Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: 6 Minute: Disc 1

Today's Review: 360 Miracle: 6 Minute: Disc 1 
Mindy Mylrea, 2011

This dvd has 12 six minute workouts, 4 upper body, 4 lower body, and 4 core focused workouts. You won't need any equipment for the workouts. There is a huge window overlooking the ocean in the background. Mindy works out alone but offers modification options for most exercises.You can't mix and match or "play all." You have to go back to the main menu if you want to do multiple (but you can skip to the next w/o while in that w/o).

The format of these workouts is: each workout contains 2 exercises repeated 4 times each. Each exercise lasts 20 seconds with a 10 second rest in between. The upper and lower body workouts also contain cardio and some of the core work is standing, some on the floor. Each 6 minute w/o contains a quick warmup & cooldown & Mindy gives you a daily tip at the end.

Upper Body Exercises: jab, speed bag, squat hop & floor touch, tri push offs, jab cross, football run & arm flrry, football run & floor touch, & pushup -arm raise. Lower Body Exercises: sumo squat jumps w./ an added heel click, side lunge knee ups, dip knee ups, squat inner thigh sweeps, lunge & front leg curl, etc. And she adds hops & plyos to all the moves. Core Exercises: wood chop, figure 8's, side plank drops, V sit, elevator planks, torso twist & knee pull, crunch w/ a knee pull, & side knee ups.

I would rate these workouts as solid intermediates. The no equipment option is great for travel or those that dont have dumbbells. I love the addition of cardio in these but didnt feel that my UB muscles were thouroughly worked. My core & LB were due to body weigth. I added weighted gloves to the UB and used the w/u & c/d sections to do my own weighted UB work to up the strength training in those. Mindy is an excellent lead, great cuing, & great motivation! I received this dvd to review.

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: 30 Minute Lower Body

Today's Review: 360 Miracle, 30 Minute Lower Body Workout

Mindy Mylrea, 2011

This dvd contains two 30 minute lower body workouts- one advanced & one beginner. The w/o's are body weight only & contain a lot of good cardio. Both feature the same exercises but the beginner workout includes more instruction, backgrounder modifications, and Mindy offers level options for alternative intensities. The background is a super nice living room with a huge window looking out into the beautiful ocean. Mindy works out alone in the advanced and with 3 backgrounders of various fitness levels in the beginner. No equipment required.

This w/o is structured that you perform each of the 8 exercises at 70% intensity for 40 seconds, 60% for 30 seconds, and then 90% for 20 seconds. Each of these intensity "bursts" have a short rest period in between. Exercises include: side to side squats adding a hop, lunge dip to plyo lunge, side lunge add hop & floor touch, pliet hops add jump & heel clicks, Brazilian lunges, static knee pulls, & pendulums.

I rate the beginner dvd a true beginner w/o and the advanced workout is solid intermediate. The workouts are body weight only and I dont see how you could easily add weights to the moves as they all include cardio as well.  I like that this does include a lot of good cardio work mixed in with the lower body work-making it a very enjoyable workout. I really like Mindy and the progression of the exercises is nice. Great cuing and great for travel or small spaces. I received this dvd to review.

Collage Video Giveaway: Patrick Goudeau's Lean Hot Body

This giveaway is sponsored by Collage Video, my all time FAVORITE online source for exercise videos and equipment! Like Collage Video on Facebook for chances to win their awesome sweepstakes, keep up with sales and promotions and to find out whats new!

~Collage Video~

• Active fitness forums
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Up for giveaway today is  which available on  Collage Video for $19.99!

Review: Lean Hot Body

Patrick Goudeau, 2010 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 56 minute strength+cardio w/o. The strength work allows for moderately heavy weights at a moderately fast pace. The cardio is fast paced & will have your heart pumping! Patrick works out in an open studio w/ 4 backgrounders. You will need dumbbells for this workout. The dvd also contains a 10 min bonus ab w/o.

Exercises include: pulse squats & knee up, weights touch floor then jump up w/ weights, football run to pushup, suitcase squat & bi curl, deadlift & row, low lunge to plank add in a row, hi knee run- roll back- jump up (burpee-esque), low lunge to plank & Mt. Climbers, burpee- 1 leg pushup- side plank w/ weighted front raise, tuck jumps, plyo lunges, dip & clean & press to plyo pushups, weighted torso twist & punches, star jacks, Turkish get ups, tri dips, crab walk w/ curl & overhead raise, & plank hop to pike. TONS of great combo moves!

I rate this an advanced w/o that allows for moderately heavy weights. You can easily adjust the intensity by adjusting your poundage or impact level. TONS of unique exercises and tons of combo moves to get & keep your heart rate up! This is an hour of nonstop sweaty fun! Patrick is a great lead- good cuing and great demeanor. Lots of variety of exercises without being rushed! No boredom, no confusing footwork. I received this dvd to review.

Want to try this video? Head on over to Collage Video & pick yourself up a copy. Want to win it? Enter here!

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to Collage Video and tell me which dvd (besides this one) that you want to try AND WHY along with your email address.

