Review: Amy Bento Abs & Stretch (Stretch 2)

Review: Amy Bento Abs & Stretch (Stretch 2)

Amy Bento, 2006
This dvd has 2 ab sections and 2 stretch segments that you can mix and match or play all. The set is a nice open room with hardwood floors with some fitness props around the perimeter. There are 2 background exercisers. I love that the segments are short-they are perfect to use as add ons to other workouts or to string together for a longer workout!


Stretch 2: This is a 15+ minute seated stretch workout. Amy utilizes a stretchy band for the last half of the workout but you could easily sub a towel if you dont have a band, though I think the band adds to the stretching.

Amy and b/g ladies work out with no shoes, the music is nice and has a kind-of light techno feel to it. What I really liked about this stretch (and stretch 1) is that she held the stretches long enough to really benefit from. Some of the stretches seemed yoga inspired to me, though I am no yoga pro-I definately recognized warrior, cobra, and down dog. This is a great way to spend 15 minutes before or after a workout or on its own on a rest day. Stretching is a very important and often overlooked part of our workout routine!

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The FIRM Rock Solid Cardio Review

The FIRM: Rock Solid Cardio

Kelsie Daniels, 2008

This is a 32 minute mostly cardio w/o led by Kelsie with 4 background exercisers. Jen shows beginner modifications. I like the Wave set, bright and blue-the ladies work out on a kind of stage w/ the Wave logo in the background. You will need a set of light dumbbells and the Wave for this workout.

After a quick warmup and stretch Kelsie moves into cardio on the stable side of the Wave. She basically does your typical Firm type step aerobics, but on the Wave. Then she goes into a more dancy set that is a bit hard for me to follow.

She does utlize the unstable side of the Wave in a few segments and you will rock the Wave and carve the Wave. You will also use light dumbbells for a few light 4 limb type segments on the Wave. I enjoyed those due to the low impact while keeping my heartrate up. Some of the segments include grapevining and step touching around the Wave a bit-so there is some floor cardio as well.

True of all Wave workouts-the more I do this one the more I enjoy it and the better workout I get. The choreo in this one is a bit tricky in one of the segments-mainly because she doesnt break it down or really even tell you what youre going to be doing. I think choreo lovers would do fine, but Im still a bit lost in that segment.

Kelsie is hit or miss w/ me. I LOVE her in Steamin Cardio & Pump Jump & Jab but her cueing is quite bad in the 500 cal w/o and this one IMO. The main reason I would recomend this w/o is because there are so few Wave w/o's that you may as well get them all so you can really utilize your Wave. Having said that-I did enjoy the w/o this AM and worked up a nice sweat. I would rate this a solid intermediate w/o.

Review: Amy Bento's Abs & Stretch (Abs 2)

Today's Review: Amy Bento's Abs & Stretch (Abs 2)
Amy Bento, 2006

This dvd has 2 ab sections and 2 stretch segments that you can mix and match or play all. The set is a nice open room with hardwood floors with some fitness props around the perimeter. There are 2 background exercisers. I love that the segments are short-they are perfect to use as add ons to other workouts or to string together for a longer workout.

Abs 2: This is a 15 minute core workout-you will need a stability ball & dumbbell for part of it. Amy starts off with a tough plank series-after holding plank pose you move into plank with a hip raise, plank w/ a knee twist, and a slow mountain climber. This part reminded me of some of Jillian Michaels core work.

After the plank work you move into ab work on the ball. You do a nice crunch variation, then rollouts on your knees w/ your elbows on the ball. Then you do a weighted dumbbell crunch of the ball a dumbbell chop, and some various weighted twisting moves on the ball. Then you put your feet on the ball and drop your legs from side to side working your obliques.

For only 15 minutes you really get quite a bit of variety and my abs/obliques felt thouroughly worked by the end of this sucker! I really like the plank work because it works a lot of muscles (very efficient) including your entire core, shoulders, triceps, and more. I also really enjoyed the ball work because though I have 3 variations of stability balls I actually have very few w/o's that utilize them. Again, this ab work was unique and fun while still being challenging.

The FIRM Ultimate Calorie Blaster Review

The FIRM: Ultimate Calorie Blaster
Stephanie Huckabee, 2005

This is a 45 minute cardio workout that was originally released with the 4th Body Sculpting System put out by the Firm. It came with the TransFirmer step. You will need a light set of dumbbells and the TransFirmer step for this workout. Stephanie leads with 4 background exercisers and Alison shows the beginner modificaitons. There is also an 8 minute bonus ab workout on the dvd that is led by Alison.

Stephanie really keeps things interesting and moving right along. As with many Firm workouts-you move from floor aerobics, step aerobics, tall box climbs, light 4 limb work on and off the step, incline step aerobics, and a lunge/ squat combo w/ light weights on the incline box. There is also a nice ab section at the end that includes plank & side plank work.

The music is good and basically I love this workout! Stephanie is an awesome lead! Her cueing is great and she has a pleasant demeanor. The set is bright white and open/spacious. I always work up a great sweat during this workout and get a good calorie burn.

I would rate this solid intermediate workout done as is. If you add some extra plyos, jumps on the step, more arm movements during the tall box work, and use the 8 inch section of the TF when they use the 6-you can get a GREAT workout. This workout would also be easy to modify down for beginners.

DVD Giveaway Courtesy of Amy Bento: Abs & Stretch!

