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DVD Review: Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:47:59 -0700

Valerie Bertinelli dramatically transformed her body over the last couple of years, and to help others find success, she made a new fitness video, Valerie Bertinelli - Losing It and Keeping Fit ($15). It's led by her personal trainer Christopher Ross Lane, who has also trained Jillian Michaels.

This video includes two workouts: 20-minute Body Basics and 40-minute Keeping Fit. The first video, aimed at beginners, reviews basic strength-training moves as well as proper form. It's also a good workout if you're short on time, and let me tell you, the word "basic" doesn't mean easy. These challenging moves effectively target your glutes, quads, hamstrings, abs, upper back, and arms. You feel like you're joining Valerie in a private session with her trainer. The workout includes a lot of mat work like push-ups, Superman lifts, and reverse crunches, along with familiar moves like squats and lunges.

To hear about what I didn't like, read more.

The 40-minute routine contains both cardio and sculpting moves with and without dumbbells. Valerie puts in her two cents throughout the video, making comments like, "Oh I knew you were going to make this more challenging," and "Do we have to do the other side?" or "I'm going faster so I can get it over with," which I found this a little annoying. It gives the impression that she's lazy - not exactly a great way to motivate DVD watchers to work out. I do love Christopher's down-to-earth attitude though, and the way he gently pushes you to keep going, saying it feels good and will only make you stronger. Cranking up your own workout playlist would drown out Valerie's complaints, remedying the situation since the moves are easy to follow. I definitely felt worked from head to toe, a major plus, and I know Valerie was just trying to be funny, but I'd rather not hear her sarcastic remarks as I lunge, squat, and sweat.

DVD Review: Nia Unplugged

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:52 -0700

If you're into dance, yoga, and martial arts, then Nia is right up your alley. If you can't get to a class, then check out Nia Unplugged ($15). I have to say I enjoyed the video much more than my first Nia class because this type of movement requires complete openness and the ability to let yourself go. It's much easier to flail your arms and yell "yes!" in the privacy of your own home, than with complete strangers in a class setting.

The live drumming in the video is amazing. It reminded me of the African dance classes I've taken. The deep, soulful beats inspire you to dance, and the instructors encourage you to move however your body feels it should. I also loved that this was basically a video of a live class, so you can feel the energy of the group, and be inspired by how everyone moves in their own creative ways. Everyone just seems so happy and into it, and it really motivated me to move more freely.

Not only is Nia an excellent cardio workout because you end up moving every part of your body in just about every direction, but it's also a way to express yourself through your body, so it's fun and a wonderful emotional release. After getting over feeling silly and embarrassed to be moving my body so expressively, I felt happy, confident, and stress-free during and after the video. If you're looking for something different when it comes to being active, I'd definitely check out this video.

See a clip of Nia Unplugged when you read more.

Back on Track: Order Some New Fitness DVDs

FitSugar — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're doing the same types of workouts over and over again, the boredom can lead to skipping out on exercise entirely. So before that happens, you've got to mix up your routine a little. One way to do that is to try out some new fitness DVDs. So get online or head to the bookstore and pick up a few new videos. Need ideas? Here are some of my faves:

	Shiva Rea - Creative Core + Upper Body: This yoga video is a total body workout, but like the name suggests, it really focuses on your upper body. I was so sore the next day with all the push-up sets you do in between poses. It's a great video for beginner and advanced yogis alike.
	Zumba Total Body Transformation System: It's a low impact, fun workout, and the Latin music is infectious - it's hard to stay still with the enticing beats.

To see the rest read more.

	10 Minute Solution KnockOut Body: This kickboxing video comes with weighted gloves, and I was glistening with sweat by the end with all the kicking, jumping, punching, lunges, and sculpting moves.
	Element Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners: The perfect introduction for beginners, but veterans won't be bored, especially if you use the workout to ease into the day.
	Hoopnotica - Hoopdance Basics: Hooping is a unique workout that uses an adult-size weighted hula hoop. Not only is it an awesome cardio workout, but all the tricks you can learn also sculpt your core and upper body.

DVD Review: Shiva Rea - Surf Yoga Soul

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:00:00 -0700

I'm a huge fan of Shiva Rea and all her yoga videos, so I was thrilled to hear she had a new video called Surf Yoga Soul ($15). You don't have to be a surfer to enjoy this video, since it focuses on creative movements that open your body and heart, and strengthen your muscles and mind, to help you "surf the power of the life force within you." OK, that might be a little cheesy, but the DVD is great fun.

There are seven segments you can complete at once for a 75-minute workout, or you can choose the ones you have time for and create your own personal workout. One called Agni Namaskar is a challenging variation of sun salutations developed to strengthen the core muscles and the upper body. She takes you through the same series of nine rounds of 12 push-ups that she included in her video Creative Core + Upper Body. My arms and upper back were sore for two days afterward, so needless to say, I loved this part of the video. Another segment called Balance Flow cultivates your balancing skills doing poses such as Warrior 3 and Side Crow, and opens your hips doing stretches such as Extended Pigeon. The other segments include meditation, breathwork, flexibility, and rest (Savasana).

This is one of Shiva Rea's best Yoga DVDs because it's both challenging and creative, and targets every part of the body. My muscles felt the perfect balance of being strengthened, lengthened, and opened. I could see myself doing this video regularly and not getting bored. I definitely recommend this DVD to both beginner and advanced yogis, so if you're interested, you can order it through Acacia.

To see a clip of this Surf Yoga Soul, read more.

FitSugar Readers' Top 8 Favorite Fitness DVDs

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:48:00 -0700

Every week I tell you about new exercise DVDs I've tried and would either recommend or throw to the curb. It's nice to get other people's opinions though, so recently I asked FitSugar readers to share their favorite Fitness DVDs. Check out the list below if you're looking for something new to try at home.

