Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Natural Journey's Cardio Hula Review


 Natural Journeys Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout For Beginners: Cardio Hula
Kili, 2004

This is a 30ish minute hula workout led by Kili with 2 background exercisers. It is set outdoors in beautiful Hawaii w/ greenery and the ocean & a mt (volcano?) in the background. I love outdoor sets!!! and this one is absolutely gorgeous. You wont need any equipment for this workout. The dvd is chaptered so you can start at any chapter.

I felt like this w/o was mostly hula work with just a few additions (knee ups, hops) to up the cardio effect. The workout is built add on style so Kili teaches you a hula move, then another & then adds them together. By the end of the workout you have learned an entire hula dance. Before the workout begins they demonstrate the dance & tell you thats what youll be learning- I was leary- but sure enough I could perform the entire routine by the end of my 1st attempt!

This workout is really a core cardio workout- I really felt it in my love handle area- lots of hip sways!! There are a few body weight lower body work- but this is a cardio w/o w/ a focus on the core. My heart rate was elevated, probably similar to a walking workout cardio-wise. You will perform hula moves such as pliets w/ arm movements, torso twists, hip sways (throughout), some ballet style lower body toning (pliets, pliet pump), mambo w/ hip sways, a static lunge & squat w/ bicep pumps, side mambos, etc.

I would rate this a  low intermediate core cardio workout. The moves were easy to catch onto but the routine is not boring or repetitive at all. If you are a hula pro or a dancer- maybe this would be too easy for you choreo-wise but I really enjoyed this and had a lot of fun with it! I will definatley be using this w/o alot as I love standing ab work and core cardio workouts. My obliques were really feeling this the next day! I received this workout from Natural Journeys to review.

Super Fit Bod from Total Fitness DVDS WINNER is....Ranae

Congrats to Ranae who said " I like that it looks hard but I think I can work up to it" Ranae has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond & claim her prize.


Thank you so much to Total Fitness DVDs for this awesome giveaway and thank you to everyone who entered! I still have one more dvd from Total Fitness DVDs for giveaway so stay tuned!

Be sure to enter my current giveaway for Guillermo Gomez' Martial Fusion Rockin' Body here.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Giveaway: Guillermo Gomez Martial Fusion Rockin' Body DVD

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 courtesy of Guillermo Gomez' Martial Fusion. They have generously donated Martial Fusion Rockin' Body for my review & giveaway to my wonderful blog readers. This was my first time working out with Guillermo and I was IMPRESSED! What a fun, sweaty workout! I cant wait to try his other Martial Fusion workouts. And they were generous enough to send me a few copies of this workout for future giveaways as well!!!!

Today's Review: Marial Fusion Rockin' Body
Guillermo Gomez, 2010

This is a 65 minute DVR led by Guillermo with 8 b/g exercisers. The w/o really gave me a "live class" vibe and the set looks like a real gym w/ his logo in the background. The cardio portion of the w/o is 45 minutes and there is a 10 minute "Toning & Abs" section (includes a learn the moves tutorial), and a 10 minute "Yoga Stretch & Relaxation" section. You wont need any props for this w/o but I wore weighted gloves :) You can play all or choose the segment you want to do, no mix & match option.

The 45 min cardio section starts with a nice active w/u with lots of upper body movements to get your UB ready for all those punches, followed by a quick stretch. The body of the workout is comprised of four main blocks, which you learn individually and then he adds them together. By the end, you have learned a nice little cardio kickboxing routine.

Some of the moves include: various punches & punch combos, knee strikes, bob and weave, shuffle, V step, jacks, speed bag, jumproping, and step touches. He combines kickboxing moves with some floor cardio moves to keep the workout interesting and to keep your heartrate up. The workout flows very well and the time flew by.

The Toning & Abs section starts with Guillermo showing us how to properly execute the kickboxing moves and ends with some great floor ab work including leg exenstions and bicycle abs. The Yoga, Stretch, & Relaxation section is a nice mellow yoga inspired stretch segment that was quite relaxing and concluded the workout nicely.

I really enjoyed this workout and will definatly be doing it many times to come. I rate this an intermediate cardio workout. I LOVE that the moves are easy to follow along to but not boring at all. Its hard to find a balance of interesting yet not overly complicated moves and Guillermo has nailed it here! I amped the intensity up a bit by adding some more impact and wearing my weighted gloves and my heart was PUMPING during this w/o! Guillermo's cuieing was spot on and he has a great energy! I would LOVE to take a live class with him and look forward to trying some of his other workouts.

Want to try this workout for yourself? Head on over to his Martial Fusion website and pick yourself up a copy! Want to win a copy? Enter here:


Mandatory Entry: Head on over to the Martial Fusion website and tell me which (other) dvd you most want to try along with your email address. And remember two entries = two comments so leave seperate comments for each entry.

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 10 Entries: Purchase something from Martial Fusion THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought
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  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments) 
  • 1 Entry: Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout (review above)
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  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 1X per day)
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  • 1 Entry: Check out their website and tell me something you learned

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 9 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on Dec 10. Remember 2 entries = 2 comments. Contest open to EVERYONE!

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

11.24.10: Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Tomorrow: Have a wonderful & healthy Thanksgiving everyone!

Yesterday: Check out this crazy sunset I caught driving home last night! Very cool. Love the sunsets here.