This giveaway is now over! I will announce the winner in a seperate post shortly. Thank you to everyone who entered and keep coming back for new giveaways each week :)

This weeks giveaway is courtesy of the wonderfully generous Amy Bento & NRG Fitness!!! This is the SECOND dvd that Amy sent and I still have one more for a future giveaway. So Amy fans-its your lucky day!

Amy was SUPER sweet & generous in her email. She was really excited to help others get and stay fit and healthy. She also hopes were all having fun working out with her. I know I am!!! She has a great fun energy about her. I have yet to try an Amy workout I dont absolutley adore!

To Enter this Giveaway: Mandatory Entry: Check out Amy's NRG Fitness website and tell me something you learned. And leave your email address if you would like to be notified if you win :) Otherwise, check back to see if you are a winner! I just want to ensure that more winners arent missing out on prizes.

Optional Bonus Entries (after completing mandatory entry above):

• 10 Entries: Purchase something from Amys website THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought (I will verify the purchase). Leave 10 comments below for this entry.
• Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout (review below)
• Follow my blog. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
• Follow me on twitter & leave your twitter ID here (already follow me, tell me!)
• 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
• Facebook this giveaway with a link to this post (leave a link)
• Post about this giveaway on any fitness board  (leave a link)
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Today's Review: Amy Bento, Abs & Stretch:
Abs 1 and Stretch 1

Amy Bento, 2006

This dvd has 2 ab sections and 2 stretch segments that you can mix and match or play all. The set is a nice open room with hardwood floors with some fitness props around the perimeter. There are 2 background exercisers. I love that the segments are short-they are perfect to use as add ons to other workouts or to string together for a longer workout!

Abs 1: This is a 15+ minute ab workout. You will need a set of light dumbbells for this workout.

After some brief dynamic movements you move right into the ab work.

The first half of the work is done standing using dumbbells. First you do some weighted side bends, then a move I hadnt done before-you reach a dumbbell across your forehead in front of you-I really felt this in my obliques! Then you do some weighted twisting, a fun kickboxing-esque weighted elbow strike and then a 1/2 moon type side bend with a dumbbell.

You then move down to the floor and do 3 different variations of V sits (TOUGH), and 3 different variations of crunches, and finish with a lower ab move where you raise your legs in a V shape and then drop them down to the floor slowly (4 counts down, 4 counts up).

Stretch 1: This is a 10+ minute standing stretch workout. Amy utilizes a stretchy band that I think really added to the stretches but you could easily sub a towel if you dont have a band.

Amy and b/g ladies work out with no shoes, the music is classical-esque and very stretch/ relaxation appropriate. What I really liked about this stretch is that she held the stretches long enough to really benefit from. She hits all your muscles in 10 minutes! Some of the stretches seemed pilates inspired and it kind of reminded me of her 10 Min Sol Hot Body Bootcamp stretch segment (which I love!).

I really enjoy all of Amy's ab work (Hot Body Bootcamp, All Cardio Hi Lo KO, In The Ring, A Team Bootcamp, All Pump Xtreme) She is very innovative-always keeping it fresh and fun. Lots of standing ab work, and she utilizes dumbbells to really maximize the benefits of the ab work and get the most bang for your workout minutes. I would rate todays workouts as intermediate. Very fun and effective.

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Jillian Michales No More Trouble Zones Review

No More Trouble Zones

Jillian Michaels, 2008

This is a 50 minute strength circuit workout led by Jillian w/ 2 background exercisers. No one really shows any modifications but on occasion someone will show a modification example. You will only need dumbbells for this workout. Jillian uses 3#ers but seriously folks, this isnt Squeeze-I think most non-beginners can easily pull off heavier weights. There are plenty of reps but its not what I would consider a hi rep low weight w/o. No I am not using my heaviest poundage for the whole workout but Im not using 3's either.

Jillian goes through 6 or 7 circuits depending on how you look at it (warmup, stretch, and one kindof partial circuit at the end). The warmup is nice-mostly cardio (jogging, jump rope) and some dynamic stretching. Each circuit has a few moves and then you repeat the circuit. Jillian does a good job of hitting all the muscles in this one! I really feel that everything was thoroughly worked after doing this.

Most of the circuits are done standing but the last 2.5 are done on the floor and include: plank twists, plank taps, push ups, effective lying ab work variations, donkey kicks, lying inner and outer thigh raises, bridge, supermans, plank rows, and side planks. I love (to hate) all this plank work-you can really feel it working your entire core, chest, shoulders, tri's, and more!

The standing work includes moves like: lunge w/ a bicp curl, squat with an overhead press, static sqat w/ a concentrated bicep curl, pliet w/ an overhead tricep extension, static squat w/ tricep kickback, deadlift w/ hammercurl, surrenders while holding your dumbbells over your head (yikes), sidelunge w/ a hammer curl, etc. I liked all the variety and she does lots of multimuscle moves that got my heart rate up decently.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout, if you use heavier weights you can easily get a more challenging workout, I did! Jillians got her typical "tough guy" attitude in this, but shes not over the top. If you are not a fan of hers, you probably wont enjoy the workout. But she is fine w/ me, the workout is solid and unique. I like it better than 30 Day Shred, but not as much as BFBM.

And the winner of Bikini Bootcamp from TotalFitnessDVDs.Com is....Li!!!!

And the LUCKY winner of Jeanette Jenkins Bikini Bootcamp from TotalFitnessDVDs.com is Li, who said: "Today's special is "Crunch Pick Your Spot Pilates DVD" by Ellen Barrett..." Please leave a comment here and email me at lindseylu8 at netzero dot net. I hope you enjoy the dvd as much as I did and get a lot of use out it. Please contact me before 5/30/10 to claim your prize!

