Friday, October 29, 2010

And the Winner of Amy Bento's Slo-Mo is...Fit Kitty

Congrats to Fit Kitty who said "One of Amy's newest is: Advanced Step Challenge 4. " Im sure you will love the variety that Amy's Slo-Mo Strength Challenge offers. Fit Kitty has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize.


Thank you to Amy Bento & NRG Fitness for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway and thank you to everyone who entered! I have more awesome giveaways coming soon and Laura's Wholesome Junkfood giveaway is still open, so head on over & enter!

What Does Your Halloween Costume Say About You?

Today: I thought it would be fun to look up what your Halloween costume says about you. Some of these are rather snarky but that just means it will be even more fun to read at the party on Saturday. LOL. I'm going as a female cop so I guess its a combo of (semi) sexy costume and a powerful costume hmmmmm, outlook doesnt look good.

Pirate: More rebellious than they appear. quiet and polite on the outside, strain at the bonds of authority on the inside. They instinctively reject rules, and have a rich fantasy life that involves freedom, adventure, robbery, even murder.

Pirates of the Caribbean Pirate: This means anyone with a true inner pirate would rather die than wear a pirate costume, which now stinks of conformity. These Pirates are more likely children who are sheepish, and afraid.

Outdated Character Costumes: Once a popular Halloween costume, these characters are more than a few years past their prime. But there are still Chinese warehouses full of them. They can be obtained for around $1.20 a gross. People choosing this costume are personality free candy junkies, their 'trick or treat' no more or less than a desperate cry for help.

Witch: This is a girl, or someone who would like to be a girl. If she's lucky, she's painfully shy and is making what she knows is a safe Halloween choice. If she's not shy, she's dull, dull, dull, so painfully dull.

Hobo: Never give these children treats. Their costume choice already illustrates that they are all about the free ride, and they don't need encouragement. The best you can do for these lazy, shiftless, responsibility shirking little bastards is to tell them to get the hell off your porch and get a job. Maybe this will help them wake up and stop dreaming of the freedom that bone crushing poverty and homelessness almost certainly bestow.

'Lord of The Rings' Character: This costume once represented sweeping societal change. You were the child of aloof, socially inept parents.

A Costume You Have to Explain: They are Totally focused on their inner life, they are unable to read any of the social cues a holiday Like Halloween is full of. They do not understand that when someone says 'Oh, aren't you cute? What are you supposed to be?' they are just being polite. They are uninterested in hearing an oral doctoral dissertation on your costume Sadly, this person cannot even decode the boredom they induce, and so will require outside control to learn to function successfully in the world. Or they're just a self-involved, boring little sack of crap. Not every jerk kid has a bona fide disorder. Some of them just suck. Sorry, but that's the hard truth.

Sexy Costume: On an adult woman, it signifies both repression and desire. On an adult sexy woman (i.e. Sexy prior to costume) we see a faulty body image. An adult non-sexy woman in the 'Sexy' costume reveal inner repression, sexual shame and startling denial in thinking fishnets and darkness will take the place of diet, exercise and self-esteem. In the event the 'sexy costume' is used on a dog or cat, you need to get to know the owner. 'Cause they are hot.

Super Hero: This costume means you are in super denial about what a super chubby super wiener you really are. You may have an old-school sense of gender roles . . . meaning you think the MAN should be the hero.

Vampire: This person has one thing on their mind: SEX. They're just looking for an excuse to put their mouth on your neck, and will probably come on way too strong.

Devil: Usually the life of the party, fun, and sees himself as the one who's going to get things going. But there's also a chance he might be a total WEIRDO. So be careful with people dressed as devils.

Angels, Fairies, Princesses: Represent one’s lost beauty or innocence, or a return to a safer and simpler time.

Powerful Characters: This can be a variation of the “evil” costume, or a more benign expression of a fantasy of omnipotence. They also can express underlying feelings of helplessness and insecurity.

Scary Characters: Zombies, werewolves, skeletons and other monsters show our fascination with the macabre, & the grotesque. These are dark people who are drawn to death.

Evil characters: Evil costumes allow people to safely — and even creatively — express their dark side without guilt. Some people may use evil or aggressive costumes as a way to alienate others, which indicate anxiety about intimacy and being vulnerable. Short man complex, anyone?

