Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Andrea Orbeck's Supermodel Series: Butt & Thighs Review (Rave!)

Today's Review: Supermodel Series: Butt & Thighs
Andrea Orbeck, 2011, ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This is a 51 minute workout that includes lower body focused cardio, standing lower body work, a tough lower body floor routine and an ab section. It comes packaged with a loop band and you will also need dumbbells. Andrea works out w/ 2 background exercises in an open studio. She provides options for modifications.

You start with lower body focused cardio: cardio paced squats, side toe taps adding a side leg raise, squatting step touches, and 1st to 2nd position hops to jacks. Then you move into the strength work using dumbbells: deadlifts, single leg balancing deadlifts, rows, rotator cuff, arabasque, standing donkey kicks, & dips. Then repeat the cardio segment and move to the floor work using the loop: side lying leg lift variations (circles, rear kicks, wipers), bridge variations, a tough table top donkey kick series and finish with ab work (heel drops, crunches, V drops to sit ups, oblique knee pulls) and a stretch.

I rate this a high intermediate workout because the floor work is super tough! The cardio is pretty low impact/ intensity but easy to modify up and using heavy weights I was well worked. I LOVE the unique combo she has going on, though the exercises are totally different, it reminds me of the classic Firms in that it combines cardio, standing strength work, and a tough floor routine. I REALLY hope Andrea puts out more dvds in this format. I love combining cardio + splits and this is a totally unique spin on that format. My buns were BURNING by the end! Andrea is a superb instructor with fantastic cuing & form pointers. I received this dvd to review.
For More Information:
Visit Andrea Orbeck's website
Check out Andrea Orbeck's online store
Like Andrea Orbeck on Facebook

Today's Tip: From Linda Larue, Watch Carb Serving Sizes
While carbohydrates are great for energy, it's easy to eat way too many if you're paying attention. Fitness expert and creator of the total-body core training system The Core Transformer Linda LaRue recommends to keep portions in check—especially when you're eating out. "Remember that a recommended carbohydrate serving—such as pasta, pizza, bread, or rice—is 1/3 to 1/2 cup. That's the size of a golf ball or mouse," she says. "Most restaurants give you three cups of pasta. That's the equivalent of six carb servings!" Read more on Shape 

Today's LOLz:



Monday, January 30, 2012

My New Favorite Healthy Sweet Treat: ThinSlim Foods


When I first heard about ThinSlim Foods I was intrigued and could not wait to try their muffins, squares, and brownies. The first thing that caught my eye was that they use erythritol instead of maltitol or splenda so there is no aftertaste and no GI distress. I know a lot of people that can not tolerate splenda, so I am super excited to tell you more about their DELICIOUS (seriously amazing) and LOW CALORIE treats!


First I tried one of their ThinSlim Foods Vanilla Muffins. I was amazed- seriously it was SO yummy and only 40 calories and 1 gram of fat! Their muffins are dense, moist, and super-delicious. They are created with a unique recipe that makes them low in calories, low in carbs, and low in fat but still really really tasty! 
Each muffin is 2oz. Each pack comes with 4 muffins.  The muffins are also avialable in blueberry & chocolate. 

Each muffin has only 40 calories, 2g of net carbs, 1 diet count, 8g of fiber, and 6g of protein. That is a whopping 1/2 the calories of the leading diet muffins! You could literally eat the entire four pack for only 160 calories. Not that I'm advising that you do, but I couldnt blame you if you did. I ate 2 right off the bat- they are that yummy! 

Next I dove right into the ThinSlim Foods Peanut Butter Square. It literally melted in my mouth. It was amazing and I liked it even more than their beloved Vanilla muffins. They are also avialable in banana & almond. I also had the opportunity to sample the banana and it was also very good!!! YUM. Each square has only 40 calories & 1 gram of fat. No trans fats or saturated fats and is full of 8 grams of dietary fiber. This is a great alternative to all of the high fat peanut butter treats on the market!

And last, but certainly not least I had the pleasure of sampling the SlimThin Foods brownies. Who doesnt love a brownie and how about one with only 1 gram of fat and 45 calories, we can all now indulge. As with all the SlimThin foods I had the pleasure of sampling, the brownies are dense, moist, and super delicious. The texture was amazing for a "diet food." Available with or without walnuts, both delicious and both diet friendly!