Optional Entries (after completing the mandatory entry above):

• 1 Entry: Like Collage Video on Facebook
• 3 Entries: Sign up for the Collage Video newsletter (already do, leave a comment saying so)
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• 1 Entry:Vote in my poll (upper right corner)
• 1 Per Tweet: Tweet linking back to this giveaway & include @fitnessforus up to 3X daily 1 hour apart

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 9/2/11  and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 9/4 . Contest open to EVERYONE! Good Luck!

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Whats in Your Gym Bag?

No Excuses! 

I was recently presented with the question of what was in my gym bag. Well I work out at home, so I dont actually have a gym bag but filling your gym bag is all about being prepared isnt it? You have to anticipate what youre going to need and have it all ready to go so you can just grab your bag & head on your way....

I am a morning exerciser- but I am NOT a morning person, so I prefer the transition from my bed to 'my gym' (aka the room down the hall) as easy as possible. So I do what I can to make that possible. I also HATE wasting time and being a non-morning person I sleep in until the last possible minute. My alarm goes off at 6:20 and I am pressing play on my dvd player at 6:30! Go me, right ;) Here is how I make that happen:

The night before I have everything I need ready to go:

• I select the workout Im going to do
• I have my dvd in the player and cued to the beginning of the warmup (past all those pesky credits & such)
• I have my exercise clothes laid out & ready to go- including a small towel, shoes, socks, knee brace, hair band, shorts, and top.
• I have whatever equipment I need laid out and ready to go (step bench, weights, rebounder, etc)
• I have my water cup next to the fridge ready to be filled

Doing these things the night before only takes 5-10 minutes but probably saves me 20 because my half awake  brain just doesnt work that quickly and you know how we like to dilly dally- especially for those that arent exactly looking forward to their workout....And as Im sure the majority of us would rather stay in our comfy beds snuggling w/ DH or the cat ;) its easier to just jump right out of bed knowing that everything is ready to go. No excuses! 

Two Belles Giveaway: Lundberg, Jake's, Julians Bakery, & Seneca!

Have you ever wondered what the Belles keep in their cupboards? Head on over to Two Belles Fitness & enter for a chance to win all these yummy goodies!

Seneca Farms Gluten Free Chips:

Seneca Foods Corporation is one of the country’s largest processors of canned fruits and vegetables. Awhile back, the Belles were fortunate to review their Oatmeal and Fruit cups. We were so pleased with the product that when the opportunity arose to review their new snacks, we of course said, “Yes!”  Now, Seneca Farms offers an entire line of healthier snack chips, including Apple Chips, Sweet Potato Chips, and Crisp Onions, that are gluten free. Seneca’s Gluten-free policy ensures that products are manufactured in line with the needs of consumers with special diets. The many different flavors of Seneca’s Apple Chips and Sweet Potato Chips provide the perfect, portable snack for the entire family. We were fortunate to taste-test the Sweet Potato Chips and the Apple Chips. The chips come in a variety of flavors including Original, Cinnamon and Carmel Apple Chips; and Cinnamon and Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips. In addition to being gluten free the chips are all-natural, trans-fat free, sans preservatives and a great source of fiber. Once again Seneca Farms received two thumbs up, or as we like to say “four biceps up” from the Belles. The winner of this giveaway will take home both varieties of yummy gluten free Seneca chips!

Julian Bakery:

Quality is the heart of the Julian Bakery. Great care is taken to select wholesome, chemical free grains, seeds and nuts for stone grinding and in conjunction with a slow culturing process to provide the consumer with the best benefits bread can offer, full of amino acids and complex carbohydrates. Their mission is to bring healthy and delicious breads to everyone. Lindsey and I had the pleasure of reviewing their Smart Carb #1 Bread, the Smart Carb #2 Bread 9Cinammon Raisin) and the Amazing Sourdough Bread. Let me start out by saying I am Italian. My father worked his entire life in a bakery. I grew up on bread. Bread was served at every meal. I know bread. I love bread. I was impressed with the bread from Julian’s Bakery. The bread is dense, chewy, and tasty. My favorite was the Cinnamon Raisin bread (did I mention I have a sweet tooth too? I think it comes with being Italian?) but a close second was the Sourdough bread. It is great toasted and prepared as a sandwich. The Smart Carb Low Carb bread was also very good and at just over 100 calories a slice and 12 grams of protein is quite filling. The winner of this giveaway will take home 6 loaves of Julians Bakery bread (2 each of their best sellers: Smart Carb #1, Smart Carb #2, and Amazing Sourdough)

Lundberg Family Farms:

Lundberg Family Farms is a family-owned and operated rice company that is committed to producing the finest quality rice and rice products for your family. Now, Lundberg Family Farms proudly presents a delicious wheat-free alternative to traditional couscous. The Roasted Brown Rice Couscous is gluten free and made with 100% organic brown rice. The couscous is made from organic brown rice that has been gently crushed and fire roasted to produce a nutty flavor. With its light, fluffy texture, versatility, and quick 15 minute cook time, the Roasted Brown Rice Couscous makes an excellent side dish or base for any recipe. It is available in four delicious flavors: Plain Original, Savory Herb, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil, and Mediterranean Curry. Lindsey and I had the absolute fortune to sample all four fantastic flavors. Sometimes it is difficult to come up with new and exciting meals to serve the family. And these days where we are always on the run simple and quic is a high priority. I am pleased to report that Lundberg Roasted Brown Rice Couscous receives an A+ on both accounts. Not only is the couscous a delicious alternative, it is quick to prepare and ready in minutes for the entire family to enjoy. The winner of this giveaway will take home a variety of yummy healthy Lundberg Brown Rice Couscous!

