Friday, January 31, 2014

NEW From Cindy Whitmarsh: UFIT Ultra Lean Review

UFIT Ultra Lean
Cindy Whitmarsh, 2013

This dvd contains two 20 minute workouts. Cindy leads in a gym set with 4 backgrounders one showing beginner modifications. You will need dumbbells for this dvd. Each workouts warmup is built into the workout. I enjoyed the music.

Upper Body Bliss: This workout is comprised of three min circuits with one minute of cardio & 2 min of strength. Exercises include fast feet & jab, pushups, kneeling chest press, jump roper, front & side raise with a knee raise, fast feet down to burpees, jacks & hooks, burpee to squat clean & press, cross lunge & chop, fast & slow moguls, dip & cross punch, kneeling tri extensions, ti dips, plank moguls & knee tucks, superman, plank rows, and concludes with a cooldown & stretch.

Lower Body Blast: This workout is comprised of three min circuits with one minute of cardio & 2 min of strength. Exercises include fast feet & up & over, pliet & pivot side lunges, skater, deadlift variations, fast & slow moguls, low runners lunge, forward & back squat jumps, jog & hi knee run, 1 leg bridge pulses, butt burner knee pull ins and concludes with a quick stretch.

This is an intermediate routine, the UB being a bit more challenging than the LB routine in  my opinion. Cindy has a great perky attitude & provides great form pointers. The exercises are athletic & easy to follow. If you are a fan of Cindy, athletic moves, & timed intervals this is a great workout for you. Easy to do individually or to combine for a longer workout. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit: 
Cindy Whitmarsh Fitness on Facebook
Cindy Whitmarsh on twitter

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. 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

BioTerra Herbs: Herbal Remedies that Really Work!

As you know, I love natural products and green companies, so it is NO wonder that I am in love with BioTerra Herbs. All of their products are vegan, 100% natural, and their herbs are perfectly engulfed in vegetarian capsules. They provide healthy, drug free supplements that are as active as you are. I love using herbal products and love that BioTerra herbs really work. Their company believes in honesty, eco-sustainability and they watch out for the planet! Love me a green company.
I had the pleasure of reviewing two of BioTerra Herbs all natural products: Sleep & Stress. I went ahead and brought the entire box of Stress to work to share with my co-workers. We could all use a little stress refief and I feel good about sharing natural drug free products that really work. I really love the Sleep blend that promotes natural sleep. Sometimes my brain takes over & doesnt allow my body to fall asleep- thats where Sleep comes in. With natural herbs such as Chinese Salvia and Turmeric, you can feel good about taking them and you can sleep well while taking them! 

All the BioTerra Herbs have fun names Z-Z-Z, Shush, and Ahh this is an awesome company with awesome products. Their complete lines includes all natural herbal remedies for snoring, stress, sleeplessness, cough & throat, detoxing, immunity, and digestion. I am excited to try their digestion formula because we all know how important our gut is. With a healthy gut, we can get fewer colds, and have all around better health and with BioTerra Herbs we can do it naturally! Herbs are the way to go. One way to easily cut the amount of chemicals in our day and from our bodies. 

BioTerra Herbs are available online and soon to come to a store near you! Be sure to check them out online so you can get healthy natural remedies to all that ails you. Their products are gluten free & GMO free! It just keeps getting better with this funky & fabulous company and all their wonderful herbs!

For More Information, Visit: 
BioTerra Herbs online
BioTerra Herbs on Facebook 
BioTerra Herbs on Twitter
BioTerra Herbs on Pinterest

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The FIRM Zip Trainer Review: Firm & Cardio Upper Body



The FIRM: Zip Trainer Firm & Cardio Upper Body
Emily Welsh, 2013

This dvd contains one 12 min cardio, one 12 min upper body, a warm up and a cool down which can be combined or played individually. You will need your Zip Trainer, both core balls, and dumbbells for this dvd. Emily leads with 2 exercisers, one showing beginner mods & one showing some advanced mods.

