Thursday, March 31, 2011

Michelle Dozois: The Ultimate Workout DVD Review




The Ultimate Workout 
Michelle Dozois, 2009


 This dvd offers two 30 minute workouts (one cardio and one strength) and a 15 min flexibility. Michelle works out with 2 background exercisers (one offering beginner mods) in a nice, bright, open set. Optional equipment includes: dumbbells, a high step, and gliding discs and Michelle offers no equipment modifications throughout. You can play all or select any section from the chaptered menu.

Ultimate Cardio Blast: After a fun warmup exercises include: bob & weave w/ punches, fast feet to pushups, knee pulls, jump ropes, pulsing lunge hops, quick-quick-slow hops, shuffle hops, ski jumps w/ a speed bag, jacks to plyo jacks, and flying jacks.  This is one of my favorite floor cardio routines- not boring or repetitive. Fun, high energy, and sweaty! Easy to modify up or down.

Ultimate Super Sculpting: After a quick active warmup, exercises includes: kettlebell swings, deadlift variations w/ lat row, 1 legged bridge, disc planks w/ knee pulls, bicep curls w/ hover squats, weighted tri dips, a thorough tricep series, disc pliets, disc lunges, step up (onto your high step) with an overhead press, low side lunges into weighted 1/2 moon, a tough pushup segment, low back work utilizing the discs, and ab work.  Love the multi muscle exercises. New fun combos w/out being overly complicated or awkward. Love the gliding disc work- adds in unique challenges.

Ultimate Flexibility: This is a seated, lying, and standing flexibilty stretch that utilizes a towel to enhance your stretches. Great to add on to one of the other workouts!

I would rate this dvd a solid to high intermediate that really accomplishes a lot in each segment. Michelle created this dvd to allow us to fit it all in: cardio, strength, and flexibility! It also allows us to customize our workout time & focus. Michelle is an EXCELLENT lead- great energy, great pace (no wasted time but not rushed), excellent cuing & form pointers! I received this dvd to review.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

GIVEAWAY: Kukuwa Move Your Boombsey: Adult - Dance Workout Review & Giveaway

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

Today's giveway is courtesy of Kukuwa Nuamah, the creator of the Kukuwa Dance Workouts. Kukuwa  is an internationally acclaimed African Dance Performer, Dance Choreographer Fitness Dance Instructor and Originator of Gye Nyame African Cultural Dance Company, and Kukuwa, LLC® of the Kukuwa Dance Workout. Kukuwa blends African soukous, makossa, and soca rhythms into a low impact, high energy cardiovascular, fun-filled energetic class that challenges and improves individuals' fitness abilities. Kukuwa teaches children, teens, and adults (both men and women) the techniques of African Cultural Dancing. 

Keep reading to find out how you can win your very own Kukuwa Move Your Boombsey: Adults - African Dance Workout!

Kukuwa Nuamah, 2011

This African dance workout dvd contains two 30 minute workouts: Intermediate and Advanced. Each workout contains a separately chaptered learn the moves tutorial. Kukuwa works out in a cute outdoor courtyard set with a group of male & female background exercisers. You won't need any equipment for this workout. Great upbeat music!

All the moves are authentic African dance moves – so while I may reference aerobic steps, those are as close a description I can provide to you so you can get a feel for the workout. Each song has its own little routine so there is very little TIFTing – which is great to prevent boredom & to keep things interesting & fun while shaking your boombsey! Both workouts contain mixed impact African dance moves.

Intermediate Workout: (30 minutes) After a fun dance warmup Kukuwa includes both vertical and horizontal movements with plenty of arm & head movements to get you moving & raise your heart rate. Exercises include: hops, skips, toe taps, hand rolls, shaking your boombsey, football shuffle, and many of the moves hit your core!

Advanced Workout: (30 minutes) After a great dance warmup Kukuwa again includes both vertical and horizontal movements with lots of arm & head movements to get you shaking your boombsey & get your heart rate up. Exercises include: chug, claps, skips, shoulder shrugs while moving your boombsey, knee ups w/ raise the roof arms, side knee ups, quick African sytle ham curls, etc. 

I would rate both workouts intermediate in terms of choreography and cardio level! Great upbeat energy & music- you can really tell Kukuwa is having a good time and doing something she is very passionate about. This is a very feel good workout- sure to leave you worked out & smiling. Great to adapt to a rebounder.  Received this dvd to review. 

