Showing posts with label dvd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dvd. Show all posts

2/12/2012

Cardio Barre: Ultimate Advanced DVD Review

Cardio Barre: Ultimate Advanced DVD
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I can't say this workout is "fun", because it's so fast, it's kind of jarring compared to most ballet workouts, but it's very effective and will get you the cardio and toning you need in minimal time. I'm an advanced exerciser and my goal is to maintain a lithe and lean dancer's physique as opposed to a muscular gym rat body. I've been practicing Tracy Anderson's method but like to alternate with other DVDs every other day. To do Tracy Anderson's high impact dance workout as part of the cardio requirements daily is too hard on the joints and I need variety between her mat workouts to help with boredom. This Cardio Barre incorporates the same principles by repeatedly working the smaller accessory muscles that sculpt a lean body. It's a very rigorous yet low-impact workout that will definitely make you sweat, keeping you challenged, and I think pleased with the results. I also highly recommend Jennifer Galardi's Ballet Body and Elise Gulan's Ballet Conditioning as well as Cathe's MMA::fusion DVDS for cardio, as they really work the core and use a lot of lateral moves while not over-developing the larger muscle muscle groups.

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CARDIO BARRE: ULTIMATE ADVANCED includes two bonus workouts on in additon to the main workout (Power Arms and Power Thighs). Ultimate Advanced: 55 minutes of high-powered yet low impact moves at 172 bpm. You'll work every aspect of your body--toning, lengthening, and strengthening. The cardio is no impact, yet highly effective for ultimate fat burning benefits.

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2/07/2012

Kathy Smith's Kettlebell Solution Review

Kathy Smith's Kettlebell Solution
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Kathy Smith is a known fitness instructor with DVD's and videos dating back quite a few years. Like other popular fitness instructors, she has jumped on the kettlebell bandwagon and has put together a "beginner's" kit of 2 light bells, a dvd, wall chart and diet plan.
Here's what you get:
* One 3 lb. Soft Kettlebell
* One 5 lb. Soft Kettlebell
* 4 Workouts DVD: Upper Body, Buns & Thighs, Core, and Fat Burning
* A Nutrition Solution Guide
* A Kettlebell Solution Instructional Wall Chart
The kettlebells are made of what looks like polycarbonate and the handles are textured with a sort of crosshatching for better grip. "Soft" means it is rigid resin with a textured, rigid handle, not cast iron metal. They are not soft and rubbery at all. The inside is filled with sand but there is no shifting of contents. I have seen kettlebells on the market made of a sort of balloon filled with sand and a funny handle. These are truly kettlebell shaped but are lighter than the standard iron bells, and allow for a bigger handle. The issue with the mini-bells used by women is that the very small (under 5 pound) bells have very tiny grips because, well, cast iron is heavy stuff. This design allows for a full-sized bell without the issue of improper size. That's a good thing.
The workouts are total body even though they stress either upper, lower or core. Fat burning is more aerobic-based. You use a series of swings, presses mixed with squats for the upper body so it is always using all your muscles; tightening core as you press while doing a demi-squat and swinging the bell back for a tricep exercise, for example. The muscle groups are properly alternated, using a sort of full pyramid scheme (full movement, half movement, pulse, back to half, then full movement.) Once it seemed the upper body did not fully repeat the same sequence on both sides, so beware.
You can turn off the yap and just use the music for regular workouts.
The nutrition guide is good--eat what you want, but be aware of portion size and low, medium and high fat, low, medium and high fiber for carbs. Want more food? Eat lower fat, higher fiber. Sensible advice.
The DVD, however, really doesn't substitute for a good RKC or Registered Kettlebell Instructor. So if you intend to do heavier kettlebells than 3 and 5 (which though minimal will tire a beginner with high reps), you need to find a local instructor. Kathy Smith doesn't really go over good form, so if you think you are going to learn kettlebells fully from this DVD and go on to a One Pood cast iron, true Russian kettlebell and do Turkish Getups or fancy swings, you could get hurt. (One Pood is the Russian unit of a kettlebell, 16KG or about 36 lbs.) She does mention that the swing is done by snapping the hips (as in a deadlift) but her info is minimal on this DVD. I have not been able to find a critique by a RKC on the web of this workout; Jillian Michaels was roundly criticized by RKC folks on the web for her poor form in her version of kettlebell but I did not find similar arguments about Kathy Smith except that RKC instructors are generally recommending that if you are really thinking of incorporating these weights into your workout, then get in-person training and I think that ultimately is the best course of action.
At these light weights, I don't think you'd be likely to get hurt but this in no way substitutes for good form, so it's not a kettlebell solution, it's a nice workout with a lump of plastic and sand at the end of your hand. I found it somewhat challenging (I normally do a Joyce Vedral Speedy Non-Stop Fat Meltdown workout and this is far more challenging, probably due to the full pyramids and adding squats and kicks.)
I'd rate this for mid-beginners and I think it's an excellent value at the price with the caveats I mentioned. One very good thing; this takes up very little space. If you have enough room to swing a cat, plus a dvd player, you have enough room to do this exercise, and the two kettlebells can fit into a shoe box, well, a boot box, but you know what I mean. They are non-metallic, weigh 8 lbs total, so conceivably could go into luggage if you travel and this, along with a dvd player, could be a road warrior's fitness solution.

