Showing posts with label Suzanne Bowen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suzanne Bowen. Show all posts

Monday, June 19, 2017

Suzanne Bowen BarreAmped Bounce Workout DVD Review

BarreAmped Bounce 
Suzanne Bowen, 2017


This DVD contains 5 rebounding barre workouts. You can choose one from the main menu or play all. You will need a rebounder with the stability barre and light weights for these routines. Suzanne works out with one other exerciser, who shows advanced versions of the exercises. Each routine starts with a quick bounce & concludes with a quick stretch.

Arms & Abs: (16 min) Exercises include lat raises, elevated bi curls, rear delt fly, tri press, pullups seated on the rebounder using the barre, seated knee drops, toe drops, can -can, and V hold. You will free bounce between toning sets. 

Thigh Bounce: (13 min) Exercises include releve micro bend & raises, releve lower & lifts, front leg raise series, releve pelvic tucks, leaning back & holding on to the barre for stability and micro plies. You will free bounce between toning sets. 

Booty Bounce: (13 min) Exercises include rear leg raise series, seesaw series, and hinged leg raises. You will free bounce between toning sets.  

Cardio Bounce: (13 min) The ladies alternate a fast paced toning exercise with a cardio. Exercises include bouncing, releve squats, side step, hinged booty pop, twisting hops, front to back leg sweeps, jacks, and slalom with a twist. They use the barre to get height to their jumps for some exercises.

Total Body Bounce: (11 min) Exercises include split stance (one leg off the rebounder) lunge raises with rear leg raise & tri pushback, split stance lunges with lat raise, split stance plies with lat raise, plie hold & front raise, plie pulses, bicycle legs lying supine on rebounder, and prone frog leg lifts. There is one break to bounce it out before the core work.

Stretch: (8 min) Suzanne works out alone for this routine. Stretches include quad stretch, lunging off the rebounder hip stretch adding a side bend, ham stretch, standing figure 4, side bend, tri stretch, chest opener and forward bend. 

These are solid to high intermediate routines - follow Suzanne for a more intermediate or follow Jess for a more advanced routine. Suzanne uses the rebounder stability barre in a very unique & effective way in this routine. I love rebounding and found this workout super unique & effective. As always, Suzanne's form pointers & cuing are spot on. Great rebounding + barre fusion routine- unlike anything else I have tried. The rebounder adds a whole new instability to barre work. I received this DVD to review. 



For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

REVIEW: Suzanne Bowen's BarreAmped Fire

BarreAmped Fire
Suzanne Bowen, 2016

Suzanne works out alone in a nice studio. You will need a barre (or chair) and light weights for this workout. The DVD contains four 11-28 minute segments, and a 12 min advanced stretch routine. Each routine contains its own quick warmup & cooldown.

Total Body Sculpt: (28 min) Exercises include plie & arm extensions, plie calf raises & bi series, balance stick glute raise & lat raises, balance tick pulse with tri work, toe squat series, plank series, side plank series, tri dips, leg drops, leg pullies, bicycle, & single leg bridge.

Sleek & Toned Shoulders: (11 min) Exercises include  arm scissors, extended arm cross overs, rotator cuff series, wide bent row, T raise & pulses, and tri push back & up series.

Thigh & Seat: (17 min) Exercises include plie series, relovet with pulses, close stance toe plies adding hip shifts, kneeling fallbacks, side lying leg work, pretzel, and table top series.

Ab Blast: (13 min) Exercises include side step knee pulls, small c curve series, single & double leg drops, lo back swimmer, superman, and lower back work. 


I rate this an advanced routine. As always, Suzanne is top notch; her instruction, cuing, motivation, and form pointers are excellent. Lots of effective & unique exercises make this a winner and a great addition to anyones library. I received this DVD to review.


For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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, July 9, 2015

REVIEW: Suzanne Bowen Sleek & Toned Prenatal Workout

BarreAmped Sleek & Toned Prenatal Workout
Suzanne Bowen, 2015

Suzanne works out with one backgrounder who is pregnant and provides some modifications for those in their third trimester. You will need a chair and light weights for this workout. The DVD contains a warmup, four 13-15 minute segments, and a 15 min stretch routine.