Comic/ Cartoon Characters: Clowns, etc. represent whimsy, playfulness and youth, People want to leave their serious natures behind on this holiday.

Anime Characters:  Tend to be more seductive than the cartoon character, with hints of whimsy & mystery. And of course this is the perfect way to let the wearer release their inner dork.

Pimps and Prostitutes: Represent their own inner struggles. Can you say mommy or daddy complex?

Celebrity Costumes: These people tend to follow trends, and like trends. They are more dashing and daring, not someone with real power. They can't think on their own, they are sheep.

Animals: Animal costumes represent strength and basic instincts. This person may actually have common sense.

Cats: These people are sensual, purring, and soft.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Giveaway: Laura's Wholesome Junkfood!

This giveaway is now over. Please check out other Fitness For The Rest of Us giveaways by clicking on the "giveaways" tab on my left sidebar.



This giveaway is for a special prize pack of Laura's Wholesome Junkfood cookies just for Fitness For The Rest of Us readers:  The Athlete’s Friend Pack, which includes one 7oz tub of Better Brownie Bite-lettes™ and one 6.5oz tub of Cole’s Cashew Chocolate Chip Bite-lettes
Laura's Wholesome Junkfood was created by a doctor and each healthy cookie and each healthy cookie recipe at Laura’s WJF arose from a desire to fill the nutritional needs of real people eating real food. Her philosophy is simple – to make great tasting, healthy cookies that everyone can enjoy. Her wholesome healthy treats are made with the purest ingredients – for instance, we use only non-GMO soy and unsprayed, unsweetened coconut; you won’t find the additive/preservative bisulfite here! Many items are also gluten free!

And the taste- Beyond moist and delicious! I LOVE LOVE LOVE every single variety I tried. They are all soft, moist, and extremely flavorful. Even DH LOVES them. He claimed the Anna's Banana-Split for himself (I did sneak a few though hehe).
I *think* my favorite variety were the Mint Double Fudge Bite-lettes. But I also really really like the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Better Brownies, and like I said they were ALL good. They arrived at my house warm (from the sun) and I swear they were fresh out of the oven. I have them stored in my fridge right now, and they are just as good cold! All the taste w/out the guilt! They are bite size (PORTION CONTROL) but so full of flavor, that 2 fulfil my sweet tooth!
Head on over to Laura's Wholesome Junkfood and get yourself some guilt free goodes! Want to win the Athletes Friend Prize Pack? Enter here

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to Laura's Wholesome Junkfood and tell me which product you want to try.
 
Optional Entries:

  • 1 Entry: Check out Laura's Wholesome Junkfood website and tell me something you learned.
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Good luck! Leave your email address and remember three entries = three comments. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, Nov 2 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on Wednesday, Nov 3. Contest open to US Residents!

I received a sample of this product for this review and was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Barrys Bootcamp Belly Blaster Review

Barrys Bootcamp Belly Blaster
Cindy Whitmarsh, Barry Jay, 2008 

This 15 minute ab workout was fun and challenging. Similar in format to the other workouts in the FatBlaster set. Each exercise lasts one minute with 30ish seconds inbetween to set up for the next more/ get your equipment ready. Cindy leads w/ Barry walking around giving tips and providing motivation. The set is a nice room w/ carpet and wooden panels on the walls-  bright & nice. Madison provides the beginner modifications. You will need the Transformer ball and an exercise band.

Some of the moves are standing-torso twists w/ the band, side bends w/ the band. Some are on the ball-full sit ups using the band. Some are on the floor-bycicle holding the transfomer ball over your head. The moves were different than the moves in the other 2 ab workouts. I found them unique and fun (still challenging of course!). By the end my abs are definately feeling it!

I would rate this a solid intermediate ab w/o. Its a nice addition to the Fat Blaster series and provides some additional variety when doing a longer BBC rotation. I did not receive this DVD to review

Monday, October 25, 2010

Barry's Bootcamp Fat Blaster Set Review

Barry's Bootcamp Fat Blaster Set
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!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Giveaway: Amy Bento Slo-Mo Strength Challenge

This giveaway is now over. Please check out other Fitness For The Rest of Us giveaways by clicking on the "giveaways" tab on my left sidebar.



This dvd has been generously donated by Amy Bento and NRG Fitness.