As always, I chose the winners using random.org random number generator!

Thank you to Mary from TotalFitnessDVDs.com for her GENEROUS dvd donations! She sent more dvds so keep checking my blog. And thank you everyone who entered. I am doing another awesome giveaway this week so keep checking back :)

For more information or to buy this or other workouts check out these links:

• TotalFitnessdvds.com
• Mary's TotalFitnessDvd twitter profile
• TotalFitnessDvds Facebook Fan Page

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Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Review

Banish Fat Boost Metabolism
Jillian Michaels, 2008

This is a 55 min cardio circuit workout led by Jillian with two background exercisers. No-one reawlly shows beginner or any modifications but Jillian mentions things for some moves that you can do to take it down a notch. You wont need any props for this workout and it does include some core work.

She does everything in 'circuit' style-there are 7 circuits she does each circuit twice. The 5 min warmup includes a bit of cardio and some nice dynamic stretching that I enjoyed. I found this w/o a lot less challenging (still tough though) than I had the other times Ive done it-not sure what to make of that. But progress is good!

There are 3 circuits that are pretty easy-but easy to modify up if you choose to. For the kickboxing circuits you can easily add lower body movements to the punches, and punches to the kicking moves. The rest of the circuits are tough! She has some 180 jumps, squat thrusts, scissor jumps, plyo lunges, moguls, and other tough plyometric type moves that will seriously get you sweating!

There is one core circuit (on the floor) which I also really liked. She does some walking planks, plank twists, supermans, mountian climbers, and pikes.

All in all I really enjoy this w/o-Jillian is Jillian and if you dont like her personality you probably wont enjoy this w/o. She is fine w/ me, her "tough guy" attitude doesnt really bother me. She produces some good w/o's and thats good enough for me in her case. I would rate this a high intermediate overall. Like I said there are some pretty low key circuits, but there are also a lot of advanced moves in it as well.

The FIRM Complete Body Sculpting Review

The FIRM Complete Body Sculpting
Christa Riley, 2004

This is a 50 min mostly strength workout led by Christa with 4 background exercisers. Libby provides the beginner modifications. This is from the BSS3 series-they exercise on their own round pedestals and theres a banner in the background w/ the Firm logo and it kind of changes colors. You will need an incline box (death box, TransFirmer, or slanted risers) and various dumbbells for this workout.

Christa hits all the muscle groups nicely in this workout. You will see a lot of the typical Firm fare here: leg press, dips, squats, tricep dips, bicep curls, lat raises, and the likes thereof. The bulk of the workout is done standing but you do a nice set of exercises lying at the end: weighted bridge work, pec fly, bench press, tricep work, and ab work. There is also a set of pushups in there somewhere.

 There are a few ncie cardio breaks in here as well. The moves are straightforward and athletic-nothing dancy or hard to follow. Its typical Firm cardio on the floor, on the box, and on the incline-knee ups, ham curls, step touch, V steps, etc.

I really like this dvd-mostly because you can really heavy up (well for Firm standards). I used my 2 heaviest sets of dumbbells for the entire workout. Christa is a good lead and cues well. The only things I didnt care for were: Christa & Pam were entirely too thin-almost sickly looking and unhealthy. And while the workout is good-its not "memorable" a pretty generic Firm, I guess. But again, I do enjoy it and use it fairly often. I would rate this a solid intermediate w/o

Today's Bargains:

-for an additional entry to win Jeanette Jenkins Bikini Bootcamp (after the mandatory entry listed on this post) go to TotalFitnessDvds.com and tell me which dvd you would like to try.
-Go here for a free sample Cliff Bar.
-Enter to win 2 candles from Mountain Mama's Kitchen on Mommy2TwoGirls here.
 
Oh how I am LOVING these enter to win" contests!!!! I have won quite a few, so if you have the time-ENTER!!!! Heres what Ive won recently (these are not sample sizes either!):

• Safely Slim protein powder
• waxing kit
• yogurt prize pack
• Tropical Treatments coconut oil hair treatment
• $150 worth of organic grass fed beef (20 #s)
• High Sierra shoulder bag
• 15 mineral eyeshadows from Mineral Basics

Today's LOLz:

The FIRM Bootcamp Maximum Calorie Burn Review

The FIRM Bootcamp Maximum Calorie Burn
Alison Davis, 2007

I really like the Firm and I like Allison as a lead. This is a good little workout. It clocks in around 50 minutes. I would consider this an intermediate level intensity workout though it can easily be modified up or down. I really give it my all and I can easily get an advanced workout. Ali and Sue Mi are background exercisers; with Sue Mi providing the beginner modifications. Alison is a great lead and cues well.

The workout is seperated into plyo/strength segments and cardio segments. She starts with a grounded move such as lunge and moves it into a flying lunge for example. If you just do the flying lunge the whole time you will definately get an advanced workout!

There are some tough moves in this workout: squat thrusts come to mind! She gives too many breaks (going down in intensity) IMO but thats an easy fix-just continue on w/ the high intensity move. There is a bit of bad camera work when she introduces this move, but once youve done the w/o once you wont even notice.

The last cardio segment is the most fun! She does a tire run, double step touch, shooting a basketball combo that got my HR up and I really enjoyed it. She also has a fun kickboxing segment as well. She does a bit of standing ab work and then more ab work on the floor at the end. Good ab work. Lots of variety in this one so I am never bored!

