Want to Lose 10 Pounds or Just Make 2011 a Healthier Year?

I do!

I just saw this on facebook and thought it looked really cool and of course you all know I'm a huge fan of Jessica Smith so - even better!

Check it out here and join today! 

Giveawawy: Amira's Bellydance 101 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 the wonderful Amira - International Emissary of Dance. Amira is a professional bellydancer located in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. She has generously offered a copy of her Amira's Bellydance 101 dvd for giveaway to my wonderful blog followers. She has a variety of bellydance dvds, bellydance music, and bellydance veils available on her website.

I have been interested in learning bellydancing for some time but didnt know where to start. Amira's dvd has solved that problem. The dvd is instructional AND includes a complete routine once youve mastered the moves. This is definitely a dvd you can grow with. And if you are in the Las Vegas area Amira is available for group & private lessons, corporate events, parties, workshops, weddings, and more. Check out her website for more info. I would LOVE to get a group lesson going with Amira.

Review: Amira's Bellydance 101
Amira, 2005


This is an 80 minute dvd that is chaptered exceptionally well. You can play all or select the chapter you want to perform. You won't need any props for this workout, though a nice bellydancing outfit would be fun! Amira works out alone on a really cool set w/ Indian type veils hung around. Each segment she is wearing a different fabulous bellydancing outfit. The dvd is voiceover and includes instructional chapters along w/ a full dance routine chapter. Also included is a wonderful dance perfomance that is amazing to watch or follow along to.


This dvd has very detailed instruction, making it easy to understand and grasp each move. Amira does an excellent job of teaching each move without being boring or repetitive at all. This is the 1st instructional type dvd that I have actually enjoyed. Each chapter focuses on a specific bellydancing move & the combination section allows you to put the moves you've learned into practice.


The chapters are introduction, position, warmup, head and shoulders, chest, hips, shimmies, combination, and stretch. The moves you will perform in the combination include: snake arms, hip lifts, figure 8's, Egyptian shimmy, shimmy, body wave, shoulder rolls, hip slides, chest rolls, etc. Before beginning, I was leary that I would actually be able to follow along in the combination section (I am not a good dancer), but I am happy to report that I did pretty darn good.

The entire dvd was a lot of fun & I look forward to practicing more & really mastering the moves. Many of the sections provided a great core workout and I really enjoyed Amira's teaching style. This dvd is really appropriate for all fitness levels IMO. Amira is very obviously a skilled bellydancer and instructor and that shines through in this dvd.

Want to try this workout out for yourself? Head on over to Amira's website and get yourself a copy! Want to win a copy? Enter here and remember ten entries = ten SEPARATE comments.

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to Amira's website and tell me something you learned along with your email address.

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):

• 10 Entries: Purchase something from Amira THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought
• 2 Entries: Like Amira on Facebook
• 2 Entries: Leave a comment on her Facebook wall telling her that I sent you
• 3 Entries: Like Fitness For The Rest of Us on Facebook
• 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) 
• 1 Entry: Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout (review above)
• 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 1X per day)
• 1 Entry: Follow Amira on twitter
• 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
• 2 Entries: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 1/12/11 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 1/13. Remember 2 entries = 2 comments (so for blogging about this you would leave 5 separate comments). Contest open to EVERYONE! Good Luck!

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.

Optimum Nutrition Shout-Out!

I recently discovered an awesome company: Optimum Nutrition. They offer a huge selection of award winning protein powders and supplements. 

Check these fantastic product categories: 

Amino Energy

Fitness Fiber

Gold Standard Whey Powder

Creatine Powder

Wholly Oats! Bars

Optimum Nutrition's Shaker Cup

I had the pleasure of sampling a few of Optimum Nutrition's delicious protein powders! I am super impressed by the assortment of flavors they offer: 

Banana Cream

Caramel Toffee Fudge

Chocolate Malt

Chocolate Mint

Cookies and Cream

Delicious Strawberry

Extreme Milk Chocolate

Mocha Cappuccino

Rocky Road

Strawberry Banana

Tropical Punch

Check out the IMPRESSIVE fine print on their whey powders:

Only 1 gram of fat, and 120 calories per serving

24 grams of protein per serving

Packed with Whey Protein Isolates

Higher Pure Protein Percentage

Fast-Acting HYDROWHEY Whey Peptides

Provides Whey Protein Microfractions

More than 5 grams of BCAAs

Over 4 grams of Glutamine & Precursors

Instantized to Mix with a Spoon

I can't wait to try all their wonderful products. Protein powders are a staple at my house & I love trying new flavors! I use protein powders in: smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, baking, protein shakes, protein bars, cereal- you name it! 