 I highly recommend SlimThin foods to anyone with a sweet tooth that doenst want to ruin their diet and anyone with a Splenda sensitivity. SlimThin Foods treats are my new #1 favorite sweet treats! 

SlimThin Foods treats have been designed so that they won't cause any blood sugar spike in diabetics - a true low carb food. In addition, they have a short ingredient list rather than one filled with processed fillers or other junk and they use erythritol instead of maltitol or splenda so there is no aftertaste and no GI distress.

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my 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


Sunday, January 29, 2012

WINNER: The Yin Yang Fusion Workout

The winner of  The Yin Yang Fusion Workout featuring two of my favorite fitness instructors, Jessica Smith Gomez & Guillermo Gomez is: Maria H.




Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thanks to  Jessica Smith Gomez & Guillermo Gomez! The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond to claim her fabulous prize!!! 


Saturday, January 28, 2012

Ocean Soul Yoga Presents: Claire Petretti's Yoga for Cancer Recovery

To keep in line with my New Years goal to fit more yoga into my fitness routine I have come across another great yoga dvd new from Ocean Soul Yoga: Claire Petretti's Yoga for Cancer Recovery and wanted to share the details with you!

Yoga for Cancer Recovery
Claire Petretti, 2012


This dvd offers a 60 minute yoga routine and a 30 minute yoga routine. The routines are specifically made for those that are going through cancer treatments or recovery. 


The 60 minute practice is designed to help restore bone loss and muscular strength, enhance circulation, digestion & lymphatic flow. The 30 minute practice is designed to dissolve stress, alleviate pain, & sooth your spirit. 


Claire holds a Yoga for Cancer Therapy certification and has been practicing and teaching yoga for more than a decade. She created this dvd because she credits yoga with aiding in her own recovery from breast cancer. And a portion of the proceeds of DVD sales are donated to cancer research- making this the perfect gift (for yourself or a friend) that is in any stage of cancer recovery. 


For More Information:
Please visit the Ocean Soul Yoga website
Check out articles on yoga & wellness
Purchase the Yoga for Cancer Recovery dvd 

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.


Exciting news: I got another House Party-Pull Ups House Potty

Krigler New York City Fragrances!

The Belles are pleased to introduce to you: Krigler New York City Perfumes! Krigler is a — a historically iconic perfume house, that started in 1904.  Albert Krigler creates unique luxury fragrances made with the finest ingredients from around the world.


We love Krigler fragrances so much because they are expertly blended to complement, not overpower the wearer. They are hand-made with the most exquisite natural ingredients. If you are in New York be sure to visit their location at the Plaza Hotel. They have been there since 1931 and that tells me they are doing something very very right! Head on in and work with Krigler's master in-house perfumers to create your own signature fragrance or scented candle! Talk about a one of a kind fragrance! And what a perfect gift!
Krigler also offers new additions to their custom and classic fragrances, including sweet-smelling moisturizers, body lotions, scrubs, cleansing milks, massage oils, shower gels and scented candles burning from 40 up to 800 hours. With enticing scents like mimosa, jasmine, peach, rose, fir, and Champagne, inspired by various far-flung travel destinations, here are some of our favorite Krigler Products:




LIEBER GUSTAV: Beautiful essence of the wild and lavish world of 1910's Berlin. The fragrance stuns with its panache and intrigues with its sensuality. With its Leather notes, Black tea and Lavender. A rich and woody scent with sensual and misterious notes.

MEDITERRANEAN PEACH: The purest incarnation of the unexpected fragrance, now takes on a sparkling sweetness. The unexpected floral bursts with a lightness and zest as notes of peach and dew fruit are highlighted and energized with blackcurrant's leaves.
For More Information:
Visit the Krigler Website
Like Krigler on Facebook
Follow Krigler on Twitter

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.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Boundless Nutrition: Gluten Free Nutrition Bars & Protein Cookies

I am super excited to tell you all about my new favorite healthy treat one stop shop: Boundless Nutrition. They offer delicious bars & cookies that are packed full of good for you ingredients like heart healthy omega 3's, protein, and green tea.
Boundless Nutrition is a natural healthy food manufacturer and distributor based in Austin Texas.  They are a  family owned and operated business- the Belles LOVE supporting small businesses, especially ones with such delicious & healthy products!  We had the opportunity to review their yummy bars & protein cookies! Keep reading to hear my thoughts:

Oatmega Wellness Bars:
The Oatmega3 Wellness Bar is a quality meal replacement protein bar that contains a proprietary mix of three health promotin ingredients. Each bar is packed with the added benefits of 300mg of DHA and EPA Omega-3, Green Tea antioxidants - from the equivalent of 3 cups worth of decaffeinated green tea plus organic dark chocolate, high quality protein sourced from high quality milk that contains no antibiotics or growth hormones, prebiotic fiber and 25% RDI of calcium that helps you stay full longer!   Boundless Nutrition uses 100% ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS and they verify that their ingredients are non-genetically modified. The Oatega3 Wellness bars are also organic, gluten-free and low in sugar.  Their overall fat content is moderate and derived only from the protein not from added sugars and fats. The bars are available in Omega 3 Blueberry Crunch,  Omega 3 Dark Chocolate Mint, Omega 3 Dark Chocolate Peanut, & Omega 3 Mocha. Lindsey and I had the pleasure of sampling each of the Oatmega Wellness bar flavors. And we were blown away! Not only are these bars full of high quality nutrients - they are full of flavor! The Dark Chocolate Mint tops our list for our favorite but the Dark Chocolate Peanut and Mocha are not far behind. The bars make for an excellent meal replacement and kept us both full until our next meal time.

Perfect Fit Protein Cookies:
Perfect Fit Protein Cookies are soft, chewy, and so indulgent tasting. They are available in White Chocolate Macadamia Perfect Fit Protein Cookie, Chocolate Chip Perfect Fit Protein Cookie, and Peanut Butter Perfect Fit Protein Cookie. Each cookie has only 150 calories, 10 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and three cups of healthy green tea! I can't think of a tastier way to get all those healthy ingredients in! These cookies are THE perfect snack or sweet treat. They are also gluten and soy free and are made with hormone free milk protein.

I really loved every flavor that I had the pleasure of trying but I think White Chocolate Macadamia was my favorite- tastes just like the classic treat but without the guilt, fat, & calories. The cookies are wrapped individually making them perfect to toss in your gym bag or desk drawer. I always keep healthy snacks in my office desk and these are even better- they are a healthy option for the mid-afternoon sweet tooth attack. And since they are full of protein & fiber- they keep you feeling fuller longer than having a junk food cookie or snack!



For more information:
Visit the Boundless Nutrition website
Like Boundless Nutrition on Facebook
Find out where you can purchase Boundless Nutrition in your area

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.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Michelle Dozois' Peak 10 - More Cardio Interval Burn Review

Peak 10 - More Cardio Interval Burn
Michelle Dozois, 2011


This is a (chaptered) 61 minute nonstop cardio workout. Michelle leads in a spacious white/ hardwood room with 6 background exercisers. You wont need any equipment for this workout and some modifications are shown. The workout structure starts with a basecamp move, move into ascent and then climb and finish with almost 30 seconds of peak intensity. You perform five 10 minute intervals for two rounds each (a total of 10 peaks). 

After a warmup, Exercises include: Switch jump & knee pulls, side thrust burpees, double knee step hops, cross punches, running, jab & knee up, speed bag move up, jacks, 180 jumps, air jacks, cross knee pull, soccer drill, tire run, leap & jump shot, torso twist knee up, plank moguls, tuck jump to burpees, plyo squat floor touches & lunge back, double jacks, football run, front kick & hitch kick, double jog, hi knees, 180 & tuck jumps, floor touch plyo lunges & pendulums and concludes with a cooldown. 


This is an advanced non-stop cardio workout! If you liked the original Peak 10 Cardio Interval Burn- you will love this one! The transitions are quick and there are a lot of different exercises so the choreo is a bit trickier than the other Peak 10's, though I would not say it was by any means complex. LOVE that Michelle gets some great standing core work in. Michelle is a great lead with a great energy. I love the format of these workouts and the time really flys by! No dread for such a tough workout! I received this dvd to review. 


For More Information:
Visit Michelle Dozois Website
Like Michelle Dozois Fitness on Facebook 
Like the PeakFit Challenge on Facebook
Follow Michelle Dozois on Twitter



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Introducing Award Winning: Optimum Nutrition!