Jake's Barbecue Sauce and Seasonings:

Jake's Barbeque Sauce and Seasonings is a California based company born in 2001 from three generations of barbecue experts specializing in the production of pure and natural barbecue sauce, dry rubs and marinades. At Jake's Barbeque Sauce and Seasonings,  they believe that good barbecue is a true art form and should be treated with the respect it deserves. That is why their focus has always been on using the best possible pure ingredients they can find in all of their products. Jake's Barbecue Sauce and Seasoning offers a wide selection of marinades, dry rubs, and barbecue sauce. Thewebsite offers a variety or BBQ recipes, how-tos and FAQs so you can prepare th perfect barbecue every time. Jakes Barbecue and Seasonings has also been the recipient of many awards for their delicious products. The Belles favorite way to use Jake’s Barbecue Sauce and Seasonings is, of course, on the grill. Not only is grilling quick & easy but it is also a very healthy way to prepare meats and vegetables – adding flavor without a lot of extra calories and work. The winner of this giveaway will take home a selection of dry rubs and barbecue sauce!

Enter to win ALL these delicious goodies on Two Belles Fitness!

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. We can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: 30 Minute Core Workout

360 Miracle, 30 Minute Core Workout

Mindy Mylrea, 2011

This dvd contains two 30 minute core workouts- one advanced & one betginner. Both feature the same exercises but the beginner workout includes more instruction, backgrounder modifications (including the use of a chair), and Mindy offers level options for alternative intensities. I love the set- a  living room with a huge window looking out into the ocean (gorgeous). Mindy works out alone in the advanced and with 3 backgrounders of various fitness levels in the beginner. You will only need an optional chair for the beginner w/o and no equipment for the advanced.

The workouts are structured that you work at 70% intensity for 40 seconds, 60% for 30 seconds, and then 90% for 20 seconds. Each of these intensity "bursts" have a short rest period in between. This is a very active core routine that includes some nice cardio as well. My core was worked very well and from all angles.  She includes lots of fun exercises, lots of variety & many unique moves.

Exercises include: The exercises are progressive, so you do three intensity levels of the same basic exercise.  lunge side chop, burpees progressing to Mt. climbers, V hold, bicycle, wood chop, torso twist cross knee pulls adding in a hop, plank side toe top to cross taps, and plank shifts progressing to elevator planks.

I rate the beginner w/o a true beginner w/o due to the use of the chair. The advanced workout really worked my core- and I would rate it a high intermediate workout. I am a HUGE fan of core cardio and the advanced is just that. Fun & active, accomplishes a lot in only 30 minutes. Very well rounded and you can tell Mindy is having  a blast! I received this dvd to review. 

Basic Stir Fry Sauce Recipe

Today's Recipe: Basic Stir Fry Sauce
(altered from this Family Wok recipe)

Ingredients:
1 1/ 2 tsp. coconut oil 
1/ 2 tsp. minced garlic 
1/ 2 tsp. minced ginger 
1/ 2 cup low sodiumchicken broth 
1 Tbs. low sodium soy sauce 
1/2 Tbs. brown sugar 
1/2 Tbs. Truvia
2 tsp.Sriracha hot sauce
1/ 4 tsp. pepper 
1 1/ 2 tsp. lemon  juice 
1 1/ 2 tsp.cornstarch 
1 Tbs. white wine

Directions:
Heat the sesame oil in a small saucepan. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry 15-30 second over medium heat to bring out the flavor. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, hot sauce, pepper, and lemon juice. Bring just to a boil, stirring. Dissolve the cornstarch in the wine and whisk into the sauce. Heat until sauce thickens and reaches a full boil. Simmer for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Book Reviews: Who You Callin' Cupcake & Tweet This Book

I was recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to review "Who You  Caliln' Cupcake?" and Maria had the opportunity to review "Tweet This Book" both by Ulysses Press. I have loved the recipes I've tried and am dying to try so many more and Maria has already been Tweeting up a storm. 

Who You Callin' Cupcake?
75 In-Your-Face Recipes That Reinvent the Cupcake

I was first drawn to this book because of the HUGE variety of vegan  & natural ingredients used in many of the recipes. I fell in love with this book because of the DELICIOUS and adventurous recipes it contains. As you may or may not know- I'm a HUGE fan of cake (I mean HUGE fan of cake). I dabble in cake decorating & LOVE experimenting with unique and fun recipes- well this book is the "unique & new" JACKPOT! So many fun recipes and SO many vegan options.