Bottom line: I give Optimum Nutrition 2 biceps up! Head on over and check out their large selection of nutritional products.

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. 

Billy Blanks Jr. Dance With Me: Cardio Fit Review

Billy Blanks Jr: Dance With Me Cardio Fit

Billy Blanks Jr., 2010

This is a 50 minute dvd that has three 12 minute cardio "dance" segments (Hip Hop, Country, & Bollywood), a warmup, and a cooldown. You can select an individual segment or mix and match. The dance segments are pretty easy to catch onto and fairly low impact. Billy leads with his wife Sharon and 5 other b/g'ers in a cute "studio" looking fitness room. You wont need any equipment for this workout. The dvd also includes a seperate breath tutorial.

The music is instrumental & fits each segments theme. I think a few times through and most would be able to get the choreo down pat. The workouts are built add on style so there is some TIFTing. Each workout ends with a 2 minute high impact/ intensity "cardio burst" that really got my heart rate up! Between moves, Billy has you go to "home base" and basically free style within each workouts theme (a good time to amp up the intensity IMO). 

Hip Hop: This was moderate intensity & moderate choreo. Moves include: row it, "whats up," step forward and rock step, side step, step touches, bounce step, & a patty cake (in the hood) move. The cardio burst is a  fun fat burner and includes: running back, pony, and a twist.  

Country: I thought this was the most cardio intensive & easiest to catch onto. I'm not a huge country fan but this section was a lot of fun!!! Moves include: a grapevine with a heel-toe move, boot slap, chasse (cow poke), boot scuff, & a double step touch w/ a twirl. Shari leads the cardio burst and moves include: fast feet, jump rope, side knee ups, and jacks.

Bollywood: This workout was fun & unique. The most choreographed & still a good cardio w/o. Moves include: bollywave, bollyrock, a screw in the lightbulb move, a jack variation, bollywood style pliet jumps, a and a bollychop. The burst includes: twists, side jacks, knee hop ups, & high knees w/ a punch down.

This is a real "feel good" workout! There is a positive energy throughout the workout and the moves were unique, upbeat, and fun. I would rate it an intermediate cardio w/o. It was easy to up the intensity by wearing weighted gloves, adding some impact, and really giving it my all. Great for days when you want to just have fun while working out! Great to do in its entirety or in parts. Billy is a great instructor-good cueing and great energy and his wife is adorable and super FIT! I received this dvd to review from 411 Video Information. 

And the Winner of the Collage Video Tracey Mallet dvd is.... Maria H

And the winner of Tracey Mallet's Quick Blast Total Body Calorie Blast dvd  courtesy of Collage Video is Maria H. who said "I'm already signed up for the Collage newsletter"

Congrats!! Maria has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her prize. Thank you so much to Collage Video for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway and thank you to everyone who entered.

Firm Express Review: Kickstart Your Metabolism

Today's Review: Firm Express: Kickstart Your Metabolism
Jen Ray, 2010  ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is the (awesome) "bonus" dvd in the Firm Express kit. It contains a 10 minute ab workout and a 10 minute AWT w/o. Both are led by Jen w/ 2 backgrounders. The set is really cute-kind of  a basketball court floor w/ nice wood & light colors in the background. You will only need dumbbells for the Firm Express series. 

Pump It Up!: This is an awesome 10 minute AWT workout. In this w/o you do one set of 8 second bursts (w/ 12 seconds of recovery) then a strength and/or cardio move and repeat. So literally 1/2 of this workout is bursts- loved it! The bursts were all weighted and include: plyo jumps & then she adds in OH press, weighted lunges & adds in bicep curls, and plank moguls. The rest of the workout includes: ski w/ weights & alternating reach, side lunge w/ tricep kickback & dumbbell floor touch, squat- clean & press- abduction, dips & bicep curls, and pushups & renegade rows.

Shortcut to Flat Abs: This is a fun 10 minute weighted core routine. You will need 1 dumbbell for all the work  in this. Standing moves include: standing weighted crunches, squat w/ a chop & swing, and windmill. Floor work includes: clam shell crunch w/ a pullover, side knee drops w/ pec fly, roll ups, bridge w/ sky marches, V sit while rowing, supermans, scorpion low back work, and plank into side plank w/ hip raises.