Review: Slo-Mo Strength Chanllenge
Amy Bento, 2007 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a strength w/o that has 4 main workouts with 8 premixes ranging from 15- 75 minutes. Amy works out w/ 2-3 background exercisers in a medium sized space w/ colored screens & cute round windows. Amy & crew use a variety of equipment: dumbbells, step, barbell, band, and a stability ball. I dont have a barbell & it worked just fine. One exerciser shows modifications.

I chose a 65 minute total body premix this morning and all of my muscles were worked pretty darn thouroughly! Amy uses 4 count up, 4 count down method to control both the up and down motion. She then mixes it up w/ 2 up, hold for 2, and then down for 4, etc. She gives you a brief stretch in between sets. She repeats each set two - three times.

The exercises in the premix I did included: a hack squat (heels on a step riser- I used my sculpting stick) w/ a bicep curl, hack wobble squats, shoulder press on the ball, side lunges, lat pull w/ the band wrapped on the barbell (I used a dumbbell), 1 legged squats on the ball, posterior fly, around the world lying on the bench (chest move), concentration curls, tricep dips w/ your feet on the bench, balance stick ab circle, standing clamshell crunch, rollouts to plank using the barbell (I used a stab. ball), tuck (bun pull) to the step, a jumping tuck plank, and concludes with a stretch.

I really liked this workout and it moved right along. Even with the slow movements I was not bored or clockwatching at all. I will def be getting a copy of this one for myself! I really liked using heavy weights at a slow pace. Amy is an excellent instructor w/ spot-on cueing. I would rate this as a high intermediate w/o. I followed Amy's poundage and it was just about perfect for me.


To Enter this Giveaway: Mandatory Entry: Check out Amy's NRG Fitness website and tell me something you learned. Leave your email address and remember that two entries = two comments. Good luck!

Optional Bonus Entries (after completing mandatory entry above): 
  • 10 Entries: Purchase something from Amys website THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought (I will verify the purchase)
  • 1 Entry: Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout
  • 1 Entry: Follow my blog. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
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  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 1X per day, be sure to leave a comment w/ the link for each tweet)
  • 1 Entry: Tell me which of Amy's dvds you would like to try.
  • 1 Entry: Tell me wich of Amy's dvd you already own.
  • 2 Entries: Tell me about Amy's newest dvd that are now available for pre-order.
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Oct 28 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on Oct 29. Contest open to the EVERYONE!

I received a sample of this product to review andthen give away. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.

Winner! Jackie Warner's Xtreme Training goes to RedPanda!

Congrats to RedPanda! Her winning comment was: "Element Slim & Tone Pilates" looks good!"




RedPanda has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize. Thank you to everyone who entered and thank you to Anchor Bay Fitness who donated this wonderful DVD.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Tae Bo Amped Core Express Review

Tae Bo Amped Core Express
Billy Blanks, 2007

This is a 30 min standing core workout that uses Billy's 3 lb "amplifier bar." I used the 4 lb portion of the sculpting stick cuz thats all I had and it worked nicely. Billy works out with a handful of backgrounders in a room w/ an Asian feel- screen type windows in the background, Asian characters on the walls, and red carpet. Half the b/g'ers use a stick and 1/2 do not so its an optional gadget.

The workout is structured that Billy does 4 sets of 8 reps (on each side if applicable) at a moderate pace and then 4 more sets of 8 at the "amped" pace. The bar is used for the entire workout. You will see a lot of kickboxing type moves-like knee pulls, side kicks, etc. Which is nice, in some of his ab w/o's theres little to no kickboxing. He includes some nice twisting moves and knee pull variations, tap the bar to the foot, etc.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout using the bar. The workout itsself is very good, unique moves, standing, includes some moves that will get your heartrate up a bit. I really like the work and will be using this one often. I love that there are no crunches (no floor work at all) and that the "amped" moves can get your heart rate up more than your typical ab work. I will def feel this in my obliques tomorrow.

BUT Billy is a little over the top in this one. Of course theres the counting but thats normal. Billy repeats the same sentences over and over "the floor is hot, the floor is hot, the floor is hot" seriously, he said it about 10 X. Then in the next segment he finds another key phrase to repeat. Its almost OCD-esque. And theres Shelley "yes sir" "we love you" "wooooooooooooo" etc. I could live w/out the vocals on this and the music is nothing special so I will be muting this one for future use. None of the moves would require me to have to hear Billy's cueing or instruction anyways.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

10.20.10:

Workouts: I got in 6 w/o's last week! Good job me. This week I should be able to get in 5, so thats pretty good.

