHOUT THE GYM DVD includes four 10-minute
workouts!
BRAZILIAN BUTT LIFT works on sculpting and shaping a firm butt.
ARMED & DANGEROUS targets the upper body and blasts away the
fat.
TUMMY TUCK helps shed fat and create lean and flat abs.
TOTAL BODY BURN burns up to 135 calories in only 10 minutes.
Each of the four 10-minute workouts can be done
separately or you can do all four back-to-back for a 40-minute total
body workout.
For more than 25 years, The FIRM has combined sculpting
and cardio in a unique, effective way to help you develop the body
you ve always wanted.
The FIRM method maximizes your ability to sculpt
and shape your entire body, burning up to three times more fat than
cardio alone.
REAL WOMEN. REAL RESULTS. GUARANTEED.
10-Minute Workout
The Perfect On-The-Go Solution for
Whole Body Toning 10 Minutes at a Time!
The FIRM Foundation
For over 25 years, The FIRM has worked with an incredibly
insightful idea: strength training combined with aerobics yield
better results than either alone. And the founders were right, thanks
to one simple truth muscle burns fat all by itself.
With The FIRM, you burn fat through the aerobic
portion of your workout while you build muscle that increases your
body s natural fat-burning mechanism. Your collective muscle burns
more fat.
Kit Includes
The FIRM Weighted Jump Rope With removable lb weights inside
foam-padded handles, this is an effective and efficient method for
burning
calories and attaining cardio benefits.
The FIRM Toning Cord with medium resistance is one 48 long cord
with
comfort grip handles.
The FIRM Resistance Loop with medium resistance is one 22.5 long
band
that fits around the ankles, legs, and arms for added resistance.
1 Compact Mesh Bag easy-to-clean mesh bag to carry your mobile gym!
4 Workout Options on one DVD.
Extras: Behind the scenes, new workout trailers,
the Firm believers club
The instructor: This DVD features Annie Lee who
seems scared. I don’t know why, she just lacks that confident
air most instructors have. Still, she’s friendly and encouraging
and definitely doesn’t go over the top. I can handle her.
Worth purchasing? Love this!! I love anything that
makes working out more appealing and who wouldn’t want a cute
new set of workout gear (see synopsis for what comes in the box).
And it’s pink! This would also make a cute gift for someone
you know is into fitness.
|
 6
Minute Quick Blast Method- Total Body Calorie Burn and Total Body
Fat Burner (5 out of 5 stars)
Razor Digital/ 6 minute workouts
Synopsis:
Total Body Fat Burner: These energetic, super effective segments
focus on LOWER BODY with fun small interval circuit training, UPPER
BODY/CORE with resistance training and finishes with rock hard abs
on the ball. A total body workout that will have you toned from
head to toe in a short amount of time! Workout with real women who
actually went through the program and achieved amazing results.
Total Body Calorie Blast: This workout video is one of the companion
video's to go with Tracey Mallett's book Sexy in 6. This program
features cardio and mind-body 6-Minute Blasts. The Cardio Blasts
use interval training to turn your body into a metabolism-burning,
calorie-crunching machine.
Extras: Tracey’s Healthy Eating Tips and
The Journey of Team 
Mallett (same on both)
The instructor: I really like Tracey Mallett. She’s perky
but not annoying. I like her accent. She makes you feel like you’re
having fun. One of my faves.
Worth purchasing? Absolutely. Both of these DVDs
are effective and make working out quick and efficient. I don’t
like hour-long workouts because I have no attention span so these
6 minute bursts are perfect for me. I can do as many as I like!
|
 A.M.
Yoga For Your Week (5 out of 5 stars)
Gaiam/ five 20 minute workouts
Synopsis:
Five 20-minute focused morning routines Workout appropriate for
all skill levels Daily variety for your yoga practice BONUS! Daily
deep breathing & meditation guide
Because of our natural rhythms, daybreak is the
perfect time to open our bodies and center our minds.
Let Rodney Yee be your daily guide through these
five 20-minute morning practices. Each workout focuses on a specific
area to loosen your muscles, relax your mind and energize you for
the day ahead. Choose from Standing Poses, Twists, Backbends, Forward
Bends and Hip Openers. It's simple enough for beginners, but effective
for everyone.
Shot on location in Glen Canyon National Recreation
Area Page, Arizona
Extras: Daily deep breathing and meditation guide
The instructor: It’s Rodney Yee, yo. He’s
the king of Yoga. I love him.
Worth purchasing? Absolutely. I love Gaiam dvds.
The scenery is breathtaking and the advice and instruction is almost
always impeccable. Doing these in the morning (after fighting with
myself to haul my ass out of bed) was actually worth getting up
the 20 minutes earlier. I felt so much better all day.
|
Fitness
DVDs need to step it up. With the new technology there is no excuse
not to have options to mix and match or customize. So while The
Abs Diet for Women Workout is a decent go, it's quite plain.
You can't choose your own or customize what you want to do. |The
instructor is good (Jessica Smith) and the moves are effective,
but there is nothing too exciting about it all. Maybe it's all about
the book, which I haven't read. |
 South
Beach Diet Super Charged Workout (3 out of 5 stars)
Koch/ 65 Minutes
Synopsis: Lose weight faster with a unique metabolism-revving
exercise program! Five years ago renowned Miami cardiologist Dr.
Arthur Agatston set out to change the way America eats with The
South Beach Diet. Now Dr. Agatston wants to change the way America
lives by helping Americans become fitter as well as thinner and
healthier...for life! He's designed a new exercise program that
is based on the latest exercise science combining functional (core)
fitness and cardiovascular (interval) exercise. The workout is designed
to rev up the metabolism - and burn more fat and calories - even
at rest.
Extras: Introduction by Dr. Arthur Agatston, South
Beach diet tips, Kris Belding interview
The instructor: She won’t shut up. Why won’t
she shut up? Make her stop. Please. The humanity!!!! She’s
trying to be motivating but it’s a little too much.
Worth purchasing? Maybe. It’s not particularly
unique or fun but devotees of the diet will probably be all over
it. I felt the burn although my joints were also a little sore.
Do the diet if you like but I think you can find a better dvd to
get moving with.
|
Past
Fitness Reviews
March/
April '08
January/
February '08
- Fitness
September/ October '07
-
- Fitness
Link for January and February '07
-
- Body
For Life Women
- 1
Minute Workout
- Carmen
Electra Aerobic Striptease and Fit to Strip
Extreme Makeover Fitness
Tae Bo: Capture the Power
The Firm Power Yoga
Santa Fe Stretch
Trainer’s Edge: Killer Abs and Back with Michael Oladjiide
Trainer’s Edge: Cardio Interval Training with Petra Kolber
- Progressive
Pilates for Weight Loss
- Brazilian
Dance Workout
- Cardio
Pilates
- The
Bar Method Body Box Set
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So
I couldn't actually do this one since I'm 9 months along and I would
have just looked like a beached whale. But I watched Crunch
Yoga Body Sculpt and that what this review is based on.
I'm really looking forward to when I can do this workout as it looks
fun and challenging. The instructor, Bethany Lyons, is great. She's
good a cueing and has modifications ready. The set isn't anything
special and neither is the music but it looks like a fun, flowing
workout. I did join in for the relaxation at the end and that was
lovely. Recommend. |
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