Upper Body: This workout contains three 30 second short bursts followed by 30 seconds of active recovery. Exercises include: KB core ball swing on the dome, core ball concentration curl & row on dome, burpees to dome, single arm core ball tri work, triceps pushups, pushups on dome leaning back in between, plank ball pull in, and V sit core ball pull in.

Cardio:  This workout contains three 30 second short bursts followed by 30 seconds of active recovery. Exercises include: lunge to & dip off the dome holding the core ball, core ball KB swing, hi knees, hop scotch, plyo mountain climbers, using the fully loaded ZT: burpee progressions, squat & overhead press, frog hops, & climber hop ups. 

I rate this an intermediate routine. Emily does a great job of encouraging and providing form reminders. i love all of the unique ways to use the dome, it really adds a nice balance challenge and provides a functional feel to the workouts. I like the 7 lb ball so I vote the upgrade package is well worth the money- and the additional dvds provide an excellent variety. I received this dvd to review. 

(dome - unzipped flat on floor, ZT - zipped Zip Trainer w/ or w/out a core ball, core ball - just the core ball, S+C - strength & cardio, C+S - cardio & strength, AMP -as many as possible)


For More Information, Visit: 
The FIRM on the web
The FIRM on Facebook
The FIRM on Twitter

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.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Amenzone Rebel Xtreme DVD 2 Review


 Amenzone dvds are athletic boot camp style workouts utilize big tires for fun, functional, and tough workouts! They feature strength, cardio & core work with unique exercises. I dont have a tire at home (like most of you lol) so I used my FIRM Zip Trainer 12 lb ball, you could easily use any med ball, dumbbells, or nothing at all! The DVDs show exercisers using just their body weight with no fitness equipment and exercisers using the tire. Amenzone was created by Amen Iseghohi with a focus on body, mind, and back to basics workouts that WORK! You can buy the workouts, view clips learn more on Amenzone Fitness DVD. If you live in CA or AZ - check out their website for a gym near you! Click on my "Amenzone Fitness" link in my header to see all my Amenzone posts.

Amenzone Rebel Xtreme DVD 2
Amen Iseghohi, 2013

Amen works out with a group of exercisers, some using a tire & some just their own body weight. They work out in a gym set w/ a DJ. You will need an optional tire (I used my Firm Zip Trainer, you could easily use dumbbells, or a med ball) or just use your own body weight. This is a  57 min core, cardio, & strength routine. 

Each exercise is performed for 30-60 seconds followed by an active boxing recovery. Two exercises are performed three times each. After a quick stretch, you move right into: soccer drill & tuck jumps, explosive pushups with your feet on the tire, frog hops with your hands on the tire, shuffle holding the tire overhead, bear craw, tri dips off the tire, diamond pushups with your feet on the tire, lunge with tire torso twist, squat & overhead tire press, knee to elbow pushups, crab walk, tire row, down dog pushups, squat & kick w/ overhead tire press, pivot lunge & tire rotation, and concludes with floor core work:  tire roll in & out to plank, plank tire tap, V sit knee pull ins with the tire overhead, and leg raises holding the tire overhead and a stretch.  Non-tire mods are shown for all exercises.


I rate this a low advanced workout if you keep moving during the active recovery segments. It really packed a punch using the 12 lb Zip Trainer in place of the tire. Amen provides form reminders & has a very positive & encouraging training style. Love the use of the tire for a real functional feel with no boredom or dread. Love the dvds, hoping for more soon! I am really enjoying the live classes at the gym which are even more challenging than the dvds.  I received this dvd to review. 


For More Information, Visit: 
Amenzone on the web
Amenzone on Facebook
Amenzone on Twitter
Amenzone on Pinterest
Amenzone on YouTube
Amenzone on Google +

I received samples of these dvds to review; I joined the gym on my own, and paid for the membership myself. 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.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Skinnygirl Bars: Healthy Just Got Delicious!