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The Kathy Smith Kettlebell Solution is a full range -of-motion toning, stretching, strengthening, weight loss, wellness package for adults of any fitness level and any age. The system uses kettlebells. Kettlebell training is an old school exercise that is now emerging into the mainstream with personal trainers and gyms. Many celebrities cite kettlebell training as the exercise that changed their bodies by sculpting, toning, and burning fat. The Kathy Smith Kettlebell Solution is designed for kettlebell beginners, so the two soft kettlebells are light weight. They are sand filled with a soft outer shell that won't scratch floors like a cast iron kettle bell could. The grip and kettlebell shape, however, mimic the traditional kettlebell design with a large easy-to-grip handle for two handed work and a stable rounded base to accommodate pushups.

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2/06/2012

Cathe Friedrich's Butts & Guts DVD Review

Cathe Friedrich's Butts and Guts DVD
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If you have seen my other Cathe reviews, you'll know that I think she is fantastic and makes you work hard, yet she's motivating and keeps it interesting. In this dvd, you will work your trouble spots very hard and it is tough (but well worth pushing through). The results can be found if you do the workout often.
There is a wide spectrum of exercises here. Every possible movement is done (like your squats and lunges etc) and you will be feeling it in no time. You start with standing workout that work the glutes and then classic floor moves like side leg lifts and inner thigh work. You WILL fatigue your muscles (in a good way). Following all of this, there is intense ab work and she uses hand weights and ankle weights to up the ante.
The other thing you should know, is that there is a lot of equipment needed (one reason I dropped a star in the rating). You need different amounts of weights, barbell, stability ball, resistance bands and a high step platform. Personally for me, if I need this much equipment, I'd rather go to the gym. Cathe is one tough trainer, but she will give you results. After doing this workout for the first time, I didn't think I'd be able to make it out of bed the next morning. It was a good sore, so you know you've worked out well. I really recommend this, but not if you haven't used your glute or ab muscles in some time.

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A 78 min. advanced, super thorough, super effective, lower body solution. If you're looking for results delivered in a fun new way, then you'll love this workout. Not only is it very comprehensive, but it has a great mix of old and new exercises - effectively sequenced - to keep the fat burning and muscles responding. A bonus stability ball core routine has been included for added variety and effectiveness. The time breakdown for the Butts and Guts is as follows:warm - up - 6 min. * Standing Glute Work -31 min. * Fllor Work - 19 1/2 min. * Core - 14 min. * Stretch - 8 min. * Bonus Stability Ball Abs - 15 min * Bonus Lower Body - 6 min. *

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1/19/2012

Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit Review

Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone Kit
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I purchase the kettlenetics program when it first came out in June 2008. Within the first week I started to notice a difference. It is a fun workout that targets all different muscle groups. One con that I did have in the beginning was that I had trouble following the routine. I am not naturally coordinated and have no dance background, so while following the quicker paced movements might be easy for some, it took me a few days to be able to get through the routine. If you are going to do this program I also recommend additional cardiovascular training. I was not in shape at all when I started and could barely get through a video without stopping to catch my breath.
Overall if you are willing to put in the time and the effort this is a great tool to get slim and toned

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Kettlenetics was created by international fitness sensation Michelle Khai, a lifelong fitness advocate, former professional dancer and all-star celebrity trainer. Kettlenetics is a totally unique, dance inspired exercise program that uses the kBell to swing, slim and sculpt your entire body strong and slender. The easy flowing moves are set to incredible, upbeat music, for fast, fun, total body slimming.

