FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

DVD Review: 10 Minute Solution Pilates Perfect Body

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:18 -0800

If host Suzanne Bowen's physique is any indication, the name of this DVD — 10 Minute Solution: Pilates Perfect Body — isn't hyperbolic. In fact, I found her muscle tone highly motivating as I was feeling the burn in my own muscles. Bowen is like a highly skilled and encouraging friend, moving fluidly from one move to the next while acknowledging that it's not easy for most people.

This DVD is certainly more challenging than 10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates, which I also enjoyed. Like the rest of the series, the vid is split into five 10-minute workouts: Pilates perfect belly, buns and thighs, arms, perfect silhouette, and a stretching series. It's easy to follow, but because it offers creative twists on classic mat Pilates, it won't bore intermediate users. The ab and leg workouts are especially challenging, targeted, and intense. I found myself using the perfect silhouette and comparatively easy stretching segments as a much-needed break.

The main reason I recommend this video is plain and simple: The results are palpable. After doing it once, I was significantly (but pleasantly) sore, and after three workouts in two weeks, I could really feel the effects of the extra toning.

Will You Buy Kim's Workout Video?

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Despite the rumors that Kim Kardashian has had a little work done, I'll be the first to say that I think she has a great figure. Kim and her awesome trainer Kathy Kaehler have recently launched a new workout DVD called Kim's Body Beautiful ($25), which is apparently the workout that Kathy created for Kim while she's traveling and at home. If you don't want the full video you can buy single workout videos downloadable for $5. Me, I'll try anything once but what about you? Will you buy Kim's workout video?

Will You Buy Kim's Workout Video?

Yes

Undecided

Get Wellness Tips From the Mayo Clinic at Home

FitSugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:00:00 -0700

The Mayo Clinic offers top-notch medical care but the problem is that not all of us live within driving distance to Rochester, MN.

Now, you can get wellness advice and tips directly from the Mayo Clinic in the comfort of your own home by using their new Wellness Solutions DVDs. From high blood pressure, to back pain, to IBS, you might just be able to find a solution for whatever common health problem ails you. Each DVD includes an informational section along with treatment options (alternative and traditional), nutritional information, and a yoga session. One DVD costs $20, so while they're not the cheapest DVDs on health topics, you know your money is well spent since the advice you're getting comes from the best of the best. Buy online at Gaiam.

Has anyone tried any of these wellness DVDs already? I'd love to hear what you think.

DVD Review: Better Sex Through Yoga – Volume 3

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:30:00 -0700

I just checked out Volume Three ($14.95), of the Better Sex Through Yoga series. I was excited to try it (no, not in that way), because this DVD is the most advanced video of the three.

The first thing I noticed is that the instructor was scantily clad; I think I actually murmured out loud, "Yeah, like I'd ever practice yoga in a short tank top and my undies." If you can get over the costuming issues, the yoga part is actually pretty good. She gives great instruction, and helpful tips appear on the screen like "spread your fingers wide in Down Dog." Then suddenly, that eerie voiceover lady from the first two DVDs starts piping in with instructions like, "Slowly breathe into your sexual core," and "Stretch your sexual core." To top it all off, the camera zooms in on the instructor's crotch and her little undies while doing a Wide-Legged Forward Bend. So unnecessary. I was also entertained by the fact that the instructor and the two yogis following her were spritzed with oil or glitter or something to make it look like every inch of their skin was glistening.

I was expecting this video to focus more on opening your hips and hamstrings, and to work on increasing flexibility in your entire body, which would then enhance your sex life. This video was borderline like a porno, and the only part about it that touched on sexuality was that the people were wearing next to nothing. There are so many better yoga DVDs out there.

DVD Review: Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom

FitSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 04:00:00 -0800

In preparation for summer (yay!) I figured I'd check out a new DVD that was sent to me called, Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom with Minna Lessig ($12.99). You start with a very aerobics oriented warm-up, that I've got to say, was pretty vigorous. It was nice to get right into it, though I couldn't help but think what the actual workout was going to be like if this was just the warm up.