I absolutely LOVED Pump It Up!- if all the dvds in this set were structured like this- I would be in heaven (well probably because they'd have killed me).  I would rate Pump It Up! a low advanced-if it were 20 min I would say advanced. Shortcut to Flat Abs is a great solid intermediate ab w/o. Jen is a great lead- good curing, nice demeanor. She didnt always use all 8 seconds in the bursts though.

These workouts move right along. No wasted time and you will work up a nice sweat in the 10 minute AWT w/o. These (like all Firms) are really easy to modify up or down in impact & intensity. These contain fun new moves and the time really flys. The intro is quick and says "I am Gaiam" and moves right into the menu- so combining w/o's is pretty painless! I received these dvds to review.

Firm Express Review: Cycle 4 Overdrive

Today's Review: Firm Express: Cycle 4 Overdrive

Kelsie Daniels, 2010 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

The Overdrive cycle w/o's are led by Kelsie. There are three 20 minute dvds; a cardio,  sculpt,  & cardio + sculpt. The Overdrive workouts offer the most challenging cardio (though I didnt find them any tougher than the others in the set). They allow for the heaviest weights of the series (I agree). There are 2 backgrounders, one shows beginner modifications. The set is really cute-kind of looks like a basketball court floor w/ nice wood & light colors in the background. You will only need dumbbells for the Firm Express series. All Firm Express workouts feature 8 second power bursts w/ a 12 second recovery. 

Overdrive Cardio + Sculpt:  This workout combines cardio, strength, and 8 second bursts. The bursts include: tuck jumps, side leap w/ high knees, quick curtsy dip to side lunge, and lunge hops. The remainder of the w/o works your UB & LB evenly (yay) and includes low and high impact cardio & sculpting work. Moves include: ham curls, jacks, power lunges & squats, burpee -pushup -bicep combo, OH press w/ dip, curtsy dips w/ hinge & row and trcip kickbacks, squat w/ hammer & concentration curls, shuffle rock step kick combo, and finishes w/ V sit & leg extension variations.  

Overdrive Sculpt: This is a strength w/o that includes 8 second cardio bursts. The moves in the bursts are: floor tap- kicks, rear tap while pulling your #'s back, the ol' Firm bicep-tricep side touch move, & OH press w/ knee raise. The other work includes: deadlift bicep curls w/a balance knee lift, bridge, bench press- skull crusher combo, squat w/ OH press, pushup w/ direction, French press, lat rows, hammer curls,  surrenders w/ lat raise, and ends with plank & elevator planks.

Overdrive Cardio: This is an all cardio kickboxing w/o with 8 second power bursts, most of the work is pretty low impact in this one. The bursts include: weighted sidekicks w/ a punch down, weighted front kicks, front & back kicks, and hitch kicks. She does lots of punch/ kick combos including: jab -cross- sidekick-squat, jumps, jacks, shuffle-punch- kick combos, and finishes w/ standing ab & oblique work.  I rate this w/o intermediate. 

I really really really liked this cycle. Def my fav of the series. Her routines are fun, athletic, and unique. Great little combos, love the kickboxing. I rate: C+S high intermediate to low advanced, S = allows for heavy weights & is appropriate for all skill levels depending on the poundage used, and the C is intermediate & low impact.   

Part of the 12 second recovery is used for set up- no wasted time- quick recovery and back to work! These workouts move right along and you will work up a nice sweat in the 20 minutes. Time flys even combining 2.  These (like all Firms) are really easy to modify up or down in impact & intensity. These contain fun new moves so they are different from other Firms, but still athletic and combine strength & cardio work as Firms always have. The intro is quick and says "I am Gaiam" and moves right into the menu- so combining w/o's is pretty painless! I received these dvds to review.

And The Winner of the Jay Robb Prize Pack is............Tammy

Congrats to Tammy, the winner of the huge Jay Robb prize pack!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered and thank you so much to Jay Robb for donating this wonderful prize pack (tank top, protein powders, protein bars, blender bottle with blender ball, bag, and brochure!!!). And don't forget Jay Robb was generous enough to offer all my readers a 15% discount by using the code below:

Tammy has been emailed and has 48 hours to claim her wonderful prize.

