FitSugar

DVD Review: Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:31 -0700

I know that many of your share my admiration for Jillian Michaels of Biggest Loser fame, with her no nonsense approach to exercising and her ability to get the contestants up and moving. So I was excited to check out her workout DVD, Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred ($11).

As the title implies, the workout promises visible results in a month, if you do it every day for 30 days. (“Up to 20 lbs. in 30 days!”) Though that may seem like a big undertaking, the commitment is small - just about 25 minutes a day. Between the short workout sessions and Michaels’s motivation, I was feeling amped that I had a winning DVD on my hands.

To hear more about the 30 Day Shred, read more.

Sure, I got a hint of Michaels's hardcore ways when watching The Biggest Loser, but it did not prepare me for my first day, as I was completely worked over. Don't be alarmed - as with most fitness DVDs on the market, Michaels makes sure to include workouts aimed at the beginner, intermediate, and more advanced viewers.

The 30 Day Shred is a nonstop, heart pounding, super-intense cardio workout based on Michaels's "3-2-1 method," which combines a repeating cycle of three minutes of cardio, two minutes of strength, and one minute of abs into a single routine. The exercises and instructions are clear and straightforward, and as seen on The Biggest Loser, Michaels is incredibly motivating. I like that the workout stays at a fast pace and doesn't get boring since Michaels changes the exercises in each six-minute set.

If you're looking for a short and sweet workout, this is a great DVD to pick up. It won't steal a huge chunk of your day and has the big plus of burning fat and toning muscle simultaneously. Have you tried this DVD? Tell me what you thought about it in the comments section below.

FitSugar Full-Body Circuit Workout

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:30:00 -0800

I love a good circuit workout for many reasons. These workouts are great for strength training, but they also keep your heart rate up, helping burn up the calories while building muscles. This full-body circuit combines many exercises so you work your arms while toning your legs. Plus your core, abs, and back will all be challenged. And you can do this workout in the comfort of your living room.

Not only is an at-home workout excuse-proof, it is also recession-proof since it is free and will only cost you calories! Check out this full-body circuit workout that fits in your living room. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and for the workout all you need is a set of dumbbells between five and eight pounds. If you don't have weights, you can still give it a go.

Instructions: After warming up with light cardio for five minutes, repeat each three-exercise circuit twice, resting for 60 seconds after completing one rep of an entire circuit.

Find the printable version here.

View Slideshow ›

At Home Cardio Moves

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:13:12 -0800

Winter is upon us making it difficult to exercise outside. That is where the gym comes in handy, but if that is one expense you have trimmed from your budget, check out these at home cardio moves. They will get your heart pumping and lift your spirits even though it is cold and dreary outside.

Small sprints – Think of these like mini killers
Jumping jacks – A classic move known for elevating your heart rate
Jump rope – If you don't have a rope, jump with a pretend one
Skipping – This childish form of locomotion is great for your legs and heart rate
Mountain Climbers – Like running in place while in the plank position (for a description click here)

I have plenty more moves, so read more

Jumping Squats – Classic plyometric exercise to get your heart rate going and going
Jumping Lunges – Add some lift to your lunges and switch your legs in the air
Step ups – The higher the step/bench the more your legs will work
Squat Thrusts – I grew up calling these burpees and loving them
Shadow Boxing – Jab to the front and the side and keep your heart rate up by moving your arms

You can design a workout mixing up these elements. Alternate exercises every 30 to 60 seconds. Add some strength training moves and you'll have a circuit.

If you have an easy at home cardio move you'd like to share, tell us all about it in the comment section below.

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Recession Proof Your Workout: DIY Home Exercise Equipment

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

The economy is on almost everyone's minds these days, but it's important that despite the tough times, we keep ahead of our health. If you're trying to cut back on your costs, you can easily transform a few items at home into your exercise equipment. The Mayo Clinic had a few good ideas as to how. They are:

Canned goods. Many canned goods can serve double duty as hand weights.
Milk or water jugs. Fill empty milk or water jugs with water or sand and secure the tops with duct tape. To adjust the weights as your fitness level changes, simply add more water or sand. If you wonder how much weight you're lifting, simply weigh the jug on your household scale.
Step stools. A low, sturdy step stool can become exercise equipment if you use it for step training - an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.

I've got a few ideas of my own to add to the list so read more.

Water bottles. Just like canned goods, water bottles make a great supplement for hand weights (and they won't damage your floor if you drop them). Need to beef it up? Detergent bottles do the trick too.
Chairs. Use a sturdy chair to do tricep dips and inclined push-ups. Have someone spot you to make sure the chair does not flip over.
Walls. Use your walls for push-ups (hands against the wall), stretching, and wall sits.
Stairs. Even if you only have a few stairs in your house, you can use them to climb - up and down.

If this sounds like something you could do, then be sure to check out this 10-minute workout that anyone can do at home.

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Cool Fitness Gadget: Danskin Core Ball Plus

FitSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I am always looking for fun ways to vary my workout routine at home that won't break the bank. Danskin's Core Ball Plus does just that.

Danskin's Core Ball Plus (starts at $35) is an exercise ball with weighted ball handles, resistance bands, and a balance ring. The balance ring provides beginner and intermediate users the benefits of a stability ball workout without dealing with wobbling and falling off the ball before you've really strengthened your core. The ring also keeps the ball in place, which means it won't roll around the house when you turn your back for just a second. I especially love that this set includes resistance bands and weighted ball handles. They really add an effective upper body workout to the ball without the use of weights. It's a great addition to your home workout and compared to most full body workout systems, it's moderately priced.

Buy it here.

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, $16.98)
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 read more.

Billy Blanks Tae Bo Amped. The new set of five workout DVDs comes with a weighted bar that you can use if you want to make the moves even more challenging. You'll get a great cardio workout while incorporating strength moves. Blanks' energy is contagious. (billyblanks.com, $39.95). I love the Full Throttle workout!.
Get Ripped & Chiseled With Jari Love. She does tons of repetitions, so you really exhaust your muscles. This is for those who have had experience lifting weights and want to take it to the next level. Love hits every major muscle in a big way, and you will definitely be sore the next morning. (razorfitness.com, $14.99).
Jeanette Jenkins: The Hollywood Trainer 21 Day Total Body Circuit Workout. Great for beginners. The moves are all ones you've seen before - crunches, push-ups, lunges - but have modifications to keep them from being boring. There are tips for making the exercises harder. The playlist is awesome. This DVD keeps your energy level high. (amazon.com, $9.99)

Move It at Home: Crunch Bikini Body - DVD

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

After my outside jog last night, I tried out the Bikini Body DVD ($12.99) from Crunch that promises sleek abs, toned thighs and a firm bikini butt.

Let me just preface this review by saying I am a hard sell when it comes to home workouts. The DVD is broken up into 4 parts, the whole workout (30 mins), just the abs (10 mins), just the thighs (10 mins) and just the butt (10 mins). I like that you can navigate directly to certain spots if you want to train just one body part using the video, or if you only have 10 minutes to squeeze in a quick workout. I started with the full workout and was a bit turned off with the busy camera work in the intro, but luckily all that stopped as the workout began.

The music was typical Crunch style, high energy and a little cheesy but it does pump you up. The workouts are done as if you're learning a dance routine -- You start with the first exercise and add on as you go along to complete a set of 5-6 exercises, all the way through, in the end. All you need to complete the workout is yourself and a DVD player, so no worries if you don't have dumbbells or exercise balls at home. The actual moves, if you can get past the added "sexiness" you're asked to bring to simple moves like squats and lunges, were good and challenging and I did feel like I got a decent workout. My heart rate was up most of the time, which I appreciated.

My husband has a blast watching (and laughing at) me do this one, so if you're looking to add a little sex pot to your routine, this bikini workout is for you. Me personally, I just felt ridiculous, but I will say that I had fun for the entire 30 minutes. Would I do it everyday? No way José, but I would definitely consider doing it every once in a while. To check it out for yourself, buy it from Amazon.com.

An At Home Workout Anyone Can Do in 10 Minutes

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Unfortunately not all of us have the luxury of going to the gym or stepping outside into beautiful weather all the time (ain't that right Seattle?).

