Thursday, July 29, 2010

CSN Stores Product Review!

I was lucky enough to try out some fantastic products from CSN Stores!!! I had a difficult time deciding what to pick for my review - afterall they have over 200 stores to choose from!

 

I finally decided on these two lovely items for my cake decorating hobby. I got the Nordicware Kitchenware 16" Stackable Cooking Rack Set:


Thats my raspberry lemonade cake cooling on the rack! I chose this rack because its stackable and saves space. When Im making cakes, I have bowls, racks, pans, and utensils everwhere so I really appreciate the space saving this cooling rack offers. I can also use this for cookies, breads, or any other baked goods Im working on. The "legs" snap on and off with ease & click right into place so you know they're secure. You can also use the racks side by side or one at a time!

But thats not all! I ALSO had the pleasure of trying out this AWESOME (much needed) Frieling Cake Butler.


I LOVE LOVE LOVE this carrier! When I have cake class I have to take the cake from home, to the office, to cake class, and then back home. So as you can imagine-I desperately needed a nice carrier & am happy to report I FOUND IT! The handles fold down onto the sides and click right into place when you arent using them. The lid stays on tightly -how do I know? Well ask the lady that cut me off this morning- as I slam on my brakes, the cake goes tumbling off my car seat onto the floor (luckily I had already cut into it and was just bringing it to coworkers to snack on). Not one crumb fell out of this case and the handles stayed in place perfectly! Disaster avoided!

I also like the fact that the top of the cover is flat so you can stack things on it- like your turntable while decorating. Its nice to bring the cake up to eye level so you can see what youre working on while decorating. Some of the carriers Ive seen arent flat so you cant put anything on top of them.

While your at it, check out CSN Stores Health & Fitness Section! They have over 200 fitness dvds and they have The Firm Wave for under $60! And stay tuned fora possible CSN Stores giftcard giveaway coming soon on my blog!!!

I was impressed by the shipping speed and ease of use on their website and happily reccomend CSN Stores to my blog friends!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Sylwia Wiesenberg Tonique Mat Workout

Tonique Mat Workout
Sylwia Wiesenberg, 2010

This is a 67 minute all mat toning workout. The focus is on lower body and abs. She does one set that includes pushups but thats the only UB work. Sylwia leads alone on a small set. The production quality is not the best but its not that bad, and I never really notice that kind of stuff anyways. You wont need anything but possibly a mat for this workout.

The dvd is divided up into 4 segments: Warmup, On the side, On the back, on all fours. You can "play all" or select your segments- I dont *think* there is a mix and match option. The name of each move comes across the bottom of the screen at the beginning of each exercise.

This is a TOUGH workout! It is HIGH HIGH HIGH rep no weight floor work. I felt like my legs were going to fall off. But after being almost repped to death- I am not hardly sore today, so thats a bit dissapointing. I am more of a "heavy squat" kind of gal then a "spend 60 min, almost die, and not be sore" type of exerciser. She does virtually every type of LB floor work you can imagine and then some!

The ab work was pretty uninspiring for me. By the end of it I was ddefinitely feeling it but the first handful of ab exercisers are just crunch variations and didnt feel extraordinarily effective. Of course after spending 15 or so min on nonstop ab movement- I was happy to not be "hitting it hard" for the duration.

I liked Sylwia as a lead but she probably wouldnt be a fav of mine. I dont like that she sometimes will say 10 more, but then theres really 30 more? I dont like being lied to ;) I think her other w/o's are a better fit for me since Im not really a mat work type of girl so I am excited to try those. If you are a mat/ floor work/ barre fan I think you will LOVE this w/o. She has a fairly strong Polish accent, but I didnt have any problems understanding her.

I would rate this an advanced w/o- just the sheer number of reps and seemingly nonstop number of (mostly) LB moves and a good amount of ab work, and because of the length and the fact that she jumps right into the work and really wastes no time in this w/o.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Firm Calorie Explosion- WOW!