I love that the recipe calls for an ingredient but gives you a vegan or natural alternative (like beet powder instead of red food coloring or palm instead of shortening) and the book tells you where you can find the optional ingredients listed. Oh and did I mention it is FULLY ILLUSTRATED and contains tons and tons of mouth watering photos! What's a cookbook without photos. Oh and the photos give you some great decorating ideas too!

Smash the rules! Trash your cookbooks! Start baking cupcakes that will blow people's minds! Designed for cupcake lovers who are sick and tired of the same-old, play-it-safe options, Who You Callin' Cupcake?, written by the master chefs of Chicago's popular Bleeding Heart Bakery, shows inspired bakers how to create stunning alternatives that will rock their guests. These 75 recipes mix unusual ingredients that are as daring as they are delicious. You don't need to be a master chef to use Who You Callin' Cupcake?'s easy-to-follow system for making tasty, original creations like: Bananas Foster, White, Chocolate Wasabi, Mojito, Creamsicle, BBQ Pork, Chocolate Cherry Stout, Curry Cardamom, Peppermint Candy, Tiramisu, and MANY more! Who You Callin' Cupcake? has a recipe perfect for EVERYONES taste buds!!! I have so many recipes marked "to make" in this book- I dont know where to start. Ok I do: Creamsicle is first on my list. Or maybe the Apple Spice......Available on Amazon.com, AmazonKindle, Nook, and Barnes & Noble.

Tweet This Book:

Unless you have somehow been living under a rock, you may noticed the explosion of social media over the last decade. From Facebook to Twitter, YouTube to blogging, regular joes are making their presence known across the web. And if you are a huge user of Twitter, it comes as no surprise that your updates, err, tweets are limited to 140 characters or less. Have no fear, Tweet This Book is here! Tweet This Book contains over 1,400 of the greatest quotes of all time in 140 characters are less. Now, the next time you are at a loss for words, this handy little companion can come to your rescue. Tweet This Book is full of clever, cool, witty quotes and more. It is easy-to-use and organized from A to Z making it a cinch to find the perfect Tweet-able quote when you are in a pinch. Find a quote on any topic from exercise to politics, from sports to sleeping.

This book allows you to spice up your blog, microblog, Facebook updates with the greatest quotes of all time. The quick, punchy quotes in this wonderfully diverse collection come from all circles and include literary greats; politicians like Abe Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Barack Obama; and sports figures, musicians, and celebrities like Yogi Berra, Tupac Shakur, and Hunter S. Thompson. In addition to personal tweets and tweets with current blog posts or interesting fitness articles, I love sharing motivational and inspirational quotes. I also like to post an occasional funny joke or witty comment. I am loving Tweet This Book for when I am looking for something to say. Now the only question is, with 1,400 quotes to choose from which one will I use first? I guess you will just have to wait and see.

For more info please visit:
The Ulysses Press website

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



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

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: 60 Minute Cardio

360 Miracle 60 Minute Cardio 
Mindy Mylrea, 2011

Mindy leads this 60 min cardio workout alone in a living room set w/ a gorgeous ocean view in the background. The dvd offers warmup, cardio kick, cardio dance, cardio sport, and cooldown. Mindy offers modification options for many of the exercises. You will not need any equipment for this workout.

Cardio Dance: More of an old school hi-lo than true dance IMO- which I liked. Lots of fun! Exercises include: mambo- cha cha, V step, scoop up, hops, kicks, cardio lunges, and finishes with some microburst versions of the previous exercises.

Cardio Kick: Cardio kickboxing with some aerobic transitions. Exercises include: punch & kick combos, V step, shuffle & punch, knee pulls, speed bags, lunge hops, skiing, and jacks. Easy to follow but not boring.

Cardio Sport: This section is all microbursts- 4 minutes of work followed by 2 minutes of active rest. The "work" segments are broken down into 20 seconds "on" and 10 seconds rest. Exercises include: kick to floor touch, out out in in, knee hops, skater, jacks, and tire run.

I would rate this an intermediate workout. The sport section was shorter but a bit more intense than the others. You could easily adapt this workout to fit any fitness level. Mindy is a great lead and her cuing & form pointers were very good. Very versatile dvd- use it in whole or easy to break up for shorter w/o's. I received this dvd to review.

Interview with Barry's Bootcamp's Barry Jay

Today's Interview: As I'm sure many of you know I am a HUGE fan of Barry's Bootcamp and have had great success with his Fat Blaster workouts! So needless to say I was thrilled to have the opportunity to "interview" him for a Two Belles Fitness post. I really like his inspiring responses so I wanted to share them here :) as well

Belles: We LOVED your 5 Day Academy & BBC Fat Blaster. Do you have any new dvds on the horizon?

Barry: Not right now but would definitely love to do more. I've always wanted to do one for kids. I love kids and thinks its important to help them find their way with exercise and nutrition young...