New from Skinnygirl is On the Go Bars available in Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Multi-Grain Pretzel. Both delicious, both satisfying, and both from a brand we all know & love Skinnygirl! I had the pleasure of reviewing both flavors and they are both amazing! Keep reading to learn all about these yummy bars.  

Skinnygirl brand now lets you Indulge in a low calorie snack bar that also gives you energy on the go. Perfect for before your workout, for a quick afternoon snack, or even breakfast on the go! Skinnygirl Daily snack bars are gluten free, only 180 calories, and packed with fiber and protein.  Made with real ingredients such as gluten free rolled oats, soy, dark chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, brown rice syrup, walnuts, bananas and more - you can feel good about eating one of these delicious bars. They are very filling, moist & full of healthy ingredients you can taste. 

We all know how important proper fuel is and it can be hard to snack healthy while on the run. Well not anymore, keep a Skinnygirl On the Go Bar in your gym bag, your desk drawer, and your kitchen cabinet for all your snacking emergencies. Easily satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the calorie bank- check out the impressive nutritional stats below:



For More Information, Visit: 
Skinnygirl online
Skinnygirl on Facebook 
Skinnygirl on Twitter
Skinnygirl on Pinterest

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.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Interview with Professional Dancer Heather Graham (10-22-2012)

The Belles recently had the pleasure of reviewing Heather Graham”s new 10 Minute Solution: Cardio Hip Hop dvd  from Anchor Bay Fitness. Despite both of our lack of dancing abilities we really enjoyed the workout and were very excited with the opportunity to “interview” her. Keep reading to learn more about Heather:

Belles: For those of that are just discovering you, can you please tell us a little about your fitness background?
Heather: I started as a gymnast and continued my athletic world training as a professional dancer and acrobat.  i trained at a performing arts high school.  I later traveled the world as a dancer and aerialist on cruise ships.  I knew that Los Angeles had a lot to offer so i moved out here in 2007 where I continued my dance and acrobatics but also took on a new passion and love for the fitness world.  I can be seen in many fitness dvds, infomercials, and print work for Body By Jake, Leslie Sansone, Jennifer Galardi, Met-Rx 180, 10 Minute Solution: Cardio Hip Hop in which I hosted the video myself.
Belles: We really enjoyed your new 10 Minute Solution Cardio Hip Hop dvd. Is this representative to the types of workouts you typically do?
Heather: Since I am a professional dancer I get a lot of my toning and strength building from high intensity cardio workouts.  i wanted to put together a cardio hip hop dvd to make it a fun and enjoyable way to dance with out even realizing you’re burning calories and getting your body in shape. Plus, dancers know their body very well so teaching people how to move and get to know their body allows them to feel sexy and beautiful in the comfort of their own home.
Belles: We believe in having fun while working out, how do you keep your workout routines fun & fresh?
Heather: Having fun is my main priority while working out too.  i picked 5 different styles of dancing and selected all the hottest, new moves!! I/m continuously evolving in the dance world so I’m always up to date on what’s new and hot!  This dvd is packed with the latest and greatest, hottest dance moves out there!
Belles: What motivated you to team up with 10 Minute Solutions and create the Cardio Hip Hop DVD?
Heather: I was approached from the 10 Minute Solution’s producer after working with Leslie Sansone.  Once they realized that I was a dancer we found the perfect dvd for me to create.  i have learned a lot in the dance world about how to transform your body so it was no brainer once the opportunity was placed in front of me.  It is my pleasure to open peoples’ eyes up to the world of dance and help be their motivation to work hard and get the body they’ve always wanted.  My motivation comes from knowing that I can help make a difference in someone’s life.  Getting them to their goals fulfills my spirit 100%
Belles: Do you have plans for any future DVDs? If so, will they also be dance inspired?
Heather: i live and breath dancing every day and it will always be a major aspect in my life.  It has made me into the person i am today and i am forever grateful!  Dancers always have such beautiful bodies which is a testimony in itself.  So why not incorporate dance moves into your workout to help make it fun and enjoyable! Everyone wants to be able to dance!  Dancing will always be right by my side and will almost always be involved in everything i am a part of.
For More Information, Visit:
The 10 Minute Solutions Website
The Anchor Bay Website
Anchor Bay on TwitterAnchor Bay on FaceBook

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Interview with Fitness Pro Chris Freytag (4-25-2011)

The Belles have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Chris Freytag!!!! We are both huge fans of her Prevention workouts and her Exercise TV 10 Pound Slimdown workout so we were beyond thrilled to have the chance to hear & share her insights!!!