I use the strength portions as cardio breaks because I use this as a cardio w/o. So I use my lighter dumbbells (5#s). You could easily heavy up but the strength minutes are limited so I would rather capitalize on the cardio and use my light dumbbells for this one.

DVD Giveaway- Courtesy of TotalFitnessDVDS.com: Jeanette Jenkins Bikini Boot Camp!

This giveaway is now over! I will announce the winner in a seperate post shortly. Thank you to everyone who entered and keep coming back for new giveaways each week :)

Review: Bikini Boot Camp

Jeanette Jenkins, 2009 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 75 minute workout that is split up into 2 main workouts: Cardio camp is 28 minutes of cardio and chisel camp is 25 minutes of strength work. There is also a 5 minute w/u, a 9 minute ab camp w/o, and a 7 minute stretch. You can "play all" or you can select which workout you want to do. The set is nice and open hardwood floors with some beach paraphernalia in the background. There are 2 background exercisers. You will need various dumbbells for the ab & chisel camp w/o's. The music is high energy instrumental-which I liked.

I like the warmup -it gets right to the point and is very dynamic. I *think* the music is "Wipeout" LOL. The w/u reminds me of Jillian Michael's newer dvd w/u's with big arm motions along w/ LB movements. After a few minutes she moves into a quick stretch.

Cardio Camp is high energy and nonstop! I love love loved it! The cardio is athletic and easy to follow but really got my heart rate up and I was sweating like crazy! She does 5 cardio sets and the moves include: 1) jacks, high knees, skaters, knee hops, power jacks.2) kick combos, kick with a floor touch, sped bag, repeater knees. 3) squat thrusts, shuffle & floor touch, knee up-kick combo, pendulums. 4) jab w/ fast feet, oblique crunch w/ a kick, hook-upper cut combo w/ a plyo. 5) jump rope, volleyball moves including a dig, spike, and block. LOVED the cardio section.

Chisel Camp is nonstop multi-muscle strength work. She starts with pushup into sideplank, and some tough plank variations and moves into lunges with bicep curl variations, and chair pose into a short dip. Then you do some full form squats (all the way down into an overhead press), and pliet w/ tricep press. Then you begin a sidelunge with a 1/2 moon type shoulder raise, triceps kick back w/ a back kick. The last move is a static squat w/ a back fly. I was sweating and my heart was pumping throughout this section too!

I didnt get to the ab section but I previewed most of it during my stretch and she does some weighted crunch variations, bicycles, and other lying ab work. I will do it tomorrow and report back :) I also didnt do the stretch section.

I would rate this a low advanced w/o. I loved it! I like Jeanettes style and demeanor and didn't have any problems following her cueing at all. This is a tough but still fun w/o that will find a place in everyones dvd collection. It can easily be put together for a long w/o or divided up into several shorter w/o's. Jeanette reminds me of Nadia from Barrys Bootcamp Academy series (leg day)-her voice and some of the things she says. And as a sidenote-the background exercisers are Teri Ann (Ex TV, Crunch, b/g in Firms) and Kat (the beginner mod in BBC Fat Blaster & a b/g in PowerFit Harmony).

This weeks giveaway is courtesy of Mary, the owner of Totalfitnessdvds.com- Jeanette Jenkins Bikini Boot Camp-which Ive been eyeing for some time now. I will DEFINITELY be buying this one and SOON! (hey I just sold 3 rarely used dvds from my collection-I deserve a new dvd, right!)

Anyone that has ordered from Mary before knows she has awesome prices, super fast shipping, and excellent customer service. If you haven't checked out Mary's website: do so now! You will be GLAD you found this gem of a dvd source!

Totalfitnessdvds has nice long clips and reviews of w/o's. Use the code 10off to get 10% off a $20+ purchase, free shipping on ALL US orders over $19.00, weekly sales and posts twitter & facebook specials! Mary was generous enough to donate a BUNCH of dvds for giveaways, so keep reading :)

To Enter this Giveaway: Mandatory Entry: Check out TotalFitnessdvds.com and tell me something you learned. And leave your email address if you would like to be notified if you win :) Otherwise, just check back to see if you are a winner! I just want to ensure that more winners arent missing out on prizes.

Post a SEPARATE comment for each entry.

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):

• Follow my blog. Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying so
• Follow Total Fitness DVDs on Twitter & leave your twitter ID here (already follow her, tell me!)
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• Leave me a comment telling what you like about the workout
• Facebook like Total Fitness DVDs page (already do? Tell me so)
• 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
• Facebook this giveaway and a leave a link
• Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link (up to 1X per day, be sure to leave a comment for each tweet)
• 10 Entries: Purchase something from Totalfitnessdvds THIS WEEK and tell me what you bought (I will verify the purchase). Leave 10 comments below for this entry.

This contest will end Sunday 5/23 at midnight. And the winner will be announced Monday 5/24 morning-so CHECK BACK to see if you are the winner! And I might have some more bonus entries before the week is over :)

The FIRM: Dangerous Curves Ahead Review

The FIRM: Dangerous Curves Ahead
Alison Davis, 2008 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This is a 57 minute workout led by Alison with 4 background exercisers. Emily shows the beginner modifications. The set is the dark blueish tile looking floor with white brick walls and windows in the background. The dvd comes with a bright green resistance band. You will need a resistance band and some dumbbells for this workout.

The band that comes w/ the dvd is heavy resistance and the one they use in the dvd is yellow and much lighter resistance. Some were bothered by this, but personally I am happy with the band that came with it as it makes the workout more challenging.