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12/29/2011

Muscle Max with Cathe Friedrich (Hardcore Series workout) Review

Muscle Max with Cathe Friedrich (Hardcore Series workout)
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This is my favorite full body workout. Well balanced. Tough! I've done this workout for about a year and I have developed well defined muscles in my arms, legs, and abs. My weight has stayed the same (I began at a good weight), but my clothes fit better and I love wearing sleeveless shirts and getting comments on my muscular arms and back. I am 46 years old and feel that if I continue to do this workout I will avoid the weak upper body most women my age develop and I will avoid back problems because my core is so strong. At 46 I can now do 20 consecutive military pushups and 7 chin ups. I couldn't even do that in high school! Buy this workout. You won't be disappointed.

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Muscle Max is a total body, complete workout that works every muscle in your body. Advanced level and ultra challenging. The warm-up is followed by lower-body work, then chest, back, lower body, shoulders, biceps and triceps. Then it's on to core/ab work, followed by a complete (and totally deserved) stretch

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12/28/2011

P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program - 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner Review

P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program - 13 DVDs, Nutrition Guide, Exercise Planner
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This product is what I expected from the infomercial - the infomercial is a good representation of what you'll get. The DVDs are good, come in a small case (no excess packaging to exaggerate or compensate for lack of real product). The accompanying written materials are good too.
However, I found that I wasn't quite in shape enough when P90X arrived to use it well. I went back and bought Tony Horton's "Power Half Hour" and used that for a few weeks first - had to wake up some muscles I've let go dormant. I've been in good shape most of my life, but kind of got lazy lately - I needed to get a basic foundation before I could jump into the incredible workouts he provides.
Make no mistake; this is a commitment. The workouts are long, and hard, but they are engaging. No geeky cheesy cheerleader pep talks in the DVD, and no arrogant gym rat jerks either. If I win the lottery, I'll try to hire Tony as my personal trainer; he has a good positive attitude, and seems to keep the workouts real with a sense of humility and humor.
The segment timer is great. Though the workouts are typically an hour long, he has "chunked" them down into segments, with a "progress bar" on the screen - kind of like the bar on the computer - so you can adjust your pace or your mindset with the workout.
Tony uses both men and women of differing degrees of flexibility and fitness; there's always a body on the screen up there to help me with my own form.
I'm a former Marine - and this is used to replace my "daily thirteen." If only I knew about some of these workouts back in the day... So I give it a thumbs up from the perspective of some really challenging workouts I've experienced in the past.
Overall, a good deal. But be warned, it isn't for the fat couch potato. Like the infomercial says, its for folks that want to get in BETTER shape; the expectation is that you already are in shape and want to take it to the next level.

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Tired of ineffective workouts that sound great but produce less-than-optimal results? Turn to the P90X Extreme Home Fitness system, a bundle of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. Hosted by personal trainer Tony Horton, the series of DVDs will help you get lean, bulk up, or grow stronger, with an endless variety of mix-and-match routines to keep you motivated. The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique called "muscle confusion," which accelerates the fitness process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so that your body never plateaus and you never get bored. The more you confuse the muscle, the harder your body has to work to keep up. And the more variety you put into your workout, the better and faster your results will be. By breaking old routines and opening new doors, secondary and tertiary muscles are constantly being activated and developed.
In addition to the 12 DVD workouts, the P90X comes with a comprehensive three-phase nutrition plan, specially designed supplement options, a detailed fitness guide packed with valuable information on how to get the most from your program, a How to Bring It DVD that provides a quick overview of the system, a calendar to track your progress, online peer support, and much more.
The DVD Workouts Each of the 12 highly diverse and intense DVD workouts focuses on either a specific set of muscle groups or a unique training technique.

Workout One: Chest & Back. This superset chest-and-back-blasting workout emphasizes two classic upper-body exercises--push-ups and pull-ups--to build strength and develop shape. The combination of these two push and pull movements will help you burn loads of calories while simultaneously attacking, strengthening, and developing multiple muscle groups.

Workout Two: Plyometrics. Get ready to go airborne. Offering more 30 explosive jumping moves, this intense cardio routine will keep you in the air most of the time. Plyometrics, also known as jump training, has been proven to dramatically improve athletic performance. If your sport involves a ring, rink, field, court, or track, this training will give you the edge. Just be prepared to "bring it" for a full hour when you leap into this workout, because there is no letting up.

Workout Three: Shoulders & Arms. Nothing rounds out the perfect physique like a pair of well-defined arms and shoulders, and with its potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements, this routine will leave you feeling stronger and looking sexier. Whether you want to build muscle mass or just slim and tighten what you've already got, these targeted shoulder and arm exercises will give you the results you want.

