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Pilates Beginning Mat Workout

Pilates Beginning Mat Workout

July 31st, 2010 - 0 comments.

Movie DVD

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars not worth it
This routine was extremely short. I felt like I had just gotten started and it was over. I got this at target with the intermediate workout but I will be buying a different routine to work out with in the future.

5 Stars Authentic
I have taken Pilates classes for a few years. My instructor is very traditional. She studied at the studio in New York under a woman who was a protege of Joseph Pilates. This is the only beginning Pilates DVD she recommends. I use it occasionally between classes, just to reinforce the basics. It is very true to what I have learned from my instructor.

1 Star too easy
way too easy, really disapointing

if you’re fit, used to work out, quite flexible, do not purchase that tape

4 Stars This is a great workout.
This is a great workout. I have tried out 5 another pilates video and all of them were boring, too long or not easy to follow instructions. This is the first video that I fell in love with. Actual workout takes just 20-25 minutes so I can do it on mornings before going to work. It’s just one thing I did not like about this workout: I feel like I need more belly exercise. So after doing this workout I also do belly exercises for 5 additional minutes.

2 Stars Boring
I bought this dvd and was really disappointed with it. I used it two or three times, but I was so bored by the slow pace and “relaxed” setting that I gave up on it. I guess it would be good for someone looking to slow down and take the stress off, but I have enough trouble getting motivated that I don’t need something putting me to sleep!

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The Science of Fitness with Tamilee I Want That Body

The Science of Fitness with Tamilee I Want That Body

July 31st, 2010 - 0 comments.

For those who want their left brain to get a workout along with their bodies, Tamilee Webb’s Science of Fitness series, including I Want That Body!, is are just what the personal trainer and professor ordered. Webb, an appealing and inspiring fitness instructor, includes scientific demonstrations conducted in a lab, showing how her exercises target each muscle group. This disc contains workouts for abs, arms, and buns, and each of those areas is divided into two 15-minute segments. If you’re just starting out, do just one segment each; if you really want to up your results, go for both. Webb is encouraging without being off-puttingly perky, and she has the presence of mind, while doing very challenging moves, to calmly remind us of the science behind working each particular muscle. A small complaint: For the arms routine, all she says is to use some free weights; we don’t know what size she’s using, and there aren’t different sizes for the different types of exercises, which can be a good modifier. But if you build in the option of lighter or heavier weights yourself, you should be able to proceed nicely. Extras include a quiz about common exercise forms, nutritional tips and different-angle shots of the routines. If you Want That Body, you better be prepared to work it, but Webb is an accessible leader and trainer and manages to inspire without being a cheerleader. –A.T. Hurley

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best 15 minute workout you can get!
I have been a fan of Tamilee for years now. I have several Buns of Steel tapes and one of her Cardioblast DVDs. For those short on time, this DVD is absolutely great. It’s well worth it!

5 Stars Great Workout
Excellent workout! In just 15 minutes you can work completely your abs, buns and arms. If you do both workouts together you can have great results.

I love Tamille Webb, I think she is the best!

5 Stars Don’t waste money on other videos, this is all you need!
Everyone needs to own this video. I started seeing a change in my body in a week. It’s a hard workout that only takes a few minutes per section. I love this video!

4 Stars I Want That DVD!
I borrowed this from my local library last week, and so far, I’m impressed.

This is my introduction to Tamilee and the whole Buns of Steel empire (I’ve previously used Tae Bo, and Janis Saffell), and I can definitely feel results.

The science intro portion of each workout (abs, arms, and buns are separated into chapters) is the same for each one, so I skip them (I’ve never been much for science, anyway). Each workout has two parts, the second part being more difficult than the first.

I haven’t SEEN results just yet in my arms, but I can feel that the muscles have been worked. I’ve only done the abs a couple of times (I have trouble with my abs–the only places I ever feel the work are my neck, shoulders, and hips), but the buns portion is unlike any bun work I’ve ever done! There are plenty of lunges and squats to work your muscles and get your heart rate up, but the one that really kills me is the sumo. I was very sore after I did part one of the bun work–it may take me a while to get to the harder work on part two.