Firm Express Review: Cycle 3 Turbocharge

Today's Review: Firm Express: Cycle 3 Turbocharge

Alison Davis, 2010 ***** (4.5 stars of 5)

The Turbocharge cycle w/o's are led by Alison. There are three 20 minute dvds; a cardio,  sculpt,  & cardio + sculpt. The Turbocharge workouts are designed as active re-charging (though I didnt find them easier than the others in the set). They feature moderate impact and allows for moderately heavier weights. There are 2 backgrounders, one shows beginner modifications. The set is really cute-kind of looks like a basketball court floor w/ nice wood & light colors in the background. You will only need dumbbells for the Firm Express series. All Firm Express workouts feature 8 second power bursts w/ a 12 second recovery. 

Turbocharge Cardio + Sculpt:  This workout combines cardio, strength, and 8 second bursts. The bursts include: tire run, horizontal leaping floor touches, fast lunges, & high knees. Other work includes: step knee hops, skaters, ham curl variations, pliet w/ French press, a cool diagonal lunge w/ row where you put down & pick up your #s, squat abductions, hinge & row w/ a rear kick, 1 legged squats w/ bicep curls, a fun shuffle V hop/ tire run plyo lunge combo, curtsy dip w/ front raise and finishes w/ plank w/ knee pulls & pushups.

Turbocharge Sculpt: This is a strength w/o that includes 8 second cardio bursts. The moves in the bursts are: plyo lunges, plank jacks, floor touch to high knee jump, & kettlebell swing. The rest of the work includes: lunge w/ bicep curl & shoulder raise, hinge & row, plank rows & plank lunges, a static lunge w/ hands on the ground, 1 legged pushups, step squats w/ hi pull, pliet front raise, concentrated curls,  static squat w/ a row & glute pinch & finishes w/ elevator planks (from hands to elbows).

Turbocharge Cardio: This is an all cardio w/o with 8 second power bursts. The bursts include: side lunge floor touches, squat & jump kicks, 1 legged hops back & forth, & a quick step touch. Other cardio work includes: knee pulls, power lunges, weighted side lunges while passing the dumbbell under your knee, skaters, shuffle forward- punch- shuffle back - knee pull, & kettlebell swing w/ a fast walk up & back. 

I felt this set was a bit more choreographed than the others Ive done but was still pretty easy to catch onto. I liked that Alison used weights in the cardio w/o. The C+S dvd had a lot of combo moves so it was hard to really heavy up. She used the entire 8 seconds in the C+S & C, but not in the S. Fun choreo routines w/out being complicated. Alisons token phrase is "ahhhhhhh" in these ;)

Part of the 12 second recovery is used for set up- no wasted time- quick recovery and back to work! These workouts move right along and you will work up a nice sweat in the 20 minutes. Time flys even combining 2. I rate Turbocharge solid intermediates that (like all Firms) are really easy to modify up or down. These contain fun new moves so they are different from other Firms, but still athletic and combine strength & cardio work as Firms always have. The intro is quick and says "I am Gaiam" and moves right into the menu- so combining w/o's is pretty painless! I received these dvds to review.

Kim Kardashian's Fit in Your Jeans by Friday Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt

Kim Kardashian's Fit in Your Jeans by Friday Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt
Jen Galardi, 2009

This dvd is led by Jen Galardi who works out w/ Kim in a nice studio/ apartment looking set that I thought was really cute & unique. The dvd has a 6 minute w/u, 15 minute lower body strength workout, a 20 minute cardio & lower body workout, and a bonus 5 minute butt workout. The dvd allows you to play all or select a workout. You will need dumbbells for both w/o's and a step & dumbbells for w/o #2.

Lower Body Workout #1: This workout starts w/ an unwieghted pliet series, including pliet heel drag, pliet into lunge and she adds arm movements to up the intensity a bit. Then you do a weighted squat series (she uses extremely light weights-but I used heavier), squat w/ overhead press, walking squats w/ a kick and overhead press, squat pulses side to side, etc. Next is a side lunges series that includes some balance & core work with added twists & knee raises. She finishes with standing leg extensions to work the quads and progresses into a balancing stick move.


Lower Body Workout #2: You start with a quick 2 minute warmup. The rest of the work is comprised of: stepping up onto the step w/ a glute extension, static ham curls,  a calf raise series with lots of vareity, a  warrior 2/ lunge move onto the step, plank w/ leg lifts, over the step into a squat off the side, and leg abductions. There is stretching interspersed throughout the work and you conclude with more stretching.