Thigh Work: Exercises include plie, plie pulses adding heel raises, wide second position adding pulses and calf raises, static toe lunges with pulses, closed stance toe squats, V stance lowering and lifting, and a quick stretch.

Seat Work: Exercises include relovet & rear leg raises & pulses, standing pretzel, a unique table top series, and a short stretch.

Mat Work: Exercises include knee push-ups & pulses, bird dog leg raise series, push out & tri extensions, side lying double leg raises, knee side plank, side lying leg raises, plank knee drops, and a quick stretch.

Cardio Tone: Exercises include side step with alternating bi curl, side - front - & rear raises, side lunges with lat raises, closed stance plie moving up & down with alternating bi curls, plie pulses, lunge rear leg raise, static lunge rocks, lunge & lat raises with rotator cuff work, lunge rear leg raise & T raise, and a quick stretch.

Light Weight Work: Exercises include lat raise, front to side sweeps, hi alternating bicep curls, chest squeezes, front & side raise static holds, rotator cuff works, upper bak fly variations, row & side fly, straight arm tri raises, tri work in & up, and a quick stretch.

Following Suzanne I rate these routines advanced. Her instruction, cuing, motivation, and form pointers are excellent. Suzanne is an excellent instructor that continually provides high quality, effective, and unique workouts. I think this is a great routine for everyone, not just for pregnant women. I received this DVD to review.

For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

REVIEW: Suzanne Bowen's BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn

BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn
Suzanne Bowen, 2014

This dvd contains three 17-26 minute routines, and 2 min warm up & a 12 min stretch routine. You can play all or select a workout from the menu. You will need light dumbbells and a chair (or barre). Suzanne works barefoot w/ 2 backgrounders, all working at different intensities.

Cardio Sculpt: (17 min) Exercises include: weighted plie pulse, pivot & reach plie, plie with shoulder work & heel raises, lunge glute pinch & tri kickbacks, balance work, closed stance plie with pulses & hip shifts, curtsy elbow to knee pull, and travel plie w/ lat & front raise. 

Cradio Core: (17 min) Exercises include chair, plie torso shift, plie hip shifts, plie reach arounds, static 
side lunge leg raises with big arms, closed stance heel plie hip tucks, plank jacks, plank -pike, plank shifts, plank knee pulls, modified side plank hip lifts, V leg drops, bicycle, and superman swimmers. 

Extreme Cardio Fat Burn (26 min): This is a 20/10 tabata, 4 exercises followed by a barre style toning exercise. Exercises include skater, knee hop, closed stance plie pulse w/ arm pulls, plyo jacks, side toe tap plie, split stance hinge over, balance stick, jumps, dip & kick, plank, Mt climber, plank knee drops, straight let donkey kick, and a stretch. 

I rate these solid to high intermediate routines. Suzannes instruction is top notch and her cuing & form pointers are outstanding. The cardio routine was very unique & lower impact but def got my heart rate up. Very well rounded routines & lots of variety.  I received this dvd to review. 



For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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.

Friday, May 30, 2014

Review: Suzanne Bowen's BarreAmped

BarreAmped Featuring Suzanne Bowen
Suzanne Bowen, 2014

This dvd contains five 9-19 minute routines, and a 3 min warmup. You can play all or select a workout from the menu. You will need light dumbbells and a chair (or barre). Suzanne works out in a lovely brick set w/ 2 backgrounders, one offering modifications.

Light Weight Work: (9 min) This workout focuses on the upper body. Exercises include front & side raises & circles, rotator cuff, bi curls, T raise series, and tri kickbacks & circles. Suzanne recommends 1-3 pound weights. 


Thigh Work: (14 min) Exercises include a pliet series, standing leg raises, squat pulses, hip circles, hip shifts, close stance pliet series, and includes stretches.


Seat Work:  (19 min) Exercises include rear leg lifts variations, single leg balance work, standing donkey kicks, pretzel, lying leg circles, & lying leg lifts.