Today's Workout:
-The Firm Total Body Shaping Mix
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch

Today's Review: The Firm Total Body Shaping Mix
Nancy Tucker, Tracie Long, Pam Meriwether, Heidi Tanner, Jen Carman, Carissa Foster, Dale Brabham, Allie Del Rio, 2003 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 71 minute mostly strength parts w/o. Tracie leads a good portion of this and some of the others have only 1 or 2 segments. This is complied from Cardio, Strength, Super Cardio, Super Strength, Maximum Body Sculpting, Basic Sculpting with Weights, and Fat Blaster (I think thats all of them). You will need a tall box, dumbbells, and ankle weights for this w/o.

While this is mostly strength there are a few good cardio segments and a lot of the strength work will really get your HR up. There are also a couple of 4 limb segments. Most of the work is done standing but there is a nice lying inner thigh section, some table work, and 2 ab sections on the floor. They really do a great job of hitting every muslce including the heart in this one.

The work includes: a good number of leg presses, dips, lunges, overhead press, bicep work, tricep work, and a lot of the other typical Firm fare. The cardio is all straight forward and easy to catch onto. The sequencing in this compelition is great.

I would rate this a high intermediate w/o. Like I said it really packs a punch! The pace is nice and allows you to heavy up. I always seem to forget about this w/o and it never stands out to me-probably because its a real hodge-podge parts vid- not from just 2 w/o's or the classics, etc. But I really enjoy it and need to do it more often. A great way to spend your w/o hour!

Today's Tip: Foods That May Only Sound Healthy #7 - Foods Labeled "Fat-Free"

Fat-free does NOT mean calorie-free. Just because a food contains no fat, that doesn't make it a health food. (Think gummy bears.) Of course, there are many very healthful fat-free foods (like most fruits and vegetables), but always check the nutrition labels when buying packaged foods to be sure you're getting a nutritious product and not just one that's fat-free. Calories, sodium, fiber, and vitamins and minerals are all aspects you should consider in addition to fat. More on Cooking Light here.

LOLz: Ok I figured out the issue w/ blogger- for whatever reason I have to upload all my pics at once now? So I forgot to upload the LOLz. They will be back tomorrow!

Bargains: Dont forget to enter my dvd giveaway for Jackie Warner's Xtreme Timesaver Training here.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Giveaway: Jackie Warner's Xtreme Timesaver Training

This giveaway is now over. Please check out other Fitness For The Rest of Us giveaways by clicking on the "giveaways" tab on my left sidebar.

This dvd giveaway is courtesy of Anchor Bay Fitness. Thank you to Anchor Bay Fitness for providing this AWESOME, TOUGH fitness dvd!

Review: Xtreme Timesaver Training
Jackie Warner, 2010 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This is a 32 minute strength workout that got my heartrate up enough to count as a cardio w/o! There is a 3 minute w/u and a 2 min c/d included. The set is nice and looks like a gym- w/ brick walls. Jackie w/o's or walks around giving form pointers to the 2 background exercisers. One shows modifications and uses no weights. You will only need dumbbells for this w/o.

After a nice quick to the point warmup you move into three circuits focusing on different body parts. You conclude w/ a nice stretch. The w/o is shoulder heavy and she says that in the beginning. And as I said, this w/o REALLY got my heartrate up there, I was sweating a ton, and my muscles were really being worked despite using pretty low poundatge (I was still a bit sore). There is also some balance work but not a lot of ab work.

Glutes & Shoulders: The exercises include a static pliet with a shoulder circle, static lunge w/ a rear delt raise, curtsey dip w/ a side kick, and a sqat w/ a kettlebell type swing.

Arms & Quads: Moves include static squat w/ a bicep curls, lunge w/ an overhead tricep press, lunge w/ chest press, and a dip punch kick combo.

Hips, Chest, and Back: Exercises include static squat w/ a dumbbell push pull move, a bridge w/ a pec fly, a crawl to plank/ pushup & military press, then on all fours you do an elbow to knee pull w/ the dumbbell.

Core & More: Moves include; a static dip w/a  woodchop, preacher & bicep curls w/ a knee pull, and a kneeling leaning side raise.