The Belles would like to give a shout out for an awesome sports nutrition company: Optimum Nutrition. They offer a huge selection of award winning protein powders and supplements. They have won SIX supplement awards and after sampling their products- we know why!!!! Optimum Nutrition offers a huge line of fabulous product categories! Seriously they have something for every athlete, at home exerciser, or gym rat!

Optimum Nutrition's Platinum Hydrobuilder
Lindsey had the pleasure of reviewing Optimum Nutrition's Platinum Hydrobuilder, available in Chocolate Shake, Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry Shake. I sampled the Strawberry Shake and the taste is wonderful! Not chalky at all and leaves no after taste. Mixes easily and makes the perfect after workout meal that gives your muscles exactly what they need. I work out hard and lift as heavy of weights as I can to get the toned muscles we all want (yes ladies too!) so why not give my muscles what they need to really get the benefits I am seeking with my weight workouts? Help your muscles  recover  and rebuild your strength, power and muscle size with ON's advanced all-in-one muscle builder. Platinum Hydrobuilder is built on a foundation of staged-delivery proteins - from fast Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolates & Hydrolyzed Egg Albumen to slower Micellar Casein.
Optimum Nutrition's Platinum Hydrobuilder is enhanced with CreaPep nutrient delivery peptides, BetaPower Natural Betaine and Micronized Creapure Creatine. There's over 13.5 grams of Essential Amino Acids, but only 180 calories per serving. I love that I can get a complete (yummy tasting) meal with only 180 calories! Optimum Nutrition's Platinum Hydrobuilder also contains creatine (which our muscles need!) and arginine to help our muscles get the oxygen they need to get stronger. I was super excited to see these two ingredients among their long list of healthy ingredients. I have been researching both creatine & arginine and have been upping my intake of both and HydroBuilder is an easy, delicious way to get both. Oh and let's not forget the healthy does of amino acids we also get in HydroBuilder too!

Maria had the opportunity to review the DELICIOUS blue raspberry Essential Amino Energy. Seriously- this stuff tastes amazing and of course gives me the energy I need for my tough workouts! Our bodies need aminos to build strength and endurance and there are NO known side effects at all - not even water weight gain. Just energy and nutrients! Optimum Nutrition's Essential Amino Energy is also available in Fruit Fusion and Orange Cooler- I really want to try both these flavors too but can not get over how yummy the Blue Raspberry is so I'm not sure which I will re-order, okay maybe all three. The price is great and I could really feel the difference it made in my workout without all the added calories & sugar that some brands have. Each serving contains only 10 calories, no fat, no sugar, and 2 grams of carbs but delivers 5 grams of aminos! I can't see going without this supplement for my challenging workouts again. More bang for my workout "buck" and it tastes great & is good for me, why wouldnt I? It also contains energizing & good-for-you green tea extract!
Belles give Optimum Nutrition 4 biceps up! For More information:

Visit the Optimum Nutrition website
Like Optimum Nutrition on Facebook
Subscribe to the Optimum Nutrition YouTube Channel
Follow Optimum Nutrition on Twitter

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.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ellen Barrett Live: Grace & Gusto Review

Today's Review: Ellen Barrett Live: Grace & Gusto
Ellen Barrett, 2011 ***** (4.5 of 5 stars)

This is a live 45 minute workout performed barefoot in her studio with 4 backgrounders. The first 40 minutes is flowing cardio w/ some light toning and the last 5 minutes is floor work. This is a light cardio. You will not need any equipment for this workout. One exerciser performs easier modifications.

Standing Routine: This is fun light cardio workout that will get your heart rate up and includes some strengthening & stretching in the movements. Exercises include: side pliet step & half moon, 3 point stretch, kicks, glute pinch, side leg raise, closed pliet w/ goal post arm movements, standing cat cow, arm circles, moving tree, chair to side step, side knee to elbow pull, ballet leg points, giddy up, leg sweeps w/ arms held out, & standing saw. I like that she includes static upper body holds to hit the upper body.

Floor Work: This is a quick core & upper body routine that includes kneeling lassos, rollups, tricep dips, pulsing butterfly, and concludes with a strech.

I rate this a beginner workout that is really good for all exercisers. More experienced exercises can use it on a lighter day or to mix up their routines. Very good all inclusive feel-good workout. Ellen is a great lead w/ a great energy providing great form pointers & cuing throughout.  I received this dvd to review.