Today: Got in a lunchtime walk- yay! I didnt get to my Natural Journeys hula workout I wanted to do last night because I was lazy-no actually thats not the real reason (I may very well be lazy though). We had an unexpected friend for dinner who ended up staying till late. Today's another day though...

Today's Tip: Satisfying Foods For Weightloss- Salmon
Fish ranks higher than lean beef or chicken when it comes to filling protein sources, and salmon is rich is omega-3 fatty acids, which may actually help your body naturally burn up more fat. More from LivingInThin (Jessica Smith) on Fit Sugar here


Today's Workout:
-Results Fitness 10 Day's to a Better Body (UB)
-Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie (UB)
-Gorgeous Core
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch (plus bonus walk)

Today's Review: Workout: One-on-One Training with Jackie
Jackie Warner, 2008 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This dvd has three 20 minute workouts on it: Upper Body (plus cardio), Lower Body(plus cardio), and Abs/ Core (plus cardio). Jackie works out with her crew of trainers from her TV show Workout in a nice open set with hardwood floors. In the UB & LB workouts she starts with the group warming up together and then all but one trainer goes and sits in the back and Jackie and one trainer alone workout together for each set. One trainer shows beginner mods in the core w/o. You will need a variety of dumbbells for this workout.


I actually like that the other trainers go sit in the back-it gives you the "personal trainer" feel that Im sure Jackie was aiming for-since afterall, they are all PT's. In each segment they do 3 or 4 strength moves for 1 minute each and then follow it with a cardio move. A lot of the cardio moves compliment the strength moves you just did (i.e. shuffle with speedbag after working your shoulders).

The upper body work inclues: bicep curl variations, lat row variations, tricep kickbacks, pushups, pec fly, skull crushers, bench press, delt work, etc. The lower body work includes: weighted and unweighted (you can add weights to up the intensity) squat and lunge variations, bridge work, lying leg scissors, kicks, etc. The core work is TOUGH (possibly the most challening ab w/o I own) and includes: crunch and V sit variations, plank, plank twists, Mt. climbers, burpees, bicycle crunches, etc. All the cardio is athletic and straightforward.

In 20 minutes you really accomplish a LOT in these workouts!!! I really enjoy this workout and it makes a great add on to other cardio-split workouts. I like Jackie's style and her cueing is good-oh and shes beyond super fit. I would rate this a high intermediate w/o. She does move fast so you can either a) use lighter than normal weights, or b) slow down the pace. I highly reccomend this w/o!

Today's LOL:

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

REVIEW: 10 Days to a Better Body Featuring Cindy Whitmarsh

Results Fitness 10 Days to a Better Body
Cindy Whitmarsh, 2008

This dvd has a 35 minute lower body workout and a 35 minute upper body workout. Each workout alternates one minute of cardio and one minute of LB or UB strength work. Cindy leads the workout alone in a nice set w/ hard wood floors with some fitness props in the background. You will need a variety of dumbbells for this workout. Both workouts include a few ab moves at the end. You can play all or play individually.

She starts each cardio move with a lowimpact/ beginner modification of and then moves into the advanced move. So once familiar w/ the moves you could do the advanced from the get-go. She goes right from one minute into the next exercise so there is no resting or wasted time. She really makes the most of the 30ish minutes.
Some of the lower body moves were unique and effective, always a nice bonus. Some examples are: cutsey dips, lunge variations, squat variations, deadlift variations, hopping on leg, jumping back and forth over your dubbells, plank-knee pulls (kind of like Mt climbers), burpees (blowouts), punches while holding the dumbbells to work your abs, clamshell crunches while holding a dumbbell, etc.

Some of the upper body moves include many compound moves. Bicep-overhead press, plank while doing rows, bicep-rotator cuff, jacks, cross country ski jumps, mt. climbers, and the like.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout. Cindy is one of my favorite instructors! She is knowledgable about health, fitness, and nutrition IMO. She is a good cuer and is helpful with form pointers throughout the workout. All the moves are athletic and easy to catch onto. I really really like this workout! I love combining it w/ other cardio splits though you could easily do both the UB & LB w/o's togehter for a 60 min full body AWT w/o.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Giveaway: Amy Dixon's Super Fit Bod Courtesy of Total Fitness DVDs

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 weeks giveaway is AGAIN courtesy of Mary, the owner of Total Fitness Dvds! Total Fitness DVDs is your online source for fitness dvds! Mary has generously donate Amy Dixon's Super Fit Bod!

Total Fitness DVDs offers LOW prices, FANTASTICALLY fast shipping, and FABULOUS customer service.  Total Fitness Dvds has nice long clips and reviews of w/o's. Use the code 10off to get 10% off a $20+ purchase, free shipping on ALL US orders over $19.00, weekly sales and posts twitter & facebook specials! Total Fitness DVDs offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and has over 1,200 titles in stock!

Today's Review: Super Fit Bod
Amy Dixon, 2010 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 60ish minute strength & cardio workout led by Amy in a nice open set with hardwood floors, white walls, & white curtains in the background. Amy works out w/ 2 b/g exercisers, one shows beginner modifications. You will need a step bench & a variety of dumbbells for this workout. There is a bonus 12 minute ab routine as well and the dvd is nicely chaptered.

The workout is structured that you learn a base move and build on it to increase intensity. She does a strength set and then a cardio set, both strength & cardio moves build in intensity and some of the cardio got anaerobic- jumping onto and off of the step comes to mind. All the cardio is straight forward & athletic- easy to follow but not boring at all. The strength work starts with a LB move (for example) and then you add in an UB move and often a balance challenge- making this workout challenging and fun. The sequencing of the moves makes this workout totally do-able yet very tough.

Some of the strength work includes: squat with a KB type pull, tricep dips off of the step- lifting 1 arm & 1 leg up at the top, squatting off the step w/ a front raise, push ups off the step, stepping onto the step - off into a lunge w/ bicep work and a knee raise, side lunge-row with a front lunge onto the step-overhead press combo, pliet rotator cuff work, etc.

Some of the cardio work includes: jumping onto & off of the step, a Mt. climbers type move, going accross the step, knee up- hops on the step to a floor touch, etc.

The ab workout includes a lot of work on the step and on the floor- a lot of crunch, V sit and plank variations.

I like Amy & I really liked this workout. Tough but fun, athletic and easy to follow but not boring or repetitive. This is a fantastic workout and while I wasnt lifting heavy- my muscles were worked by the end. I would rate this workout lower advanced. I cant wait to try more from Amy- she is a great instructor with clear & precise instructions!

Want to try this workout? Head on over to Total Fitness DVDs and get yourself a copy. Want to win a copy? Enter here! Remember each entry requires a separate comment. So two entries = two comments!

Mandatory Entry: Check out Total Fitness DVDS & tell me which (other) dvd you would love to own along with your email address.

Bonus Entries (after completing mandatory entry above):
  • One Entyr: Follow Total Fitness DVDs on Twitter & leave your twitter ID here
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Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Monday, Nov 29 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on Tues Nov 30. Contest open to EVERYONE!

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

Friday, November 19, 2010

REVIEW: Fit in Five Ultimate Body Blitz

Fit in Five Ultimate Body Blitz
Hemalayaa, Violet Zaki, Kristin McGee, Desi Bartlett, Petra Kolber, 2009

This dvd is comprised of five 20 minute workouts that are compiled from other dvds. There is a yoga, pilates, strength, cardio, and dance segment. You will need dumbbells for the strength segment but no other equipment is required. You can play all or select a workout, there is no mix & match option.

Cardio: Petra Kolber, Cardio For Beginners. This is a basic but fun cardio segment led by Petra in a living room type set w/ 2 b/gers. The athletic cardio routine is built add-on style and includes grape vine,, ham curls, power squats, punches, V steps, etc. Petras a great lead w/ good cueing. I rate this section high beginner but easy to modify up.

Yoga: Hemalayaa, ?. The set is really cool: screens & pillows & candles. This routine is more "spiritual" or mind/body than the yoga work Ive done in the past. She talks about digestion & does some breaths while sticking you tongue out & you will make some noises while working. I liked the instructor & enjoyed being introduced to this type of yoga.

Dance: Desi Bartlett, Dance & Be Fit: Latin Groove. This is an easy to follow Latin dance routine set in a nice outdoor gazebo w/ 2 b/gers. The moves consist of salsa variations, hip rolls, African walk, grapevine, and some of the moves work your core. The workout is actually super fun but the instructor giggles a lot and has a slightly annoying voice. Its also voice over. I rate this section high beginner.

Strength: Violet Zaki, Cardio Strength. Violet leads w/ 2 b'gers (1 shows modifications) in a really cute Asain-esque set. The workout is 50/50 cardio and strength. You do a strength segment then a cardio segment. The first 10 minutes is standing followed by 10 minutes of floor work. The strength work includes: military press w/ side leg left, some unweighted lower body work, and some floor work- donkey kicks, V sits w/ biceps, brideg w/ pec fly, plank-pushup- pike combo, etc. The cardio work includes: shuffle, Mt. climbers, knee repeaters, etc. I like Violet as a lead- good cueing. I rate this section intermediate.

Pilates: Kristin McGee, Weight Loss Pilates. The set alternates an indoor set (actually the same set used in Violets section) and a beautiful outdoor garden gazebo. I really liked the structure of this w/o- it alternated slightly ballet inspired pilates segmetns with cardio segments, so it was quite active. You start with marches w/ big arm movements, kicks, and some plyo hops, then you move to the floor for some ab work: C-curves, rope climb, frog legs, hundres, roll ups, toe touches, leg circles, V-sit variations, criss cross, etc. You repeat the earlier cardio section and finish on the floor with more ab & lower body work: tick tock, bridge series, heel beat w/ legs extended, single leg teaser, etc. I like this section but Kristin is not my favorite. I would say this is a high intermediate. Acacia sent me this dvd for my review.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

11.17.10: Great Deal on Shoes!!!

Today: I only have one more segment left on the Fit in Five Ultimate Body Blitz to do! Hoping to get that in tomorrow so I can have the review up then. Im catching up on my reviews. But of course just got a few more in the mail last night LOL. But you know how I love to review so Im a happy camper!

Today's Bargains:
At shoes.com you can save 20% by using code SHOEDEAL. You can also use this code on their Sale items! Check out the Women's Sale section for Skechers Shape-Ups! They are marked down to only $79.99 (from $100), use the code to & them for $63.99! And FREE SHIPPING! I love my Shape-Ups- they are super comfy and really help my knee & lower back.