I'm pretty picky when it comes to workout DVDs so to find out what I thought

Top Five Fitness DVDs

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 08:45:00 -0800

Looking for a new DVD to add a little something different to your current routine?
Fitness Magazine recently outlined their top five picks for fitness DVDs that you may want to consider adding to your collection.

10 Minute Solution: Tone Trouble Zones! Perfect for someone who doesn't have a lot of time for strength training. You don't need dumbbells, just the resistance band that comes with the program. The 10-minute workouts target different areas, from shoulders to bum. (anchorbayentertainment.com, $16.9
Bell Express 15 Cardio Fitness Kit. This DVD comes with a stability ball and jump rope. The video stars athlete/model Gabby Reece and shows her exercising alongside a trainer. You can do the workout in 15 minutes or add a warm-up to make it a little longer. (gotogabby.com, $29.99)

There are three more DVDs and one is a fave of mine, so

How Often Do You Use Fitness DVDs?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

I own tons of workout videos, because as a mother of two, getting to the gym or to a class doesn't always happen. I can pop in a video after the girls are in bed or during a rare double nap time. I know some DVDs can be pretty boring or cheesy, but they're better than nothing. I probably use a video twice a month.What about you? Are you into using fitness DVDs? How often do you use them?

How Often Do You Use Fitness DVDs?

1-3 times a month

1-2 times a week

3-4 times a week

5 or more times a week

Every once in a while

I never use fitness DVDs.

Move It at Home: Better Sex Through Yoga - Volume 1

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

The title of this DVD both intrigued me and made me shake my head with disbelief. Putting the "sex" in a title will certainly grab a shopper's attention. That being said, the connection does make sense since yoga can help in other areas of your life, including sex. Yoga not only benefits the body, but the mind as well. It gives you a stronger sense of self, gets you in touch with your feelings, heightens your awareness of the important things in life, and makes you feel more connected to your world and the people around you. Doing yoga makes you feel good about yourself, which can only enhance your relationships with others.

Better Sex Through Yoga is a 3-part DVD series. I checked out Volume 1 for Beginners. This 35-minute DVD is a lot like taking a regular vinyasa class, except that the poses and movements focus on opening the hips, hip flexors, hamstrings, and chest.

The woman leading the sequence of postures had a sweet and happy energy, and gave great instructions as to what your body should be doing. I liked how she stayed in each pose for a few breaths, but changed it up so it wasn't boring at all. The "class" included many of my favorite poses because hip openers are my fave. She wasn't cheesy at all, but the music sure was; so I was tempted to lower the volume on the DVD and pump up some of my favorite chanting music.

There was one little weird thing about this DVD. Want to know what it was? Then

Use It at Home: Dr. Andrew Weil's Guide to Eating Well DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Soy is good for you. No soy is bad for you. OK, a little bit of soy is good for you, but don't overdo it. Ahhhh... We are constantly getting conflicting statements from experts about what we should eat and what we should avoid. I don't know about you, but I just don't know what to believe anymore.

Dr. Andrew Weil through his DVD Guide to Eating Well is here to help. He says nutritional experts really do agree on the optimum diet for long life. He describes that perfect diet, how to shop for high quality foods, and how to be a smart label reader. He also gives you some valuable tips on how to eat right when you eat out (like ordering one dessert for the table to share - not one dessert for each person).

You'll also get an overview of the basics of nutrition, so if you're confused about which foods are good for you, how much you should be eating of them, and why they're good for you in the first place, this DVD will help to clear up your questions.

I was happy to hear that much of Dr. Weil's info is what FitSugar preaches already. He focuses on eating foods with wholesome ingredients (that you can pronounce), and steering clear of processed foods and anything with hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. He's also into eating a varied diet filled with lots of fruits and veggies, and limited foods that are high in saturated fat. I'm glad he talked about enjoyment over deprivation. You can still eat the foods you love, but moderation is key. This is the kind of DVD you learn from, and pass on to your friends and family. Order it from Acacia for $14.99.