In addition to the workouts and science, you have the option of seeing the moves from different angles. There’s also a fitness quiz, and a 10-day meal plan to jump-start your weight loss.

I would very much like to have this in my collection.

5 Stars schmocas
Tamilee is the best instructor! She kicked my butt into shape when I was 25 and now she kicking it again at 43. I have only done the workouts for 3 weeks and already am seeing results. LOVE HER!

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Power Yoga Stamina

July 31st, 2010 - 0 comments.

Power Yoga Stamina

Yoga: Stamina. This inspiring workout will carry you through the day feeling more energized and give you the reserve power to feel ready for anything in your life that demands steady reserves of strength and energy. Acclaimed instructor Rodney Yee guides you through brisk Vinyasa sequences specifically designed to build your energy reserves. This invigorating workout you can do in less than half an hour includes a warmup featuring fluid classic Sun Salutations to warm both muscles and mind. Move seamlessly into Rodney Yee s distinctive style of Power Yoga in endurance-building sequences that challenge you with a range of motion for your entire body. Conclude with short yet deeply renewing relaxation that leaves you recharged and ready for anything. You ll love the way you feel after this great workout as you redisover your body s hidden stores of both physical and mental energy. A complete workout filmed on the stunning Maui shore focus breathing and rev up with warming Sun Salutation sequences boost energy and endurance with stamina-building poses rebalance body and mind through guided relaxation. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre:

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Ashtanga Yoga The Primary Series

Ashtanga Yoga The Primary Series

July 30th, 2010 - 0 comments.

Nearly 70 postures to ignite your inner fire and awaken your nervous system to its natural, vital state.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Really Great Video for everyone
This guy is an amazing teacher, his dialog is perfect and his descriptions on how to properly build each posture is superb. If you really want to practice the Ashtanga series with full commitment then you will enjoy this video. Everytime you play it you will hear something new, it could be the way you are placing your feet on the mat or where to look in a posture.

I know some people think that 90 mins is a long time and I was introduced to yoga doing 90 min practices so for me that doesn’t really seem to be a long time (I can easily do 3-4 hours of yoga) so this is somewhat of a disclaimer. However I don’t thing a 60 min routine can do yoga justice at all.

This is a great video and once you get the Ashtanga Primary series down you will spend less time trying to “figure” out how to get into posture and more time with your breath and meditation. This video gives you a really great foundation to do that.

Namaste

5 Stars unparalleled instruction in Asthanga yoga at home
Ok, I will freely admit that I get a little caught up in the external aspects of most yoga DVDs, relishing in the trippy music and gorgeous locations almost as much as the yoga and instruction, so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one. The production value is very pared-down compared with many of the other oyga DVDs out there, with just Richard solo amidst a lovely but simple background and there is no background music at all. What you DO get is a level of teaching and serenity that astounded me. You also get the absolute purity of the Primary Asthanga Series as it was taught by Pattabhi Jois. It took me a few minutes to adjust to Richard’s energy, it’s different, but he’s very sweet, very grounded and with a very soft and soothing presence. This is someone who has been doing Asthanga for decades and still loves it so much, he’s still very connected to the subtleties and magic of it all.

I’ve heard so many teachers working with the same exact postures and somehow he managed to gives cues, instructions and beautiful metaphors that enabled me to find a new depth and power in every single posture I did, opening to them in completely new ways. The magic is in the details, I often find, whether it’s a film, a song or a good yoga class, and the way Richard can guide you through a very daunting series with such tranquility, encouragement, patience and meticulous detail without ever taking away from your own experience or where you are in your practice…well, it’s stunning.