Belles: Many of us are familiar with you from your workouts, but for those that aren’t, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you found yourself involved in fitness?

Barry: Sure. I think probably the most surprising thing is that I'm quiet outside of bootcamp. I love being at home with my 3 dogs just writing... hanging with friends, nothing big or splashy. I'm almost never out and about at the popular hang outs... whatever they are these days.

I found fitness back in the 80's and loved it. guess just living in LA it was hard to not see it all around me. I worked in entertainment public relations and management, working with Roseanne, Bill Cosby, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick - I managed Chaka Khan for two years...it was another life. I got fired. I went to work on a temp assignment for Weho city hall (lets just say I type fast) and when that was over the Mayor referred me to a friend of his who had a fitness studio. I needed a job and loved fitness and working behind the desk I was told I could take classes for free. Sold! As soon as I started working there was taking like 17 classes a week... you might say I was addicted. Then one day working there, an instructor didn't show up and the manager sent me in to teach. I was HOOKED!! That class became mine - then other instructors quit and in three weeks I had 27 classes a week - and in two years only missed 2!! my biz partner John and Rachel Mumford were students in my classes... when that place closed suddenly (by now I'm working at the weather channel AND instructing) John said we should open a place together - he had the $$$, Rachel was over the actress thing and wanted something she could sink her teeth into and I would be the main dude instructor. I was scared but it was too good to turn down... John was (is) one of the smartest people I knew and Rachel is the most driven and knows so much about presentation!! I knew dumbbells! :-) We were the perfect triangle and we knew it. We actually opened in the same place that fitness studio closed. so you can say I own the desk I used to work behind, thanks to John and Rachel. Pretty amazing!!

Along the way this pretty cool kid came along; had more on the ball than anyone I had really ever seen - he was on FIRE. He started working there, then instructing at bootcamp and long story short we are all partners now, its Joey Gonzalez and without him we would not be in NYC right now - which is pretty amazing!!

Belles: You mention giving up sugar in your dvds, what advice can you offer those of us that would love to give up sugar but dont know where to start?

Barry: It was SO HARD!! I tried and failed many times. I seriously had to take it one day at a time. I just made sure that I had plenty of the foods I could eat around....and got the crap out of the house. It was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Sugar is a drug and eating sugar makes us want more sugar. I gave up dairy as well which also helped. Dairy can make you crave sugar. Go figure. If you're able to have a cheat meal a week that includes sugar and the rest of the time you're fine - more power to ya. I had to give it up and I lost about 15 lbs just from giving up sugar - results kept me going strong.

Belles: How did giving up sugar benefit you?


Barry:weight loss
no crashes
more natural energy
ate better foods instead
not "depending" on it was freedom

Belles: There are many known benefits to exercising beyond aesthetics, what is your number one motivator to continue exercising?

Barry: Aside from health - number one benefit is positive thinking! Working out helps us over come our negative thoughts. No, its not the cure but it helps a lot. I have seen people workout and then stop and get depressed. There's a direct connection between mind and body - one that should be honored. I think it also helps keep us on track with the rest of our decisions in life. maybe we just quit smoking or we are eating better because we are working out - if we stop working out we may start throwing those other things out the window of "who cares" - also working out gives us energy! the less we do, the less we wanna do. working out gets our bodies wanting to live our lives more energetically!!

Belles: How has fitness helped you become the person you are today?

Barry: Seriously - it saved my life. When I first started working out I was a drug addicted kid who over dosed many times - one time I made it home and wasn't sure how. I was 120 lbs and gaunt!! I gave up EVERYTHING (cigarettes, drugs, drinking, not eating) and joined a gym. I drank weight gain drinks and started eating regular meals! The transformation was incredible and those who knew me couldn't believe their eyes. Aside from that fitness has given me a way to help others which has helped me not only stay in shape but feel purposeful in this life. it's changed me because I have seen people age without grace and honestly - I feel like a kid! I love being in shape at my age (48) and knowing I can stay this way and appreciate the one body God gave me - taking care of it so I can be enjoying life at 80!!

Belles: I also meant to ask about your BBC Gym. If you want to include any info about it: what can you share with us about your gym Barry's Bootcamp?

Barry: Treadmills, weights, resistance bands, great energizing music - creating a fun hard working environment where people can get the best workout in the world! I want them to feel like they have a personal trainer - I know them. I'm there to help. I help with food. I love seeing bootcampers become friends. its that kind of place. you come in there dry and leave soaking wet. as I say to them 'the wetter the better' every day is a different body part - every week that body part is approached a slightly different way - we keep you on your toes and truth they keep me on my toes because I want them to have the best workout in the world and I work hard to bring it to them.