Want to try this workout for yourself? Head on over to Kukuwa's website and pick yourself up a copy! Want to win a copy? Enter here:

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to her website and tell me something you learned along with your email address. And remember two entries = two comments so leave seperate comments for each entry. For example- you would leave 10 seperate comments for purchasing something. DONT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS- in your first comment.

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 10 Entries: Purchase something from Kukuwa THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought
  • 1 Entry: Friend request Kukuwa on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Fitness For the Rest of Us on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Leave a genuine comment on any post at Two Belles Fitness (come back & tell me which post you commented on)
  • 1 Entry: Share this giveaway on Facebook
  • 1 Entry: Follow my blog via GFC publicly. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link 
  • 1 Per Comment: Leave a genuine comment on any of my non-giveaway blog posts & link back to it here (up to 3 posts/comments total).
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 3X per day 1 hour apart)
  • 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
  • 1 Entry: Follow KukuwaDance on twitter
  • 1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
  • 3 Entries: Grab my button & add it to your blog
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 4/8 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on 4/10. The winner will be selected using random.org random number generator. Contest open to Everyone!

I received a sample of this product to review & giveaway. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. 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.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Fit Couture Shout Out, Michele Olson Interview, International Fitness Conference, Win an I-Pad & MORE!

Today: I've got a lot of cool things to post about today so none of the usual, but TONS of great info :)

Strength, Flexibilty, and Style in Perfect Harmony


I recently came across an awesome fitness apparel company: Fit Couture! They offer a huge selection of flattering yoga & fitness wear. They also offer FREE shipping on all standard orders. They have so many cute, flattering, and practical styles in all their fitness clothes. They even offer specialty sizing such as long & petite inseams.

Fit Couture has generously offered my readers 15% off their orders through the end of the week!! Use code BQEK4SUJ at checkout to receive your discount!!!


 I had the pleasure to try this fabulous Crossover Yoga Top
First- super cute, right!!!! LOVE this style! Super flattering and super comfy with TONS of support in all the right places. And the fabric is top notch, the right amount of stretch, and thickness. I am very impressed with the quality, style, and cut of my Crossover Yoga Top. I got it in royal blue, but it also comes in black, and red. And sizes vary from small to extra large in this particular top.

I found the Fit Couture website to be super user friendly and easy to navigate. Lots of great product shots with photos in various angles. The size & color options clearly laid out and each item offers detailed product descriptions. Adding items to your shopping cart or wishlist is also a snap!

Read my full Fit Couture write-up on Two Belles Fitness here. And find out more about Fit Couture on their website, on facebook, and on twitter. (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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.)


Michele Olson, PhD Interview: Fellow Belle, Maria & I (of Two Belles Fitness) had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Michele Olson! Here is my favorite question from our interview (click here to read our entire interview, including info on her involvement with the Firm Express system and potential upcoming dvd releases  from her!):


Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? When did you decide to pursue a career and doctorate in the field of health and fitness? What was your motivation?


A: Great question! I did not know what I wanted to do for the longest time! I was a collegiate tennis player and working on a business degree but, I just wasn’t inspired by business. In my heart, I loved physical education and my tennis coach, who was an excellent P.E. teacher. I started working out with the football team – it wasn’t that cool to work out as a tennis player when I was in college :) I soon started beating and outlasting other players who I had not beaten in the past. I wanted to learn more about sports conditioning – and…the rest as they say is “history.” I stayed in school and got a doctorate and learned how to be a researcher – to get at the “truth” about exercise and conditioning.
Win an I-Pad 
From Supreme 90 & Telebrands: 


Telebrands and Supreme 90 are giving away THIRTY I--Pads for the entire month of April (contest begins on March 28th). No purchase necessary to win! Head on over to the Supreme 90 website & check out their sweepstakes tab here for more info & complete legalities & such.
You can enter by: 
-Mailing in a postcard
-Purchasing a Supreme 90 set on their website

International Fitness Challenge:
This is an AWESOME fitness event I would LOVE to go! The International Fitness Challenge will take place on May 7th at L.A.'s Club Nokia