The Firm: Calorie Explosion
Alison Davis, 2010 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This cardio dvd is divided up into four 11- 13 minute segments with seperate 4 min w/u and c/d. The dvd is programable but automatically adds the w/u & c/d to the beginning and end of your workout. Alison leads w/ Rebekah, and Emily as backgrounders. Emily shows some beginner modifications. The set is new- hardwood floors with nice blueish walls. I liked it :) You will need light dumbbells for all but the kickboxing segments.

This has got to be the toughest Firm Ive done in a long time! Definately more challenging than most/ all the Pinks. The segments are: athletic drills, explosive power moves, kickboxing, and high intensity moves. They are all challenging and she adds a lot of intensity to each segment. All the segments have little routines that build on each other and include power bursts or intense intervals. While there are plenty of plyos and impact-there are also quite a few lower impact but high intensity moves.

Some of the moves include: a spider plank twist (new to me), flying jacks, flying lunges with a bicep curl, some kettlebell inspired moves, picking up & putting down your dumbbells with a jump, flying heel taps, tuck jumps, jump roping, high intensity punches & kicks, and more! She does include recovery time but not enough so that you are wasting any time. This is a very efficient workout and Alison gets right down to business in each segment!

She does A LOT of new, fun, unique, and challenging moves in this one. I think this would be a great fit in just about any w/o collection because of its versatility-combine the segments for a kickbutt cardio w/o! Or use them for a day when you are time crunched but still want to burn some calories, or add it on to other w/o's. The moves are all athletic and easy to catch on to, not repetitive or boring at all.

I am really impressed with this one and hope this means the Firm will be amping up the intensity of their future releases! I will go ahead and say that this is an advanced w/o- I'm sure its no Insanity. Not a great fit for beginners but intermediates would be fine following Emily or just breaking when they need to. Alison does a stellar job of cueing and introducing new fun CHALLENGING moves in this one.

GIVEAWAY- Blender Bottle!

This giveaway is now over. Check out current Fitness For the Rest of Us Giveways by clicking on the "give-aways" link on my left hand sidebar!
This weeks giveaway is an awesome BlenderBottle from the wonderfully generous folks over at BlenderBottle :) These bottles are SO nice for SO many different uses:

BlenderBall® mixer inside
Secure screw-on lid
Wide mouth makes it easy to add ingredients
Large drink/pour spout
Embossed ounce and milliliter markings
Easy to clean—dishwasher safe
20 or 28-ounce capacity
Available in a variety of colors
Fits in most car drink holders
Patented StayOpen flip cap ™ won’t close on your nose
GripperBars™ make it easy to hold
BPA-free

I really love that these bottles dont leak-nothing worse than protein shake all over your hand, shirt, or counter top! And they come in a variety of cool colors and sizes. Perfect for the whole family- everyone can have their own color!

Ive been using my BlenderBottle for mostly my protein shakes & DH is using his for his own personal water bottle. I also used them for pancake batter this weekend and was IMPRESSED with how smooth the batter came out! No electric mixing required-simply fill the BlenderBottle with batter, add the BlenderBall and shake it up! Viola-smooth lump free batter!

Check out my post here for more detailed BlenderBottle Product info! Head on over to BlenderBottle.com to buy one for yourself or win one here! Be sure to leave your email address if you want to be notified. Leave a separate comment for each entry (ie 5 entries = 5 comments).

Mandatory Entry: (must be completed before bonus entries) Follow my blog (click on "follow me" link on the right sidebar) AND check out BlenderBottle.com and let me know which color and size BlenderBottle you want.