For more information about Barry Jay and Barry's Bootcamp visit:
The Barry's Bootcamp website
Barry's Bootcamp on Facebook
Barry's Bootcamp on Twitter

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: Upper Body Workout Disc 2 Review

Today's Review: Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle: 30 Minute Upper Body Workout (Disc 2)
Mindy Mylrea, 2011 ***** (4.5 of 5 stars)

This dvd contains two 30 minute upper body workouts- one advanced & one betginner. Both feature the same exercises but the beginner workout includes more instruction, backgrounder modifications, and Mindy offers level options for alternative intensities. The set is awesome- a nice living room with a huge picture window looking out into the ocean (gorgeous). Mindy works out alone in the advanced and with 3 backgrounders of various fitness levels in the beginner. You will only need your figure 8 tubing for this workout.

The workouts are structured that you work at 70% intensity for 40 seconds, 60% for 30 seconds, and then 90% for 20 seconds. Each of these intensity "bursts" have a short rest period in between. This is a very well rounded upper body routine. Mindy does a great job of hitting all the UB muscles and working them to fatigue or failure. I like the band- it is a good resistance and Mindy does a great job at upping the ante with each "burst."

Exercises include: chest fly w/ isolation squats, kneeling to standing bicep curls (to up the intensity), progressive pushups, tri kicbacks & OH tri press, lat raise, tricep pushups, lat pull down, and includes a warmup & cooldown. She hits all the muscle groups & includes some static lower body work as well.

I rate the beginner dvd good for all levels- its slower moving and contains more options than the advanced workout. The advanced workout worked my muscles to fatigue or failure- and I would rate it a high intermediate workout. This is a very enjoyable workout. I really like Mindy and the sequencing of the work. Great cuing and great for travel or space limitations. I received this dvd to review.

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Set Intro

I have been lucky enough to review Mindy Mylrea's new 360 Miracle set! I am super excited about the set and I'm really enjoying the workouts! Stay tuned for complete reviews of all the 360 Miracle dvds here on Fitness For the Rest of Us. Click my "Miracle 360" tab above to see them all.

360 Miracle is a complete set- including everything you need to get in shape, have fun, and burn burn burn those calories! 360 Miracle features 6-minutes of microburst exercise, which clinical studies have shown to be just as effective as 30 minutes of traditional aerobic exercise. You'll do your 6-minutes 6 times a week and you're on your way to a 360 Miracle! You won't need any extra equipment for these workouts! Grab your figure 8 tubing and get moving!

360 Miracle includes: 

• 24 six minute workouts (12 on each dvd- 2 dvds)
• Six 30 minute workouts (2 on each dvd- 3 dvds)
• One 60 minute workout dvd
• Three "Take 3 Method" comprehensive eating strategy dvds
• Sturdy figure 8 exercise band
• Complete easy to follow meal plan, including tons of options, recipes, and shopping lists, & more
• Laminated Rotation Calendar

The dvds included in the set are:

• 24 six minute workouts on 2 dvds (12 per dvd). These workouts feature the Microburst Method and pack a punch in only 6 minutes!
• Two 30 minute upper body workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.
• Two 30 minute lower body workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.
• Two 30 minute core workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.
• One 60 minute cardio workout dvd
• Three "Take 3 Method" comprehensive eating strategy dvds. Take 3 is an exclusive method taught by Mindy that will empower you to make your own healthy and balanced eating decisions. With the Take 3 method, you'll never need to struggle with food again.

For more information about the 360 Miracle and Mindy Mylrea visit:

360 Miracle Website

Mindy Mylrea on Facebook

Kare~N~Herbs Review: Energy Kare

Kare~N~Herbs has have been distributing and manufacturing four Adaptogen based herbal supplements since 1994 in the United States. They purchase only the highest standard of herbs from various farmers overseas. Their adaptogenic herbs, Rhodiola rosea, Acanthopanax senticosus, Schizandra chinensis, and Withania Somnifera, are natural plants whose properties have been proven effective in helping our brains and bodies adapt to and resist physical, environmental and chemical stress. These herbs increase our resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety, and fatigue. The ingridients in their products Kold Kare, Energy Kare, Tranquility Kare, and Kare-N-Liver help the body counter adverse physical and chemical stressors by raising nonspecific resistance towards such stress and giving you the ability to adapt naturally with no harmful side effects. These herbs are Fast Acting- Non-Toxic and Normalizing. These products shield the body against stress, against the ravages of time and diseases. These herbs release our own innate resources of energy, vitality and strength.

We LOVE that Kare~N~Herbs cultivation is carried out with special attention to pesticide free and pollution free growth. The methods employed in the collection and drying of the herbs are such that they do not reduce or destroy the active principles, ensuring lasting quality.



Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare:
The Belles had the pleasure of reviewing Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare which contains Rhodiola rosea-which is a natural herb long used in traditional folk medicine in China, Siberia, and the Ukraine. It has been clinically proven to ward off fatigue and increase mental and physical performance! We love Energy Kare before our workouts! I am a morning exerciser but I am NOT a morning person. I stick with my morning workouts because I know they most likely wont happen after I get off work. But some mornings (ok many mornings) I am just exhausted- those are the days I absolutely love Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare!

Energy Kare is an all-natural herbal dietary supplement that will get you mentally and physically ready to tackle the workout and your busy day! Energy Kare is taken by athletes before competition, students before exams and on a daily basis by active families. Unlike caffeine, Energy Kare is all natural and known to...