Mat Work: (16 min) This workout targets the upper body & core. Exercises include plank, knee pushups series, plank hip drops, side plank reaches, tri dips, supine core series, superman & a stretch.


Stretch: (13 min) Exercises for this upper body routine include front & side raises and circles, rotator cuff work, bi curls, T raise series, tri kickbacks & circles. Suzanne suggests 1-3 pound weights.

I rate these intermediate routines, I definitely felt the burn in the lower body portions. Suzanne offers impeccable form pointers and I really like her instruction style. Her instruction segments provide some breaks in the routine. Great barre routine for barre junkies and for those of us newer to barre as well. I received this dvd to review. 


For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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, May 8, 2014

BarreAmped Bootcamp with Suzanne Bowen

BarreAmped Bootcamp
Suzanne Bowen, 2014

This dvd contains 4 separate workouts, a warmup, a complete 10 min stretch routine, and a tutorial. You can play all or select a workout from the menu. You will need light dumbbells and a chair (or barre). Suzanne works out in a lovely brick set w/ 2 backgrounders, one offering modifications.

Boot Camp Arm Work (11 min): Exercises include bi curl variations, chest press, shoulder press, wipers, military press, 2nd position reach & lat pulldown, bent over T-raise, upper back row & tri extension, and tri kickbacks. Suzanne utilizes light weights & higher reps.

Boot Camp Thigh Work (15 min): Exercises include plie & releve series, cardio plie leg lifts, lunge pulses, lunge kicks, lunge & twist, and releve chair series. Tough and nice cardio intensifiers.

Boot Camp Seat Work (14 min): Exercises include bbalance stick glute work, cardio dip & glute raise, balance glute raise, standing front & rear leg raises, and curtsy knee pull to extension at a cardio pace. Lots of great balance& bun work!

Boot Camp Core Work (18 min): Exercises include standing side bends, plie & reach, plank knee drops, Mt climbers, plank shifts, cross knee pull climbers, side plank hip drops, down to up dog, bicycle, and single leg bridge leg raises.

As a whole, I rate this a high intermediate routine. The pace is perfect and does not waste any time. Suzanne offers awesome cuing & excellent form pointers. I really enjoyed this workout (and Im not a barre person) and found it to contain a lot of unique & effective exercises. I love that each segment includes cardio intensifiers to get the heart rate up. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Q&A Session with Fitness Trainer Suzanne Bowen (5-2-2011)

Suzanne Bowen is an AFAA certified Group Fitness & Pilates instructor, classically trained at The Lotte Berk and is the creator of BarreAmped, BarreAmped Advanced, and BarreAmped Boot Camp. She has also created and starred in numerous fitness DVDs including Gorgeous Core and several 10 Minute Solution workouts. Recently, Suzanne launched weeklydownloadable workouts available at her site Suzanne Bowen Fitness.