Chris Freytag is a health and fitness expert, trainer, blogger, author and motivational speaker. She has been teaching fitness classes and personal training for over 20 years.  She is a contributing editor and fitness expert for Prevention Magazine ; the fitness contributor for the NBC affiliate KARE 11, in Minneapolis; and sits on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Exercise . Chris has authored 5 books; has created dozens of fitness DVD’s; is a top trainer for Exercise TV; and sells her signature line of healthy kitchen and fitness products on QVC . Most important, is Chris’ family ….her husband of 21 years and their three children ages 19, 17 and 14- (Uhm Chris has 3 children & one of them is 19 years old??? Check out her abs!!!!! AMAZING!)
  • Belles: Rumor has it you are working on another 10# Slimdown, can you give any details at this time? (woot woot- cant wait for these!)
  • Chris: Yes – I’m so excited – the 10# Slim down Xtreme will be coming summer or fall – don’t know yet  – but if you like the original 10# Slim down, the Xtreme will have more workouts, longer workouts, an added cardio workout and other great stuff!

  • Belles: Any other new project ideas on the horizon?
  • Chris: Always working with Prevention Magazine – I have a feature story coming in July.  Always on QVC – selling my kitchen products and fitness products.

  • Belles: You have produced quite a few workouts. Do you have a favorite? (ours too!)
  • Chris: Honestly, the 10# Slim down is my favorite because they are truly workouts that are similar to my live classes.  I teach at Life Time Fitness in Minnesota and we have big classes …60 + people squeeze in the aerobic room.  I teach circuit class several times a week and I use many of the same exercises in my live classes.  I always try new tuff out on my classes to see how they like it before I put it in a video.    I love working with Exercise TV because they trust me to create the workout I like not the workout they like.  When you can totally be yourself – it’s always so much better!

  • Belles: This past winter has been quite a challenge for much of the country. How does leading an active lifestyle, and more importantly functional fitness, help prepare someone to deal with the snowfall?
  • Chris: Well yeah – could there have been more snow this winter?….I live in Minneapolis and we had record snow this year and COLD!   I always tell my classes without them, I’d be 10 lbs heavier (ha, ha)  - The accountability of working out with someone else is key in the doldrums of winter…..I have to go to class because I’m teaching.  My members come because they are meeting other friends or it’s their habit.   Also – winter can require heavy lifting…..I wore my heart rate monitor shoveling after the first big snow and burned more calories than a normal hour long workout …..Lunging, squatting and lifting can prepare your body for all of the shoveling and plowing.    Also – snow shoeing is a crazy good workout- great way to strengthen your legs.

  • Belles: Now that spring and the warmer weather is around the corner, does your fitness program change with the seasons? (WISH we could join the outdoor bootcamp class!!!)
  • Chris: Absolutely!  I am a group fitness lover year round.  But I add a few outdoor boot camp classes to my weekly schedule in the spring/summer – there is something amazing about fresh air and nature — I love it.  I am also a runner and walker – I love to get outside….I shouldn’t live in cold weather but my kids love it!

  • Belles: What is your favorite exercise genre? (us too!!!)
  • Chris: That’s the problem – I love so many!!!  I love to kickbox, strength train, spin, yoga, Pilates….and then I love to run, walk, rollerblade and bike outside.