Bonus Entires:
-Ten Entries: Buy something from BlenderBottle this week!
-One Entry: Follow BlenderBottle on Twitter (leave you twitter ID here)
-Two Entries: Like BlenderBottle on Facebook & leave a comment on their wall that I sent you (leave a link)
-One Entry: Check out BlenderBottle on YouTube and tell me something you learned
-Five Entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link)
-Five Entries: Add my button to your blog (tell me where to find it)
-One Entry: Follow Win, Lose, or Blog.
-One Per Tweet: Tweet the following up 2X daily (one hour apart) " #win @blenderbottle #giveaway on @fitnessforus http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway-blender-bottle.html  "

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, August 1 and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 2 AM. Winner will be chosen using random.org random number generator. GOOD LUCK!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Clif Bar Shout Out & Future Giveaway!

I have been a long time lover of Clif Bars- seriously, these energy bars are delicious, soft, and chewy! They have yummmmy flavors like carrot cake, oatmeal raisin, blueberry crisp, chocolate chip peanut crunch, white chocolate macadamia nut, cool mint chocolate, chocolate brownie, black cherry almond, apricot, banana nut bread, and many many more choices! Clif Bars taste like dessert but without the guilt and with all the protein and nutrients your body needs!

Clif Bars are made using all organic ingredients-food grown organically without the use of toxic pesticides or synthetic chemicals. Clif Bars are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. All this and also taste fabulous! Who could ask for more?

My personal favorite is and always has been Carrot Cake-it tastes as good as a piece of high fat, low nutrient carrot cake but with only 4 grams of fat and 240 calories AND with 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber- it makes a perfect snack between meals or for a quick breakfast on the go. Its filled with big pieces of white chocolate chunks, yummmmm. Carrot Cakes close runner ups are chocolate brownie and oatmeal raisin but seriously I have yet to find a Clif Bar I dont love!

You can find out more about Clif Bars and all their sister brands by checking out their website or by clicking their link on my right sidebar. While youre at it check out their facebook and twitter pages!

Stay tuned because next weeks giveaway will be a box of Clif Bars to one lucky Fitness For The Rest of Us reader! Want a bonus entry? Just leave a comment letting me know youre interested in winning.


And the Winner of the Vitalicious Giveaway is.........Kailey!!!!!

Congrats to Kailey who said... Bonus #3. Entered SWAT workout giveaway-I lovvveee home workout dvds. Turbo Jam, :es;ie Sansone, Insanity,etc, etc So much more convenient than gym travel most days. She is in for a treat! I have emailed Kailey and she has 48 hours to claim her yummy, healthy Vitalicious sampler pack!

Thank you to Vitalicious for sponsoring this giveaway and to everyone who entered! Keep checking back because I have plenty more healthy giveaways coming. As always the winner was chosen using random.org random number generator.

To order your own Vitalicious products or to learn more about these healthy and delicious treats, check out these links or click on their icon on my right sidebar:

Vitalicious website
Vitalicious on Twitter
Vitalicious on FaceBook

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)

Jari Love Review: Get Ripped to the Core

Get Ripped to the Core
Jari Love, 2006

This 60 min strength w/o features Jari working out w/ 3 background exercisers (2 females, 1 male) in a nice sunken set -above is a sitting area w/ a couch. Each exerciser shows a different modification most of the time. Jari uses dumbbells, one uses a barbell, and one uses a barbell plate (seems kinda awkward to me). You need some kind of weights and a step for this workout.

This is a low-weight high-rep strength workout that at times got my heart pumping nicely. I used 8-10 lb dumbbells. She is very keen on doing multi joint/ muscle moves because they burn more "fat & carbs." This is the 2nd time Ive done a Jari w/o and I liked this one better than the other I tried.

While I liked the strength work in this a few things bothered me. First, before each exercise set you get a screen with a list of the muscles being worked and a guy doing a demo-seems nice but it goes on for far too long and I cant imagine wanting or needing to see this every time you do the dvd. Then after that they go to Jari & crew but you have to listen to Jari talking about how the moves she is combining burned XXX amount of calories and carbs. And then the work finally begins. I personally dont need to hear any of that and its kindof irrelevant/ unnecessary because we all know we burn more calories by adding a squat to a bicep curl. And we all burn a different # of calories. Then after each set they do some stretching-more wasted time IMO.