Five of the world’s top trainers (and some of my FAVORITE instructors); Jeanette Jenkins (kickboxing), Paul Katami (kettle bells), Amy Dixon (BOSU Training), Keith Irace (cardio), and Stephanie Vitorino (body sculpting) will push your body to the limit in this three hour circuit training event.
This premier engagement takes the high energy world of fitness and puts it on a collision course with the visual spectacle and audio excitement of a rock show. This is a “fitness concert” where you are the star. Live DJ’s, confetti cannons, a multi-million dollar light show, a mega watt state of the art sound system, and you start to get the idea that we’re taking fitness to a whole new level. This is fitness cranked up to 10. Get more info on their website, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. If any of you go- please send me a recap so I can live vicariously through you :)

Monday, March 28, 2011

GIVEAWAY: Attitude Ballet & Pilates Fusion Review & Giveaway

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

This giveaway is courtesy of Bernadette Giorgi who is a certified Pilates Instructor, teacher trainer, and the star of a Pilates video series  AND she has maintained an EIGHTY lb weight loss- can't get more inspiring than that! Keep reading to find out how you can win her Attitude Ballet & Pilates Fusion Workout!

Bernadette is the creator of the just b method, Pilates & Movement Arts. Moving away from intense drill centered workouts; Giorgi's "just b method" uses the ease of movement found in Pilates to motivate her clients toward healthier lifestyle choices. Pilates invigorates the body by drawing from a range of "mind/body" disciplines that offer a workout to heighten body awareness.

Review: Attitude Ballet & Pilates Fusion
Bernadette Giorgi, 2009 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This dvd offers two 40ish minute ballet & pilates fusion workouts. Bernadette works out with 5 background exercisers in a studio w/ hardwood floors. The dvd is chaptered very well w/in each workout and offers various premixes. a small weighted ball is optional for these workouts.

Bernadette does a fantastic job of creating a unique fusion of standing ballet & pilates with pilates mat work. I love the addition of the weighted ball to amp up the work. This workout is graceful and flows fantastically. Really hits the core & offers some nice balance challenges.

Workout One: (40 min) Starts with a flowing standing ballet series with plenty of pliets and pliet variations that include lots of good upper body movements as well. You then move into a standing series utilizing the ball and she adds in upper body strength work allowing your heartrate to raise. Exercises include: pliet and bicep curl, pliet & shoulder raise, static lunges & tricep extensions, etc. You then move to the mat for focused pilates core work with and without the ball.

Workout Two: (38 min) You begin with a standing ballet series that includes a nice pliet series and lots of standing pilates leg work such as leg circles and heel taps. You then begin the standing ball section where you will perform dips, glute lifts and lots of good balance work. You conclude this workout with pilates mat work to hit your core. You use the ball in many of pilates inspired floor exercises such as pilates bike, leg drops, crunching leg extensions, etc.

I rate this an intermediate workout that is really suitable for most all fitness levels. Bernadette offers wonderful form pointers & her cuing is excellent. These workouts really flow well and will definitely hit your muscles in a new way. Invigorating workout that leaves you well worked and without leaving you wanting to cry. Tons of time options- great in part, in whole, or added on to other workouts! I received this dvd to review.

Want to try this workout for yourself? Head on over to the just b method webiste and pick yourself up a copy! Want to win a copy? Enter here:

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to her 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. For example- you would leave 10 seperate comments for purchasing something. DONT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS- IF I CANT CONTACT YOU, YOU CANT WIN :(

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 10 Entries: Purchase something from the just b method THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought
  • 1 Entry: Like Just B Pilates on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Fitness For the Rest of Us on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness (my new joint venture blog) on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Head on over to Two Belles Fitness & leave a comment (dont forget to report back here)
  • 1 Entry: Share this giveaway 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 
  • 1 Entry: Follow just b method on twitter
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 3X per day 1 hour apart)
  • 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
  • 1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
  • 3 Entries: Grab my button & add it to your blog (leave a link to your blog)
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on  4/8 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on 4/10. The winner will be selected using random.org random number generator. 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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sunday Snippets!

Today: Hope you are all having a nice weekend! I have some mini-reviews below for a few dvds & a book that I have recently come across.