• Stimulate the cells in your body to maximize performance
• Regulate the body's demand for energy (increasing energy supply when needed)
• Improve physical strength and stamina
• Boost mental alertness/capacity
• Take effect within an hour

Check out the Kare~N~Herbs specials for some awesome value bundles!

For More information please visit:

The Kare~N~Herbs website
Kare~N~Herbs on Facebook
Kare~N~Herbs on Twitter


And be sure to check out the Kare~N~Herbs Facebook page to enter their drawing for FREE Kare~N~Herbs PRODUCTS!!!!!

Exhale Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity Review

Exhale Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity

Elisabeth Halfpapp & Fred DeVito, 2011 

This dvd contains five 10 minute segments led by either Elisabeth or Fred in a cute brick & hardwood studio. There are three background exercises one of which provides modifications. You will need light dumbbells for some of the segments and a mat. The segments get progressively more challenging and there is a cooldown/stretch section as well. The dvd allows you can select a segment or play all.

Power Sweat: Led by Fred. This is a rhythmic yoga inspired stretching and flowing movement segment. Great as a warmup or cooldown or for a quick 10 minute rejuvenation. Exercises include: down dog, side bend, plank, calf raises, & sun salutations.

Cardio Flow: Led by Elisabeth: This section is faster paced and includes flowing yoga and some power yoga moves utilizing light hand weights. Exercises include: plank, plenty of Mt. climbers, side plank to push up combo, down dog w/ knee pulls, pulsing and isolation warrior variations with weighted preacher curls, upright rows, and chest squeezes.

Power Flow: Led by Fred. This section builds in intensity to increase your body heat and includes more intense versions of the previous sections exercises. Exercises include: lots of Mt. climbers, a weighted punch series, balance tri kickbacks, & a balance glute pinch with upper back fly.

Power Sweat: led by Elisabeth. This section is meant to get your heat pumping & blood flowing even more than the previous sections. Exercises include: pulsing pliets w/ weighted arm movements, fast knee pulls, lots of Mt. climbers, a pulsing side lunge series, & a squat w/ a side & rear glute extension.

Cardio Curl: Led by Fred: This is an active floor core section. Exercises include: static C hold, bicycle variation, toe drops, a hundred variation, & oblique twists. A lot of the work doesnt support the  neck, but easy to modify.

The dvd also contains a stretch segment. I would rate this dvd a low intermediate workout but appropriate for most fitness levels. Great for days when you want a stimulating but not taxing workout. Great as add-ons or strung together for a longer workout. Both Elisabeth & Fred are great leads, mellow personalities that really fit this style of workout. They both provide excellent form pointers throughout. I received this dvd to review.

Asian Grilled Pork Chop Marinade Recipe

Today's Recipe: Asian Grilled Pork Chop Marinade (from Food.com)

• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 4 (5 ounce) boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick

Directions:

1. 1 In a large re-sealable plastic bag place, oils, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and garlic; mix well.
2. 2 Add pork chops.
3. 3 Marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes- 2 hours.
4. 4 Remove from marinade and discard marinade. Grill over medium coals 6 to 7 minutes per side or until pork is cooked through.
5. 
   
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Tracey Mallett The Booty Barre Plus Abs & Arms Review

Today's Review: The Booty Barre Plus Abs & Arms
Tracey Mallett, 2011 ***** (4.5 of 5 stars)

This is a well chartered 79 minute workout led by Tracey in an open studio with 4 b/g exercisers- one providing modifications. You will need light hand weights, a chair (or barre), and an optional playground ball for this workout. The sections include: Fusion Warmup, Killer Arms, Booty Barre & Abs, Core Challenge & Calming Stretch. The music is instrumental & I liked it.

Fusion Warmup: (7 min) This is a fast paced yoga + flowing movement section that really gets you ready for the work ahead. Exercises include: flowing squats w/ big arms, crescent pose, low pulsing pliets, pulsing chair, one legged chair etc. Great warmup.

Killer Arms: (14 min) You will use light (3-5 lb) weights for this section. Though the emphasis is on the upper body- you will also work the lower body and hit the core. Exercises include: overhead tri press, head taps, punches & torso twist punches in pliet, curtsy - side leg raise- with big arms, preacher curls w/ pliet pulses, windmill arms in pliet, wiper arms, one leg balancing tri press, & trip dip variations.

Booty Barre & Abs: (34 min) This barre inspired ballet-esque section really hits the lower body but the core is worked as well. This section is mostly standing & you will use your chair back for balance. Exercises include: closed heel pliet, wide toe pliets, wiper knees, elevator pliets, pelvic tuck, oblique tucks, 1 leg balance- side leg sweep, slow Mt. climbers, balance elbow to knee pulls, etc. The work is quick and she includes some exercises that do get the HR up.

Core Challenge & Calming Stretch: (23 min) This core & stretch section felt pilates inspired to me. You will need light weights for many of the moves. Exercises include: can can, c-curve roll down, toe drops, pilates bike, weighted lower ab crunch, swan dive rock, snake, roll over series, & scissors.