Bonus Butt Blast: This is lying lower body & core work and the moves include: a bridge series w/ plenty of variety alternated with crunches & oblique crunches.

I know nothing about Kim so Im neutral there. I really like Jen and enjoyed this workout quite a bit; she provides excellent form pointers, great cuing, and often offers an "advanced" option. Its quite different than most w/o's I have. Its more of a low weight-high rep type of workout. I like to use it as add-ons to other w/o's. Very versatile w/ time options from 5-45 minutes. I would rate this a lower intermediate workout that is REALLY easy to modify up or down to suit your needs. If you are a Kim fan-Im sure you will love it. If you don't like her- I would probably stay away because while she doesnt lead- she does comment throughout. I received a copy of this dvd to review from Exercise TV.

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. 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.

Tracey Mallet Quick Blast Total Body Calorie Blast Review

Quick Blast Total Body Calorie Blast

Tracey Mallet, 2008 

This dvd offers seven 6 minute workouts, is chaptered, and offers a variety of premixes as well as "play all" and play individual segments. Tracey works out with 4 b/g exerciers, one showing beginner modifications. The set is open with hardwood floors and some colored windows. You will need a variety of dumbbells (they use 1 set but I recommend multiple).

There are three 6 minute cardio strength interval workouts ("Cardio Blasts")-all of which I REALLY enjoyed. I love combining cardio & strength. Tracey alternates 1 minute of cardio w/ 1 minute of strength and you repeat the segment 2ce in each "blast". This is a quick moving workout and she doesnt waste any time! There are three 6 minute "mind body" segments that include core, pilates, and yoga work. There is also a bonus ab blaster routine. Tons of variety here.

Cardio Blasts: The segments include pliet wood chop combo, cross country skiing, tricep extension with a rear leg push,  curtsy-side raise, knee pulls, jumprope, pulse squat-hops, power side steps, flamingo balance move w/ a bicep curl, and a modified plank with a row.

Mind Body Blasts: A is yoga inspried, B is core focused, and C is pilates inspired. The moves include: A) cresent pose, warrior, triangle, down dog, plnak, upper back opener, & dog splits. B) knee twists, chest lift butterfly crunches, single leg extension, criss cross, flutter kicks, and a pilates leg series. C) chair pulses, side plank leg lift, double leg stretch, dolphin kick backs, leg pull front, & cat cow w/ leg pull.

Ab Blast: The bonus ab section is done on the floor and includes moves such as: circle crunches, frog leg pulls, snow angels, double leg lifts while lying on your side, side plank w/ a twist, and high plank into down dog.

I would rate this an intermediate workout. While Tracey is not my favorite instructor I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this workout. LOVE the format- Im a huge fan of 1 min cardio/ 1 min strength workouts. I also liked how there was no wasted time, it got my heartrate up nicely & was easy to modify up (if desired). Loved the versatility of the 6 minute w/o's and the premixes on the dvd. I will be adding this to my wishlist for sure. I received this DVD to review.

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Please see my disclosures page for details. 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.

Firm Express Review: Cycle 2 Accelerate

Firm Express: Cycle 2: Accelerate

Rebekah Sturkie, 2010 

The Accelerate cycle w/o's are led by Rebekah. There are three 20 minute dvds; a cardio,  sculpt,  & cardio + sculpt. The Accelerate workouts feature moderate to high impact and allows for heavier weights. There are 2 backgrounders, one shows beginner modifications. The set is really cute-kind of looks like a basketball court floor w/ nice wood & light colors in the background. You will only need dumbells for the Firm Express series. All Firm Express workouts feature 8 second power bursts w/ a 12 second recovery. 

Accelerate Cardio + Sculpt:  This workout combines cardio, strength, and 8 second bursts. The bursts include: explosive V-hops, speed squat-shuffles, & plyo pliets w/ arm scoops. Other work consists of low & hi impact cardio and combo strength moves:  soccer kicks, low walks, squat -dip- floor touch, V steps & hops, diagonal lunges w/ rows, squats w/ hammer curls, pushups w/ tri kickbacks, standing to kneeling w/ bicep curl & OH press, leaping lunges, static pliet w/ scoops, hinge & row, upright row w/ abduction, pliet w/ French press, volleyball set & bumps, squat w/ low reach and hops, and concludes w/ standing ab work.