Today's Tip: Better For Your Fruit: Bananas
105 calories per medium banana. Bananas, with their stick-to- your-ribs texture, are often wrongly accused of being fattening. But new research proves their innocence: Findings reveal that the yellow guys contain "resistant starch," a type of fiber that your body digests more slowly, which keeps blood sugar stable and leaves you feeling satisfied longer, says Grotto. Just be sure to pick a firm banana that's still a little green. Like any fruit, its starches morph into sugars during the ripening process, making the banana sweeter and more caloric. More on Womens Health Mag here

Mega-fit Momma
Jillian Moriarty, 2011

This is a 40 minute pre and postnatal workout that combines yoga, pilates and breathing work. This dvd is safe for all trimesters and great for new moms bouncing back into their fitness routines-or starting new ones! I love the idea of pregnancy workouts because (though Ive never been pregnant) I think its important to stay active during your pregnancy.

Jillian includes physical therapy tips so you can get the most "bang for your dvd buck" in this workout. She also provides various modifications for all fitness & pregnancy levels. This dvd is part of an entire line of dvd and fitness products focused on moms & kids! More info can be found on her website here. I received this dvd to review.

PILATES! A Gentle Formula To A Strong Body
Risa Sheppard, 2011

Risa leads this 60 min pilates dvd that is broken down into two 30 minute workouts. Both workouts include strength work, flexibility exercises, and flowing movements that are important to all our fitness routines. Risa focuses on gentle movements that strengthen & lengthen the body and really hit the core in both workouts.

Risa is the creator of the Sheppard method and teaches pilates class in her private studio in CA. She has been teaching pilates for over 30 years!!! Impressive. You can find more info about Risa and her Sheppard Method on her website here. I received this dvd to review.

Sex Matters so...Get Sexually Healthy The Natural Way
Dr Lynn Anderson, 2010


This book focuses on another aspect of health- sexuality. Dr. Lynn tells readers how they can be healthy from the inside out by being naturally healthy focuxing on their sexuality. In this book Dr. Lynn shows us how we can boost our self esteems and improve our body images.


She also discusses such topics as weight loss, attitude, diet and exercise, looking and feeling youthful, making money, being successful, how to become sexy, find our passions and much more. You can find out more about this book on her website here. I received this book to review. 


Today's LOLz:



WINNERS: Cardiopump Fusion, Tracie Long Fitness, & Supreme 90!

The winner of the Tracie Long Focus: Breakthrough dvd is Linda Kish who said..."I would like to try the Defined Lines."


And the winner of Brook Benten Cardiopump Fitness Cardiopump Fusion dvd is Giant Sis who said..."checked out the Kettlebell Tutorial and learned that when selecting a Kettlebell, it is recommended that women begin training with a kettlebell between 10-20-pounds. I didn't know that!"



Congrats to kellyrivers who said..."I learned that the meal plan is said to incorporate foods you already keep in your kitchen, making it easier to start." She is the winner of the entire Supreme 90 Set!

Everyone has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond & claim their fantastic prizes. Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thank you to Brook Benten, Tracie Long, and Supreme 90  for sponsoring these awesome giveaways! Check out my current giveaways here.

Winners: If you have a blog- feel free to add my button! It would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Ellen Barret Fusion Flow Review





Today's Review: Fusion Flow
Ellen Barrett, 2009 

This is a 45 minute "seamless yoga, calisthenics, and meditative breathing" workout led by Ellen in a nice open ballet studio type set. Ellen works out with two background exercisers, one showing beginner modifications. You wont need any equipment for this workout. The dvd flows from section to section & not broken into segments but is well chaptered into:

Half Moon Stretch: Exercises include- pliet series with plenty of variations and arm circles, static pliets, and 1/2 moons. Some of the work in this section will raise your heart rate.

Rib Cage Reach Series: Exercises include - rib cage zig zags, side shifts w/ airplane arms, pliet- lunge (a burst), and turnings squat w/ arm cirlces. This section focuses on strengthening while stretching.

Dancer Lunge Series: Exercises include - lunge/ kick, pendulum leg & arm swings (balance), punches, backstroke, cobra plank/ pushups, shifting childs pose, etc. Include a good mix of standing & seated strengthening stretches.

Seated Side: Moves include - seated pretzel, side plank modifications w/ stretching, mermaid diamond pushups, mermaid one arm pushups, and windmill. Great oblique work!

Finishing Mat Work: Exercises include V knee drops, V leg extensions, and thigh butterfly flutters. This section hits the core & acts as the cooldown stretch.