Like I said I liked the actual strength work but could go w/out all the above. The work itself is solid though I had a bit of trouble w/ poundage and just ended up going w/ the weight Jari was using most of the time (usually 8 lb DBs). I did like that while Jari talked about caloric burn the screen showed what poundage each person was using. Its hard to know what weight to use for some of the compound moves.

The work includes a side squat- dip combo, push up -walking pushup combo, chest press w/ your hips off the ground, wide squat - upright row combo, side squat off the step- delt lift combo, basic step (on the bench) with an overhead press, triceps kickback (on all 4s) with a knee pull/ leg lift to work the abs, and you finish with ab work that includes plank, superman, and crunch variations.

Even w/ the negatives I posted above I think Ill keep this one and just take full advantage of the FF button on my remote to "get to the point." Even thinking I wouldnt I liked Jari as a lead. Her cueing is good and she has a nice demeanor. Its hard to rate this one because you just adjust your poundage accordingly but I wouldnt say it would be really appropriate for beginners. I would say solid intermediate done as is.

For More Information, Visit: 
The Jari Love website
Jari Love on Facebook
Jari Love on Twitter
Jari Love’s YouTube Channel

Do not copy, in whole, or in part any portion of any postings on my blog. Do not repost my content on any other site without my explicit consent. All of my postings belong solely to lindsey8.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The FIRM: Core Solutions Review

The FIRM: Core Solutions
Alison Davis, 2007 

This is a 32 minute dvd that has three separate 10 to 11 minute ab/core workouts. Alison leads with 2 background exercisers (Rebecca & Sue Mi) Sue Mi shows the beginner modifications. The set is the TransFirmation set-white brick walls with foggy windows. You will need a set of light dumbbells for this dvd. The dvd is not mix and match so you cant program them all together.

Standing Abs: is first (11 minutes) and as the title suggests is all ab work done standing. This section was really fun as I love standing ab work . It included some twisting, side lunges, and pliet and reach, among other moves.

Functional Core: is 10 minutes and my favorite of the three sections! It is VERY unique from other ab workouts I have. You do a walking plank into a side plank, weighted crunches, weighted V-sits, V- sit while passing the dumbbell through your legs, etc. The two moves I enjoyed the most were: a needle thread while on all fours and an elevator plank-both tough!

Classic Abs: is an 11 minute more traditional ab workout that includes: a pec fly and leg extension, upper & lower crunch combos, some oblique work, a side leg lift sequence, and a backstroke move. This segment though more traditional, still contained some nice unique ab work.

I would rate this as intermediate. I like Alison as a lead and she cues well and has a nice demeanor in all her w/o's IMO.

YumNuts Naturals Shout Out & DISCOUNT CODE!


I am pleased to introduce a company that I am absolutely in love with YumNuts Naturals- Reading the name you know why I love them. Nuts and natural, need I say more! I recently had the opportunity to try the YumNuts Toasted Coconut cashews and oh my gosh-SOOOOO good. DH loves them too (yes I hid them from him, you know men have a hard time finding things in the kitchen so I'm in luck). I will defiantly be ordering more so I can share them with DH as these are the perfect snack for him so he can put down the potato chips and pick up some healthy, natural cashews.



The toasted coconut flavor is subtle at first and gets more delicious as you chew. I LOVE LOVE LOVE coconut so these were the ultimate treat for me!

The main reason I love YumNuts (besides their delicious nuts) is because they don't use added oils, artificial flavors, and aren't cooked in peanut oils (they re cashews after all- I don't want to taste peanuts in my cashews!). But also because they are a SMALL company ran by 3 men who created yumnuts with a passion for not only cashews but also for healthy REAL food.

I'm always excited to find natural foods without a bunch of faux food chemical additives that we all know are not good for us. And when I find a natural healthy snack that aslo tastes delicious well- I'm sold!