  • Belles: What does your typical exercise week look like?
  • Chris: I teach classes Monday – Thursday and Sundays when I’m home ….the problem is I travel so much so I have great co-workers who sub for me.  Once the weather is above 40 degrees, I try to do several outdoor workouts a week also.  I guess you could say that I exercise 1-2 hours a day when I’m home….but then most afternoons, you’ll find me at my computer typing, writing and doing paper work….When I‘m on the road, I allow myself rest days …and I’m not bothered by taking 1 or 2 days in a row off – my body needs it as I get older.   But more than 2 days in a row, I start to go nuts mentally!
  • Belles: How did you get started in the fitness industry and how did you know it was your “calling” to help others get fit & healthy?
  • Chris: I have been active my whole life – I have loved to exercise since grade school.  There were no health clubs when I was younger – so I was a runner and even in college after late nights….my roommate and I would run!    Once the craze of aerobics hit – I was hooked!!   I have been teaching since 1989.   I then found personal training and have loved sharing my knowledge and motivation with others.   I majored in Journalism in college – I knew I loved to communicate and I knew I loved fitness…..so I feel fortunate to put the two together and help others get healthy.
Thank you SO much Chris for sharing your thoughts & insights with us!!!! We are so excited to be able to benefit from your knowledge & know our readers are too! Learn more about Chris on:

Friday, January 24, 2014

Acacia Presents: Power Boxing with Marlen Esparza

Power Boxing with Marlen Esparza
Marlen Esparza, 2013

Marlen leads this 56 min boxing workout in a gym set with 2 backgrounders, one providing beginner modifications. You will not need any equipment for this workout. The dvd also contains a boxing 101 tutorial and a bonus box out.

The warmup includes punches, crunch variations, supermans, plank, plank pushups, squat variations, & lunge variations. Exercises include: fast lunges, punch combos using both lead hands, punch combos adding slips & steps, lower body squats & lunges, and then Marlen combines the moves into one fun routine before a shake out & stretch. The bonus box out

I rate this an intermediate routine. I enjoyed the combos that were fun but not hard to follow. Marlen provides excellent cuing & doesnt waste any time. I enjoyed the routine & her expertise. I received this dvd to review.



For More Information, Visit:
Acacia on Facebook

For More Information, Visit: 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.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

New from Tofurky: Pockets, Quiche, & Pot Pies (LOVE!)


We have all heard of Tofurky, but have you had the pleasure to try it? Tofurky goes beyond the traditional Tofurky holiday feasts, that you think of- they now have a full line of pockets, pot pie, and even quiche! I had the pleasure of reviewing their new products and I am in love! Go beyond meatless Monday with Tofurky! I brought a pocket to work for lunch every day last week and they were all delicious, low fat, made with whole grain, no preservatives, no MSG & no artificial flavors, and of course meat free! Best yet- they use only organic soybeans! Keep reading to learn more about these kosher, vegan treats! Score some Tofurky Coupons here.


For almost 30 years the folks at Turtle Foods have been making delicious, nutritious, convenient vegetarian meals that are affordable and delicious! Their company is located in Hood River, Oregon and they do their best to have a minimal impact on the environment. Their products are made in small batches & use only the finest organic ingredients. Turtle Foods is a family owned & operated company! 

 I had the pleasure of trying all three of the new Tofurky Pockets- and I really loved all of them. First the crust is made of whole grains- YAY! Next they are meat free, taste amazing, are filling and are a generous portion. I paired mine with a side salad for a full meal. The pockets are available in Turk;y Broccoli Cheddar, Pepperoni Pizza, and BBQ Chik'N - all very unique from each other and all amazing! I do eat meat, and honestly could not tell these were meat free. The BBQ Chik'N are AMAZING! Seriously good. I will definitely be buying more of these.


Also new from Tofurky is their Chik'N Pot Pie and Sausage & Veggie Quiche. Both were amazing. The crust on the Pot Pie was flaky and light and just what you would expect from a pot pie the center is creamy and filled with chunks of veggies and chik'n. I really enjoyed this & even shared with DH - shhh dont tell him its meat free- he didnt notice! The Quiche was a real treat for breakfast, DH & I shared this as it is a rather large portion. It tastes home made, light & flaky crust with lots of cheesy, gooey eggy goodness. Perfect for breakfast or dinner! I give the new Tofurky products 2 thumbs WAY up! Find them at a store near you with the Tofurky store locator. The are available at your local Trader Joes, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Sunny Farms, and many other fine establishments.  