I rate this a solid beginner workout that is really suitable for all fitness levels. This is a great workout for days when you want a light or no equipment toning workout that includes plenty of strengthening stretches. Its perfect for those days when you are still sore from your last toning w/o but its a yet again a strength day. Ellen is a fantastic lead and provides excellent cuing & form advice. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit: 
Ellen Barrett on YouTube
Ellen Barrett on Twitter

Friday, March 25, 2011

GIVEAWAY: Tracie Long: Longevity: Leaning Out Review & Giveaway

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


Today's giveaway is courtesy one of my all time favorite instructors- Tracie Long! Keep Reading to find out how you can win a copy of Tracie's Longevity: Leaning Out dvd!!! This workout is to me, very reminiscent of Firms of long ago (YAY!).

Building on her roots from the FIRM and decades of experience in the industry, teaching, managing and marketing fitness, Tracie has developed her LONGevity series with women like herself in mind. Busy, family oriented career women who often neglecti their own goals for health and longevity.


Review: Longevity: Leaning Out
Tracie Long, 2010

Tracie leads this 50 min AWT workout in a cute brick gym looking set with no background exercisers. You will need dumbbells and ankle weights for this workout. The dvd includes shorter workout options.

This workout is mostly strength work but includes some mid-impact cardio bursts. Most of the strength moves are unique combinations of exercises that get your heartrate up there. You begin with a nice warmup, move into standing strength & cardio work, then move to the floor for more toning, core work and a stretch. She does a great job of adding in functional fitness, cardio, strength, core, and balance work. She combines the exercises in unique ways with smooth transitions and varies tempos to keep everything interesting.

Strength Exercises include: sumo squats w/ hi pull, balancing rear delt fly, around the world lunge combo, functional lunge while picking up and curling or pressing dumbbell over head, pliet w/ bicep pumps, deadlift variations, etc. Cardio Work includes: shuffles, jacks, skiing, jogging, kicks, etc. Floor Work includes: diving pushups, push up to side plank w/ dumbbell pull, lying spinal work, unique lying leg work w/ ankle weights, bridge kicks, V sit w/ rotation, heel touches, etc and concludes with a stretch.

I rate this a solid intermediate workout. If you are a fan of Tracie and/or Firms of day's past- you will LOVE this. Very smooth transitions with no wasted time- she moves right into the next set of exercises. No fancy footwork- all easy to follow and fun to do! Tracie's cuing and form, as always, are impeccable. She does a fantastic job of creating fun, high energy workouts! I received this dvd to review.


Want to try this workout for yourself? Head on over to Tracie's website and pick yourself up a copy! Want to win a copy? Enter here:

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to her website and tell me something you learned along with your email address. And remember two entries = two comments so leave seperate comments for each entry. For example- you would leave 10 seperate comments for purchasing something. DONT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in your 1st entry.


Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 10 Entries: Purchase something from Tracie THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought
  • 1 Entry: like Tracie Long Fitness on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Fitness For the Rest of Us on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness on facebook (my new joint venture blog)
  • 2 Entries: Head on over to Two Fit Belles & leave a comment on any post (come back & tell me which post you commented on)
  • 1 Entry: Share this giveaway on Facebook
  • 1 Entry: Follow my blog via GFC publicly. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link 
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to my blog (up to 3X per day 1 hour apart)
  • 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
  • 1 Entry: Follow Tracie Long on twitter
  • 1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
  • 3 Entries: Sign up for Tracies newsletter here (bottom center of page)
  • 3 Entries: Grab my button & add it to your blog
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 4/1 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on 4/3. Contest open to U.S. Residents!

I received a sample of this product to review & giveaway. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. 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.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Jari Love: Get Extremely Ripped Bootcamp Review



Jari Love, 2010 

Jari leads this 76 min. bootcamp w/o with 5 backgrounders in a dark set w/ spotlights. Jari performs the moves at a high intermediate level and the b/g'ers show intensity modifications- one does the cardio on a bike (nice option for those w/ cardio equipment). You will only need dumbbells for this workout. The dvd is chaptered very well & you can choose from various premixes.