I can not wait to try their other flavors:

Chocolate (YUM!)
Chili Lime (next on my list)

YumNuts Naturals also offers a four pack Variety Pack and can be purchased on YumNuts.com and on amazon.com.


Why are YumNuts soooooo good?


And YumNuts Naturals has generously extended a 25% off code for my blog readers! So head on over and get yourself some. Use the code "SayYum25" from now until August 25th to receive a 25% discount on your YumNuts order!


 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Blender Bottles Shout Out and Future Giveaway!!!


Have you heard of Blender Bottles? If not, where have you been (j/k!). These bottles seem to be everywhere lately and for good reason! Top of my list-they are BPA free! But there are many reasons why Blender Bottles rock:


BlenderBall® mixer inside
Secure screw-on lid
Wide mouth makes it easy to add ingredients
Large drink/pour spout
Embossed ounce and milliliter markings
Easy to clean—dishwasher safe
20 or 28-ounce capacity
Availablein a variety of colors
Fits in most car drink holders
Patented StayOpen flip cap ™ won’t close on your nose
GripperBars™ make it easy to hold
BPA-free


Check out the awesome Blender Ball

The BlenderBall is really cool! You fill your cup with whatever you are mixing, drop in the ball, screw on the lid and shake! It works really well & gets rid of all the lumps! I used my pink BlenderBottle for my morning protein shake and it blended my powder up perfectly! DH is using his (blue) BlenderBottle for a water bottle and he loves it. Ive been trying to get him to drink more water so this is working out nicely. Fill the cup with ice and water, put the lid on and off he goes! The cup fits in our motorcyle cup holder perfectly! THe cups are super verstaile and can be used for:

Nutrition Drinks
Salad Dressings
Pancake Batter
Yogurt Smoothies
Lump-Free Gravy
French Toast Batter
Scrambled Eggs
Tempura Batter
Sauces and Marinades
Pudding
Omelets & Egg Dishes
Water Bottle
Dry Ingredients (cinnamon or colored sugar, etc.)
Food Storage (nuts, syrup, etc.)

For more info, check out Blender Bottles website, on Facebook, twitter, and Youtube! Stay tuned for a giveaway from the generous team at BlenderBottle! And to see if youre paying attention-leave a comment on this post for a bonus entry for my BlenderBottle giveaway which will officially start next week!


Natural Journey's Total Body Sculpt Review


Natural Journey's Total Body Sculpt
Cindy Whitmarsh, 2007 

This w/o features Cindy working out alone in a nice set with hardwood floors with some fitness props around the perimeter. You will only need dumbells for this workout, she uses one set, I used a variety. The workout is divided up into five 10 minute segments (UB, LB, abs, stretch, and cardio). You can play all or each segment individually but there is no mix and match option.

Upper Body: I was able to use pretty heavy weights in this section. She does a lot of multi-muscle moves & some unique moves. The only one I had to alter because of my heavier poundage was when she did a 1 arm bicep curl into a military press, then into a tricep extension- I just used both arms for my tricep extension. She hits every UB muscle group pretty well. She includes a  nice back & chest section on the floor and you will do some pushups.

Lower Body: There were actually some nice unique LB moves in here and I was able to use my heaviest weights for the duration. A variation of a 1 legged deadlift,  side squats, and side lunges. She also includes a nice floor section - outer thigh lifts and donkey kicks.

Abs: I was feeling this one! She includes planks, side planks, and plank taps. Again some unique moves- an oblique pinch and theres is a bit of standing ab work in the beginning.

Cardio: No fancy cardio just basic athletic style to get your heartrate up. She keeps it fairly low impact but I added more hops and plyos and my heart was really pumping! You will see jumping jacks, side touches, skiers, side hops, and jump rope.