Personally, while I have done Hatha and Kundalini for over 15 years I’d found Asthanga series to be too intimidating and assumed I had to be in athletic condition to even begin to attempt this. The Primary Series is about 2 hours long in its entirety, and I’d say I can do about half right now on a good energy day. Then it gets into a level of stamina, flexibility and balance I have yet to experience, but with this DVD and his teaching I now have no doubt that daily practice will get me there, in my own time. And instead of the last hour seeming like an impossible dream, it inspires me. That’s the magic of a truly great teacher.

The series itself is a wonderful combination of Sun Salutations (A & B), standing poses to stretch, open and build stamina and strength, and then the second hour is where the nitty gritty Asthanga kicks in with incredibly deep stretches, arm balances, a lengthy and lovely shoulder stand sequence and a few pretzel moments that I can only imagine must feel liberating and wonderful.

I’ve read and heard that being able to do the Primary Series and master it could take years, and I see why. But I feel even an advanced beginning yogi could benefit from this DVD. Even when I did just the first 30 minutes or so over the weekend I felt tremendous benefits and discovered new layers thanks to Richard’s expertise. He glides through every movement as though he were weightless and partially made of rubber, it’s really something to see. Such grace and poise can only come from dedication and absolute presence and respect for the work. I’m so glad I heeded the glowing reviews here and bought this DVD. This will be an instrumental tool in my growth as a yogi for years to come.

3 Stars Not what I was expecting, I think.
I’m not quite sure what I was expecting when I ordered this dvd, but it was way more advanced than I expected. I’ve never taken a formal yoga class, as they just aren’t easily found where I live. I enjoy yoga, but this was way more than I planned on biting off. First of all, it is two hours. I don’t know too many people that have two hours to dedicate per day to any work-out. Second, some of the poses are far too advanced to do at home, unless you have had a great deal of personal instruction. I was a bit scared to try some of the poses for fear of hurting myself. For crying outloud, this man is Gumby. There should be a disclosure that this is for advanced yoga students, not beginner or intermediate. And frankly, it’s a bit creepy.

5 Stars Great DVD
I bought this DVD and have been very pleased with it. Not only is it less expencive then some of the other DVDs on the same subject, but it is very informative.

I think that this is a great DVD on Ashtanga Yoga. Well worth the price.

5 Stars The Genuine Article
Wow. I have practiced yoga for many years to video material, and Richard Freeman is the most inspiring practitioner I’ve had the privilege of encountering. The practice on this DVD could occupy most of us for a lifetime. It is not beginner material, though the clarity of the explanations could benefit anybody, and it would be beneficial for a beginner to have this exposure from the start, so long as they did not get discouraged. I originally passed over Freeman’s “Ashtanga Yoga: Introduction” DVD, thinking it would be too easy for my level of experience, but now I am going to purchase it, hoping that this same quality of instruction will be given, but with a more manageable (for me) series. Particular attention is given to the bandhas and the breath, which are too often neglected in other yoga videos; questions I hadn’t even quite articulated about some of these specifics were answered. Body dynamics are also emphasized in every pose. Freeman’s mastery inspires confidence in the specifics of his instruction.

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SparkPeople Cardio Blast with Coach Nicole

SparkPeople Cardio Blast with Coach Nicole

July 30th, 2010 - 0 comments.

Millions have lost weight and gotten fit with SparkPeople.com, Americas most active diet and fitness Website! Now you can spark your body and your life with these motivating workouts! Stop thinking of cardio as a chore, and start having fun with these fat-burning and boredom-busting workouts. The SparkPeople Cardio Blast provides six 10-minute cardio routines.

Topics: Fitness Exercise |
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Shape Get Lean in 4 Weeks

Shape Get Lean in 4 Weeks

July 30th, 2010 - 0 comments.

Studio: Gaiam Americas Release Date: 12/01/2009

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Solid workout!
Let me start by saying that the instructor, Yumi Lee is really great – superb cueing, friendly and motivating. 5 stars for her.