The dvd also has three 26-34 minute premixes on it: all cardio, all strength and core cardio. I love that the Firm has begun adding premixes and that there are 3 options. I love the core cardio mix on this dvd. For this dvd in particular Im glad the express options are here because I find the strength work lacking in fun factor and effectiveness. I have actually only done the full workout once but have used the cardio & core cardio premixes countless times.

I love love love the cardio work in this dvd. Its much tougher than most of the cardio in the newer "pink" Firms. Alison throws in some unique moves like a bowling move, jumping jack variations, lots of hops and high impact, and some moguls. The cardio really gets my heartrate up.

She also works the core in some of the cardio stuff so the core work is interspersed throughout the workout. Her core work in this is fun and different and a lot of it is done standing. She also does some supermans to hit the lower back, some side planks, and even some rocking planks in the warmup.

Like I said, the strength work is weak. Even with the strong band I just dont feel anything and its kindof boring to me. She does shoulder raises, pliets, etc.

I would rate this high intermediate for the cardio and low intermediate for the strength work. Alison cues pretty well in this one though she is "off" just a bit in a few segments. I like her as a lead and she definately throws in some unique but uncomplicated choreo in this one.

And the winner of Taylor's Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey protein powder is.....yelwrosetxaz

Congrats to Yelwrosetxaz who said: "the FRS Soft Engergy chews..... They would be great for a bust......" Please leave a comment here telling me which flavor you want, chocolate or vanilla. I will email you shortly. I hope you enjoy the Platinum Hydro Whey protein powder.

As always, I chose the winners using random.org random number generator!

To purchase this or one of the many other protein powders and for all your supplement needs at wholesale pricing, check out these Taylors Nutrition links:

-Taylor's Nutrition store
-Taylor's Nutrition on Facebook
-Taylor's Nutrition on Twitter

And dont forget- there will be one more drawing for the other Platinum Hydro Whey protein powder from Taylor's Nutrition in a few weeks time, so check back!

And you can always click on their icon on the right hand column of my blog to go directly to their store!

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ATTN: Bonus Entries

Hi everyone! To be fair to everyone who entered my Taylors Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey protein powders giveaway I wanted to remind you that you must complete this mandatory entry in order for bonus entries to be eligible and so I have your contact info:

Giveaway Mandatory Entry (First entry): Visit Taylor’s Nutrition and comment here with your favorite product. Include your email address or you will not be eligible to win. I am going to start emailing the winners so they can claim their prizes.

I'm sorry I wasnt clear on each day's "bonus entry" post. I posted this "mandatory entry" info only on the original post. Next week I will specify in each day's post that the mandatory entry must be completed. So check out my original post for more opportunites for additional entries. I will draw a winner on Monday morning. You can enter until Sunday 5/16/10 12:00 midnight. Good luck everyone!

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The FIRM Power Ball Kit: Slim & Trim DVD Review

The FIRM Power Ball Kit: Slim & Trim DVD

Tina Smalley, 2008

This is a 40 minute functional fitness workout led by Tina with 4 background exercisers, Emily provides the beginner modifications. The set is the darker marble-esque floor w/ a grayish blue background. You will only need the ball for this workout. The dvd comes with a 4 lb pink med ball. The dvd also has a 20 minute express w/o on it.

I like this workout used as a functional fitness type workout. I was still a bit sore from my last strength w/o so I did it this today and it was a perfect fit. There is some lower body body-weight work (+ the 4 lb ball) and some UB "work" w/ the ball (4 lbs is just not heavy enough to really do much IMO). You will do a lot of multi muscle moves that will get your heart rate up -lunges and dips while chopping the ball and raising it overhead, full form squats, squats w/ an upright row, side lunges with a bicep curl, a bowling type squat, fencing lunges, etc.

The w/o really has a functional feel IMO-like i said a lot of multi muscle moves with light weight. A lot of core focused moves: twisting, chopping, etc. There are also some touching the floor moves, pushups w/ one hand on the ball, "gorilla walks" while in plank, and other "functional" type moves.

The cardio is good in this one. More challenging and heart pumping than a lot of the "pink" Firms. Some toe taps on the ball, plyos, jumping squats, side steps, and a lot of the lower body work also gets the heart rate up.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout with the option to up or down the intensity pretty easily. I wouldnt consider it a strength w/o though. I like Tina as a lead-her cueing is lacking a bit but its all pretty straight forward and athletic so not too hard to follow. She does "whoo" a lot in this and there is a few bad camera angles and you can hear their shoes clicking, but I still like the w/o and should use it more.

Custom Fit Interactive Training Review

Custom Fit - Interactive Training

David Snively, 2005

This dvd is comprised of segments from the Carribean Workouts TV show when David Snively was the lead. The dvd is fully customizable and allows you to choose from 12 twenty minute segments to customize your own 20, 40, or 60 minute workout or you can choose one of the premade options on the dvd. The cover boasts "over 1800 workout combinations"

David is leading the w/o's with the same 2 background girls. They all seem to be having a great time exercising on the beach or poolside in "beautiful Barbados". The scenery is beautiful. They use a variety of equipment: mini trampoline, tubing, dumbbells, stability ball, step, balance disc, etc. but they typically have a modifier that isnt using equipment. The dvd really provides a ton of options.

There are four cardio segments: "Hi lo aerobics" (floor aerobics). "Step training interval"- uses the step and includes high intensity bursts. "Cardio rhythm" is a dancier floor aerobic routine, and "mini trampoline" is a high intensity rebounding workout.