Accelerate Sculpt: This is a strength w/o that includes 8 second cardio bursts. The moves in the 8 second bursts are: skaters, a fast plank lunge, weighted power side lunges, and weighted power lunges. The strength work includes 1 legged squats- into lunge w/ row, pliet- curtsy dip combo, static side lunge w/ tricep kickback, deadlifts, bicep curl variations, & concludes w/ static pliets w/ side bends/ side chops.

Accelerate Cardio: This is an all cardio w/o with 8 second power bursts. The bursts include a quick quick run move, power squat /turning power squat, a Mt. Climber type move where you kick your leg out to the other side (kind of a side plank/ Mt Climber combo) fast X jumps, & a high knee w/ punch. Other cardio work includes: hi and lo jacks, X jumps, walk forward w/ a kick, a squat rear kick punch combo, cross country skiing, power lunges, and finishes w/ lunges & core work combos.

While Rebekah is one of my fav instructors- I could have done w/out her continual high pitch "WHOOOW-ing" in these. Also she seemed to only go 6-7 seconds on the power bursts- (theres a timer).  The actual Accelerate w/o's are solid, unique, and I like them even more than the Ignite w/o's. I really enjoyed all three w/o's!!!!!! I love how these (& Ignite) cooldown w/ some quick standing ab work.

Part of the 12 second recovery is used for set up- no wasted time- quick recovery and back to work! These workouts move right along and you will work up a nice sweat in the 20 minutes. Time flys even combining 2. I rate Accelerate  solid-higher intermediates that (like all Firms) are really easy to modify up or down. These contain fun new moves so they are different from other Firms, but still athletic and combine strength & cardio work as Firms always have. The intro is quick and says "I am Gaiam" and moves right into the menu- so combining w/o's is pretty painless! I received these dvds to review.

Firm Express Review: Cycle 1 Ignite

Firm Express: Cycle 1: Ignite

Emily Welsh, 2010 **** (4 of 5 stars)

The Ignite cycle w/o's are led by Emily. There are three 20 minute dvds; a cardio, cardio + sculpt, and sculpt. The Ignite workouts feature moderate to high impact and allow for heavier weights. There are 2 backgrounders, one shows beginner modifications. The set is really cute-kind of looks like a basketball court floor w/ nice wood & light colors in the background. You will only need dumbells for the Firm Express series. All Firm Express workouts feature 8 second power bursts w/ a 12 second recovery. 

Ignite Cardio + Sculpt: This dvd is about 50/50% cardio/sculpt. Interspersed in the AWT are series of four 8 second bursts with 12 seconds recovery. The power move gets progressively harder each time. Some of the power burst moves include low jack progressing to plyo jacks, fast feet, & modified burpees/ regular burpees. The C+S work includes shift squats, power squats, pliet-squat-kick backs, lunge w/ a row & curl, squat into a burpee & pushup, plank rows w/ pushups, and finishes with some standing oblique work.

Ignite Sculpt: The progressive 8 second bursts get your heart rate up and the strength work in this keeps it up there. The 8 second bursts include fast side lunges, Mt. Climber variations, & a "quick quick run" move. The strength work includes lots of nice combo moves: dips w/ bicep curls, side lunges w/ French press, lat row in a static squat, pliet heel slide, squat w/ a curl & OH press, hinge & row, reverse bridge w/ an oblique twist, push up w/ a reach, pec fly w/ skull crushers & leg extensions, V sits, and concludes with lower back work. They combined moves perfectly so the poundage was appropriate for all moves.

Ignite Cardio: This is an all cardio w/o that includes non-progressive 8 second bursts (most high intensity). Eight second bursts include: fast low jacks progressing to jacks, plyo hops, & plyo knee pull lunges. Other cardio work combines a mix of low & high impact/intensity work including: double step touch w/ a punch, jab- cross- knee- kick combo, lunges & squats into plyo versions, wide high knees, and low & high jacks.

I liked that part of the 12 second recovery is used for set up- no wasted time- quick recovery and back to work! These workouts move right along and you will work up a nice sweat in the 20 minutes. Time flys even combining 2. I rate these solid intermediates that (like all Firms) are really easy to modify up or down. These contain fun new moves so they are different from other Firms, but still athletic and combine strength & cardio work as Firms always have. The intro is quick and says "I am Gaiam" and moves right into the menu- so combining w/o's is pretty painless! I received these dvds to review.