For More Information, Visit: 
Ellen Barrett on YouTube
Ellen Barrett on Twitter

Monday, January 23, 2012

Protein Packed & Delicious: Introducing Chobani Greek Yogurt Simply 100

Chobani® Greek yogurt, Simply 100 is made with only natural ingredients and sweeteners — no preservatives or artificial flavors are invited. And with four tasty flavors to choose from like Blueberry, Strawberry, Peach and Vanilla. I am a HUGE fan of Chobani Greek Yogurt- after all whats not to love, protein packed, delicious, convenient and available in non-fat, Chobani is seriously THE perfect snack! Chobani 0% is my Chobani of choice and is available in a huge assortment of decadent flavors. 



Great for breakfast topped with some granola, delicious in smoothies instead of milk and/or protein powder, wonderful as a snack as is or toss some almonds on top for a delicious crunch. Available in lowfat, full fat, and non-fat in a huge variety of yummy flavors! AND CHOBANI IS MADE FROM COWS NOT TREATED WITH rBST! Which is very important to me!


And Chobani has three new fabulous flavors that you MUST try! Seriously the Apple Cinnamon is like eating a guilt free and filling apple pie. Crisp, juicy apples baked with cinnamon and topped with our delectable 0% Plain yogurt — who needs apple pie? NOT ME! This is my new go-to dessert. 


The Chobani Greek Yogurt 0% Blood Orange is superb: thick, creamy, filling, and tastes like a guilt-free creamcicle. Seriously amazing. I never knew yogurt could taste so good! Another favorite that I had the opportunity to review is Black Cherry. So creamy & smooth with a delicious deep cherry flavor, I forget I'm eating something GOOD for me!




Did you know that Chobani Greek Yogurt 0% has NO fat, 16 grams of filling protein, and only 100-140 calories per six ounce cup? This yogurt packs a protein PUNCH that will keep you fuller longer than typical yogurt- keeping you from grabbing another snack. I keep (at least) one in my fridge at all times- work and home for all those snacking emergencies. Convenient 6 oz cups are easy to toss in your lunch bag & take with you for on the go snacking. 
RUN don't walk to your neighborhood market and get some Chobani- seriously this yogurt tastes amazing (and lets not forget about the healthy protein, probiotics, and non-fat varieties). 


For More Information:
Visit the Chobani Greek Yogurt website
Like Chobani on Facebook
Follow Chobani on Twitter
Subscribe to the Chobani YouTube Channel

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my 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. 

Sunday, January 22, 2012

WINNER: Bluapple

Huge congrats to the winners of the Bluapple giveaway: The Dawson Family, Jackie, & KHBride!
Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thanks to  Bluapple ! The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond to claim her fabulous prize!!! 


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Makeup Application Tips: Bella in Bloom Face Palette from EdenFantasys

So we all know that EdenFantasys.com  offers a huge line of  sex toys and intimate apparel but they also sell my favorite makeup palette: Bella in Bloom! Keep reading to learn how to get the most out of this kit and to create a stunning look using just the Bella in Bloom face palette. 

First things first: The Bella in Bloom Face Palette has literally everything your cute little face needs to look your best (and then some!) Here are some application tips that I would like to share with you all! Here is me in all my Bella in Bloom glory:



Eyes: First, start with the white eyeshadow in the Bella in Bloom palette. Using the brush provided, apply it all over your eyelid- from eyelashes to eyebrows. Then choose the pink or coral shades (either to the left or right of the white) and apply that in the crease of your eyelid. You will make a half circle in your eyelid crease. Then using the darkest eyeshadow and a wedge brush line the bottom of your half circle and blend upwardly into the medium shade. If you want to make your look more dramatic- simply wet your wedge brush a bit before applying. Reapply until the desired look is achieved. If desired, finish with eyeliner and mascara. Another tip I would recommend with this set is to use a brown eyeliner and then using your wetted wedge brush- swipe the darkest eyeshadow color over your eyeliner. It blends better & mutes the dark eyeliner. I think it really ties the look together nicely. If you want an even softer look- omit the eyeliner & just use the darkest shadow shade and a wedge brush to line your eyes. 

Cheeks: Using a blush brush, apply the blush starting at the corner of your eye and drawing downward over the apple of your cheek. The area your brush touches first will be darkest and you want that to be the upper most area covered (the corner of your eye). 