Workout Four: Yoga X. Yoga is a vital part of any fitness regimen, and is an absolute must for an extreme program like P90X. This routine combines strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and breath work to enhance your physique and calm your mind. Yoga X will leave you feeling energized, invigorated, and maybe even a little enlightened.

Workout Five: Legs & Back. Get ready to squat, lunge, and pull for a total-body workout like no other. While the main focus of this workout lies in strengthening and developing the leg muscles (quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves), there are also a handful of great pull-up exercises to give your legs a quick breather while you work the upper body.

Workout Six: Kenpo X. Kenpo X was created to give P90X users a high-intensity cardiovascular workout packed with lots of punching and kicking combinations to improve balance, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. During this workout you'll learn some of the most effective ways to defend yourself, while at the same time getting your body in peak condition.

Workout Seven: X Stretch. Stretching is the one thing that will help you achieve a higher level of athleticism over a longer period of time. The X Stretch routine is an integral part of the program, as it helps prevent injuries and avoid plateaus. The extensive full-body stretches that make up this routine use disciplines from Kenpo karate, hatha yoga, and various sports to ensure that your body is fully prepared to meet all P90X challenges head-on.

Workout Eight: Core Synergistics. Each and every exercise in the Core Synergistics workout recruits multiple muscle groups to build and support the core (lumbar spine and trunk muscles), while at the same time conditioning your body from head to toe. Loaded with a variety of fun, unique, and challenging exercises, this routine will get you moving in all directions to maximize your P90X results.

Workout Nine: Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps. Packed with an array of moves that target both large and small muscles, this workout will do wonders for your upper body. In just one full sequence you'll get a healthy dose of presses, flys, and extensions to push you to the brink. The results will be a stronger, leaner, and highly defined upper torso that will leave you looking awesome, with or without a shirt.

Workout 10: Back & Biceps. With a host of curls and pull-ups, this routine will make it fun to flex those powerful biceps. But don't worry, ladies--by using lighter weight, you can focus on toning and tightening these showcase arm muscles without adding the size that most guys covet. Additionally, this workout also provides some great back definition that everyone can appreciate. Regardless of your goals, you will achieve them in dramatic fashion if you dig in and max out your reps.

Workout 11: Cardio X. This low-impact cardio routine can be used in a variety of ways to meet your P90X goals. Use it in addition to your standard P90X workload when you want to burn some extra calories, or as a substitute if your body needs a break from the program's high-impact workouts. Whatever your reason for using Cardio X, you'll find it a fun, full-throttle, fat-burning workout that will leave you feeling lean and mean.

Workout 12: Ab Ripper X. The combination and sequence of movements in this unique workout taps into not only abdominal strength, but true core strength as well. Master these 11 highly effective exercises and you will achieve vital abdominal muscle strength to benefit your overall health and physical performance. You'll also develop that highly coveted six-pack as you take Ab Ripper X to full throttle. It's extreme work that's better than any machine in any club.


P90X Fitness Guide This is your road map and your plan of attack for using P90X. Learn guidelines for getting started and essential tips for how to make the most of the program. The fitness guide provides you tips to reduce your chance of injury; a fit test; recommended supplements and equipment; detailed instructions for stretching, warming up, and performing exercises; and guidelines to help you select which P90X phase to complete, whether Classic, Doubles, or Lean.
The Nutrition Plan Following the P90X nutrition plan is just as vital to your overall success as any of the extreme workouts in this program. Specifically designed to work in tandem with the P90X workout routines, this three-phase eating plan recommends the perfect combination of foods to satisfy your body's energy needs every step of the way. P90X is not about quick fixes or miracle diets. It's about selecting the healthy foods that you want to eat, and determining the portion amounts that will provide your body with the right amount of fuel to excel during exercise. The P90X nutrition plan offers three phases. Phase 1 is the Fat Shredder, a high-protein-based diet designed to help you strengthen your muscles while simultaneously and rapidly shedding fat from your body. Phase 2 is the Energy Booster, a balanced mix of carbohydrates and proteins with a lower amount of fat to achieve additional energy for performance. And Phase 3 is the Endurance Maximizer, an athletic diet of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and lower fat, with the emphasis on more carbohydrates. You'll need this combination of foods as fuel to get the most out of your final few weeks and truly be in the best shape of your life.
Tools to Keep You Motivated
P90X Calendar to set your workout goals, track your progress, and stay motivated.
Free Online Support Tools for access to fitness experts, peer support, and motivation.

What's in the Box? 12 DVD workouts, nutrition plan, fitness guide How to Bring It DVD, a calendar to track your progress


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