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What to Download: New Music Today

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:38:24 -0800

T.G.I. Tuesday! I've already sorted through the big DVD releases of the day, but now I have new songs to revive your iPod, Just take a look at these three albums. (And if you want to see your own music reviews featured on Buzz, submit them in the Music Review Group in the community!)

Music mash-up: Seems like everyone is releasing a holiday album lately - remember Bob Dylan's? Now, Tori Amos is trying her hand at the genre with Midwinter Graces. It's a big risk for Amos, who puts her own spin on classic carols. Traditionalists might cry foul when she mashes up "What Child Is This" and "The First Nowell" for "What Child, Nowell" or re-purposes "Silent Night" into a love song, but at least Amos is thinking outside of the box. The quieter songs work best, thanks to Amos's ethereal voice. I recommend "Emmanuel" or "Winter's Carol."

All over the place: Wale references Kanye West in the first track on his big studio debut Attention: Deficit, and the mention is fitting. Wale seems like a Kanye in the making, mixing in sparkly, bragadocious tracks with songs that raise controversial social issues (like "Shades," which tackles racism). He also brings in a long list of collaborators, including Lady Gaga (on the already-released "Chillin'") and Mark Ronson. As a result, the album jumps around like, as the title hints, a kid with ADD. You may recognize Wale from this year's VMAs, and he's undoubtedly one to watch. For now, download "Pretty Girls" and "Diary," which samples from one of my favorite films, Amelie.

See one more release when you read more.

A classic formula: Bon Jovi fans really love Bon Jovi, and on the band's newest release, The Circle, the rockers aren't afraid to deliver exactly what their followers want - even if it feels recycled. "Working For the Man" should appeal to those who enjoy pumping their fists along to songs like "Living on a Prayer," and "When We Were Beautiful" almost feels like a U2 copycat. The guys cover the regular themes there - love, leadership, the highway of life, etc. - so there are no big surprises. Still, as far as guilty pleasure Bon Jovi goes, it doesn't disappoint.

Work It at Home With 8 Great DVDs

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:36:26 -0800

One thing I love about my job is getting to review all of the best (and worst) fitness DVDs out there. Since many of us are moving our workouts inside for wintertime, I've rounded up some of my recent faves. Whether you're getting ready for a wedding, getting into yoga, or just getting in shape, here are eight great fitness DVDs to check out.

View Slideshow ›

DVD Review: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:00:50 -0800

It's no lie that Shiva Rea is one of my yoga idols. Considered one of the best Vinyasa yoga instructors due to her calming energy and challenging sequences of postures, Shiva has created a new DVD. You know I was excited to try it.

Titled Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($20), the new video contains seven 20-minute sessions to encourage a little time on the mat every day. Shiva believes a little daily yoga is more beneficial than occasional long and intense practices. The DVD is as flexible as its creator - you can practice for 20 minutes or longer by combining a few sequences for a longer yoga session. She has also created pre-set practices for you to experiment with if you're looking for longer combinations, with some practices being grounding and relaxing and others uplifting and energetic. Depending on your mood, you can choose which session will benefit you for the day.

I love that the video includes short yoga workouts, so you can always fit in a quick, yet complete practice. It's so much better than popping in a full-length video and following along for only part of the series. This video is great to do after a run or bike ride. The unique and fluid sequences strengthened my arms, core, and legs, but also gave me a good stretch. Shiva never lets me down and is always coming up with challenging variations of postures I've never seen before. Beginners and seasoned yogis will both love this DVD.

To see a clip of this video, read more.

DVD Review: The Best of Tamilee's Buns, Abs, & Arms

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I didn't have time to hit the gym last night, so I decided to pop in a new DVD instead. I gave The Best of Tamilee's Buns, Abs, & Arms ($14.99) a go and it was tough. I am not sure if you've ever tried her Buns of Steel or Abs of Steel series, but basically The Best of video takes her favorite exercises from each of those workouts to give you a more total body workout.

The video is comprised of three 15 minute segments: Buns, Abs, and Arms. Tamilee uses light dumbbells, a step and an exercise mat. Since I don't have a step at home, I just did the whole thing with weights and a mat. The buns segment is a lot of squats and lunges. The abs segment is a lot of crunches and isometric "squeezing" and the arms segment is actually deceiving because you end up doing a lot of full body work and core work, not just your arms. There is not really any cardio to this DVD, other than the quick warm-up in the beginning. While your heart will definitely get pumping after you've been squatting for a few minutes, you may want to consider going on a light jog when you're done.

To get my final take on the DVD just read more.

Overall I enjoyed the workout. Tamilee has a no fuss approach to getting the exercises done. There is no clubby music. There are no crazy backup exercisers. To me, this made it a little more relaxing than the videos that are all hyped up. What's more? I can already feel it in my legs, which you know I love. I'd definitely recommend this workout to someone wanting a quick, no thrills, at home exercise routine.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:52 -0700

From the pole to the trapeze - are the new fitness trends for you? - Daily Spark
Emotional eating can take a toll, but you can control it - Fit Bottomed Girls
Kelly Ripa's fave workout, Physique 57, comes to DVD - Vital Juice Daily
OK Magazine and Jessica Simpson's photoshop diet - Never Say Diet
Japanese food makes for a great breakfast - Vitamin G
Rush Limbaugh is dropping pounds fast - but how? - That's Fit
The best snacks for under 200 calories - Shape
Pregant Gisele starts her day with early morning yoga - FitCeleb

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Adriana Lima's Favorite Cardio Workout

FitSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima is a Brazilian knockout, and she's been working on perfecting every definition of that word with her workouts in the ring. After trying multiple forms of fitness like running, spinning, and yoga, Adriana has found that boxing is what keeps her body and mind guessing best. She says there's something new to learn every day and this dynamic makes her feel consistently challenged.