Before each segment a screen comes up with a healthy living tip & announces the next exercise and what poundage each exerciser is using. The last 30 seconds of each exercise is counted down w/ an on screen timer. All the exercises are bootcamp in nature- i.e. nothing complicated, no fancy choreo. The dvd is circuit style and each circuit starts w/ ab work, then multi-muscle strength moves, and finishes with high intensity cardio. Each exercise is performed for 3 minutes! Jari does a great  job of making each tough 3 minute block do-able. She takes out the arms for a while and then add them back in, or does 3 reps of high intensity w/ 1 rep of low intensity, etc.

Exercises include: hopping moguls w/ a tap, crawling pushups, plank rows & kneeling back rows (unique!), crab walk- tri dip- glute lift- hand tap to toe, lunge-bicep- Arnold press, deep lunge w/ shoulder press, reverse crunch & pike, front raise- lunge & side squat, chest & tricep press, jump rope,  V sit rowers, quick quick slow plyo lunges, jack & tuck jumps, etc.

I'm going to come right out and say I am typically not a Jari fan. This is the 3rd w/o Ive tried from her SO I was surprised that I really enjoyed the workout! Done following Jari I rate this an intermediate/ advanced w/o. Follow a mod for an easier or more challenging workout. I found the workout enjoyable, unique, and challenging! I like the 3 min blocks- you can really focus on the moves & push yourself. If you are a Jari fan- you'll like this one. If youre not- give it a try, you just may surprise yourself! I received this dvd to review.



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

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

GIVEAWAY: Bios Pedometer Review & Giveaway Courtesy of 13Deals.Com!

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


Have you been to 13Deals.com lately? Every day they off 13 fabulous items at deeply discounted prices! Their products range from health & fitness items, household products, children's goods, clothing, electronics, outdoor & camping items, and MORE! Deals change as items sell- so if you see something you like -grab it! Many items come with free shipping, and some offer super cheap shipping (like $2.99). And the more you buy- the cheaper your shipping gets! DH & I check out 13Deals DAILY because we never know what we will find!

Keep reading to find out how you can win your very own Bios Pedometer courtesy of 13Deals (MSRV $54.99 but ONLY $15.99 on 13Deals!). This pedometer works very well and is really accurate even during my workouts. What I really love about it is that you can put it anywhere- on your shoe, in your pocket, in your purse, clipped on your waistband, around your neck- ANYWHERE and it still accurately registers your steps. Its offers a sleek look and is very compact. It comes with an instruction booklet, battery, clip, and strap! This is a great alternative to spendy & often inaccurate heart rate monitors- you can gauge which dvds or workouts provide you with more steps. Its really a great easy way to gauge your movement throughout your day and push yourself further the next day!

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to 13Deals.com and tell me something you learned along with your email address. And remember two entries = two comments so leave separate comments for each entry. For example- you would leave 5 separate comments for reblogging this. And DONT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in your 1st comment.


 Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 1 Entry: Like13Deals on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Fitness For the Rest of Us on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Two Belles Fitness (my new joint venture blog) on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Check out 13Deals and tell me which deal of the day you would like to own
  • 1 Entry: Follow my blog publicly via GFC. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link 
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to this post (up to 3X per day 1 hour apart)
  • 1 Entry: Follow 13Deals on Twitter
  • 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
  • 1 Entry per giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
  • 1 Entry: Vote in my poll (upper right sidebar)
  • 3 Entries: Add my button to your blog & dont forget to leave a link here
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 4/1 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on 4/3. Contest open to contiguous US and not an APO address (PO Boxes are fine).

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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Jill Miller Yoga Tune Up: Quick Fix Rx Review





Today's Review: Yoga Tune Up: Quick Fix Rx
Jill Miller, 2010 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 130 minute two disc set that is chaptered extremely well. Each body area specific segment has a shorter and longer w/o and each has a brief intro chapter that explains the upcoming exercises & their benefits. Jill leads this workout alone in a living room. Recommended equipment includes: yoga block, strap, and Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls- but Jill offers equipment substitutions as well.

The sections included on these dvds are: neck, shoulders, upper back, hands wrists & elbows, lower back, hips, feet and ankles, and stress relief. Very handy menu so you can pick and choose the sections depending on which body area is troubling you. The exercises are performed sitting on the floor or chair, standing, and lying.