There are two bootcamp segments: "stability ball bootcamp" that uses the ball no dumbbells but does include body wieght exercises. And "medicine ball boot camp"-uses the med ball and is more cardio than strength work. I really like the med ball w/o.

There are three mind/boy segments: "pilates mat"-floor & standing pilates work. The background girls do the moves and David walks around w/ nice form pointers. "stability ball yoga" has some challenging ball moves but they do show a modifier. And "Power yoga" is a similar format to pilates mat.

There are 3 strength segments: "Step strength" that uses a body bar and a step bench. "Tubing strength" uses tubing a 2 balance discs in part of it. "Stability Ball Strength" uses dumbbells and a ball.

The w/o's are high energy and quick moving. I would say these are high intermediate w/o's. They are fun and upbeat. Davids cuing is very good. He seems a little cocky for some reason, but that could just be my impression LOL-but I still like him as a lead. I like that he walks around w/ form pointers in the mind/body segments.

The FIRM Strength Review

The FIRM Strength
Pam Cauthen-Meriwether, 1995

This is a 59 minute mostly strength workout led by Pam in the library set with a large group of background exercisers. You will need a variety of dumbbells, an optional barbell, a tall box, and a pair of ankle weights for this workout.

I like this workout and it thourghouly works all your muscle groups. You will do a few sets of leg press, dips, lunges, sqauts, pliets, plenty of upper body work including back, shoulder, tricep, and bicep work with various different exercises for each body part. After about 40 minutes of standing work you go down to the floor for some lying inner thigh and ab work. My abs were definately feeling it by the end!

Pam intersperses some cardio sets into the strength work to get/ keep your heartrate up. It is all basic athletic cardio and is easy to follow. There are also a few light 4-limb sections.

Pams cueing is good and I was never lost or wondering which leg now??? I like her as a lead. I would rate this workout a low advanced strength workout if you really heavy up. She does go slow enough to allow for pretty heavy poundage (as far as Firm standards go). There are enough exercises to fatigue your muscles IMO.

Billy Blanks Tae Bo Abs Review

TaeBo Abs

Billy Blanks, 2004

This is a mostly standing 25 minute ab routine led by Billy with 10-15 background exercisers. The set has pictures of Billy and other fitness type stuff hanging in the background with bright red carpet. You dont need any props for this workout.

After a quick warmup you move into a 22 minute standing ab routine. Billy does a lot of standing twisting-you stand in a pliet stance and twist your torso back & forth. He does side bend knee pulls, pulling the knee across the body, quick twisting, and a little bit of punching while twisting. I have a really bad neck so I couldnt keep my arms raised the entire time like he has, but I dont think that seriously detracted from my workout.

After the standing work you get a "bonus" floor strengthening routine that is about 5 minutes or so. You do some full sit-up variations and other crunch variations before moving into your stretch.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout. Its fun and very different from my other ab w/o's. As typical in Tae Bo, Billy & the crew do count the entire time "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8" I know that annoys some. He is not too overzealous in this one. This w/o has a nice place in my w/o  collection.

GIVEAWAY- Platinum Hydro Whey Protein Powder from TaylorsNutrition.Com

This giveaway is now over! I will announce the winner in a seperate post shortly. Thank you to everyone who entered and keep coming back for new giveaways each week :)

Last week I posted on a Facebook comment from Taylor’s Nutrition and the owner actually commented back! That got me thinking of how much I like supporting small businesses and why: great customer service and owners/ employees who CARE. So I emailed John (the owner) about my blog and his marketing manager Tiffany emailed me back right away! She was very excited about donating a product for my review & giveaway. They GENEROUSLY donated TWO one lb. Platinum Hydro Whey protein powders. One in vanilla and one in chocolate! The winner will get their choice and the other will be saved for a future giveaway :)

Now the REALLY cool thing about Taylors Nutrition : this is a company of THREE! The owner and two employees. John started his company for his daughter Taylor's college fund. AWESOME right! Now whats even cooler -the box the protein powder came in was personally "autographed" by Taylor herself!!!!! Check it out! Freakin adorable!!!
 
Taylor’s Nutrition is my #1 favorite source for protein powder! I stumbled upon their store while searching the internet for BSN Lean Dessert protein powder. Their prices were the lowest I could find so I ordered from them. My order arrived at my door in NO time and the rest is history-they are my “go to” source for protein powder. The last time I ran out of BSN Lean Dessert I went to 3 different vitamin shops trying to find some-finally found it and it was $10 more than the Taylor’s Nutrition price (including shipping!) so, needless to say-I went home & put my order in with Taylor’s.

Taylor’s Nutrition also offers a TON of different health and fitness products-TOO many to even name but a few of my fav’s are: vitamins/ minerals, bars, energy, sleep/ recovery, fitness accessories, sports performance, cycling/ running, and snacks/ food.

Giveaway Mandatory Entry (First entry): Visit Taylor’s Nutrition and comment here with your favorite product. Include your email address or you will not be eligible to win. I am going to start emailing the winners so they can claim their prizes.

Bonus Entries - Eligible after completing mandatory entry above: You can do any or all of the following for one entry each. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done.

• Follow my blog (publicly). Already a follower? Just leave a comment saying that you are a follower.
• TEN BONUS ENTRIES: Buy something from Taylor's Nutrition (post 10 separate comments)
• Follow Taylor’s Nutrition on Twitter
• Facebook "like" Taylor's Nutrition & post a comment on their wall
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway (you can tweet up to 1X per day through 5-15-10)
• 5 BONUS ENTRIES: Write a blog post about this giveaway, with a link to my blog & to Taylors Nutrition. Come back and leave the link to your blog (post 5 separate comments)

This contest will end on Sunday, May 15th at midnight and I will announce & email the winner on Monday May 16th, 2010!