Belles: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in the fitness industry?
Suzanne: I have lived and breathed fitness since I was in my mid 20s.  As a flight attendant for United Airlines living in Manhattan, I literally paid for nothing but my rent ($600 a month in Greenwich Village), food, and Crunch membership.  I spent hours working out beside trainers and picking their brains while studying fitness.  I still have my collage of exercises I had put together in a notebook that I would take to the gym with me.  When I lost my job after 9/11, I found myself at a crossroads.  I decided to take the plunge and look for a job in fitness.  I was willing to work as a receptionist just to get my foot in the door.  I applied at a very unknown (at least to me) and elite Upper East Side studio called Lotte Berk Method.  I didn’t get hired as a receptionist but as an apprentice teacher after several auditions (it’s NYC, remember?).  All my hard work and studies of fitness had paid off because I instantly fell into my dream job.  And when United called to tell me I could fly again, I laughed.  My dream, and my intense and sometimes exhausting education in fitness, had come true.
Belles: Recently we were fortunate enough to have a question an answer session with Dr Michele Olson. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the core. Would you like to add your thoughts?
Suzanne: You get more out of your workout mentally and physically when you learn to engage your core.  You stay safe through movement or exercise when attention is brought to the core.  Eg., think about a long arm plank.  This full body exercise could be brilliant for the core and the rest of the body IF the core is activated.  The lowest part of the core (pelvic floor and abdominal wall) should be lifted/contracted. This activation should take the arch out of the back (thus taking pressure off the lower/lumbar spine).  Instead of only the upper body (arms, chest, neck) and lower back carrying the load, the whole body becomes engaged when the “powerhouse” is used.
Belles: With core obviously being the first, what is your favorite body part to train?
Suzanne: Legs.  For sure!  But even when I work the legs, I always activate my core! 
Belles: What is your weekly workout routine and how do you fit it all in (Pilates, cardio, strength, yoga, core, etc).
Suzanne: Besides teaching 15 plus BarreAmped classes a week, I walk with my family.  Since it’s work, I fit it in.  It’s one of the perks of teaching fitness!  
Belles: We all know that a proper nutrition plan is 80% of weight loss success and maintenance. Do you have a healthy eating plan or strategy (ie cooking meals in advance, treating yourself occasionally, etc)
Suzanne: I try to eat less food in general so that I can afford to have a treat occasionally.  I don’t believe in denying myself a food group or a treat here and there.  But overall, I think for women, we eat too much.  (And we eat when we’re bored).  And when my jeans are fitting tighter, I back off on my overall food intake and up my exercise.   So it’s pretty simple.  I stick to about 1600-1800 calories a day when I am maintaining.
Belles: Not too long ago you launched your newest project, downloadable workouts. Do you think this is the wave of the exercise future and DVDs will see their demise in much the same way as VHS?
Suzanne: Yes, I do.  I cannot wait to see where we end up in five years. Because I shot the Lotte Berk Method workouts nine years ago and they were released originally on VHS.  In just nine years, VHS is completely obsolete.  I had a conversation with my director about three years ago about “digital downloads” and she thought it was too soon to really invest time and effort into online workouts but in those three short years, look at where we are!  The time is now and I think we’ll see more and more streamed and downloadable workouts available.
Belles: You are also the founder of BarreAmped. Can you tell us a little bit about it? Are there any BarreAmped workouts (DVDs or downloadable) in our future?
Suzanne: BarreAmped is an energized, results proven barre class.  Over the last 10 years, I have developed a fresh, effective training system that relies more heavily on an activated core rather than the outdated tuck of the pelvis of typical barre techniques.  It’s about 40% at the barre, 40% on the floor and 20% stretching.  It’s 100% amazing.  :)    It is probably the hardest workout I have ever done.  But it’s absolutely addictive.
While the online workouts have tastes of BarreAmped in them, the complete BarreAmped Method is going to be filmed this year.   For now,that is all I can say.  :)

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

NEW From Suzanne Bowen: Tighten Tone And Torch Review

Tighten Tone and Torch
Suzanne Bowen, 2013

This dvd contains three 21-23 minute workouts, one cardio, one lower body, and one upper body, and  separate warm up and cool down. Suzanne works out alone, barefoot, and you will need dumbells for the strength workouts. There is also a 6 min bonus ab workout.

Upper Body Sleek: Exercises include knee push ups, low hover, tri pushup variations, plank shifts, plank knee drops, side plank series, table to tri & shoulder weight work, and kneeling side & front raises.

Lower Body Lean: Exercises include plie series, lunge series, unique balance stick work, hip shifts, kneeling hip circles & shifts, table top work, plank leg raises, and side lying inner thigh work.

Cardio Sleek: This is a cardio interval workout. Exercises include: plie abduct series, lunge taps, rear leg lift & kicks, plie & jump, and includes a short stretch. This is mostly low impact.

Bonus Abs: Exercises include: Crunches, oblique crunch series, bike & bridge.