Move It at Home: Gaiam YogaKids 2: ABC's

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

When my girls get antsy and we can't play outside because either the weather is not cooperating or it is too dang early to disturb our neighbors, I like to pop in a yoga DVD. I pull out the yoga mats and we do the poses together.

We all enjoy YogaKids 2: ABC by Gaiam. There are 26 kid-style yoga poses and games inspired by nature and other familiar icons kids love. Imitating butterflies and alligators is certainly a good time for the entire family, and the DVD provides a nice introduction to yoga philosophy. It is a wonderful and physical way to hang out with your kids. Plus it provides a nice pre-run warm up. It is challenging for the little ones, but they are usually game for anything. It is also cool to see their yoga practice evolve as they get more coordinated.

Suggested age for children watching this DVD is ages 3-6. My 2 year old does manage to follow along for the first 8 letters of the alphabet, but then she sits and watches calmly as her older sister and I work our bodies all the way to the letter "Z."

Buy it for $10.99 from Amazon.

Move it at Home: Dance of the Kama Sutra

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

If you think Dance of the Kama Sutra is NOT the kind of DVD you pop in with your kids or parents around, you're right. What is this dance? It's all about slow, sensual movements that put you in touch with your body and your heart. It's meant to help you celebrate your mischievous, loving, laughter-filled nature. It's a playful dance that opens your hips, back, shoulders, and chest to release any blocks that may be inhibiting you from embracing yourself and your sexuality. The sacred dance instills confidence, joy, and poise.

The instructor Hemalayaa is truly spiritual and inspirational. In the beginning of this DVD, she leads you through a short invocation, to help you bring your awareness inward, and help you to shut out any distractions or walls that may block you from experiencing love for yourself. This beginning meditation helps you to be completely present so that you can fully experience whatever feelings come up, so that you can learn more about yourself.

If you want to get right to the movements, skip to Chapter 2. It starts off really slow with neck and eye exercises, and then moves into swaying torso and spine movements. Then she adds the arms, legs, and the importance of the gaze. She encourages you to be spontaneous and move your body any way it wants to move.

I have to say that this is unlike any video I've ever seen. Dance of the Kama Sutra (14.99) teaches you how to use your body as an offering to your beloved. Practicing these fluid and sensual movements will make you feel more comfortable in your body, and make you feel more free and open to experience love. There's no wrong way to do this dance - it's the mood of this dance, not the moves that count. Since our sexuality is so important to our well-being, this DVD is sure to put a smile on your face and your lover's.

If you are interested in other types of Indian dance check out The Bollywood Dance Workout!

Coco Rocha Can Move: So Can You

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:00:00 -0700

I was inspired by my girl Fab heading out to New York for Fashion Week, so I found a video of one model, Coco Rocha, who can really move. You may not know it from looking at her, but this model is a serious athlete: She's an Irish Dancer. I don't know if you've ever seen Riverdance, but Irish dancing is one way to burn a serious amount of calories. I don't think Coco is one of those models that live off a diet of cigarettes and salads, because this type of workout requires lots of fuel and good clean lungs. See for yourself and watch the video here. (She even danced down the catwalk during a fashion show!)

Of course there is a workout DVD for Irish Dancing too! So, if you're inspired by Coco Rocha and her Irish dancing, then you might want to try Irish Dance Based Aerobics (aka Eirerobics). The video is fun and a little amateur in the production quality, but Eirerobics actually does provide a cardio workout. You may not feel like an Irish dancer in the end, but you will feel like you've worked out. Buy the DVD from Amazon.com for $24.95.

When you're not Irish dancing, be sure to check FabSugar.com for all her Fashion Week updates. Who knows, maybe Coco will be showing her dance moves on the runway again!