Stretch: I didnt do the stretch segment.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout but basically any fitness level could benefit by adjusting their poundage. If you are a Cindy fan and/or like the 10 minute format this is a great dvd to have in your collection. While I wouldnt say its nec a must have, it has a great place in my collection as I love both Cindy & 10 minute add-ons. Its great to use in its entirety or added to other w/o's. Cindy is a great lead and cues well.

Monday, July 19, 2010

GIVEAWAY- Vitalicious VitaTop & VitaBrownie Sampler Pack

This giveaway has ended but you can check out current Fitness For the Rest of us giveaways by clicking on the "giveaway" tab on my left sidebar.


I was recently lucky enough to try the delicious and nutritious Vitalicious snacks. Why do I love Vitalicious snacks so much? Not only are their products 100 calories per decadent treat they are also GOOD FOR YOU! We all know those other 100 calories packs we love so much are just smaller portions of reduced calorie junk (sorry to break it to you). But that's not the case with Vitalicious- their products are fortified with vitamins and nutraceuticals that are bodies need to keep us healthy and active! They are also a great way to satisfy that sweet tooth without ruining your diet!

Vitalicious offers so many wonderful products: Vitatops (muffin tops), VitaMuffins, VitaBrownies, VitaCakes, VitaCoffee, and VitaMixes. All of their products come in a HUGE variety of delicious flavors. And don't forget to check out their recipe section! Check out my Vitalicious post for detailed prodcut info.

Vitalicious has generously offered one of my blog readers the chance to win a HUGE sampler pack that includes a variety of VitaTops and VitaBrownies. YUM!!!

Mandatory Entry: Check out Vitalicious and tell me something you learned. Leave your email address if you would like to be notified that you have won, if not- be sure to check back next week!

Bonus Entries: After completing mandatory entry above.

-ONE entry: Check out my Vitalicious post and comment (there or here) with which product you would like to try
-TWO entries: Follow my blog -click "follow" on the right sidebar or top left (leave 2 comments if you're a follower!)
-One entry: Follow Vitalicious on twitter
-TWO entries: Facebook like Vitalicious and post on their wall that I sent you (leave 2 comments)
-FIVE entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link and 5 comments here)
-One per tweet: Tweet the following up to 2X daily " #win @fitnessforus @vitamuffin #giveaway http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway.html "
-TEN entries: Purchase something from Vitalicious this week. (leave 10 comments)

Check back all week for more bonus entries for this awesome giveaway!

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, July 25 and the winner will be announced on Monday, July 26 AM. Winner will be chosen using random.org random number generator. GOOD LUCK!


 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)

And the winner of CLICK Espresso Protein Drink is.....Shanna!!!



Congrats to Shanna who said "I learned that Click is owned by Greg and Beth Smith, a Fresno, California couple who own a small chain of women’s fitness centers." She has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond to claim her prize! I KNOW she will love CLICK as much as I do.

Thank you to CLICK and to everyone who entered the giveaway, if you didnt win you can always purchase from CLICK! And remember I have new and exciting fitness/ health giveaways each week so stay tuned!


Check out CLICK to get some for yourself or to learn more:
-CLICKs website & store
-CLICK on twitter
-CLICK on facebook
-or CLICK on thier icon on my right sidebar :)

As always the winner was chosen using random.org random number generator.

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)

Friday, July 16, 2010

Anni Mairs Core Force Review

Core Force
Anni Mairs, 2006

This workout is typical "force" format-a different move for every minute of the exercise. You will need a step, a mat for ab work, and 1 lb hand weights.

Some of the cardio moves focus on your core and you do go up and down a bit from cardio to floor ab work and then back up for more cardio. I knew this going in so it didnt bother me. You can look at in 2 ways: your heartrate stays somewhat up while doing your ab work because you just did a cardio move. OR you can say: you cant maintain a constant HIGH heartrate because you drop to the floor to do core work. I think if you wanted to dedicate some time to your core while doing cardio this is the workout for you. If you were to just do 20 min of core work your heartrate wouldnt be up there at all.