I rate this an intermediate routine. Suzanne provides excellent form pointers and instruction. Lots of great unique exercises, great pace, and no wasted time. This dvd offers a lot of variety and has no dread factor. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:
Suzanne Bowen on the web
Suzanne Bowen Fitness on Facebook
Follow Suzanne Bowen 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.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

BurstFIT Disc Three: The Bowen Butt Lift & Nutrition Segment


BurstFIT Disc Three: The Bowen Butt Lift & Nutrition Segment 
Suzanne Bowen, 2013

Susan leads this 13 minute workout lower body strength workout. Susan works out alone in a small space alone. You will need dumbbells and a chair or barre for this routine.

You perform three sets of exercises three times.Exercises include chair wall sit, single leg squats, glute raise, seesaw, table top leg series, and a weighted donkey kick series.

I rate this a high intermediate routine that really had my buns burning. Susan is an excellent instructor and this is full of unique and effective exercises. This dvd also includes a nutrition segment with Dr. Axe. I received this dvd to review.


For More Information, Visit:
BurstFIT on the web
BurstFIT on Facebook
BurstFIT 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.

Monday, August 1, 2011

GIVEAWAY: 10 Minute Solution: Best Belly Blasters

This giveaway is now over! Please enter my current giveaways here


Today's giveaway is courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment! The lucky winner of this FABULOUS giveaway will take home a copy of their very own 10 Minute Solution Best Belly Blasters! dvd featuring fitness icons: Jessica Smith, Amy Bento, Lara Hudson, Suzanne Bowen, & Jen Galardi. The dvd also includes a fantastic meal plan to really help you shed those pounds! The meal plan is straight forward and includes lots of healthy foods that are easy to find and easy to prepare!!

Review: 10 Minute Solution: Best Belly Blasters
Jessica Smith, Amy Bento, Lara Hudson, Suzanne Bowen, Jen Galardi, 2011 ***** (5 of 5 stars)


This dvd contains six 10 minute core sections from various previously released 10 Minute Solution dvds. Each section is different and all are great choices for this dvd. As with all 10 MS dvds, you can mix & match to create a custom workout or select one for those time crunched days. 


Pilates Perfect Abs (Blast Off Belly Fat, Suzanne Bowen): Suzanne starts with breathing exercises then onto the 100, single & double leg stretch, leg scissors, roll up, teaser, and supermans to hit the lower back. As the title suggests this is pilates core work. 


Six Pack Ab Attach (Ultimate Bootcamp, Jessica Smith): Starts with some standing ab work and then goes down to the floor for crawling planks, plank twists, plank to side planks, crunch variations, and sit up variations. My abs were fried by the end of this. Unique and fun and kept in the boocamp spirit.


Dancers Abs (Dance It Off & Tone it Up! Jennifer Galardi): This is a dance inspired core workout- all done standing. Jen provides plenty of movement to get the heart up a bit. Exercises include rib-cage isolations, hop rolls, hip sways, party arms, belly dance, etc. She combines the exercises into a fun little core dance routine.


Belly Fat Burner (5 Day Get Fit Mix, Amy Bento): Amy begins with some creative standing ab exercises with light weights, then on to the floor. Exercises include: weighted side drops, windmill dumbbell swing, V-sit leg pull, and several plank and crunch variations. This workout was fun and effective! 


Waist Slimmer (Rapid Results Pilates Lara Hudson): This pilates core work includes toe drops, 100 variations, "coordination", single leg teaser, can can, lying hip circles, oblique roll overs with side leg raises, and other pilates exercises.


Bikini Belly (Quick Tummy Toners, Jessica Smith): This is a fun fun core cardio workout. You perform a fun standing cardio routine that hits your core from every angle. You do a short routine and Jessica adds on as you go. You do exercises such as knee strikes, figure 8, bob and weave, side twists, ski jumps, etc. LOVE this segment!!!! A perfect add and a great multi-tasker (core & cardio). I received this dvd to review. 


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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 user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Suzanne Bowen Download Info & Lemongrass Pork Chops Recipe



Today's Review: Stopwatch Plank 
Available on the Suzanne Bowen Fitness website to download or stream! Suzanne now offers a large variety of downloadable workouts on her website!! Head on over to get more info.