Are you a Fitness DVD Star? Want to Win a Fitness DVD Production?

I heard about this really awesome opportunity from Fitness DVD Star to win a fitness dvd production contract! I would LOVE to do this! If you or anyone you know would be interested in creating your own fitness dvd- this is the perfect opportunity to win yourself a production contract (here)!!!! Sounds like a pretty easy process and an AWESOME opportunity:

Step One 

Enter contest November 1st. to 

Dec 31st., 2010

Step Two 

Promote your entry after video is posted

Step Three

Voting Begins January 1st., 2011 

Submitting sounds pretty darn easy: 
Simply send an email with the below information to: regan @ 208entertainment.ca

- Full Name

- Email Address: (will not be published)

- Where you are from 

- Occupation

- Photograph

- Link to video submission

Check out the website for more info!

Started My Firm Express Rotation!

Today: Started my Firm Express Rotation. So far I really like it! Its definitely different from other Firms, so I can really see getting some great results by shaking up my normal routine. I left my notes at home :( so I can't post my 1st few reviews today, but they will be up soon. Plan to do a 30 day rotation. The Firm was kind enough to send me a set to review!!!! Woohoo.

My initial impressions are: 

• Time goes by very quickly w/ these! Even combining 2- the 40 minutes flew by. 
• Definitely different from other Firms
• Solid intermediates, but like all Firms- ability to modify up or down very easily
• No dread- 8 second bursts are totally do-able but really got my heart rate up! 
• The 12 second rests were not overly long- some of the 12 seconds is used to set up for the next move (I really like that!)
• I can really see that these could produce results for me since they are quite different from anything Ive got.

Other Thoughts:

• My rotation plan is to do 2 Firm Express w/o's per day 6 days a week. 5 days a week I will add on 20 min of something else. This is the same total # of minutes Im currently working out so that wont change.
• As I already mentioned- the set comes w/ a nice detailed meal plan including recipes, calorie counts, and lots of options. I wont follow the plan exactly but will incorporate some recipes & ideas into my current plan (based off the old Firm 14 Day Diet)
• Obviously this is a bad week to start (hello Christmas!) so my eating wont be good- guaranteed. We will see what happens.
• I plan to take "before" and "after" photos (in the same outfit!) and measure tonight but probably wont post the pics LOL. No-one needs to see me in a sports bra & shorts hehe

Review: Exercise TV: Powerade Zero - Less is More Workout

Today's Review: Exercise TV: Powerade Zero - Less is More Workout
Cindy Whitmarsh, Lizbeth Garcia, Patrick Murphy, 2009

This dvd has a 30 min cardio w/o (Cindy Whitmarsh), 20 min pilates & 20 min yoga (Lizbeth Garcia), and 50 minutes of strength work divided into 10 minute sections by body part led by Patrick Murphy. The set is has a nice gym room feel to it. You wont need any props for any segments except the strength and for that you will need: dumbbells, stability ball, medicine ball, and a stretchy band.

Cardio: Cindy works out alone and starts with a nice kickboxing type warmup. The routine is built add on style and she does three 10ish minute routines- all athletic, fun & effective. The exercises include: burpee - pushup combo, quick feet, jumps, plyo squats w/ jabs, a spider move done on the floor, various punches & kicks, jogging, more burpees :) Mt. Climbers, skaters, ski jumps,  & ends w/ a quick stretch. As you can see some of the moves are challenging but all were fun & fresh- I like this section A LOT! Cindy is a great lead, solid to high intermediate.

Pilates: Lizbeth works out alone and leads us through a core & LB focused pilates routine. She usually shows a modified version & then moves into the more challenging move. Exercises include single & double leg stretch, lower back work, a donkey kick series, a pilates leg series, can can and other core work, &  plank series. I enjoyed this section & def felt it in my LB & core. Intermediate.

Yoga: Lizbeth works out alone-Most of the moves are in "series" & you do different variations of the moves in each series: sun salutation , warrior, balancing posture. You then do goddess star, criss cross, bridges, sideplanks, hi planks, etc. Low intermediate.

Strength: This section is divided up into Explosive Upper Body, Gold Medal Glutes & Legs, Camera Ready Core, A List Arms, and a 5 min w/u & c/d. Patrick leads all segments as a "personal trainer" with a lady performing the moves. I felt I got  a lot of bang for my buck here. He adds in a lot of balance work and cardio bursts to keep the intensity up. The lower body & core sections include some floor work and a lot of the lower body work is unweighted but you could easily grab weights. Solid to high intermediate. Lots of good unique stuff here.