Today's Tip: Save Dessert Calories
Serve your desserts in a shot glass. Instead of a full serving of dessert allow yourself the amount that fits in a shot glass (that's about 3 tablespoons) and you'll save 80 percent of the calories you'd get in a full-size portion. Calories saved:  at least 360. More on Shape here.

Today's Workout:
-Firm Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix
-Fit in Five Ultimate Body Blitz (strength segment)
*total w/o time 60 minutes + stretch

Today's Review: The Firm Bootcamp 3-in-1 Mix ***** (5 of 5 stars)
Nancy Tucker, Allie Del Rio, Tracie Long, Pam Meriwether, Heidi Tanner, Jen Carman, Tamela Hastie, Carissa Foster, Dale Brabham, 2002

This is a parts tape from the Firm compiled from various Firms from the library set days. Its a great strength workout with a bunch of leads. The dvd has 3 options- 2 40ish minute workouts or 1 killer 75 minute w/o (they omit 1 set of w/u's & c/d's in the premix version). You will need a FL or step/tall step and a variety of dumbbells for this one.

There is no liaison in this one like some of the parts tapes-the transitions are smooth IMO and it flows together well. You will see a lot of the typical Firm type strength work in this one: leg press, lunges, dips, clean and press, lat rows, and a bit of floor work like pushups, ab work, bridge, and pec flys. Not a lot of LB floor work though.

SO much of this strength work really gets my heart rate up so I know Im burning a lot of calories-especially for a strength workou - one of the many reasons I love my Firms! The pace is nice-they move right along but I didnt feel rushed at all. I was able to heavy up nicely for a Firm.

This is a great versatile w/o that I would highly recommend for any lover of the old time Firms. Its challenging and offers a lot of variety and time options. I would rate this a higher intermediate if you heavy up on it. All the leads do a great job and the cueing is good all around.

Today's LOLz:

Giveaway Announcements :)

Announcement 1: Ive noticed that I have some new folks entering my giveawys- thank you!!!! I just wanted to give you a heads up on entering- if the entry says "5 Entries" you have to leave 5 seperate comments to get all five of those entries. So for example, you would comment "I reblogged about this (link) #1" then in a seperate comment "I reblogged about this (link) #2" and so on. If you leave everything in 1 comment youve only received 1 entry. You may very well be leaving twenty seperate comments.

A winner is selected by entering the number of comments into random.org random number generator. So that is why it is essential to leave seperate comments. I HATE to see anyone not getting all their entries!

Announcement 2: ALSO don't forget to leave your email address in your initial (mandatory) entry. If I dont have a way to contact you- I cant notify you if you win and I HATE seeing anyone miss their prize :(

Announcement 3:  Another question I received is "I dont have a blog, I reposted this on facebook. Does that count as 5 entries" To be fair to everyone, I am going to have to say no this time (SORRY!) BUT I will consider adding it to my next giveaway. I have had that as an option in the past, but did not include it on that particular giveaway. I did include in last few giveaways 3 seperate facebook related entries- so you can get entries by utilizing facebook.

Announcement 4: If you have any questions please leave a comment here with your email address & I will email you back. Or email me :)

Announcement 5: Maria H. won the Gin Miller Simply Circuit dvd from Advanced Workouts and has been emailed. I havent yet heard back from her. She had 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. If you didnt receive  my email Maria H, please leave a comment here :)

Thanks for entering and following everyone! I hope you are all enjoying the reviews and giveaways. Good luck!!!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

And the Winner of Simply Circuit from Advanced Workouts DVDS is.....Maria H.

Congrat to Maria H. who said... "I entered your Natural Journeys giveaway." Enjoy your new dvd Maria H.! Maria has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her dvd.


Thank you SO much to Advanced Workouts DVDs for sponsoring this fabulous dvd an thank you to everyone who entered!

Check out my current giveaways here.

Personal Training with Jackie: Crunch-Free Xtreme Abs Review!

Personal Training with Jackie: Crunch-Free Xtreme Abs
Jackie Warner, 2010

This dvd has two 15 minute crunch free ab routines on it. The set is the same as her Xtreme Timesaver- a really cute little gym set w/ brick walls. The same 2 b/g exercisers appear in this dvd and 1 shows easier modifications. You will need dumbbells for both segments. One section is done standing and the other is a floor routine (still crunchless though!).

I welcome any non-traditional ab work and this fits that bill perfectly. 1st, I have neck issues and endless crunches aggrevate my neck. 2: I get bored of doing the same thing over & over. 3: mix up the work and get better results.

Standing Abs: Loved this section! Im a huge fan of standing ab work and this was no dissapointment! It is nonstop and you will def feel it by the end of the 15 minuts. You will do moves such as an overhead pulldown, knee pulls, a press out w/ a leg extensions, a lunge w/ a crunch, a laundry bag over the shoulder type move w/ the dumbbells, a kettlebell-esque squat to swing move, torso twist, and other unique and effective standing ab work. While this isnt a cardio w/o- it is definately active.

Floor Abs: You start in a kneeling position and do some toe taps and twisting. Then you put your dumbbell (I used a weighted ball) between your knees and do some oblique work, scissor kicks, twisting side planks, a V sit toe touch, arm swimmers while holding dumbbells, modified burpees, plank w/ leg lifts, plank jacks, and supermans.