One of the previous reviewers already gave a very detailed description of the workout itself, so I won’t be repeating it here – it is

a challenging yet safe ( as far as I can tell ) kickboxing-infused routine. I find that the sculpting section really challenges my core

as Yumi often combines moves, forcing you to fight for your balance.

Why four stars then? As someone already wrote, the cardio routines are not particularly diverse, so you may get bored quickly. The second

problem I have is the flow of the workout, especially its first part. The way new moves are introduced ( broken down in single steps, carried

out in slo-mo ) is great the first time you do it, but as soon as you learned them ( i.e. in my case first time I did it, as they are not

too complicated ) you wish you could skip the intro in order to keep your heart rate up.

5 Stars Love It! Love it! Love It!
After watching a trailer of the DVD I had to have it. When it arrived to day,I popped it in the player straight way. I got a really good cardio workout from the kickboxing & strength training on this dvd. The pace was not too fast or slow and you will sweat. I loved this DVD! I’m a total fan of anything kickboxing & this has a simple routine that even a complete beginner can follow with out feeling lost.

Admittedly, the time is off on workout #2, its shorter than the 20 minutes as desrcibed on the case but its good never the less. I enjoyed all three sessions and I can see myself reaching for this workout on regular basis. I

Just try it, if you dont like it ,pay it forward to someone else who enjoys a good cardio workout..chances are you will keep it for yourself!!! Go 4 it!

4 Stars 3 1/2 – 4 stars – ok, not the best
OK – parts of this video are definitely fun – lots of kickboxing (in the cardio portion) which is something I wanted and good attitudes – one of the women is in several of the Jillian Michael’s videos & I love her (the high-impact girl). I like that there are lots of variations of each move (low-impact, standard, hi-impact) and I felt like I wasn’t staring at the clock the whole time (a habit of mine) waiting for it to be over because it was fun. Also, I liked out she did cardio bursts throughout the cardio portion…not a million of them but enough to keep your heart rate raised.

Bad stuff:

She goes really slowly at first through each move in the cardio section…ok that’s great for the 1st time or the 2nd but I don’t know how I’m get through her slowly guiding me EVERY time I do this dvd…the moves are not that complex as it is! It would have been a lot smarter to add a separate section on the dvd where she breaks down the moves so the cardio is not so much stop/start.

The toning section…it’s only about 15 minutes TOPS…I checked on my dvd player…that’s WITH the warmup- I thought it would be 20 minutes as stated…I feel a little jyped there…there’s nothing too intense…I didn’t really feel that all-around toned after…

5 Stars Excellent!!
I recently got this DVD and it is one of the best work dvds that I have (I own over 60). I feel that Yumi is not only an great with her cuing, but also the workouts themselves really are effective in giving a complete workout! I definitely agree with the other reviewer that I wish Yumi would make more workout DVDs (maybe something that would help those of us interested in getting a toned upper body like hers!)

5 Stars Outstanding Yumi Lee
I love Yumi Lee and her instructions in this video. I think she’s a great instructor and should make more exercise DVDs.

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The Firm Total Body Toner

The Firm Total Body Toner

July 29th, 2010 - 0 comments.

Resistance techniques are essential to achieving a tighter firmer body and Annie Del Rio Pointer is the master at demonstrating the ideal techniques to get people there. Not only do these routines help to slim down and sculpt problem areas they also increase metabolism so those extra calories won t turn to fat. A better firmer body is a realistic goal with these effective moves that use just a little bit of resistance to burn a whole lot of calories. Genre:

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Leslie Sansone Walk at Home Walk Away Your Waistline With 1 2 and 3 Mile Markers Walk Belt Included Inside

Leslie Sansone Walk at Home Walk Away Your Waistline With 1 2 and 3 Mile Markers Walk Belt Included Inside

July 29th, 2010 - 0 comments.