Anni is working out with one other exerciser who does all the moves with no step bench. She isnt truely a beginner modifer because she does all the high impact moves and uses the handweights. The only modification I noticed is the lack of a step. They use 1 lb handweights throughout the workout for added cardio intensity. The moves are vey basic choreo athletic type, but high intensity.

I really like the backdrop for this workout. It is a nice Japanese looking screen, hardwood floors, and there is a retro looking flowered pillar in the back.

Examples of some of the moves are: lunges on the step, side twists off the side of the step, jumping onto the step, rib cage shifts, mock jump roping, fast lunges off the step, bicycle abs, pushups, and a lot of crunch variations. I wasnt truely impressed with any of the floor ab work. It could have been more intense IMO.

I would rate this a solid intermediate. You can definitely make it tougher or easier if you want. I really enjoyed the workout. I love the one minute increment format-it makes all the moves very doable. Anni is an excellent cuer and has a very pleasant, friendly demeanor in this workout. Anni doesnt whoop like she does in Jump Force

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Barry's Bootcamp Fat Blaster Set Review


Barry's Bootcamp Fat Blaster
Barry Jay, Cindy Whitmarsh, 2008

This set comes with 3 dvds. There is a lower body dvd, upper body dvd, and a code red (get fit quick in 6 days) dvd. The upper and lower body dvds each have a 21 minute w/o and 6 additional Mision Specialist w/o's on them. The MS w/o's are 12 min each and are: upper body-beginner, lower body-beginner, abs-beginner, upper body-advanced, lower body-advanced, and abs-advanced. The Code Red dvd is 15 minutes and is total body strength work-no cardio.

The kit also comes w/ resistance cord handles and 2 strengths of interchangable resistance bands. The green band is level 1 (beginner strength) and the black is level 3 of 4. The black band is pretty tough. It also comes w/ a torpedo shaped ball, the Transformer. The transformer ball is used as a weight bench, stability ball, and a prop for cardio & strength moves. The resistance bands can go around the ball while you are laying on it-so you can do bench press or pec fly for example.

There is a countdown banner on the bottom of the screen that counts down each minute. A buzzer goes off at the 10 seconds remaining mark and Cindy, barry & crew countdown. Cindy actually leads the w/o's and Barry walks around with motivational pointers and form tips. They work well together and have a nice repoir.

Each workout is short but tough! You can use them for time crunched days as is or combine a few for a longer w/o. I like to use one fat blaster w/o, a corresponding (UB or LB) mission specialist, and an ab w/o for a 50 minute w/o. I love that I can get in strength and cardio each day! The 1 minute format really makes the tough moves doable. I am able to really push myself because I know its only going to be 60 seconds.

This set is perfect for beginners, intermediates, and advanced exercisers. Cindy does the intermediate level and they also have a beginner and advanced modifier for each move. And you have your choice of band strength. Using the black band and following the advanced modifier I can really get a great, heartpumping, calorie burning, workout in!

Like I said, Ive had great results with this set. Lost 8 lbs (putting me at a lifetime low), gained cardio endurance, got to doing toe pushups, and noticed muscle definition in my biceps. Even after doing it for 8 weeks I could still feel it!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Vitalicious Muffins & Brownies Shout Out (& future giveaway!)

 I am pleased to introduce another healthy company to you: Vitalicious! And stay tuned for a Vitalicious giveaway next week on my blog!


I had the wonderful opportunity to recently try the Vitalicious brand muffins and brownies. Vitalicious is an awesome company that offers healthy low fat, low calorie treats YUM! I have a sweet tooth and am always looking for low fat healthy ways to satisfy it- I'm happy to report that Vitalicious has done it!

Vitalicious products are available for purchase on their website and at some select Costco locations! They are sold frozen so theyre always fresh! I enjoy mine popped in the toaster or microwave :) My personal favorites are the golden corn, fudgy peanut butter, and chocolate mint VitaTops!