For More Information, Visit: 
Tofurky on the Web
Tofurky on Facebook
Tofurky on Twitter
Tofurky on Pinterest

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.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

RAVE: The FIRM: Zip Trainer Cycle 2 Peak! Review


The FIRM: Zip Trainer Cycle 2 Peak!
Kelsie Daniels, Annie Lee, Alison Davis, 2013

This fully customizable dvd contains 3 workouts, 3 warmups, and 3 cooldowns that you can mix & match to create exactly the workout you want. Each workout is 15 min + a 2-3 min warmup & cooldown. You will need the Zip Trainer & dumbbells for this dvd. Each workout features a beginner modifier & some advanced modifications and they work out in an open gym set. (The warmups are the same on both dvds)

Peak! Cardio (Alison): This athletic routine features 4 short bursts performed two times each- the second time around Alison peps it up! Exercises include: squat -lunge & raise the ZT OH, V step around the ZT & lunge, hop a V -pick up ZT & squat, skater core ball touch down & hop over dome, step hop over the dome holding the core ball. Dome step routine: double hop over the dome, knee repeaters, knee kick knee, hitch kicks, burpee moguls, soccer drill and football shuffle & lunge back. 

Peak! Sculpt (Kelsie): This S+C routine features a lot of great heavier 4 limb work, 30 second bursts followed by a short recovery. Exercises include: squat -knee up - dip & overhead press off the dome, tri pushups, kick & core ball touch down, deadlifts on the dome & row, curtsy dip & hammer curl, side lunges to the dome w/ kickbacks & lunge & row, hops holding the loaded ZT, balance one leg deadlift, and pushups off the ZT rolling it in & out w/ shins.

Peak! AMP (Annie): This S+C routine features 8 exercises performed for one minute each with 30 seconds rest in between. Exercises include: high knee run holding the ZT down to burpee, pushups row & tri kickbacks, cardio lunges holding the core ball touching it down to the dome, side lunge off the dome w/ a bi curl & knee up, plyo squats holding the ZT, set down ZT walk out plank & arm extensions, dips & torso twist off the dome with front raise, and plank-side plank leg extensions off the dome. 

I rate these routines solid intermediates that are easy to modify up or down by using either core ball or none at all. I love the variety of exercises and the unique use of the ZT. These are very functional workouts with no dread factor. Easy to mix & match or do just one when short on time. The ZT is a great tool and definitely adds a nice fun factor to these workouts. Good pace, easy to follow choreo & no wasted time, make these great little workouts. I received this dvd to review.  

(dome - unzipped flat on floor, ZT - zipped Zip Trainer w/ or w/out a core ball, core ball - just the core ball, S+C - strength & cardio, C+S - cardio & strength, AMP -as many as possible)


For More Information, Visit: 
The FIRM on the web
The FIRM on Facebook
The FIRM on Twitter

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.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Amenzone Rebel DVD Review & RAVE!


As you  may know already, I recently tried the first Amenzone Rebel DVD, enjoyed it so much I joined their gym! They have locations in CA & AZ, one right near my office!  I have been going for 2 weeks now and LOVE it! It provides a high intensity, non stop sweatfest, go-at-your-own pace, kick butt workout utilizing a tire and your own body weight. Both dvds are led by Amen Iseghohi, the  man behind Amenzone! If you have a location near you- check them out. If you are an at home exerciser- check out their two new dvds! Read my Amenzone Rebel dvd review below and check back on the blog for my review of Amenzone Rebel Xtreme! Click on my "Amenzone Fitness" link in my header to see all my Amenzone posts.

