Review: Amy Dixon Give Me 10!
Amy Dixon, 2009
Amy works out with 2 background ladies in a nice open set with wooden floors; one of the b/g'ers shows modifcations. Amy used only 1 set of dumbbells, you can stick w/ one set (which actually works out pretty well because she has the moves designed to fit the same poundage IMO) or you can use a variety. You can "play all" or play individual segments but there is no "mix and match" option.
The dvd is comprised of six 10 minute sections: cardio, UB, LB, yoga/stretch, abs, and a bonus kettlebell workout (using a KB or dumbbell). She dosent waste any time in each 10 minute segment- you start right into the moves and at the end she tells you to do another segment, use the yoga/ stretch segment, or cooldown on your own.
Core Makeover: This is a weighted core workout utilizing one dumbbell. This segment felt kettlebell inspired to me though I am no KB pro. A lot of the moves are done standing (which I love) such as, weighted chop and windmill w/ the weight. Then you go down to the floor for some fun & unique "rock & roll" plank moves, reverse curls, knee drops, side planks w/ a twist, and she includes lower back swimmers-I enjoy working the often overlooked lower back.
Lower Body Firmer: Using one (I used 2) sets of dumbbells you start with a basic squat and move into a kettlebell-esque swing & 1 arm swing w/ the dumbbell. I was already feeling it (I used 15#ers) by the end of this squat section! Then we move onto a lunge & lunge variation sequence. Then we move onto a dip sequence, deadlift variations, one legged squats, and pliets. She adds a unique twist to most all the moves and shows some progressions to keep it interesting.
Upper Body Sculpt: You start right away with a weighted upper cut, move on to bicep curl variations and then down to the floor for tricep dips. Then you do a back fly with an added balance challenge, a lat raise w/ a swing, overhead press, plank with a front dumbbell raise, and of course pushups.
Fat Blasting Cardio: Amy keeps this cardio straightforward and athletic (just the way I like it!) while getting/keeping your heart rate up there nicely. There is an unweighted squat and lunge sequence, mambo, step ball change, skaters, shuffle, jacks, a FUN basketball (I love sports inspired cardio-though I am not a fan of actual sports LOL), and she adds in plenty of plyos and jumps to get the heart pumping.
Bonus Kettlebell ToneUp: This workout is comprised of pretty basic kettlebell moves but it was def 10 minutes well spent! You will do squats, "monkey", Russian twists, halo, a squat w/ halo and a chop, and a rack and press w/ a plyo squat move. You finish with a basic swing. I used a dumbbell, as does one b/g exerciser. Amy uses a kettlebell.
I like Amy as a lead and would really enjoy having this w/o in my collection. She really put thought into designing this w/o- when a heavier weight is needed, she has you put both weights in one hand. Unlike many other weight or AWT w/o's where the poundage doesnt match up w/ the move or you do a joint move and one muscle group suffers, she has it planned out very well. Her personality and cueing are both good! I would rate this a solid intermediate that you can easily modify up or down.
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