I would rate this a high intermediate ab routine. It is nonstop and I def felt it the next day. I really like Jackie and her physique is beyond inspiring! Madison is one of the b/g'ers and I like her too. Jackie walks around and gives nice form poitners and shows us how to make the moves more challenging. I think anyone can find a spot for this w/o in their collection. The moves are different from the other ab w/o's I have.

Michelle Dozois Peak 10 Cardio Strength Review


Review: Peak 10 Cardio Strength
Michelle Dozois, 2010 

This is a 59 minute strength & cardio workout led by Michelle w/ 6 background exercisers (male & female). The set is a nice room with hardwood floors, white walls & windows in the background. You will need a variety of dumbbells for this workout- she recomends 2 sets, 5 -20 lbs.

The workout is set up in 10 minute circuits. You start with level 1 - strength training, and then move to level 2 - where you incorporate some compond moves into your strength moves. Level 3 is cardio and its no "walk in the park" easy cardio. Then you perform level 4- which is all out, anaerobic cardio. She concludes the workout with a cooldown stretch.

The workout jumps right in- no wasted time here! Some of the strength work (levels 1 & 2) def had a functional feel and some seemed kettlebell inspired. There were a lot of compounds moves (level 2) so you are moving and working throughout the entire hour. Some of the strength moves include: deadlifts into a bicep curl, pushups into plank knee pulls, pliets w/ UB work, squat to the floor w/ a shoulder raise, and I felt my core being worked throughout each strength set.

Level 3
cardio moves included: shuffle jump, various kick and punch combos, jumping jacks, high knees, skiiers, etc. The level 3 cardio is not what I would consider easy at all and is followed by 15 seconds of even more intense cardio!

Level 4
cardio moves include tuck jumps, flying jumps, ground touch-jump, crab crawl jumps, and more heart pounding explosive moves. Level 4 only lasts 15 seconds so its very do-able! And is followed by another level 1 strength set, which allows your to recover.

This workout is def advanced but is SO very doable because of the way Michelle has structured the work. This workout really really strengthens your heart- training it to not only get up there but to come back down. I LOVE a challenging workout and I love that this one flows so well and the time just flew by. At 30 minutes into the workout I was still going very strong. I didnt lose any steam until the very last circuit, but was still able to finish strong. That says alot to the sequencing of this workout and I am impressed! Can not wait to try others in this series. Michelles cueing is spot on and all the moves are athletic and easy to catch onto.

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

Monday, November 15, 2010

Giveaway: Acacia's Exhale Core Fusion Bootcamp!




This giveaway is courtesy of Acacia, who offer a huge selction of clothing, jewelry, garden, home decor, and of course fitness products & dvds! Check out their huge selection of fitness dvds here. DVD categories include: general fitness, abs & core, tai chi, dance, pilates, pregnancy, martial arts, beginner, yoga, and more! Dont forget to check out their fitness apparel & accessories here. Acacia is the company that brings us the ever popular Exhale Core Fusion workouts!


Exhale Core Fusion Bootcamp
Fred DeVito & Elisabeth Halfpapp, 2010 

This is a 60 minute fusion workout led by husband & wife team, Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp. This workout is a blend of core focused pilates, yoga, and bootcamp-esque work. It contains a lot of core work, balance, strength, pilates, yoga, and cardio work. It is blended very well and had a wonderful flow. You will need a playground ball (I used an 8# weighted ball), light dumbbells (they use 3#'s), and a mat for this workout. Fred & Elisabeth & team workout barfoot & so did I- love that. The set is a nice room with hardwood floors and some drapery hung around. One b/g'er provides beginnner mods.

The dvd is divided up into six 10 minute segments, and you can "play all" or select an individual workout. The segments are: sun salutations, jump back 1, jump back 2, abdominal curl, back strengthening & stretch, and a bonus thighs & core segment. Each segment includes a lot of core work.

Sun Salutations: This segment is (of course) core focused and includes different sun salutation variations, lots of plank work, and some pulsing chair poses w/ tricep work.

Jump Back Part One: This segment includes a good amount of cardio & strength. Using a ball, you do pushups, planks, chair pose with tricep work, and of course the jump ups- similar to a squat thrust using the ball and including chair pose. My heartrate got up there nicely in this segment.

Jump Back Part Two: This cardio & strength segment is different from JBP1 but includes the moves above. In addition you will see tricep pushups, a lunge with a sidelift, and bicep work with a twist. My heartrate was elevated in this segment as well.

Abdominal Curl: This section is done on the floor and Fred provides a lot of good form pointers. I have neck issues so I performed these moves in a V sit as opposed to the lower hover they did. Using a dumbbell you perform some tough nonstop ab work- including roll-ups, moves similar to the pilates 100, and included oblique work as well.

Back Strengthening & Stretch: This is a nice little lower back & stretch segment done on the floor. Lower backs never get enough work IMO so I am always happy to get some in. It uses the ball & incorporates a lot of nice superman moves & spinal stretching.

Thighs & Core: This segment starts with a side lunge with a knee lift using the ball, then you move to the floor for some core work with your feet on the ball, V sits, oblique twists, crunch variations w/ the ball between the knees, and some bridge work with the ball between your knees.

I would rate this workout an intermediate fusion workout. It really does combine SO many elements in such a smooth flowing way. I felt a TON of core work, my heartrate got up, I got some yoga and pilates in, and some nice (mostly) body weight strength work in. This was a great way to spend a workout hour and NO SHOES- cant go wrong with that! I really like both Fred & Elisabeth as leads, they provided some great form pointers & explanations and their cueing was spot on. I am very impressed by this workout! Very unique.