Lips: Chose which shade in the Bella in Bloom palette you like and swipe all over lips with the brush provided. You can mix & match the three lip glosses to create a myriad of different lip colors. If you prefer darker lips, simply line them first and then apply the Bella in Bloom gloss over your lined lips.  I am wearing a combo of the two pink shades in this picture. 

Visit EdenFantasys  to get yourself this palette (available in difference color schemes!) and be sure to check out their other makeup and bath & body products!

Eden Cafe

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.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Kimberly Fowlers Yoga + Weights Let's Get Ripped Review

Today's Review: Yoga + Weights 
Kimberly Fowler, 2011 **** (3.5 of 5 stars)

Kimberly works out alone in a nice brick studio but the camera flashes to a live class from time to time. You will only need light hand weights for this workout and the dvd is done in voice over. Kimberly provides lots of intensity/ modification options. This workout is basically a vinyassa routine that adds in static lower body holds & light weight upper body work. Typically Kimberly has you perform 5 reps of each exercise on each side.

After breath work and a stretch, exercises include: chair pose w/ tri extension & overhead press, then to the plank, updog, down dog, warrior (1, 2 or 3 & crescent pose) flow, she adds preacher curls, overhead tricep work, lat raise to overhead reach, bicep curl. Then moves into side planks, yoga pushups, hero w/ a lift, seated upright pose, seated tree w/ cross raise, cobblers pose w/ a chest fly, boat drops, dead bug w/ chest press, bridge w/ arm sweeps & a leg raise and concludes with a stretch.

I really like adding light weights to yoga routines & this one fits that bill. Doing this in voice over makes it a bit dry and therefore not super exciting. It does move fairly slowly as it is still a yoga workout. This is the perfect workout for the yogi that wants to incorporate strength work into their routine. Effective & well flowing and Kimberly provides great cuing & form pointers. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information:
Visit the YAS website
Like YAS Fitness on Facebook
Subscribe to the Yoga and Spinning YouTube Channel
Follow Kimberly Fowler on Twitter

This Weekend: haha heres an awesome pic of me with a lampshade on my head. Apparently this does really happen and its not just on TV. Actually the shade was on a post that actually looked like a lamp, but then I realized it was just a lamp shade on a post and was amused. How that amusement led to it being on my head- I can not say for sure. But here you have it "Lamp Shade Fail"

Today's Tip: AVOID Milk Produced with Artificial Hormones
Milk producers treat their dairy cattle with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) to boost milk production. But rBGH also increases udder infections and even pus in the milk. It also leads to higher levels of a hormones in milk. In people, high levels of IGF-1 may contribute to breast, prostate, and colon cancers. “When the government approved rBGH, it was thought that IGF-1 from milk would be broken down in the human digestive tract,”.But, the casein in milk protects most of it, “There’s not 100% proof that this is increasing cancer in humans,” admits North. “However, it’s banned in most industrialized countries.” The solution: Check labels for rBGH-freerBST-freeproduced without artificial hormones, or organicmilk. These phrases indicate rBGH-free products. Read more on EcoKaren
Today's LOLz:



Thursday, January 19, 2012

Tracie Long Fitness: Figure 30 Hips Review

Today's Review: Figure 30 Hips
Tracie Long, 2011

Tracie leads this 30 minute hip focused workout alone in a brick set & works out on a pedestal. I would call this an athletic ballet style workout- which is a super unique blend! The majority of the workout is done standing & concludes with a short floor section. You will need gliding discs (or alternative), ankle weights, and a dowel for this workout.

Lots of variety of exercises so you will never get bored with this routine. She really  hits the hips and includes LOTS of great balance work and some exercises will get your heart rate up.  She provides plenty of tempo changes to keep your body & balance guessing.

Exercises include: balance toe point & knee raise, side leg raise, balance lunges, cross back-hurdle over- plyo lunge combo, side squat -balance kick, low runners lunge, side kicks w/ the dowel, a fun & effective routine using the gliding discs, ankle weights,  & dowel, squats & weighted side leg raises, weighted toe points, and concludes with pretzel & a stretch.