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey Lu. Phoenix custom cakes. Specialty Cakes Phoenix. Arizona custom specialty cakes. Specialty cupcakes phoenix. Custom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakes, specialty birthday cakes phoenix)

Announcing TWO Winners!!!! Fab Kate & Ranae

I never heard from Sociology News so Jennifer Galardi's Ballet Body is now going to Fab Kate who said "I absolutely LOVE dance workouts of any kind... Bollywood, Belly Dance, Nia, but I think this would be a wonderful change of pace for me, and who doesn't want to learn a little ballet?" Please leave a comment here and email me at lindseylu8 at netzero dot net and I will mail out your dvd ASAP!

And the winner of The Firm Pump Jump & Jab is Ranae who said: "I facebook like total fitness dvds." Please leave a comment here and email me at lindseylu8 at netzero dot net. I hope you enjoy the dvd as much as I did and get a lot of use out it. Please contact me before 5/16/10 to claim your prize!

 As always, I chose the winners using random.org random number generator!

Thank you to Mary from TotalFitnessDVDs.com for her GENEROUS dvd donations! She sent more dvds so keep checking my blog. And thank you everyone who entered. I am doing another awesome giveaway (protein powder!) this week so keep reading.

For more information or to buy this or other workouts check out these links:

• TotalFitnessdvds.com
• Mary's TotalFitnessDvd twitter profile 
• TotalFitnessDvds Facebook Fan Page

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey Lu. Phoenix custom cakes. Specialty Cakes Phoenix. Arizona custom specialty cakes. Specialty cupcakes phoenix. Custom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakes, specialty birthday cakes phoenix)

The FIRM: Total Body Time Crunch Review

The FIRM: Total Body Time Crunch
Rebekah Sturkie, 2007

This is a 45 min 50% sculpt and 50% cardio w/o led by Rebekah with 4 background exercisers. Emily provides the beginner modifications. The set is the hard wood floor, white brick walls with windows set. You will only need dumbbells for this workout.

After a warmup you move right into a ststrengthet. The workout alternates strength and cardio sets and ends with some lying chest work and an ab section. The strength work includes a lot of multi muscle moves that are put together nicely so the poundage works for all moves involved.

Examples of the strength work are: squat with bicep curls, overhead tricep extension with a squat, tricep extension with a toe tap, dip with chest work and a knee raise, side lunge, quad-star, and a nice kickboxing inspired segment that I really enjoyed.

Examples of the cardio include: hamstring curl, double step touch, plyos, and other basic athletic style cardio. The cardio sets were good-unique and fun w/out being complicated and she adds in ploys and other higher energy moves to get the heart pumping.

While I really like this workout, I wish it were a full 60 minutes. In only 45 minutes theres not quite enough strength work for me to consider my muscles fully worked. It works out fine because I just add on 15 minutes of strength work to fill my hour slot, but done alone, wouldnt quite be enough IMO. My only other complaint is I have a hard time choosing dumbbell poundage because she sometimes says light and I could easily use med or even heavy. But again, I do really enjoy the workout and Rebeckah is a great lead. Its fun and moves right along, gets my heartrate up nicely and is easy to follow. I would rate this a solid intermediate w/o.

The FIRM: The Wave Rock It Off Review

The FIRM: The Wave Rock It OffAlison Davis, 2008

This is a 40 minute AWT (aerobic weight training) workout led by Alison with 4 background exercisers-Emily provides the beginner modifications. The set is a nice blue set with 2 levels of platforms that the ladies exercise on. You will need the Wave and dumbbells for this workout. The dvd also has a 20 min express premix and a 25 min cardio only premix. Though the cardio premix contains a short strength & ab set at the end.

This is by far, my favorite Wave workout. Alison does a nice job with it. You start off with a nice cardio set on the stable side of the Wave that will get your heartrate up nicely. Especially if you do jump & touch the entire time. Other cardio segments are done using the unstable side of the Wave including rocking on the Wave, carving the Wave (fast feet/ football shuffle), and basic step moves on the rocking side of the Wave. You will also step over and around the Wave and do some floor cardio: hamstring curls, grapevines, side steps, etc.

Some of the strength moves include a cool "laundry bag toss" over the shoulder move, rocking deadlifts w/ a row, squats, dips, and lunges off the Wave, upper body work, pec fly with bridge, and a quick but fun ab section at the end. I like using the Wave for chest work like pec fly and bench press-it works like the TF on the incline but is easier to set up.

I would rate this a solid intermediate workout especially if you up the intensity and poundage. I would advise starting w/ a little bit lighter poundage on the Wave until you master it and then increasing to your normal poundage-this worked for me. I have also found the w/o's get better and more challenging the more I use them, so if you have the Wave-stick w/ it-I think it will grow on you.

The FIRM Classic Volume Two, Low Impact Aerobics Review

Today's Review: Firm Classic Volume Two, Low Impact Aerobics
Janet Jones Gretzky, 1987 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 60+ minute w/o (including the final stretch) led by Janet with a large group of background exercisers. This is the 2nd w/o released by the Firm (hence Classic Volume 2) and is in the mansion set. This is definately a "leotards and legwarmers" w/o, which doesnt bother me at all. You will need a variety of dumbbells and a set of ankle weights for this w/o.