Amenzone Rebel
Amen Iseghohi, 2013

Amen works out with a group of exercisers, some using a tire & some just thier own body weight. They work out in a gym set w/ a DJ. You will need an optional tire (I used my Firm Zip Trainer, you could easily use dumbbells, or a med ball) or just use your own body weight. This is a 40 min core, cardio, & strength routine. Each exercise is performed for 30-120 seconds.

After a quick stretch, you move right into: ski or soccer drill w-toes to tire, shuffle around tire down to burpees off tire, elevator plank off tire, side to side pushups off tire, tire run, skater tire touch, squat w/ overhead tire raise, tire slam, lunges holding the tire, plank jacks off tire, squat & overhead tire swing, lateral plank hop ins, plank frog hops off the tire. Non-tire mods are shown for all exercises.

I rate this a low advanced workout that really packed a punch using the 12 lb Zip Trainer in place of the tire. Lots of unique & effective exercisers, functional movements, calorie torching cardio & strength combos. Amen provides great cuing and motivation. I obviously really loved the dvd since I joined the gym while still sweaty from the dvd workout. The dvd is a true representation of the gym workouts and DVD 2 is more intense, closer to the intensity of the live class.  I received this dvd to review. 



For More Information, Visit: 
Amenzone on the web
Amenzone on Facebook
Amenzone on Twitter
Amenzone on Pinterest
Amenzone on YouTube
Amenzone on Google +

I received samples of these dvds to review; I joined the gym on my own, and paid for the membership myself. 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.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Rave Review Culinary Spirits: Cooking Healthy & Flavorful for the New Year

Are you trying to eat a more healthy this year as part of your New Year’s resolutions? I think we all are, which is why I am excited to tell you all about a very cool new cooking product that you wont know how you lived without- Rave Review Culinary Spirits. Eating better doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor! Rave Review!™ Original Culinary Spirits™ — have 25% less sugar than traditional spirits, are all natural and will add great flavor to healthy meals. Check out the Rave Review YouTube channel here to learn more.  Rave Review! is available in New York City, Miami, and online

We dont usually have brandy or beer in our house so its super convenient to have Rave Review Culinary Spirits in the house. I used the Culinary Hops instead of beer in a buffalo chicken chili recipe last weekend & it was SO tasty! I usually just end up skipping the beer or liquor in recipes but now I know what Im missing. Adding the Culinary Hops to my chili made the best batch ever! 



Rave Review! Original Culinary Spirits™ is the first line of spirits specifically crafted for cooking.  The perfect gift for the chef or foodie in your life.  Designed BY chefs for the home chef Rave Review Spirits are a little lower in alcohol to preserve the flavor and remove the bite of alcohol. Rave Review spirits hold their flavor while cooking and heating better than your typical spirit. Rave Review offers Culinary Blended Bourbon, Culinary Hops, and Culinary Brandy for all your cooking needs.

Below are some of my avorite recipes that will get 2014 off to a yummy start!
Rum-Glazed Shrimp

Serves 4
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp. black pepper
⅛ tsp. salt
1 garlic clove, minced
24 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1 ½ lb.)
8 skewers
¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup Rave Review!™ Original Culinary Rum™
¼ cup honey or agave nectar
3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. white vinegar
1 tbsp. butter
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. black pepper
Directions
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Cover and chill 15 minutes.
Thread 4 shrimp on each skewer. Combine brown sugar and next 8 ingredients (brown sugar through pepper) in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes or until syrupy.
Place shrimp on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 3 minutes on each side over high heat or until done, basting generously with glaze.


Lime-Ale Grilled Chicken

Serves 4
1 lime, juiced
1 ½ cup Rave Review!™ Original Culinary Hops™
1 tsp. honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Directions
In a bowl, mix the lime juice, Culinary Hops, honey, garlic, cilantro, and salt and pepper until the honey dissolves. Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover and marinate for 30 minutes.  Heat grill pan.
Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess; discard remaining marinade. Grill chicken until tender and juices run clear, about 7 minutes per side.



For More Information, Visit:
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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.