Self: Bikini Ready Fast: Ellen Barrett ($10) - If you want a "full body workout," urban chic 101 recommends this Self magazine video.
The Firm: Hard Core Fusion ($14) - An anonymous FitSugar reader is a fan of this Hard Core Fusion DVD, made by The Firm, and Flexrx is a fan of The Wave DVDs, also made by The Firm.
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred ($9) - mng355 recommended this DVD along with many other Fitsugar readers.

To see the five other favorites, read more.

Exhale Spa: Core Fusion ($15) - Both Body Sculpt and Pilates Plus were recommended by Fawness because the core moves are effective and if you stick with them, you'll definitely see results over time. I'm a fan of them too.
Hemalayaa: Bollywood Booty ($15) - This upbeat video by Hemalayaa was recommended by a few FitSugar readers such as kedson and tamaradulva because it's a fun way to burn calories. I'm also a fan of Beautiful Belly and Bollywood Burn.
The Tracy Anderson Method Presents Mat Workout ($25) - FitSugar reader TA junkie who says, " I love the little-to-no cueing and the workouts are very effective."
Billy Blanks Cardio Bootcamp ($6) - SunnyMutt and a few other FitSugar readers are fans of Billy Blank's Tae Bo workout DVDs. He has many to choose from and they're all great because he's so energetic and encouraging. You get a great workout.
Workout: One-On-One Training with Jackie ($9) Many FitSugar readers including nikolem2 and witchbaby love Jackie Warner. They think it a great workout and clasen5 said, "Jackie's workout gets everything in - lower body, upper body and core. It is a great, make me really sweaty, workout. Give it a try."

Speak Up: What's Your Favorite Fitness DVD?

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:00:00 -0700

With today's economy, it may not be possible to spend tons of money on gym memberships and sessions with a personal trainer. So to save some moolah and have access to a variety of workouts you can follow whenever and wherever, DVDs are perfect. Not only are they inexpensive, but I love that an expert can guide me through a workout without me having to think about what exercises to do next. It's tough to find good ones though, so I'd rather have a friend recommend an awesome DVD instead of paying to find out myself.

So FitSugar readers, I'm asking for your input. What's your favorite fitness DVD right now? Tell me the name of the video, what kind of workout it is (like dance or Pilates), the ability level, and what you love about it. Then check out what DVDs your fellow FitSugar readers recommend.

DVD Review: Shiva Rea - Creative Core + Upper Body

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 -0800

Shiva Rea is one of my favorite yogis, and I love both her Creative Core Abs, and Creative Core + Lower Body DVDs. So, of course, I was psyched to try the third DVD in her core series, Creative Core + Upper Body ($10). It involves a flowing sequence of core-focused postures that are all about sculpting your abs, back, arms, and shoulders.

The first section of the DVD is 25 minutes long and involves doing nine rounds of 12 push-ups for a total of 108 (108 is a sacred number). In between the push-ups, you do variations of Warrior 1 to work your legs and shoulders, and poses on your belly to work the muscles in your back and chest. I fell in love with this DVD after the first part! It was an amazing upper-body workout that incorporated a brilliant combination of yogic and nonyogic moves.

The second part of the video leads you through eight minutes of work on your back, doing variations of crunches and Pilates core exercises, yet encourages you to be creative with your movements. My belly was burning in the best way. Then it ends with two minutes of Savasana, which you are so ready for, since your entire body feels worked. Once I woke up, I felt vibrantly energized. This is my new favorite Shiva Rea video, no doubt about it.

If you're curious to see a clip of this video then read more.

DVD Review: Duncan Wong Yogic Arts - Source Power

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0800

There are so many beginner yoga DVDs available, but not many for the experienced practitioner. So when I discovered Duncan Wong Yogic Arts - Source Power ($20), I was ecstatic. Yogic Arts combines yoga, martial arts, and massage, so it adds a nice twist to your regular yoga practice. Source Power is designed for intermediate to advanced levels, so it involves moving at a quick pace between challenging poses.

The video is broken down into several chapters including pranyama (breath work), how to engage to your bandhas, and then moves onto individual sequences that focus on the wrists, shoulders, legs, hips, core, and buns. On a rainy weekend morning you could opt to do the full 212 minutes of the DVD, but you can also pick and choose a few sequences to practice.

I learned some wonderful variations of basic poses and new unique stretches that I've never tried before. Combining martial arts with yoga made me feel powerful and full of energy. Since Duncan's practice is so advanced, it's inspiring to have him demonstrate poses to work toward like Handstand, Crow, and Rotated Triangle. If you can't get to a yoga class, this video is a great alternative. At the end my body felt stronger and more open, and my mind felt calm.

Fit Tip: If you're looking for a beginner version of Yogic Arts, check out Duncan's first video, Awakening Level.

DVD Review: Shiva Rea - Creative Core + Lower Body

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I loved Shiva Rea's Creative Core Abs video, so I was excited to try her newest DVD, Creative Core + Lower Body ($10). It focuses on a combination of fluid movements and holding of postures that targets your abs, thighs, lower back, and bum. I learned variations of poses that in my eight years of teaching yoga I've never seen before, so this DVD was a breath of fresh air and insanely challenging too. Although this sequence was short (only 22 minutes long), my thighs and bum were burning (in a positive way), and my lower back felt open and calm.

This is a great video to pop in if you only have a short time to work out, or if you want to do a little lower body stretching after a run or bike ride. Creative Core + Lower Body is one of the best yoga DVDs I've ever tried. I just wish it was longer!

If you want to see a preview of this DVD then read more

Fit's Tips:If you're looking for a full yoga practice, I'd highly recommend Shiva Rea's Fluid Power - Vinyasa Flow Yoga.

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.