Their product categories include:

VitaTops (muffin tops) in a HUGE variety of flavors: apple crumb, fudgy peanut butter, deep chocolate, raisin bran, chocolate mint, banana nut, golden corn, banana fudge,  triple chocolate, and MORE!

VitaMuffins: CranBran, BlueBran, Apple Berry, Sugar Free Velvety Chocolate, Sugar Free Banana Nut, and MORE!
VitaBrownies and and VitaCakes:  Deep Velvety Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Pomegranite, Dreamy Drizzle Chocolate and MORE!



VitaMixes: Bake up your favorite Vitalicious products at home! In many of the popular varieties above. I can not wait to try these! They are on my wishlist for sure.


They even have VitaCoffee and a recipe section with tons of awesome recipe ideas! Stay tuned because Vitalicious is generously offering one of my blog readers a sampler pack that includes a HUGE variety VitaTops and VitaBrownies. For a bonus entry for the giveaway that will start next week, leave a comment on this post letting me know youre interested!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

CLICK Espresso Protein Drink GIVEAWAY & Review!

*ENDED*

CLICK- The boost energy, burn fat, curb your appetite, so you can perform drink!

CLICK is a unique protein powder that contains 23 vitamins and minerals, a double shot of espresso, 15 grams of protein, and only 120 calories!

I am SO excited about this giveaway for my lovely blog readers. The developers of CLICK -husband and wife entrepreneurial team and fitness experts, Greg and Beth Smith came up with the idea of combining the sustenance and nutrition of a protein drink with the indulgence and energy boost of a great tasting gourmet coffee drink are offering one lucky Fitness For The Rest of Us reader a canister of CLICK and a 20 oz shaker with a cool shaker ball to easily blend your CLICK drink.

I am always looking for new protein powders and the combo of espresso + protein piqued my curiosity- I am from Seattle (think Starbucks, Tully's, Seattle's Best-all out of Seattle), so I am a coffee connoisseur of sorts. I love GOOD coffee & espresso and would rather go w/out than have a bad cup. So I was beyond happy to find that CLICK tastes WONDERFUL and also has great nutritional content. CLICK comes in two gourmet espresso flavors: mocha and vanilla latte!

CLICK tastes delicious, fills me up all morning long, and gives me a boost w/out being jittery. This AM I had an awesome smoothie:

-1 serving mocha CLICK
-1 medium banana
-1 tsp natural peanut butter
-1 cup skim milk
-ice cubes

*blend and enjoy!


To Enter this Contest: Mandatory Entry-check out DRINKCLICK.com and tell me something you learned. Leave your email address if you would like to be notified if you win, otherwise just check back.

Optional Bonus Entries (after completing mandatory entries above):
-Like CLICK on Facebook.
-Comment on CLICK's facebook wall and tell them that I sent you
-Follow CLICK on Twitter
-Follow my blog (already do? tell me!)

Check back all week for bonus entries! Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on July 18th and the winner will be announced on Monday July 19th. Good luck everyone!

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)

Monday, July 12, 2010

And the winner of Collage Video Tracey Mallett Quick Blast dvd is...


Congrats to Jeannette who said... "I follow your blog." I hope you enjoy your new dvd.! Its very versatile and Im sure you will get tons of use out of it.

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Collage Video for being so generous and donating this and other fitness dvds to my lovely blog readers!

As always the winner was chosen using random.org random number generator. Jeannette has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize.

For more information about this dvd or to purchase it or MANY others check out Collage Video, fan them on Facebook, or click on their icon on my right sidebar.

Check my blog tomorrow for another awesome fitness giveaway!!! Youre going to LOVE it.

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey LuPhoenix custom cakesSpecialty Cakes PhoenixArizona custom specialty cakesSpecialty cupcakes phoenixCustom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakesspecialty birthday cakes phoenix)