This dvd has a ton of variety, great to do individual segments or combine for a 10-130 min workout. I know I will get a lot of use out it. Of course, there is a token Powerade Zero comment in each segment- but its bearable. I liked all the instructors- Cindy is a fav of mine, Patrick was great, Lizbeth was good but the yoga wasnt too exciting IMO. I did however really enjoy her pilates w/o. The cardio & strength segments were awesome! Im a huge fan of Exercise TV w/o's and this one did not disappoint! I received this dvd to review.

Chris Freytag 10 Pound Slimdown & Jeanette Jenkins Power Yoga Winners!

And the winner of Chris Freytag's 10 Pound Slimdown is Andrea who said "Two week turnaround cardio DVD!!!" Thank you so much for entering everyone, and a huge thanks to Chris Freytag who donated this kickbutt workout dvd!

And the lucky winner of Jeanettes Power Yoga is Linda, who said "I'd also like Cardio Dance" Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you to Jeanette Jenkins for donating this wonderful yoga dvd!


Both winners will be emailed and have 48 hours to claim her prize. 

Dance Off the Inches Country Line Dance Party Review

Sunday: Had a friend over for another craft session. I made a few more folders and some more Christmas cards. And of course, had fun chatting & catching up. Heres the cards, I will post the folders another day (gotta space out my pics, you know...) The snowflakes are a die cut & the ornaments are stamped & punched.

Today: I feel a little better about the postal mishap I posted about yesterday but still havent heard back from my poor VF secret santa. I guess I will go out today & shop for new gifts for my poor Japanese family. Sigh, but I should be thankful that this is my most pressing issue in life.


Today's Workout:
-10 Minute Solutions Rapid Results Fat Burner
-Dance Off the Inches Country Line Party (20 min)


Today' s Tip: Rev Your Metabolism -Never Skip Meals

Eat six small meals a day to avoid blood-sugar spikes and minimize urges to binge. Try to schedule meals at the same time each day. If you feed yourself well throughout the day, you'll learn to understand when your body truly needs food. You can't starve yourself and expect to make good choices at the next meal. Need a few healthy lunch ideas?  More on Shape here.



Today's Review: Dance Off the Inches Country Line Dance Party
Amy Blackburn, 2010 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This is a 40 min country line dance cardio workout led by Amy with 2 b/g'ers (one is Jen Galardi) in a cute studio looking set. The girls are wearing county themed attire. The w/o is broken up into 3 dances that flow together well. The dvd is chaptered so you can play all or select which dance you want to do. There is also a learn the moves tutorial. You won't need any props for this w/o.

While I wouldnt say this is really TIFTing- it is built add on style. Amy teaches a move and then combines it with new moves to create an entire line dance routine. The moves are actually fairly easy to catch onto- but not so basic that theyre boring. I didnt do the moves tutorial and did pretty good! And Im not into country, dancing, nor line dancing.

After the warmup the first dance is "Scoot Those Boots" and includes moves such as the sweep step into a grapevine, a hip twist (tapping your heels w/ your hand), shuffle forward into a jack type move, tush push, knee knocks, and a kick move.

"Ride 'Em Cowboy" starts w/ a saddle up (scoot forward), hip bumps, a yee-haw (heel kick while hopping), switch stomps, rock step, kick step, and a hip roll w/ an overhead lasso.

"Brand New Boyfriend Boogie" starts w/ a a rock step-recover-coaster step, pivot step, Southern swing (swing step), crazy horse (pony & hop), a high impact heel dig, grapvine w/a heel-toe-heel-toe, and finishes with a cooldown.

This routine was actually a ton of fun- and like I said, Im no dancer and not into country. If you are- I think you are in for a huge treat! There were a few "yee-haw's" & Amy has a "country" accent, but I didnt feel overly-"countried." Amy's a good instructor, cues well, and keeps the moves fun but not complicated. I also like how she incorporates a few higher intensity moves into the line dances without disrupting the "county line dance" feel. I would rate this a low intermediate w/o that could easily be modified up or down to suit your needs. Great for days when you really want to have fun while you workout. I received this dvd to review from Anchory Bay Fitness.

Today's LOLz: