Firm Review

I thought I'd review some of the videos I've bought.  I always love to read Amazon reviews.
This week I've done Turbocharge Weight Loss.  It's a great video.

It's 20 minutes.  A strict 20 minutes, not like how Jillian's 20 minute video is really 28.

It is hard.  It get you going.  They have these 8 second turbo-charge times where it's like plyometrics, fast quick movements, really gets your heart going.

The only thing it requires is weights.  For one of the videos you need a lighter and a heavier, and the other one it's just one hand weight.

It is two different videos, with 2 different instructors.  One does more cardio and one does more weights with cardio (in the traditional firm way).  That's a good bang for your buck!

Anyway, I really liked it, I'd recommend it. I've seen these at Walmart and Target (although, I think it's cheaper on Amazon).

Weekly weigh-in (two days late)

4.2 pounds

Yep! That's what I lost. Go me! I was so nervous Friday night, I decided to do my Biggest Loser video 
It was harder than I remember it. Then the next morning I got my basket at Bountiful Baskets, went to the gym and did part of a step class (in which I was totally lost a good amount of the time), then went to weigh in. Needless to say, I was very happy about the loss. Hopefully, this week goes just as well; though I'd be pleased as punch with a lesser loss... but I'll take another 4 lbs. if that's how it works out! :D

Also, yesterday, I recorded my measurements. I don't have any losses to report in that area yet, though, because it's my first measurement. I'll keep you posted on that.

I love the new WW program. It seems so much more doable now (for me). I love the extra points you get for a week. The free fruit is great; it really motivates me to eat more fruit and veggies. The online tracking tools are easy to use. Activity also seems to be stressed more in the program and rewarded more. Overall, I love it.

Here's to a great week, friends!

Workout Du Jour: Jillian's Backside

K, this is really embarrassing to say, but I think Jillian might be my favorite workout video maker.  For real.  I know, throw the rotten produce, who knew?

I got this one from Netflix, it had really high ratings, and I know why.

And now, for the full review:

Total video time: 54 minutes.  You can make it shorter by only doing a few of the circuits, which I was considering but the video isn't that bad... you can do the whole thing. :)
Intensity: I'm gonna have to say moderate.  I was a little out of breath, I was sweaty...
Total Calories burned according to cardio trainer (my phone app) 550'ish
•Weights ***** She does a great job in toning.  Lots of easy, old school exercises that really work.  I love how Jillian makes old school cool. :)

•Cardio *** At the beginning of each circuit you do some cardio.  It's great to have your heart up so you can then do the toning.

•Sweaty *** Fairly sweaty, but no dripping.
•Annoyance * THE LEAST annoying video I have ever done.  There's no music, which I thought would bug me but it turned out I kind of felt like she was ACTUALLY my trainer, and we were ACTUALLY in a gym!  Also, they're just on a white screen so there's nothing to distract.  Jillian is both compelling and "real" I really liked it.

So, there's 6 circuits of about 8 minutes each.  There's no cool down, but I just stretched a bit on my own.  She explains WHY she's going in the order that she does.  It was interesting to know she does abs last because you don't want to burn out your core before you use it with your other exercises.  They say it's for beginners, and I guess it could be (although it'd would be kinda hard if you hadn't worked out for a long time) but it's easy to make it harder.  I did 8 pound weights,and a lot of the exercises can be modified to be harder or easier (which she also shows you in the video).

Anyway, informative, great, I'm sore today so it worked.  I liked it a lot.  I'm gonna do it again on Monday and probably re-put it in my video queue... which doesn't happen often. :)

Kettleball and Restorative Yoga

Yesterday I did a Kettleball routine.  It's of a set that I got off Mamapedia and it was a great "learning" video... I'm exited to try #2.  For right now I'm just using a weight... but I'm mulling over getting an actual kettlebell... anyone have one?  Like?  This isn't the actual video I did... somehow I can't find it.  But this is part of the series.

I did restorative yoga today ala Total Body Workout from BYU TV.  Just what I needed.  Did you know you can do any of their workouts at any time via your laptop/computer?  Pretty darn handy....  I need to be doing yoga once a week.  For real.  I think it does my body good, especially right now.

Workout du Jour: Hula Workout for Weight Loss

I bet you thought I'd never get off my couch and exercise! I thought so too. Instead of doing 3 days a week or something like that I've just been trying to be more active in general. I like to play a game of Zumba on the Wii when I have 20 minutes, or walk to the park instead of drive, or, as I did tonight, try out a new workout dvd.

I love the way Hilary does her workout reviews so I'm totally copying her on this, I know. :)

Today I did Weight Loss Hula Workout with Kili from a company called Natural Journeys . You'll probably see a variety of workouts on here. I like to do all types of workouts, especially dance related videos and have some old school Paula Abdul as well as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders workouts all lined up in my Netflix queue. :)

Total video time: 31 minutes, though the first couple of minutes is Kili showing you the hula dance you will be learning, still a good 29-30 minutes.

Intensity: Low. This is definitely something I think anyone at any stage can do. It's a bit rough on the knees so if you have knee problems you may want to avoid it for now or do a modified version (which she doesn't show).

Total Calories burned: I have no freaking idea! Hilary has this cool app thing that tells you but I don't. I'm guessing not a ton. I checked out a website that had a calorie calculator thing and when I submitted the information (I marked it as light dancing) it said I burned 192 calories. Not bad. Hopefully that makes up for the peanut butter bar I just ate. Oops! It's all Hilary's fault! (Just teasing Hil) :)

- Weights: This category is n/a because there are no weights in this workout
- Cardio: ** This was definitely some good cardio. She mixed some modern
aerobics into the hula routine, especially in the last section.
- Sweaty: * Not too bad actually. I broke a little sweat during the last part
but overall it was a good low impact workout.

This is definitely a great workout for a beginner (me!).

Favorite part: If you are a former dancer/cheerleader like me and love to perform than you will really like this video. I loved that we got to learn the dance moves and then perform the whole thing at the end. I am not a hula master by any means after this one video but it was fun to do.

Least Favorite Part: The whole video is filmed with narration instead of her talking to you which I found I didn't really care for. Some of the more modern aerobics she put in felt awkward since I thought we were learning to hula but they were good for the workout.

If you've been doing the 30 Day Shred for a while and want something fun and low impact then give this one a try. I checked it out from the local library and while I did enjoy it I think it will be going back in the library bag to return. I guess it doesn't have that great of re-play value for me. She does, however, have a whole series of hula workouts so I'd definitely be up for giving another one a try.

I hope this helped you out. I'm going to try and do this on a weekly basis because then it will motivate me to actually TRY some of these videos I have or borrow. If you have been wondering about any workout videos out there leave a comment and I'll try to get a copy and do a review.

*This isn't the exact dvd but it will give you a good idea of some of the features I talked about.

Workout Du Jour: The Firm Pump, Jump and Jab

Netflix sent me another great workout this week.  The Firm's Pump, Jump and Jab.  It's by the same woman who did their 500 calorie workout (which, when you're fat like me is actually an 850 calorie workout that is completely insane).  This one isn't quite as insane.  The first time I did it, I felt like I was going to throw up at about 20 minutes in, and I just attributed it to my cold, but I felt it again today.  Who knows... maybe it's too much watching the Biggest Loser.

Total video time: The main portion is 40 minutes, but you can do a 5 minute all muscles in pure torture add-on.  Doing both of those took me around 47 minutes, so it's pretty close to the time shown.

Intensity: Moderately high.  It wasn't as bad as the 500 calorie workout, but my heart rate was in the 170's once it got going. 
Total Calories burned according to cardio trainer (my phone app) 620

•Weights **** She does 5 minutes of cardio, 5 minutes with weights.  She allows you enough time to keep good form and I thought it was pretty good.
•Cardio **** Great kickboxing cardio.  The moves weren't too insane but there were few where you just look at the tv and go, "what?"
•Sweaty ***** It was like I was crying today my face was so wet. 
•Annoyance ** If you're used to the firm usual banter with the rhythm it's not bad at all, but this may be because I did Denise Austin last week.

So, as I said she does 5 minutes cardio kickboxing, with 5 minutes of arms/legs combination stuff with legs.  The firm loves to do that kind of thing, and I actually really like it too.

At about 30 minutes she does 5 minutes on the floor of pushups and ab work, it's a pretty good addition at the end when you think you may just die.

The first time I did the workout I used my 3 pound weights, and today when I did it for the 2nd time, I used 5's... but I'm glad I only used the 3 the first time.  I would recommend that as the moves are pretty quick and it can get confusing and you might hurt yourself if you go overboard.

Anyway, I liked it a fair amount, I usually like the firm.  I wish I could stream them from Netflix, but hopefully someday.  I'd recommend this one who wants a pretty tough workout.

Workout Du Jour: Denise Austin's Cardio Blast

Thanks to Netflix Denise Austin winged her way to me this week.  Now, she's a bit of a blast from the past.  I used to do her religiously every morning on lifetime, right near the time Spencer was born.  I'd do her first 1/2 an hour show and feel so ready to jump on the day, or jump SOMEONE because she was SO. ANNOYING.

Well, word, she's still annoying, but in DVD format. :)

Total video time: Up to 50 minutes, at the MAX.  You can do less in 10 minute increments (explained more below)

Intensity: Moderate to high, if you follow her.

Total Calories burned according to cardio trainer (my phone app) 539, I think that's a little high.  I'm guessing it's more in the 400 range (they need a moderately high category, they only have low, moderate and high for intensity)

Weights * Not utilized at all in this workout, it's only cardio.

Cardio ***** Great Cardio!

Sweaty ** --Meh... not too sweaty, not really "clean" either...

Annoyance *********** --Hello, it's Denise Austin.  She's so darn perky, and let's remember people this is 5:45 I'm doing her at.

So, there are 4 possible workouts, along with a 5 minute warm-up and a 5 minute cool down.
You can choose between

• Retro Aerobics -- I actually really liked this one.  It reminded me a lot of the old hooked on aerobics ala KBYU back in the day.  I did this first and it got me going.
• Kickboxing -- I chose not to do this one today, my arms are just barely getting over my golds gym workout from Monday
• Intervals -- This is the toughie.  If I hadn't done this one I would've called it a moderate workout, but this one has a lot of plyometrics and fast moves.  It gets your heart rate up!
• Cardio Dance - Meh.  The dance moves are bad, I got tired of her saying, "just enjoy yourself."  Not a fan.

 I will just tell you that I was BEGGING myself to stay in bed this morning.  Spencer woke up SCREAMING from growing pains in the night, and I was so disoriented from that I couldn't get back to sleep... but I am making a goal to have 1500-2000 calories burned/week with working out so I knew I needed to get up.  The thought of Denise staring at me.  Well, it was more than I could bear.

BUT, I LOVE old school aerobics, the freddy, the pony.  Those move are just, well... she-ZAM.  Anyway, that workout was pretty fun.

There is the option of taking out her voice, but sadly I need help with cuing etc.

Anyway, it's a fun workout, I like how it's varied and you can make it as long or as short as you want.  I also like how you can set your routine at the beginning so you don't have to keep going back to the menu.  I'd give it 3 stars out of 5.  I wasn't in LOVE with it, I won't be buying it but it was fun for today, I'll probably keep it on Monday and do the kickboxing routine, most likely skipping the cardio dance. 

Here's a video ala youtube for your viewing pleasure. :)

Workout Du Jour: EA Sports Active

Drew got EA Sports Active 2 for Christmas, and I am fairly happy he did.  It's a pretty fun workout.  It's nice that they took the fun parts of the wii and made them REALLY hard.

Total video time:

It varies, but the LONGEST you can do is 30 minutes, you could always add more stuff but I think this is meant for smaller bursts of workouts, which is great for most people.

Intensity: Again, it depends, you can input how hard you want to workout, which is great for those days you're not feeling up to a high intensity workout, but still want to get up and move.
Total Calories burned according to cardio trainer (my phone app) 350, but on the TV it said like 180, I think.  I think their calories are low.  It was a pretty decent 40 minute workout.  180 seems pretty low for that.
Weights *** You only use resistance bands, which just aren't my favorite -- the program comes with them, but you're welcome to use your own.  I think one of these days I may just use regular weights.
Cardio **** Good cardio bursts, and I like the "game" of them -- where you're competing to get points and burning calories.  That's what the wii does best!
Sweaty **** -- Pretty sweaty, but you do have recovery between each set which makes you not QUITE as sweaty...
Annoyance *** --It has some quirks, read below.

So, the concept of the game is that you have a trainer who takes you through exercises specifically for you.

I chose to do 25-30 minutes, which translates to about 40 minutes of working out.

There is a controller that goes below your elbow, and another one that goes on your thigh.

The one on your arm also senses your heart rate.

BUT, we've had issues with the controllers.  A couple of times already, and it's only been since Christmas.  So far battery changing has helped, but I doubt that's our real problem.   The heartrate monitor isn't always right.  I thought I was going to blow out a lung but it still read me as a low heartrate.  Maybe it was half-ing it.  Anyway....

There's a bunch of different exercises it has you do -- both cardio and weights.  It's a pretty good workout, with the main drawback being that you have to rest between each exercise.  I didn't actually rest, I did some knee-ups or step touches, but still... you're still waiting. 

Other then those two issues, I really like it.  It's still kind of expensive, but if you find it on sale I'd recommend picking it up, both Drew and I really enjoy it!

Firm 500 Calorie Workout: Round 2

I did my firm workout for the 2nd time today.

I will again say that workout is a killer.

Seriously, if you think the 30 day shred is bad, you need a slap in the face, and this will be it. :)

Of course, the 30 day shred IS bad, but this is just another 40 minutes of being bad. :)

I will say that around 40 minutes it is pure awful.  You think you'll die, you'll think she's lost her mind.  It does get better from there.  The last few sets are a little easier... just don't think it's going to escalate much past 40 minutes, you can do it. :) 

I will also say that my maximum heart rate was about 190 this time.  I did think it was a little bit easier.  I also wanted to die. :)

So, now it is safely bundled on its way back to netflix.  Wonder what torture will come next in the mail. :)

Workout Du Jour: Firm 500 Calorie Workout

I'd like to organize my workouts reviews a little better... even give a "star" system so at a glance you'll know what I thought about it. Here's my categories, all will be scored out of 5 stars

Weights -- how was the weights portion, was there any?
Cardio --  how was the cardio?  Fun?  Challenging?
Sweaty -- how sweaty did I get?
Annoyance -- How annoying were the hosts?  This is a huge thing forme.

So, today I did the Firm 500 Calorie Workout.

Total video time:  1 hours 4 minutes, there's probably a good 2 minutes of talking, but it's a 62 minute workout -- LONG.

Intensity:  HIGH.  At one point I checked my heart rate and it was 200 -- according to a little chart I found here -- that puts me above the "all out" category.  In reality, the workout may have been a little over my only working out for a week since taking a break over Christmas.
Total Calories burned according to cardio trainer (my phone app) 836 (and yes, you read that right)

• Weights **** Good segments, but they were doing so much weights and lower body it was kind of hard to concentrate on form
• Cardio **** It was great cardio, but it was confusing at times.  Sometimes I'd just giggle at her, some of the stuff is INsane.
• Sweaty ***** -- nuf said.
• Annoyance *** -- it is the Firm, and they're stepford wives aerobics teachers, but it was OK.

Whoop, dog.  It's a doozy.

I knew it would be, the reviews on Netflix don't sugar coat it at all.  This is a hard workout, not meant at ALL for beginners.

Favorite part:  I love the total body motion of it, combined with plyometrics.  I think this workout BURNED it off me.  I like feeling my whole body work -- it makes the after workout high that much better.

Least Favorite part:  It was kind of all over the place.  Some of the routines were hard to follow, and they were also just plain HARD.  You need your head in the game to do this workout.  You can see that in the video below.

But, if you've been working out for a while and you enjoy learning new steps (which I do, but this video takes that to a whole new level) this workout is good for you.

Hope this review is helpful.  The video is available on netflix through the DVD's sent to your home feature. :)

Workout Du Jour

My video workout this week was Paula Abdul's Cardio Dance.  I got this video around the time I graduated from nursing school and I have to tell you, it's withstood the test of time.  It still keeps its place of honor in my excessive workout video collection (and shockingly enough, some have met their doom of the DI pile).

It's just what it says it is.  She does a "Dance" which gets you sweating.  It's similar to the Lindsay Brin video I reviewed a few weeks ago, but Paula slows down the music when she's showing the move to you (she also has a picture of her doing the move from the back) and then slowly speeds it up.  I'm going to admit here, that I had to stop and start the DVD a LOT when I was learning this back in 1998.  But the moves are fun, and they do get your heartrate up.

I have to say, that after The Firm Videos (which were bought MUCH later than this one) the set is warm and inviting... and their clothes aren't disgustingly outdated.

After the cardio dance (which lasts just under 1/2 an hour). She does a legs and butt routine that would make the Fanny Lifter proud.  It's really good and the moves aren't hard.  Then, there's a good amount of stretching, which is something I miss in a lot of videos.  It brought the video's time to 40 minutes.

I do see that on Amazon it's available on DVD and honestly... if you want to have fun when you workout in your own home you might want to try it.  But, you don't have to take MY word for it. ;)