This is a 16 minute download available Suzanne Bowen Fitness. Suzanne leads this workout alone in a cute gym set. You won't need any equipment for this workout. The workout begins with some active marching to warm you up. Using a stopwatch to time each exercise, Suzanne leads you through a series of plank variations: isometric planks, plank knee pulls, hi plank, single leg plank, T stands, plank knee drops, and reverse plank. The workout concludes with a quick stretch. Suzanne provides excellent form pointers & motivation throughout this tough plank workout! I received this download to review.

Today's Recipe: Lemongrass Pork Chops & Quick Pickled Carrots 
(altered from a recipe in Cooking Light)

Pork Chops:
1/4 cup minced shallots
3 TBS minced lemongrass
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 TBS dark brown sugar
2 TBS asian fish sauce
1 TBS oil
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
4-5 oz thin cut pork chops
Carrots:
1/2 cup white vinegar
3 TBS + 1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 medium carrots peeled & cut into match sticks 

Combine shallots, lemongrass, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, both oils, soy sauce, & pepper in a food processor or blender & blend until just combined. 

Place pork chops & marinade in a large ziploc, gently massage into pork chops. Refrigerate sealed bag for 3 hours. 

Combine carrots, sugar, & salt in a wide shalllow dish. Add carrots, tossing to caot. Cover & sset aside, tossing 1 or 2 X, for 1 hour. 

Discard marinade from chops, heat a grill pan (I used the Foreman grill) over med-high heat. Spray pan w/ cooking spray & grill chops for 2-3 min per side or unti just cooked through. Serve w/ carrots

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Suzanne Bowen's Gorgeous Core Review

Gorgeous Core
Suzanne Bowen, 2010

This is a 60 minute dvd that has six 5-12 minute segments on it. You can play all or select a workout. Suzanne works out alone on a lovely set with light wood floors & walls & long flowing curtains. You wont need any props for this w/o, thou
gh in 1 section Suzanne suggests you can use dumbbells if you want.

Long, Lean, and Strong: (12 min) This section contains pilates style core moves that get progressively more challening & really hits the obliques. Moves include: leg drops, single leg stretch, straight leg double leg stretch, a mermaid leg pose w/ an oblique twist, modified bridge, and some lower back work.

Classic Abwork: (12 min) This section includes crunches, pulsing crunches, arm reach arounds w/ shoulders lifted, bicycles, c-curve with tempo variations, reverse curls, and V sits.

Sleek Physique: (12 min) This is a nice (tough) plank series that will really work your core & I felt it in my UB as well- with all the plank variations. Moves include: high plank , high plank with knee pulls, high plank w/ knee twists, plank w/ leg lifts, plank w/ chest drops, horizonal shifting planks, T-stands from side to side, side plank w/ twist & overhead pull. This was my favorite section!

Metabolism Bootcamp: (12 min) This is actually not a core specific workout- your core will feel it in many of the moves but I would consider this a total body strenght/ pilates workout. Some of the moves include: Full form pliets and pliet variations, hip shifts, rib shifts, pliet hops, skater hops (with optional weights), lunge-kick- squat combo, Mt. climbers, low hover, push up variations, and she does a good job of adding in arm movements to get the heart rate going.

Absolute Challenge: (7 min) This section is pilates inspired & moves include c-curve, isometric holds, long arm crunches, single leg stretch, V sit variations, and plank w/ knee dips.

Total Core Fast Blast: (5 min) This is a quick little ab burner; moves include plank w/ arm lifts and rotation, standing c-curve, ab reaches, and one legged bridge. I enjoyed this section quite a bit.

The dvd offers a great variety of different types of core workouts- with a nice variety of time options, all the way up to 60 minutes- which would be one tough core w/o IMO. I really liked Suzanne- semi-serious demeanor, great cueing & form pointers and always shows modifications; I look forward to more w/o's from her. A lot of the work is pilates inspired and some doesnt allow you to support your neck w/ your hands. I would rate this a solid intermediate core workout. I received this dvd from Anchor Bay to review