Start walking at home with Leslie and a spirited cast of walkers. This 3 Mile Walk features The Walk Belt! More muscles are challenged when you wear The Walk Belt – that’s what helps you to burn more calories for a very slimming workout! Leslie shows you how the belt “engages the core muscles” and gives the arms and upper body a firming workout you get a flat tummy and slim toned arms all while walking away the extra weight! Kit Includes: 3 Mile Workout DVD The Walk Belt Workout Meter System Requirements:Length: 48 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre:

Topics: Fitness Exercise |
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Shape Best Ever Hollywood Workout

Shape Best Ever Hollywood Workout

July 28th, 2010 - 0 comments.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Disappointing
I was so excited for this dvd to come out. I don’t do too many exercise videos but I tought this one was going to be worth it. It is very boring, non challenging and overall disappointing. I workout regularly and was hoping this would add variety to my routine, but I am just upset that I wasted the money.

4 Stars Bland but effective
Shape: Best-Ever Hollywood Workout focuses on sculpting/toning. There isn’t any cardio, and it lacks variety. The background music is like elevator music. Gunnar Peterson is calm, friendly, and gets to the point. The basic, simple moves are great for the beginner exerciser. Gunner demonstrates the move first, then you start the repititions. The low repititions made me question the effectiveness of this workout, then I woke up sore this morning?! I did all 4 programs using the custom workout option. Continuous play – this may be the first time Shape has made this option available. When bought new, the dvd comes with a slip to mail in & receive SHAPE magazine 1 yr free.

TWO THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

1.This is a SCULPTING workout, no cardio.

2.This was effective for me because I did all 4 programs in sequence.

The only things you need for this workout are dumbells and a mat. Gunner offers modifications for beginners.

The DVD is broken down into 4 programs:

*Total Body Toning 20 min.

*Power Burn 20 min.

*Amazing Arms 11 min.

*Lower Body Blast 11 min.

I’ll do my best breaking down each program, please leave a comment if you have any questions =)

1. TOTAL BODY TONING

WARM UP – 4 minutes

Arms swing foward, then back, then across. Shoulder stretches followed by spiderman stretch, hip flexor stretch, hip opener & IT band stretch (great stretches!). Inner thigh stretch, then roll up. *these moves used in cool down*

- SQUATS

- PUSH UP with ROWS (use dumbells)

- BICYCLE CRUNCH

- PLANK POSITION hold one leg up towards end, then alternate to other leg

- HIP RAISE with CHEST FLY

- CRUNCHES

- SQUAT with dumbells, RAISE WEIGHTS UP (shoulder press) & PRESS UP ON TIP TOES

- HAY BALER – Side lunge with weights down, bring leg in, turn at waist & press weights out at eye level

- WOOD CHOPPER with 1 dumbell

- SIDE CRUNCH

- SLOW MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

- DIAGONAL BACK LUNGE with TRICEP EXTENSION (dumbells)

- SQUATS while holding dumbells above head

COOL DOWN – 2 min.

2. POWER BURN

WARM UP – almost 3 min. *mainly same moves (leaves a few out) as TBT, adds hamstring stretch/inner thigh stretch*

- FULL SITUP w/ STRAIGHT LEGS

- WOOD CHOPPER CRUNCH (use dumbell)

- WOOD CHOPPER STANDING (use dumbell)

- SQUATS with dumbells – pull dumbells up under arms while pushing up on toes

- JUMP SERIES – up & down, side to side, single leg, narrow feet up & down, ski jumps

- SPLIT LEG SQUAT using dumbells

- SPLIT ARM PUSH UPS

- SQUAT – push up, press up with rotation (dumbells)

- CRUNCHES – crunch alternated with cork screw crunch (one dumbell)

- REACHING LUNGE with LATERAL RAISE (dumbells)

- CURTSY LUNGE with LATERAL RAISE (dumbells)

- BICEP CURLS with BALANCE CHALLENGE – single leg (dumbells)