I rate this a beginner/ intermediate workout that is really appropriate for all fitness levels. Very unique and a great way to get more variety in your workout routine. As always, Tracie is a fantastic lead, great demeanor and form pointers. Love the unique exercises, the focus on the hips, the balance work, and the variety of exercises she includes in 30 minutes. I received this dvd to review.
To learn more about Tracie Long, other workouts in her Longevity series or her Focus workouts, visit Tracie Long Fitness. You can also find Tracie on FacebookYouTube and Twitter. Be sure to also stay tuned for upcoming releases from Tracie Long, Weightless and Defined Lines.


New Years Resolutions??? So does anyone have resolutions? I dont do resolutions exactly but DH & I do have a goal to shift negative people out of our lives & to find more positive energy, happy couples to hang out with. I think positive energy and people are so important to surround yourself with. It would be nice to find people that are doing the same things with their lives that we are, working hard, having fun, and being responsible adults. We have started to notice that we just dont have enough of those kinds of people in our lives here. So I guess you could say we are couple hunting lol! That King of Queens episode comes to mind.

Today's Tip: Avoid Farmed Salmon
Nature didn’t intend for salmon to be crammed into pens and fed soy, poultry litter, and hydrolyzed chicken feathers. As a result, farmed salmon is lower in vitamin D and higher in contaminants, including carcinogens, PCBs, brominated flame retardants, and pesticides. The most contaminated fish come from Northern Europe, which can be found on American menus. “You can only safely eat one of these salmon dinners every 5 months without increasing your risk of cancer.” Science has also linked DDT to diabetes and obesity. There is concern about the high level of antibiotics and pesticides used to treat these fish. When you eat farmed salmon, you get dosed with the same drugs and chemicals. Switch to wild-caught Alaska salmon. If the package says fresh Atlantic, it’s farmed. There are no commercial fisheries left for wild Atlantic salmon. Read  more on EcoKaren.
Today's LOLz:



Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Yin Yang Fusion Workout DVD Review

Here is your chance to win a super versatile, fun, and fat burning workout from two of my favorite fitness instructors, Jessica Smith & Guillermo Gomez:  The Yin Yang Fusion Workout. This workout is super unique and really has something for every exerciser! Enter below to win a copy for yourself!

The Yin Yang Fusion Workout
Guillermo Gomez & Jessica Smith, 2011 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

This dvd offers five 15 minute workouts that you can select from the main menu or play all. The dvd is a fusion of martial arts, chi gong, yoga, sculpting & pilates. They workout together in one segment but individually in the other 4. The set is a cute open space with framed Japanese calligraphy in the background. You won't need any equipment and each segment includes a short w/u & c/d.

Cardio: Expansion & Contraction: Guillermo leads this active kickboxing cardio workout. Exercises include ham curls, various punches & punch combos, knee strikes, & elbow strike. Guillermo does a great job of creating a fun combo that is easy to catch onto and not overly choreographed.

Total Body: Strength & Flexibility: Jessica leads this active body weight resistance workout. Exercises include: horse stance & punches, round house kick, balance kicks, 1 leg squat, runners lunge to balance raise, pike pushups, full form squats, bridge w/ side reach, side plank & side kicks, donkey kicks. Jessica really keeps this workout moving along & includes a lot of unique exercises.

Lower Body: Rhythm & Balance: Guillermo leads this segment, includes some nice lower body resistance moves and keeps you moving. Exercises include: squats, walking side kicks, side knee pulls, repeater knees, bob & weave, knee pull & spin around. This is a fun little routine that includes some lower body work.

Core: Power & Flow: Jessica leads this standing & floor core routine. Exercises include: side leg raise, unique standing knee pull, large figure 8's, runners knee pull, v sit w/ crescent kick, bridge crunches, sit up & punch, side plank w/ arm & leg circles, plank pikes, and superman elbow pulls. Includes some great balance work & lots of unique moves.

Relax: Movement & Stillness: Guillermo leads this chi gong inspired routine & Jessica works out with him. Exercises include: chi breathing techniques, active stretching, purification breathing exercises, chataranga, up dog, low runners lunge to a balance warrior, and concludes with a seiza seated relaxation position. This is a very unique segment- great for relaxation.

I rate these workouts intermediate but are appropriate for most all fitness levels. Both instructors do a fantastic job w/ form pointers & their cuing is spot on. Tons of variety & time options and so many unique and fun exercises! I really enjoyed all the segments & see myself using this dvd a lot. I received this dvd to review.



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