I would rate this is a high intermediate w/o because it is non-stop. It really does pack a punch. I like Jackie as a lead- she kindof reminds me of Jillian. Jackie is superfit! Her cueing and form pointers are excellent in this and its sequenced very nicely.
Want to win a copy of this dvd for yourself?

Mandatory Entry:  Head on over to Anchor Bay Fitness and tell me which dvd you would like to try. Leave youremail address! And remember two entries = two seperate comments!

Bonus Entries: (After completing mandatory entry above)
-One Entry: Follow my blog.
-One Entry: Tell me what you like about the dvd (review above)
-One Entry: Like Anchor Bay Fintess on Facebook
-Two Entries: Leave a comment on Anchor Bay's Facebook wall telling them I sent you
-Two Entries: Follow Win, Lose, or Blog
-Five Entries: Reblog about this giveaway (leave a link)
-One per Tweet: Tweet up to 3X daily, one hour apart (leave a link)

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Oct 21 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on Oct 22. Contest open to the EVERYONE!

I received a sample of this product for this review and was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Review: The Firm Tight Buns & Killer Legs

The Firm Tight Buns & Killer Legs
Kelsie Daniels, 2007

This is a 31 min lower body + cardio w/o led by kelsie with 2 background exercisers. Sue Mi shows the modifications. You will only need dumbbells for this w/o. The set is hardwood floors w/ white walls.

There is a quick warmup and then she moves into the body of the workout. The workout is formatted that she does a LB set on the right leg, a cardio/ plyo burst and then does the LB set on the left leg. I was able to heavy up pretty well on this one; she goes slow enough for good form w/ heavier poundage and there are no UB moves added in.

Some of the strength work includes: 1 legged deadlifts w/ a heel push, curtsey dip w/ a knee lift, side squat w/ an abduction, plank jacks, pliets, and she does include some balance work in these moves. She does include some floor bridge work before the final stretch.

The cardio bursts are fun and high energy (easy to modify up for a real push) and include: squat w/ a side kick, a fun hopscotch move, high knees into a dip, ham curls, side steps, etc.

I would rate this a solid intermediate that would be easy to modify up or down. I got a great challenging w/o by upping the cardio intensity and using heavy poundage. A lot of the exercises had fun twists on straight forward moves, making this a great little LB + cardio w/o. Kelsie is great w/ her cueing in this one and I really enjoy her as a lead here.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

10.12.10: Good Morning, Workout.


Monday's Workout:
-The Firm Tight Buns & Killer Legs
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch

Tuesday's Workout:
-10 Minute Solutions Rapid Results Fat Burner (X4)
-Jeanette Jenkins Blast the Belly Fat (mat)
-10 Minute Solutions Pilates on the Bal (X1)
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch

Today's Review: Blast the Belly Fat
Jeanette Jenkins, 2010 **** (4 of 5 stars)


This dvd has three cardio/ ab circuits, a bonus mat ab workout, a stretch, and a warmup (8 min). You can "play all" or select an individual w/o but there is no mix and match option. You will need a stability ball and dumbbells for the workout. Jeanette leads with 2 female (Cat and TeriAnn, and 1 male background exerciser. The set is hardwood floors and nice & open.

Circuit One: 13 minutes. This circuit has the most cardio of the 3 circuits. You need your dumbbells but no ball for this circuit. The moves include jogging, hi impact knee twists, lunge w/ core rotation, and tucks on the ball. You perform this circuit 3 times.

Circuit Two: 17 minutes. This has less cardio than circuit 1, but more than circuit 3. You will use the ball and your weights for this section. The moves include: mountain climbers, plank and plank twists, shuffle to floor touch, wood chops, pliet w/ crosspunch while holding your weights, plank on the ball, plank knee pull, and crunch variations on the ball. You perform these moves 2 times.

Circuit Three: 19 minutes. You will only need your stability ball (no weights). This section has the least cardio in it. Moves include: high knees, knee pulls, oblique side leg lifts, upper cuts, oblique downhill ski-ing on the ball, oblique squeeze on the ball, ball pass, and elevator lifts on the ball. You perform this circuit 2 times.

Bonus Mat: 9 minutes. You wont need any props. Moves include: the 100, double leg stretch, & a bicycle variation. You do this circuit 2X and then she finished with a superman move. This is semi pilates inspired.