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

Thursday, November 11, 2010

11.11.10: Two Pounds

Today: I am up 2 damn pounds on the scale, not a huge deal but you know it irritates me. The cajun food-it was oh so delicious, and I guess the evening cocktails arent helping my cause. Sigh, need to be at least at "normal" for the holidays...

Also Today: I realized that on The Firm Calorie Explosion dvd you can skip forward but you cant rewind or FF. I also tried to skip back and wasnt able to. What the hell? I seem to have a foul mouth today. Forgive me...

Today's Workout:
-The Firm Calorie Explosion
-Jackie Warner's Crunch Free Xtreme Abs (standing section)
*total w/o time 65 min + stretch

I just got Jackies w/o in the mail from Anchor Bay to review. So far- LOVE it! The review will go up as soon as I finish the other segment.

Today's Bargain: Theres still time to enter my Advanced Workouts DVDs giveaway for Gin Millers Simply Circuit dvd here.


Today's Review: Natural Journeys Pilates for Fat Burning
Alanna Zabel, 2007 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This is a 60 minute pilates workout led by Alanna with 2 background exercisers. The set is quite nice- hardwood floors with a nice cloud looking backdrop and some vases. One b/ger shows beginner modifications. Alanna says that this w/o is "the core & ab strengthing work from pilates blended w/ the flowing vinyassa of yoga." The dvd also has a bonus 6 minute ab w/o- that was quite tough.

Some of the moves include: variations of sun salutations, 1 legged plank w/ pushups, down dog w/ a knee pull, pulsing squats w/ a twist, superman variations, lots of plank work & variations including side plank work, 1/2 moon stretch, V- sit variations, teaser, rollups into shoulder stand (tough!), bridge w/ leg circles, single leg stretch, bicycle, oblique twists, the hundred, corkscrew, spinal twist, and concludes w/ a relaxation pose.

The cover says beginner to intermediate but I wouldnt say this is a beginner w/o- she does shoulder stands!!! I think it says "beginner" because of the backgrounder showing modifications. I would say this is a solid intermediate w/o.

I really like Alanna! Her cueing is great and she really keeps it moving in this w/o. I didnt feel that it was dragging on or that there was any wasted time. Its a very easy w/o to do in whole or to break up and use it in parts. She keeps it interesting by combining yoga and pilates moves into one well blended workout. I received this dvd from Natural Journeys to review.

Today's Tip: Organics to Skip
Step into any health food store and you're likely to find an organic version of just about everything, including cotton candy. While it's true that organic "junk foods" are better for the planet, they generally aren't better for you. A six-pack of organic soda costs $5; yes, it's made without high fructose corn syrup, but each can contains 160 calories (20 more than a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic) and zero nutrients. Cutting back on sweets and nutritionally void extras altogether is the best way to get the most nutrition bang for your buck. More on Prevention here.

Today's LOLz:


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Jeanette Jenkins Bikini Bootcamp Review

Bikini Bootcamp
Jeanette Jenkins, 2009 

This is a 75 minute workout that is split up into 2 main workouts: Cardio camp is 28 minutes of cardio and chisel camp is 25 minutes of strength work. There is also a 5 minute w/u, a 9 minute ab camp w/o, and a 7 minute stretch. You can "play all" or you can select which workout you want to do. The set is nice and open hardwood floors with some beach paraphernalia in the background. There are 2 background exercisers. You will need various dumbbells for the ab & chisel camp w/o's. The music is high energy instrumental-which I liked.


I like the warmup -it gets right to the point and is very dynamic. I *think* the music is "Wipeout" LOL. The w/u reminds me of Jillian Michael's newer dvd w/u's with big arm motions along w/ LB movements. After a few minutes she moves into a quick stretch.

Cardio Camp is high energy and nonstop! I love love loved it! The cardio is athletic and easy to follow but really got my heart rate up and I was sweating like crazy! She does 5 cardio sets and the moves include: 1) jacks, high knees, skaters, knee hops, power jacks.2) kick combos, kick with a floor touch, sped bag, repeater knees. 3) squat thrusts, shuffle & floor touch, knee up-kick combo, pendulums. 4) jab w/ fast feet, oblique crunch w/ a kick, hook-upper cut combo w/ a plyo. 5) jump rope, volleyball moves including a dig, spike, and block. LOVED the cardio section.

Chisel Camp is nonstop multi-muscle strength work. She starts with pushup into sideplank, and some tough plank variations and moves into lunges with bicep curl variations, and chair pose into a short dip. Then you do some full form squats (all the way down into an overhead press), and pliet w/ tricep press. Then you begin a sidelunge with a 1/2 moon type shoulder raise, triceps kick back w/ a back kick. The last move is a static squat w/ a back fly. I was sweating and my heart was pumping throughout this section too!


I didnt get to the ab section but I previewed most of it during my stretch and she does some weighted crunch variations, bicycles, and other lying ab work. I will do it tomorrow and report back :) I also didnt do the stretch section.