Source

Move It at Home: Kung Fu Kickboxing

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Interested in practicing your bob and weave while floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee? This Kung Fu Kickboxing exercise DVD from Acacia will help give you the eye of the tiger. The workout lead by Tiffany and Max Chen, both champion fighters, is shot on location in a boxing ring, which adds a great touch of authenticity.

Although the stretching and warm up sections are both a little too brief for my taste, this workout is seriously fun and has the potential to make you seriously sweaty. The instruction is fairly sparse, so this is not a great way to learn the basics of kickboxing. It is, however, a great way to get your heart rate up in the privacy of your own home.

The workout is divided into 3, twenty-ish minute sections, with each section increasing in level of difficulty. The workout breaks down like this:

Workout 1: The Basics -- Four sets of three-minute rounds containing two to three 30-second combat-oriented exercises
Workout 2: The Kicker -- A series of 30-second standing and floor calisthenics, 4 rounds of 4 exercises each done for 30 seconds
Workout 3: The Killer -- Repetitive cycles of challenging, explosive movements done in 4 rounds of 4 exercises, also done in descending numbers of reps starting with 10 ending in 1 (and you will be glad it is just one rep by the end!)

Since the workout is broken into sections you can customize your plan of attack and squeeze in 20 minutes, if that's all you have time for. Through the voice over, Tiffany encourages you to work at your own pace, but you find yourself compelled to throw your punches as quickly as the Chens. Although Max is barefoot for the workout, I encourage you to wear shoes like Tiffany since the repetitive jumping moves feel fairly high impact on the knees, hips and ankles.

Buy it for $14.99 directly from Acacia. Or try it before you buy and put it on your Netflix queue.

Move it at Home: Yoga to the Rescue

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I love exercise DVDs from Acacia, and I recently checked out a new one called Yoga to the Rescue with Desiree Rumbaugh. This is a gentle yoga practice, specifically designed for people with injuries or physical ailments, hence the rescuing.

If you ever have pain in your neck, back, shoulder, knees, or wrists, this DVD will show you simple yoga techniques to work with those areas to find relief. I'm not saying that medical treatment isn't necessary, but often giving the painful area the attention it needs, will help in the healing process.

Desiree shows you exercises to stretch and strengthen your neck if you have pain from daily activities such as driving and staring at a computer. She'll also teach you shoulder stretches to promote healing in shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears, relieve tightness from stress, and shift imbalances due to overuse of your dominant hand. Since lower back pain is so common, she also focuses on yoga poses to strengthen your abdominals and stretch the muscles by the spine that tend to become super tight.

This DVD is all about teaching you techniques to alleviate pain - not to cause it. All the poses focus on bringing attention and healing energy to your neck, shoulders, back, wrists, hips, and knees.

Desiree's energy is bright and enthusiastic. She teaches all the poses with calmness and awareness of your total body. I definitely recommend this DVD for beginners or those with common aches and pains. Buy it through Acacia for $14.99.

DVD Review: XFLOWSION

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Want to get in on the new workout that's recently been discovered by Jessica Biel, Elisha Cuthbert, Shannon Elizabeth and Randy Spelling?

XFLOWSION DVD Series ($59.85) is the latest and greatest in working out. The hybrid blend of yoga, martial arts, and dance, not to mention the live band on set makes XFLOWSION a unique way to exercise. It is fun, energetic, very effective way for shaping, toning and weight loss, and it also leaves a sense of calm and peace (thanks to the yoga). Students are guided and inspired by instructor Eric Paskel, a rebel turned fitness guru, whose mantra is “We do this for our sanity, not our vanity.” The DVD series is sold in a package (this includes 4 DVDs and lots of other info), which is why it's a little more pricey. Sounds like fun? Then buy it from xflowsion.com.

Source

Move It at Home: Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout by Gaiam

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

For those times when you can't make it to class a DVD at home is better than nothing at all. While nothing can really replace the touch of a live teacher, the Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout by Gaiam is a pretty good substitute.