Stretch: 7 minutes. Mostly standing lower body stretches but includes some floor and upper body stretching as well.

I didnt do the w/u section. I found each section enjoyable and challenging, my time was well spent.  The circuits have more core work than cardio. I would probably have preferred 50% cardio/ 50% core work. But I really like the mix as is and they are great to add on to other w/o's. I think doing them all together would make for one tough ab workout! I really like Jeannette as a lead, she has a great personality, cheerful but not overly perky, motivating, and her cueing is great.

Today's Tip: Foods That May Only Sound Healthy #5: Smoothies

Even in most smoothie chains and coffee bars, smoothies start out pretty healthful. Most have a base of blended fruit and low-fat dairy. But disproportionately large serving sizes (the smallest is often 16 oz.) combined with added sugar, ice cream, or sherbet, can add up to a high-calorie treat. Some chains serve smoothies that contain up to 500 calories. Remember to account for the calories you drink when considering what you've consumed in a day. For the most economical and healthy smoothies, consider making your own. More on Cooking Light here.

Today's LOLz: (from Cake Wrecks)
Justine is very patriotric afterall...

Mushrooms? Rockets? IDK...

Dont abbreviate Valentines Day...


Monday, October 11, 2010

10.11.10: Back On The Workout Wagon! YAY!

Friday: I went to stamp club and made these 4 cards. Two Christmas, one Thanksgiving, and one birthday card. The one is a fireplace mantle-cute idea.

This weekend: We went camping a bit north of here. The weather was perfect! We went w/ 1 other couple on the motorcycles. We were able to stuff enough stuff in our saddle bags, and trunks to get our tents, sleeping bags, little blow up air matresses, pillows, food, a camp stove, etc. etc. Not bad at all!

Yesterday: I finally felt 100% not sick yesterday. So I am looking forward to a good w/o today! I got The Firm Tight Buns & Killer Legs w/ Kelsie- cant wait to try that. Will have to find something else to add to it but thats a start of a plan. I only got in only 3 w/o's last week before I got sick. Back on the wagon today though.

This week: And I swear I will have at least 1 dvd giveaway up this week. I had intended to last week but you know life got in my way...

Today's Tip: Foods That May Only Sound Healthy #5 Bran Muffins
Some bran muffins, even those sold at delis and coffee shops, are made with many healthy ingredients, but many UNhealthy ones as well. Another problem is portion size. A random sampling of some coffee and restaurant chain bran muffins showed that many topped 350 calories apiece, and that's before any butter or jam. The bran muffins at one popular chain bakery contain 600mg of sodium―roughly one-third of a day's maximum. If you want to save money and calories, bake your own. More on Cooking Light here.

Today's LOLz:








Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The FIRM: Ultimate Fat Burning Workout

The FIRM: Ultimate Fat Burning Workout
Alison Davis, 2006

This dvd is just over 40 minutes long. Alison leads with 4 background exercisers, there is no modifier, but Im not sure one is really needed in this workout. The workout consists of floor cardio and light 4 limb aerobic segments. She utilizes one set of light dumbbells and thats it. There is also some standing and a bit of floor ab work. None of the moves are too dancy or hard to follow, more athletic and straight forward.

She leads you through a nice cardio warmup then onto the first set of light 4 limb work. I used 5-8 lbs (she recommends 3-5). Then you do another cardio set followed by another 4 limb set. The final cardio set is a fun high energy kickboxing segment. I absolutely loved this segment and worked up a nice sweat throughout. After this final cardio segment you do a quick cooldown, followed by some standing weighted ab work. Alison then moves you onto some stretches and some pushups and planks.

I would rate this an intermediate cardio workout. Like any Firm it can easily be modified up or down. You could really heavy up in the 4 limb work and get more of a strength training workout, but I like it as a cardio w/o w/ light weigths. Alison is an excellent lead, great cueing, good personality.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Denise Austin 3 Week Bootcamp Review

Denise Austin 3 Week Bootcamp

Denise Austin, 2010

This dvd has two 20ish minute workouts and a bonus 7 minute ab workout. Denise works out with 4 young female background exercisers in an open room with hardwood floors and gray pillars on a purple background.