I would rate this a low advanced w/o. I loved it! I like Jeanettes style and demeanor and didn't have any problems following her cueing at all. This is a tough but still fun w/o that will find a place in everyones dvd collection. It can easily be put together for a long w/o or divided up into several shorter w/o's. Jeanette reminds me of Nadia from Barrys Bootcamp Academy series (leg day)-her voice and some of the things she says. And as a sidenote-the background exercisers are Teri Ann (Ex TV, Crunch, b/g in Firms) and Kat (the beginner mod in BBC Fat Blaster & a b/g in PowerFit Harmony).

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The winner of Natural Journeys Ultra Fat Burning Workout is....Rhonda


Congrats to Rhonda who said... "They have a nice selection of DVDS and some I haven't heard of." Rhonda has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond & claim her prize. I'm sure she will get a ton of use out of this dvd, I know I do! It really is a favorite of mine.

Thank you to Natural Journeys for sponsoring this awesome giveaway and thank you to everyone who entered. Don't forget to check out Natural Journeys 25% off sale right now. Stack that with the discount code they provided to the Fitness For The Rest of Us readers 'NJ25' and you can pick up some great dvds for 50% off!

Monday, November 8, 2010

11.8.10: Busy Weekend!

Friday: Friday we went to the drum circle thing w/ some friends & had dinner with them. Remembered to bring my camera and it was dead....Bringing is only 1/2 the battle....

Saturday: Went with a friend to pick out my bridesmaid dress for her upcoming wedding. Found one, good style, right color, great price!

Sunday: We went to a Cajun Cookoff thing. $25 gets you all the tastings you want and unlimited soda & water. Do I even have to say I overinduldged? It was So yummmmy though & totally worth it! There was a ton of stuff to do. They had facepainting, mad hatter hat-making, balloon animals, live music, and of course FOOD. I made a hat w/ the kids (friends kids). Check it out! It also had cool ribbon streamers hanging from the back. Super stylish...

Today's Bargains: bonus entries for entering both!!
-Enter to win my Natural Journeys Ultra Fat Burning Workout here
-Enter to win my Advanced Workouts DVDs giveaway for Gin Millers Simply Circuit here.


Saturday: Rest Day!

Sunday's Workout:
-Firm Express Cardio
-Firm Core Solutions
*total w/o time 40 min + stretch

Monday's Workout:
-Firm Complete Body Sculpting
-Hit The Spot Pilates (hips)
*total w/o time 60 min + stretch

And Im supposed to be going to a Latin Groove (or something like that) class at the gym w/ a neighbor tonight. Wish me luck, I can.not dance...

Today's Tip: Organic Meat & Poultry
Arecent study compared the nutritional content of organic and nonorganic chicken meat. The researchers found that the organic samples contained 28% more omega-3s, essential fatty acids that are linked to reduced rates of heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease. Animals raised organically can't be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal by-products (which can transmit mad cow disease). More on Prevention here.

Today's LOLz:



Giveaway Gin Miller Simply Circuit from Advanced Workouts DVDs

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 was generously donated by Advanced Workouts DVDs. Simply Circuit is led by an all time favorite, Gin Miller! Advanced Workouts DVDs is THE source for advanced level fitness dvds of all genres: yoga, pilates, cardio, strength, circuit, you name it! Advanced Workout DVDs offers FREE shipping on US orders $19.00 & over and international orders $50 & over.


Today's Review: Simply Circuit
Gin Miller, 2003

This is a 63 minute workout led by Gin, who works out alone in a nice space w/ hardwood floors and some glass & pillars in the background. You will need dumbbells and a step for this workout. The workout is mostly cardio but includes some short toning segments. The dvd is broken down in to two 30ish minute workouts-one floor and one step.

All the moves in this dvd are straight forward, no brainers. No-one should have any real problems catching on to this one. The workout is built using add-on style, so you learn a move and then add on. She will introduce a move and have you watch first and then join in later- which is a bit odd, but not a huge deal.

Some of the cardio moves include: punches, bunny hops, step touches, shuffle, over the top, L-step, jogging in place, running onto the step. Some of the strength moves include: military press, tricep dips off the step, V sit variations, and some other upper body work. There really isnt much lower body weight work.

I would rate this workout an intermediate. It can easily be done back to back for an hour long cardio workoutor broken down into two 30 minute workouts. Gins cueing is very good and she is an upbeat and cheerful lead. The strength work really isnt enough to count for much so I would probably use this a cardio w/o and use the strength segments as little breaks by using lighter poundage.

Head on over to Advanced Workouts DVDs now to shop for this or many other workouts! Or you can win a copy of this workout by entering here:

Mandatory Entry: Check out Advanced Workouts Dvds and tell me something you learned along with 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 Advanced Workouts DVDs THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought.
  • 1 Entry: Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout
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  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 1X per day)
  • 1 Entry: Tell me which dvd  you would like to try from Advanced Workouts DVDs.
  • 3 Entries: Sign up for the Advanced Workouts newsletter (bottom center here)
  • 3 Entries: Follow Advanced Workouts Blog here.
  • 3 Entriers: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Monday, Nov  15 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on Nov 16. Contest open to EVERYONE!

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

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Review: FitPrime G-Force



Today's Review: FitPrime G-Force
Tracie Long, 2004

This is a 53 minute rebounding + weights + yoga dvd. Tracie is working out alone on a small set that has a mirror and some art in the background-very Firm mansion set. Tracie is, as always, an excellent lead. Cueing is spot on and her form is always impeccable. She has great rebounding form tips throughout as well. The dvd is chartered very well so you can skip all the strength or cardio segments (if you want) by pushing "next" on your remote. You will need a rebounder, a pair of weighted gloves, and various dumbbells for this workout.