This is not a heavy sculpting workout BUT you will fatigue your muscles by the end of this bad boy! I usually start heavier and end up having to drop down in poundage just do to the shear number of reps and different upper body exercises.

The first half is mostly upper body + cardio work. You will get some lower body work in here too though. Janet NEVER stops moving! When I think of UB work I usually dont associate a heart pumping sweatfest with it but you will get that here. You do squats, side steps, pliets, lunges, and toe taps with each and every upper body move! You wil do bicep curls, military press, tricep extensions, lateral raises, overhead tricep press, delt flys, etc.

She breaks up the upper body work w/ some unweighted cardio that is straight forward and athletic-jumping jacks, marches, jogging, pliet calf pumps, and other basic cardio moves. The cardio serves as a nice "break" from the weight work for me.

At about the 30ish minute mark you go down to the floor-at this point Im always thinking "thank goodness" nope, Im wrong-time for lower body torture. You start with a kneeling lat row and move into pushups and then onto the donkey kicks with ankle weights-ouch! From there you move onto lying inner & outer thigh work and then onto an ab set comprised of crunch variations. You finish with lying chest work (pec fly, bench press, and ribcage pullovers) and then bridge work before you start your stretch.

I would rate this a low advanced workout-not "puke in the bucket" but a great nonstop thourough strength AND cardio w/o. The Firm was truly ahead of its time and this will remain a classic in my collection! (as soon as I get a new copy that is).

The FIRM: Maximum Cardio Review

The FIRM: Maximum Cardio
Carissa Foster, 1999

This is a 46 minute mostly cardio workout from the Firm. Its led by Carissa Foster with a group of background exercisers. The set is the old Firm mansion set. You will need a short & tall step, a small weighted ball, and a variety of dumbbells. They also use a barbell but I consider it optional and just use dumbbells because I dont have a barbell.

You go through a series of different cardio routines: floor aerobics, light 4 limb work, step aerobics, ball aerobics, and some tall box climbs. Some of the routines are the same that Jen does in Super Cardio ("sports drill" w/ the ball).

After about 35 minutes of cardio you move into some barbell work-which I find odd in a cardio workout, but because its a Firm (masters/ creators of Aerobic Weight Training) its expected. So you grab your barbell and do about 10 minutes of leg press, upright row, and lunges. She also does some pushups and tricep dips and finishes with some ab work and a stretch.

I use this as a cardio workout so I usually just do the first 35 minutes of cardio and then forward to the ab work, skipping the strength work altogether.

Carissa is a good lead and cues well. I would rate this workout a solid intermediate and I worked up a nice sweat with it. It is enjoyable and fun and the music is upbeat.

And the winner of Jennifer Galardi's Ballet Body is: SociologyNews

Congrats to Sociology News who said: "I love the workout because usually satisfying exercise leaves me feeling everything but feminine. Jennifer's workout will have women feeling fit and graceful."

Please send me your mailing address to lindseylu8 (at) netzero (dot) net. And dont forget to leave a comment here so I know to check that email address! I hope you enjoy the dvd as much as I did and get a lot of use out it. Please contact me before 5/9/10 to claim your prize!

As always, I chose the winner using random.org random number generator!

Thank you Jennifer Galardi for her GENEROUS dvd donation in the name of health, fitness, and FUN! And thank you everyone who entered. I am doing another awesome workout dvd giveaway this week so keep reading.

For more information or to buy this or other Jennifer Galardi workouts check out these links:

• Her LivWhole website and store.
• Her ExerciseTV profile
• Her Facebook Fan Page

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey Lu. Phoenix custom cakes. Specialty Cakes Phoenix. Arizona custom specialty cakes. Specialty cupcakes phoenix. Custom Phoenix cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes Phoenix birthday cakes, specialty birthday cakes phoenix)

The FIRM Pump Jump & Jab! Review

The Firm: Punch, Jump, 'n Jab

Kelsie Daniels, 2008

This is a 40 minute nonstop cardio & strength workout led by Kelsie with 4 background exercisers. Terri Lyn shows the beginner modifications. The set is the large windows with the (fake) city view and hardwood floors. You will only need dumbbells for this workout. The dvd also includes a bonus 5 minute "hit every muscle in 5 Minutes w/o" and has a Spanish option.

After a nice active warmup and brief stretch Kelsie goes right into the first strength set. The strength sets include a lot of multi muscle moves so my heartrate got up right away and stayed up there for the duration. Some of the strength exercises include: squat with a bicep curl, 4 count curtsy dips with clean and press, dip w/ overhead press, pushups w/ a side reach, side lunge with a lat row, side lunge with a tricep kickback, etc.

The cardio sets were comprised of mostly kickboxing type moves that were put together into little routines that were easy to follow and straightforward. Some of the exercises include punch combos: cross, jab, uppercut, hooks. Various kicks: roundhouse, front kick, back kick, and side kicks. You will do jumping jacks, shuffle, knee ups, and other athletic type cardio moves.

She does alternate the cardio sets with strength sets in this workout,but like I said, my heart was pumping during the strength sets too so they definately werent a break at all! The break finally comes when you go down to the floor for ab work and a cooldown. The ab work included some interesting crunch variations.

I would rate this workout a solid intermediate with the option to up or down the intensity pretty easily. Kelsie is a great lead and her cueing is very good in this one. While it is nonstop I didnt feel rushed at all, and enjoyed the quick pace.

The bonus 5 minute workout is Kelsie working out alone. After a quick warmup you do a few multi muscle strength moves and finish with a quick cooldown. I received this DVD to review.