The first workout "Cardio & Strength Intervals" Is just that-short cardio intervals interspersed with short toning intervals. During the cardio work she does level one (easiest), level 2, then level 3 (most challenging) progressively so you can choose which level is right for you and stick with it to make your workout more or less challenging. The cardio includes: cross country skiing, mock jumproping, high knees, etc. The strength work is fairly straight forward and includes lat rows, a bicep - side lift combo, pushups, sip & twist combo, planks w/ twist, etc. She only uses 1 set of dumbbells but I used multiple depending on which move I was doing. The bicep-side lift move was not ideal because I can use a much heavier weight for biceps than the side raise. She does keep the feet moving during the strength work so you can keep your heartrate up a bit. The workout is 18 minutes plus a 2 minute cooldown. I would rate this portion as low intermediate done as is.

The second workout is "Athletic Training" and features kettlebell inspired moves like a one arm swing into a high pull, windmill, swing. She does some moves that are not necessarily kettlebell inspired (I dont use kettlebells so Im not sure) pliets, a kick series holding a dumbbell, a 1-legged deadlift series, spider pushups, V sit ab work, a kayak type core move, lower back spinal work, etc. You hold onto your dumbell or kettlebell for the majority of the workout. The body of the workout is 20 minutes with a 2 minute cooldown. While this portion has no cardio only moves-it definately kept my heartrate up. I used varying sets of dumbbells on this one too. I would rate this portion as high intermediate and again, its easy to modify up or down.
"Ab Fat Blaster" is the bonus 7 minute ab workout. She uses dumbbells for some of the moves and its not your usual ab routine. She does a turkish getup variation and some plank work. I enjoyed this section and would rate it a solid intermediate.

Denise is Denise-I dont expect an advanced workout from her. Nor do I expect stellar cueing from her, but surprisingly her cueing was very good in the workout.

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Friday, October 1, 2010

10.1.10: Pure Evil (in the form of red velvet)

Last Night: I made red velvet whoopie pies. Oh my delicious. Seriously pure evil sandwiched between two equally evil little cakes. Freaking amazing. I scoured the internet for a recipe that was comparable to red velvet cake recipe I use, it was my grandmas and it rocks. I also wanted a recipe that the filling did not contain cream cheese. Red velvet cake DOES NOT go with cream cheese icing. I know some disagree, but I dont take my red velvet lightly and I firmly stand by my above statement. Yum yum. Pics & recipe to come...These will ALL be leaving my house because they would not stand a chance if they remained.

Thursday's Workout:
-Firm Cardio
-10 MS Tummy Toners (yoga abs)
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch

Today's Review: The Firm, Firm Cardio
Heidi Tanner, 1995 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 60 minute AWT (mostly strength) workout led by Heidi with a large number of background exercisers in the mansion set. You will need a variety of dumbbells, a fanny lifter or other adjustable step, and ankle weights for this. They also use an optional barbell. Im not sure why this is called "Cardio" because it is really a strenght workout. Though alot of the work will get your heartrate up.

This is a solid workout, hitting every muscle group. About 40 minutes of standing upper and lower body work interspersed with floor cardio, step, and 4 limb cardio and about 20 minutes of floor work. Some of the moves combine lower and upper but not all and the moves are combined appropriately so you can use the correct poundage.

The standing stregth work includes: leg press, lunges, dips, lunges, bicep curls, tricep dips w/ your feet on the box, hammer curls, overhead press, French press, lat row, lat raises, front raises, squats, etc. The floor work includes a nice long crunch series, pec fly, donkey kick variations, bridge, etc.

I would rate this a solid or high intermediate w/o depending on the poundage you use. Heidi is an excellent lead and cues very well. The moves are all straight forward and easy to catch onto. You can really work all your muscles thouroughly if you heavy up. The time goes by quickly but the pace is not rushed.

Today's Tip: Foods That May Only Sound Healthy #3: Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

Reduced-fat peanut butter is not necessarily a healthier version of regular peanut butter. Read the labels to see why. Both regular and reduced-fat peanut butter contain about the same amount of calories, but the reduced-fat variety has more sugar. But isn't it healthy to reduce some fat? Not in this case. Regular peanut butter is a natural source of the "good" monounsaturated fats. Look for a natural peanut butter with an ingredient list that contains no added oils. More from Cooking Light here.

No lolz today- blogger is not letting me upload photos :( boohoo.