As you can surely tell by the name, this DVD is not meant for the beginner. This is a solidly intermediate workout that builds on the material taught in the Pilates Beginning DVD. Ana Caban teaches the class and she provides clear instructions and cues throughout the exercise. Modifications are shown by another "exerciser" although not as with much frequency as the beginning level DVD.

These intermediate variations are more intense and the pace a bit more challenging. Geared to the intermediate level student the exercises flow into one another and are not bogged down with a lot of instruction (another reason why this is not a good DVD for beginners). The workout runs about 40 minutes, with a 13 minute bonus Energy Boost Workout which is short but intense and targets the abs in a great way. The scenery alone will energize you - it is filmed on location at a tropical beach.

Buy the DVD for $12.99 from Amazon.

Bridget Moynahan Gets Fit While Pregnant

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Bridget Moynahan is staying very active even in her final days of pregnancy -- She is due to give birth this Friday to a baby boy and ex-boyfriend Tom Brady is the father. Hopefully Bridget is not pushing it too hard and you can pretty much bet that she is going to join the club of celeb moms who slim down quick after giving birth.

In case you're like Bridget and have a bun in the oven, use these tips for exercising safely while pregnant:

Pregnant women can participate in low-impact aerobic activity three times per week, or even as often as every other day, but be sure to get clearance from your physician first.
Walking is a great way to get in some low impact exercise that most pregnant women can engage in.

For more tips and to see more pics of Bridget working out while very pregnant just

Move It at Home: the Bollywood Dance Workout

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I love Bollywood music and I love dancing so I was super excited to try the Bollywood Dance Workout that I found on the Acacia website. I have to say it was pretty fun and it got me moving, though the program and instruction are fairly loose. There's not a lot of explanation of the movements or the routine. Unencumbered by details of the dance, you start moving and you stay moving. The entire DVD builds up to a free form dance jam at the end of the 50ish minute workout. You learned the moves now you get to put them to practice.

The Bollywood Dance Workout is playful and it is fun, exactly what a dance workout should be. Since you are dancing in the privacy of your own living room there is no one to mock you if you look silly, except maybe your cat or dog.

The workout is more in the high impact aerobic vein than anything I have done recently and if you have knee issues this might not be for you. There is a lot of deep knee bending and squats in the dance portion. The DVD does include a nice warm-up and a yoga inspired cool down, though.

This DVD definitely inspired me to dance and I want to see if I can find some classes on Indian Dance in my area, or maybe even a Bollywood style exercise class. If you are looking to get more world dance moves into your boogie vocabulary, you should check this DVD out.

Buy it from Acacia for $14.99. Try it before you buy and put it on your Netflix queue.

DVD: Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Now that Dancing with the Stars is back in full effect, I have taken notice to how toned everyone seems to be as the show evolves.

Of course, dancing is known for burning major calories but it's not something we can just teach ourselves. The Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance DVD ($11.89) features three of the show's pro-dancers Ashly, Kym and Maksim. You'll learn four choreographed dance routines (Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive) featuring some of the moves we've seen Stacey Keibler and Mario Lopez perform. Don't have a partner willing to do it with you? No worries as the dances are meant to be done without a partner. There is a bonus freestyle routine at the end that will test your new dance skills. You'll be sure to have fun while burning calories -- What's better than that?

You can do it in the comfort of your own home so that even if you don't dance like a star behind closed doors, you can look like one once the doors open. Buy it from Amazon.com.

Miss last week's episode of Dancing with the Stars? Check out Buzz's Buzz Reel.

1 Minute Workout DVD

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:30:00 -0700

A one minute workout? Could it be true? Well no, not really...

However, The 1 Minute Workout ($29.9 is a great new concept in fitness DVDs. The name is a little misleading because you will not be getting a complete workout in one minute, but you will be getting 125 one minute exercises.