Here's what else she told People about her love for boxing:

Boxing! It’s my favorite thing to do because it’s always exciting. It’s the best type of cardio that you can do. And you build up muscles without being too big, just lean muscles.

Her enthusiasm for the workout - and those impressive stems - makes me want to put on a pair of gloves and get punching. My gym offers a couple of boxing classes, but if yours hasn't added them to the schedule you can always pick up a boxing DVD. Have you tried this knock-out workout yet?

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Need a New Exercise DVD? Watch Video Previews Here

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Fitness DVDs aren't cheap, so if you spend the dough, you want to know it's worth it. The best way to know? Watch a little clip.

Acacia made it easy for you to preview its videos online. Just go to its You Tube website, and you can view short video clips of over 50 fitness DVDs. I love this company because it makes some of the best fitness videos that include yoga, cardio, dance, and martial arts. I've reviewed and loved many Acacia videos such as Core Fusion and Strong Body, Ageless Mind. Now you can peruse its entire collection and see a sneak preview before you buy them.

To see a clip of a video I'm really excited about read more.

Since I love Shiva Rea, I'm really excited to give this DVD a try.

6 Ways to Beat Treadmill Boredom

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:40:01 -0800

Most of us covered in cold and snow are forced to move our runs inside. If you don't have access to an indoor track, then a treadmill is the next best thing. While I'm grateful that this machine allows me to keep up with my runs, the repetition of staying in one spot can be beyond boring. Here are some things to help make your treadmill time more enjoyable.

Entertain yourself with a book on tape. You can download one to your iPod or MP3 player and it will make 30 minutes just fly by.
Watch a movie. If you have a treadmill at home, watch rented movies from Netflix on your own TV. If not, you can buy a sturdy plastic rack that fits over the front of the machine. Then place your portable DVD player or laptop on it. Movies are a great way to pass the time if you're working on longer distances, because there are no boring commercials.

To see the other four ideas, read more.

Do interval training. Watching the clock so you can alternative between a few minutes of jogging and a few minutes of sprinting will definitely keep your mind and muscles busy. Here's a treadmill interval workout for you to try.
Have at least 10 playlists on your iPod so every time you hop on the treadmill, new tunes will inspire you to move. Or you can swap iPods with a fitness buddy.
Run next to a friend so you can chat and push each other to keep going.
Use the treadmill differently. If you're used to jogging, put the incline all the way up and walk instead. Or try walking backward, sideways, or walking lunges. Not only will it be more exciting, but you'll use different muscles, too.

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Fit Tip: Welcome Daylight Saving With Evening Workouts

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0800

It's daylight saving time this Sunday, March 8, which means we'll lose an hour that day when we "spring forward." The best way to deal with it is to sleep in on Sunday so you don't disrupt your sleep patterns, then go to bed at your normal bedtime on Sunday night. When you wake up in the morning that Monday, you'll notice it's a lot darker out. So you may want to skip the morning workout and exercise in the evening.

Take advantage of the extra hour of daylight by getting bundled up for a bike ride or jog outside, take the dog for a walk in the park, swim at your gym, or pop in a fitness DVD in your living room. Exercising after you get home from a long day of work is a great way to unwind and relieve stress. Plus it will tucker you out and help you fall asleep faster that night when it's time to hit the hay. My buddy DearSugar has her own ideas of how to make use of the extra hour evening light.

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PopUK Gift Guide: Girls' Night In

PopSugarUK — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Across the Sugar network this week we're bringing you gift guide ideas for the wonderful women in your life, and today I've got a selection of goodies for a girls' night in.

To get the party started, you'll need to buy your pal some awesome music. Britney Spears and Take That are both releasing their Circus albums in time for the festive season, and Girls Aloud have got a two disc version of their latest, Out of Control, coming out in December.

If you've got a friend who loves creating her own music, pick up a karaoke game like SingStar for the Playstation 2, and a theme like "Summer Party" will help banish those winter blues.

You could treat your hostess-with-the-mostess pal to a popcorn maker or book of cocktail recipes, which will make her party the place to be! Now you've got your Cosmos in hand, you'll be ready to watch the big release of this summer; the Sex and the City Movie. You can also bolster you best mate's DVD collection with the Dirty Dancing: Ultimate Girls' Night In Collector's Edition, released in time for Christmas. If your friend loves a weepie, go for P.S. I Love You starring gorgeous Gerard Butler.

Finally, I've got a selection of fitness DVDS, for the gal who loves to keep fit with her pals. Treat your workout Wonder Woman to the Davina Super Body Workout, or grab a dance DVD for a fun-filled evening: there's Bellydance for Weight Loss or Strictly Come Dancing The Workout with Kelly Brook and Flavia Cacace.

Remind yourself of my gift ideas for those pals who love celebrity autobiographies and nineties nostalgia, and then visit HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.