- SUPERMAN using one dumbell

- CLOSE GRIP PUSH UP

- KNEE-INS while in plank position

- SEATED TORSO ROTATION w/ dumbells

- SUMO SQUAT – up & extend (one dumbell)

COOL DOWN

3. AMAZING ARMS

WARM UP – arm circles, shoulder stretch, side stretch. Grab Dumbells =)

TRICEPS

- Tricep extensions

- Tricep kick backs

- Close grip pushups

BICEPS

- Bicep Curls w/ balance challange

- Side Curls – arms at 90 degree angle

- Hammer Curls

SHOULDERS

- Lateral Raise

- Arnold Press

- Rear Delt Raise

- Half Press alternate w/ Full Press

Then Gunner does curls, tricep kickbacks again & lateral raises again.

COOL DOWN – same moves as warm up

4. LOWER BODY BLAST

Start with hamstring stretch, inner thigh & hip stretch,then spiderman stretch, quad/hipflexor stretch & IT band stretch.

- Squats

- Hip bridges

- Hip bridge with single leg, opposite heel to ceiling

- Squat Hops

quick stretch

-Slightly bend standing leg, opposite leg floats – reach down to touch ground.

-Cursty squat, touch ground

-Squat with reach & extend (on toes)

COOL DOWN Stretch- quad/hip flexor, IT band & calves

The positive aspects of Shape: Best-ever Hollywood Workout include; Gunner has a calming effect, no tricky movements/choreography, no cardio (for those who dislike cardio), because he switches between floor & standing exercises – the time goes by quickly & the customize workout option. A long lasting workout since you can increase the weights as you progress with these multi-muscle exercises.

The reason I gave it 4 stars is because it was bland & the movements were basic. I am not a low key type of person. I love unique workouts with challenging moves….I get bored too easily. Power Burn sounded like it would be somewhat tough, but it just got my hopes up – Power Burn is a little misleading. BUT, I did wake up sore after doing all 4 programs.

As a mom of three young children, I don’t really have the time to workout for an hour in order to get results. I do highly recommend this for beginner & intermediate exercisers, the 20 minute segments will be sufficient plus you can tack on one of the 11 min. workouts. You’ll feel it the next day =)

4 Stars Not “Best Ever” but still Very Good
This is a straight no-nonsense and strength training only exercise video. You need a mat and a set of dumbbells challenging enough to work your muscles, but still keep your form. The warm ups and cool downs are short, but I like how you do stretches as you go through the workout too.

The video is easy to program. The four workout sections are Total Body Toning, Power Burn, Amazing Arms, and Lower Body Blast. If you only want to do one section, you can click the title on the main menu. Click Custom Workout to “Build your Perfect Workout” and link the sections together. You can do any number of sections (1-4) in any order to create many individualized programs. You just click and highlight the section(s) you want to do. You can also learn more about Gunnar by clicking Get to Know Gunnar.

The workout contains 4 workout sections and a Get to Know Gunnar section. In Total Body Toning (20 minute) and Power Burn (20 minute) you use compound movements to work the entire body. Some examples of moves from the Body Toning section are squats with lateral raises, squats with military presses, and planks. Some examples of moves from Power Burn are the Wood chop (while holding dumbbell, move arm from shoulder to across the body to ankle), running in place, and lunges. In Amazing Arms (10 minute) you work all parts of your arm – triceps, delts, and biceps. Some examples of moves are pushups, triceps presses, lateral raises, and bicep curls. The final section is the Lower Body Blast (10 minute). Some examples of moves are power squats and a balance move for which your slowly bend forward as you slowly extend one leg behind you.

I usually prefer cardio interval training. However, I like this no-cardio video as a nice change of pace. To add cardio you can always add a section from a cardio-only exercise video, or like I do make up your own cardio/ kickboxing routines. Overall, I think this is a nice solid workout. I don’t know if it is “the best ever hollywood workout,” but I’m glad I bought it for my collection of exercise videos.

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