I would rate this a high intermediate/ low advanced workout. Tracey does a fantastic job of adding in lots of movement to raise the heartrate and she hits all the muscle groups with lots of unique exercises. Her cuing and form pointers/ reminders are fantastic. I really enjoyed the challenge that this dvd offered. Great unique barre
workout! I received this dvd to review.

PeakFit Challenge Review: Cardio Strength 1 Review

PeakFit Challenge: Cardio Strength One
Michelle Dozois, 2011 

This is a 59 minute strength & cardio workout led by Michelle w/ a group of background exercisers ( The set is a nice room with hardwood floors & white walls. You will need a variety of dumbbells for this workout.

The workout is set up in 10 minute circuits. You start with level 1 - strength training, and then move to level 2 - where you incorporate some compond moves into your strength moves. Level 3 is cardio and its no "walk in the park" easy cardio. Then you perform level 4- which is all out, anaerobic cardio. She concludes the workout with a cooldown stretch.

The workout jumps right in- no wasted time here! Some of the strength work (levels 1 & 2) def had a functional feel and some seemed kettlebell inspired. There were a lot of compounds moves (level 2) so you are moving and working throughout the entire hour. Some of the strength moves include: deadlifts into a bicep curl, pushups into plank knee pulls, pliets w/ UB work, squat to the floor w/ a shoulder raise, and I felt my core being worked throughout each strength set.

Level 3 cardio moves included: shuffle jump, various kick and punch combos, jumping jacks, high knees, skiiers, etc. The level 3 cardio is not what I would consider easy at all and is followed by 15 seconds of even more intense cardio!

Level 4 cardio moves include tuck jumps, flying jumps, ground touch-jump, crab crawl jumps, and more heart pounding explosive moves. Level 4 only lasts 15 seconds so its very do-able! And is followed by another level 1 strength set, which allows your to recover.

This workout is def advanced but is SO very doable because of the way Michelle has structured the work. This workout really really strengthens your heart- training it to not only get up there but to come back down. I LOVE a challenging workout and I love that this one flows so well and the time just flew by. At 30 minutes into the workout I was still going very strong. I didnt lose any steam until the very last circuit, but was still able to finish strong. That says alot to the sequencing of this workout and I am impressed! Can not wait to try others in this series. Michelles cueing is spot on and all the moves are athletic and easy to catch onto.

Helpful Household Tools!

I am always looking for helpful household items to have around to make my life just a little bit easier. Here are a couple HOT finds:

Robo-Stir:

 One of the best ways to keep ourselves on track and guarantee that we will eat healthy for the week is by preparing our meals at home. But with our busy lives sometimes it is hard to find the time to cook during the week. So we find that the best practice is to prepare our meals for the wekk on the weekends. Many times that means more than one pot, burner or appliance is going at the same time. That's why we love the RoboStir.

The RoboStir is the newest way to make cooing quick and easy. It is the one tool tha let's you stir your food without actually having to "stir your food." Now while sauces, soups and gravy is cooking on the stove, let the Robo-Stir do the work so you can be doing something else. With the RoboStir it is like having your own personal sous-chef, right in your own kitchen! And it is simple to use. Just place the RoboStir in a pot or pan, turn it on and voila, no need to worry about continuosly stirring your food because it will be stirred automatically at just the right speed.  The RoboStir is battery operated and can withstand temperatures of up to 572 degrees Farenheit. It is also water resistant and specially designed to cover every area of your pot or pan. Isn't it time you made cooking in the kitchen easier?

Tarnish Tamer:

Silver! We love it but hate that it tarnishes. We clean it but the shine doesn't last. Polishing silver is a smelly and time consuming task. It's the last thing we want to do when we need to use our silver at a moments notice. Wouldn't it be great if we could save time cleaning our silver? Or  better yet not have to do it? Well, with the Tarnish Tamer your silver cleaning days are over. The Tarnish Tamer is a revoultionary new product on the market that uses a scientifically proven and patent pending formula to prevent tarnish build-up on a wide-range of silver and other metals - keeping silver presentable and ready to use when you need it.

The Tarnish Tamer product line includes Anti-Tarnish Strips, Anti-Tarnish Drawstring pouches, Anti-Tarnish Zippered Pouch and an Anti-Tarnish Six-Piece Place Setting Roll. The Tarnish Tamer does not coat your items with any chemicals. It absorbs and neutralizes tarnish-causing gases. The Tarnish Tamer is non-abrasive and safe for all metals and gemstones. It is also safe for you, your family, and the environment. It is non-toxic and specially formulated to be hypo-allergenic. And it is so easy to use. Simply place your clean silver item in with any of the Tarnish Tamer products. That’s all. Tarnish Tamer starts working immediately. Best of all, the Tarnish Tamer is designed to keep metals bright for up to 5 years. So the next time you are ready to throw that dinner party or don your precious silver jewelry, you can do so worry free.

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.