In my opinion, this is more of a physical therapy session than a yoga workout (in a GOOD way!). Though she does include yoga inspired moves that target specific body areas. I have sometimes serious neck issues and nothing ever seems to help, until I found this dvd. I am seriously kicking myself for not getting it sooner. I really like the format -the intro is separate so once youve done the w/o a few times you can just select the w/o directly from the main menu. And the fact that each body area has a shorter (5ish min) and a longer (10ish minutes) option- do them separately depending on your time availability or combine them for even more therapy.

Its hard to rate this workout because like I said- its more like a heavenly physical therapy session than a workout-but I will say intermediate and appropriate for ALL fitness levels. Jill is obviously very knowledgeable and really knows her stuff! She provides lots of great information on how to properly perform each exercise, tells us which muscle were targeting and why it will help alleviate our pain. I like her personality and look forward to more from her.


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Monday, March 21, 2011

GIVEAWAY: Xtend Barre: Lean & Chiseled Review & Giveway

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

This giveaway is courtesy of Andrea Leigh Rogers of Xtend Barre Andrea is also the lead of the 10 Minute Solutions Dance Yourself Thin Kit (see my review here) and of 10 Minute Solutions Quick Sculpt Pilates Kit. Xtend Barre: Lean & Chiseled is available on the Xtend Barre website, the Acacia website, and of course Collage Video, Total Fitness dvds, and Amazon. 


Review: Xtend Barre: Lean & Chiseled
Andrea Leigh Rogers, 2010 ***** (4.5 stars of 5)

This is a 55 minute ballet inspired workout done at a nice quick tempo. Andrea works out in a large open white room with 2 background exercises. Both backgrounders show modifications- advanced or beginner, with Andrea performing the intermediate level. You will need a chair (or ballet barre), and a light pair of dumbbells (1-3#'s).

The dvd is nicely chaptered- you can play all or select a section. Sections include: a 6 min warmup,11 min upper body, 23 min barre, 10 min core, and a 5 min cooldown Also included are: a tutorial, bonus clips, and more. The warmup is a nice active ballet style movements & the cooldown is a limber stretch segment. A lot of the moves hit the core (love it) and she includes plenty of balance work (need it!) making this a very well rounded workout.

Upper Body: Using 1-3 pound weights you perform standing ballet postures with: arm circles, arm crosses, pliet reach, etc. Then move to the floor for 1 legged tricep pushups, modified pushups, plank shifts, etc.

Barre: Using a chair or ballet barre you perform standing ballet moves such as: pliet heel lifts with an optional hop, pliets from 1st to 2nd position, front attitude, inner thigh sweep to wide pliet, C-curve closed leg squats w/ a heel lift, an active pliet series w/ an optional hop, ballet style lunge series, curtsy to leg extensions, glute raise series, outer thigh lifts. leg circles, etc.

Core: On the mat core focused work includes: ankles crossed leg drops, V-twists, scissor leg drops w/ a twist, oblique leg drops, extended leg situps, side planks, twisting teasers, etc.

I would rate this solid intermediate done following Andrea. Follow a mod and/or adjust your poundage to vary the intensity of your workout. Andrea provides excellent cuing & form pointers & obviously knows her stuff! I love that the pace of this workout- quick enough to get your heart pumping a bit but still controlled movements. I really like Andrea & look forward to more workouts from her. I like that while this is an elegant ballet style workout, its still a bit athletic and very flowing. If you liked Tracey Mallets- Booty Barre, you will also love this!

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to the Xtend Barre website and tell me something you learned along with your email address. And remember two entries = two comments so leave separate comments for each entry. For example- you would leave 5 separate comments for reblogging this. And DONT FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in your 1st comment.


 Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):
  • 1 Entry: Like Xtend Barre on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Like Fitness For the Rest of Us on facebook
  • 1 Entry: Check out Acacia and tell me which dvd you would like to own
  • 1 Entry: Follow my blog publicly via GFC. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
  • 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link 
  • 2 Entries: Check out my review of Andrea's 10 MS Dance Your Body Thin, leave a comment there, then come back & tell me what you said.
  • 1 Per Tweet: Tweet about this giveaway w/ a link to this post (up to 3X per day 1 hour apart)
  • 1 Entry: Follow Xtend Barre on Twitter
  • 1 Entry: Follow me on twitter
  • 1 Entry per giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways here.
  • 1 Entry: Vote in my poll (upper right sidebar)
  • 3 Entries: Add my button to your blog & dont forget to leave a link here
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 4/1 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and announced on 4/3. 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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.