How it works is that the DVD will ask you three questions (pictured below) and based on your answers, it will choose the appropriate exercises from its database and then arrange them into a unique circuit-training sequence. The DVD also includes: Multiple warm-ups and cool-downs, fast track workouts (for when you're low on time) and a 7-minute stretch segment. Minna, the instructor, is easy to follow and she demonstrates each exercise first. Buy it online from Sony BMG Entertainment.

DVD: Endurance for Movement by Tracie Long

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:15:00 -0800

Sometimes I like my workout to be straight up strength training and other days I like it to be a little more new age.

Trainer Tracie Long knows how to create a total-body workout that mixes strength, balance, core and endurance moves with power, which is exactly what you'll get with her Endurance for Movement video ($19.95). The aerobic segments keep you in the fat-burning zone, and the toning segments work multiple muscle groups. The integrated stability ball exercises in this workout means greater results in a shorter amount of time. I like that! Sounds like any other video out there, right? Wrong! This video is not based on the same ol' moves you can see anywhere, the moves in Endurance for Movement are specially designed by Tracie based on her years of training experience. Buy the dvd from FitnessOrganica.com.

Fit's Tip: For this workout you are going to need dumbbells, a stability ball and a cloth or paper plate for sliding exercises.

Move It at Home: DVD - LEGWORK

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 08:30:00 -0800

Ever wonder how women in the entertainment industry (on Broadway, off Broadway and way off Broadway) are able to move so well in those high heels?

LEGWORK ($19.95) is a new DVD that teaches the daily routines and exercises of top Broadway dancers. What's more? The workout is specifically designed to be done by women in high heels. The Legwork workout was created and designed by high heel designers, top Broadway dancers and ballerinas with the advice from fitness experts and podiatrists. Sounds torturous? Kylin Brady's (the amazing Broadway dancer who helped create the DVD) killer legs are motivation enough.

And here's why, the DVD claims that:

You will increase sexiness, grace and confidence in heels, leg tone and strength, heal wearing endurance and stamina as well as core strength and control.
You will learn proper heel walking and control, perfect posture, poise and pose as well as everyday walking exercises and relief techniques.
You will decrease pain in feet, ankles, legs and lower back, your risk for injury as well as your daily heel wearing discomfort.

Buy the DVD on LEGWORK.com. One thing is for sure, this DVD will definitely make you feel like you're ready for A Chorus Line.

Work Out Library at Your Fingers

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 14:11:36 -0800

The work out dvd world is tough. It's hard to find a video that works for you based on your level and interest. Often times we buy a video only to find out we absolutely despise the peppy trainer telling us to squeeze things that just don't squeeze on our bodies.

CollageVideo.com understands that you don't have the time or the money to shuffle through all the work out dvds out there. The site has a great search feature that finds videos you're looking for based on your personal preferences. Once you have your potential list of videos, you can click through and read a very detailed description on each (an ACE-certified instructor reviews and helps describe every video). The description includes a time graph, which takes you through the work out exactly and how long you will spend doing each part of the video so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into. There are also on-line previews so you can see the work outs before you buy and there is a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee on all items.

What's more? The phone consultants are supposed to watch and do the work outs too, so they have first hand experience! Check out CollageVideo.com now!

Favorite Excuse for Not Working Out: I Can't Afford it

FitSugar — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 15:30:00 -0800

Let's face it, gym memberships are expensive. Yoga and Pilates classes are not cheap either, and buying at home equipment is not exactly inexpensive. OK, so what is a budget conscious girl to do if she still wants to work out?

Here are some tips for working out on a budget.

Stairs are free. Take them when you can.
Exercise bands are inexpensive and they are a great option for resistance training.
Rent (or buy) exercise dvds. This way you can get a well rounded workout and not be committed to one single place with a monthly fee.
Get an exercise ball. They provide a wide range of exercises at a low cost.

Interested in learning more ways to exercise at home? Then

Where do you usually workout?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 14:00:15 -0700

Where do you usually workout?

At the gym.

At home using a dvd or my own equipment.

Outside.

I don't workout.