This dvd is interval style-you do a cardio rebounding circuit and then step off the trampoline and do a set of strength work. After 3 cardio sets, and 3 strength sets you do some yoga-esque ab work on the rebounder and then move into a cooldown stretch.

I usually skip the strength work in this dvd and just do the cardio because there really isn't enough strength work to count for much IMO. The work includes: lat row, bicep curls, lunges w/ one foot on the rebounder, ab work, push ups, tri dips, etc. A little of a lot of things really.

The rebounding is pretty straight forward: health bounce, jogging, some tuck jumps, high knees, shuffles, a unique hop scotch move (actually took me a few times through to get this one but I am choreo challenged), jumping jacks, and the likes.

The at-home-workout-world is really lacking rebounding w/o's IMO so I consider this a must have for rebounders! I would rate this an intermediate workout done as is. But if you add more and faster arm movements you can get a higher intensity workout. As with all rebounding workouts you really get out what you put in depending on how you bounce. Rebounding can really be a great challenging cardio w/o or it can be an easy playtime-you decide :) Adding bigger arm movements, wearing weighted gloves, and always giving it my all (adding more tuck jumps, etc)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Cindy Whitmarsh's Ultra Fat Burning Workout & Natural Journeys Discount Code!




Today's Review: Natural Journeys- The Ultra Fat Burning Workout
Cindy Whitmarsh, 2007

Cindy leads this 45ish minute workout with 4 other exercisers. Cindy and another lady show advanced options, 1 exerciser shows beginner, and 1 intermediate. They use a 4# med ball, dumbbells, jumprope, and a stability ball. Someone shows the moves using no props, or they suggest an alternative. They are working out on a back patio w/ a nice pool in the background. Its a very nice set. The workout is divided up into segments w/ a screen that comes up introducing the next segment. The dvd is chaptered. You repeat the moves in each section 3 or so times.

Warmup Stretch: some cardio moves and some stretching get you started.

Cardio: First is various jump rope moves for one minute. She does some fancy stuff but says to do whatever you want. One guy doesnt use a rope at all. Then you pick up your medball and do a jack while throwing the ball overhead, a side to side squat, jumping back and forth over the jumprope. You do the sequence 3 times.

Shoulder Weights: Using dumbbells they do upright rows, overhead pulse, lateral raises and rotator cuffs. Repeat a few times.

Cardio: You start with blowouts (burpees), then you jump back and forth with your med ball between your knees, and then do a football shuffle/quick feet,  This section is tough!

Biceps: With dumbbells, alternating bicep curls, both weights in one hand concentration curls, and a few other bicep curl variations.

Cardio Toning: Repeater legs to the side and back, scissor jumps, pushups, Mt. climbers, shuffle squats while putting down and picking up med ball , ab twists while holding med ball, side lunge w/ a leg lift. Another tough segment!

Toning: All on the stability ball: (one modifier does the moves on the floor) frog leg lifts, flutter legs, shins on the ball-pulling legs in, oblique crunches w/ med ball on chest, twists, dips off the ball with the med ball between knees (one modifier uses a stair, one on the floor), tricep extensions w/ the med ball. Then there are some side reaches not on the ball.

Cool Down Stretch: led by someone else. I didnt do this segment.

 I would say this is a low advanced or high intermediate workout: jumproping, blowouts, and alot of the cardio moves she did were real calorie burners. You could definately heavy up on the dumbbells and use a heavier med ball for the toning moves. The toning segments arent all that long though and there isnt a a lot of weighted lower body work. What I often do is use medium/ light dumbbells and stick w/ the lighter med ball and use this for a cardio day.

I really like that there are 3 different modifiers so you really have your choice of what you want to do. I wish more workouts included both a beginner and an advanced modifier. Love Cindy, one of my favorite instructors- great personality and cueing. She always includes fresh and fun moves to keep the w/o interesting.

Head on over to Natural Journeys and take advantage of the 25% discount code! Want to win a copy of Cindy's Ultra Fat Burning Workout? Enter here!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The FIRM Classic Volume 6- Boomers Review


The Firm Classic Volume 6- Boomers
Jayne Poteet, 1992

This is a 40ish minute AWT w/o not including the stretch. Jayne leads in the mansion set with a bunch of background exercisers. This w/o was originally created for "boomers" or an older crowd, and its the easiest of the Classics IMO, not that its an easy workout. You will need a variety of dumbbells, a short & tall step, and she uses a optional barbell.

This workout moves right along and the bulk is done standing. The floor work includes a tough ab section, some bridge work, pelvic floor contractions, and pec fly before moving into the stretch.

The standing strength work includes leg press, squatting off the short box w/ dumbbells, squats, hover squats, some bicep work while stepping, tricep kickbacks, double arm row, upright row and other familiar Firm moves. There are no lunges or dips at all in this one.

The standing strength work gets my heart rate up some and she also does some step work on the short box. So overall the cardio effect in this workout is good.

I would rate this as an intermediate workout. Jayne is a great lead and cues well. The moves are all simple, athletic and easy to follow. She moves right along so there is no wasted time but I didnt feel rushed like I do in some of the older Firms. She allows you to go pretty heavy (for a Firm). I like this workout, it works nicely to get some strength work in while keeping your HR up.