MSNBC's Fit List this week is all about how to get in a 10 minute (maybe more like 15) workout at home. The best part is that you'll be using stuff you already have lying around the house.

Start with your kitchen chair to warm up. Sit down and stand back up. Do this for one minute.
Go to the stairs and start climbing up one step at a time. Go up and down 8 to 10 times. If you don't have stairs, use a small step stool. Position it next to a wall so you can place your hand on the wall for balance. Step up and down on the stool (up with the right foot and then up with the left foot, down with the right and then down with the left) for one minute.
Go to a wall and place your back against it. Your feet should be about one foot away from the wall. Now, slide down the wall until the hips are parallel to the knees. The knees should be directly over the ankles. Keep your back pressed against the wall and place your hands comfortably on the thighs. Hold this position for one minute using an egg timer. If you can't make the full minute, hold as long as you can.
Sit in the kitchen chair and hold detergent bottles, one in each hand. Curl them up toward your shoulders to work the biceps. Do three sets of 12 with a rest in between sets. Drink some water while you rest.
Place a three-foot strip of masking tape on the floor in front of you. Stand on one side of the tape and with both feet hop over the tape. Go back and forth for one minute on the egg timer. If you can't jump with both feet, hop one foot to the other foot. Once you get the hang of it you will progress to hopping with both feet. This is great for getting your heart rate up, burning calories, strengthening your bones and improving balance.

There's five more moves, so read more

Go back to the chair and hold the detergent bottles again, this time extending your arms out to the sides. Raise them up until they are at shoulder level. Then return them back down to your sides. This exercise works your shoulders. If the weight is too much, pour out some water, but make sure you keep the same amount in each bottle.
Walk to the bath tub (or you can use the kitchen chair) and sit on the edge. Place your hands on the edge of the tub with your fingers hanging over the front edge. Pull yourself off the edge so you are supporting yourself with your arms. Lower yourself down and up by bending your elbows. Do three sets of 12. This exercise is for the back of the arms, the triceps.
Finish up the workout by getting on the floor near your coffee table (or ottoman). Place your feet on the table and lift your hips up off the floor and squeeze the hips and buttocks. Lower back down. You will feel this in the back of your legs. Do three sets of 10 lifts.
Keep yourself in the same position and place your hands behind your head. Lift your shoulders up off the floor and exhale as you lift. This is for your abs. Do three sets of 15.
Lie flat on the floor, arms stretched out and legs extended. Breathe in and out while you relax.

One thing is for sure: I, for one, will definitely be doing dips using the side of my bathtub tonight. I love this idea!

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Enter The EnterTrainer

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:30:00 -0800

Many of us have the luxury of working out at home on our own equipment in front of our own TV. The problem with such a luxury is that it is quite easy to slack off and not workout as hard as you would at the gym or with a trainer.

The Entertrainer ($139.99) basically works like a remote control except that your intimidating personal trainer is holding it. The device monitors your heart rate and when you are not working your heart rate up to par it lowers the volume of your TV until you bring your heart rate back up. If you don't pick up the pace, it will eventually turn your TV off. If Britney is on Ellen and just about to reveal everything about her rocky marriage with FedEx, you better keep on keepin' on!

Imagine if everyone at the gym had to use an Entertrainer. One slacker in the cardio room could ruin it for everyone. People would be yelling at each other to work harder. Talk about pressure.

Buy it here.

Fit's Tip: A heart rate monitor is included with your purchase, so don't worry if you don't already have one. Remember to keep the Entertrainer within 5 feet of you so it can read your heart rate.

Late Night Home Workout Ideas

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I know I am not alone when I admit that when the season Premiere of the Biggest Loser ended, I wanted to workout. I find that show so motivating. Unless you belong to a 24 hour gym, chances are low you are going to head to the gym at 10pm. You can harness that motivation and workout in the convenience of your own home! Here are a few ways to make a home workout work even if it's late.

So what if it is 10 pm, the gym is closed and your downstairs neighbors are sleeping. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home.
Push ups, planks, side plank and elbow planks are quiet and will work your upper body and core!
Sit ups of all variations work wonders day or night. If noise is an issue, the slower you do them the less noise you will make. Looking for a new abs routine? Check out this Short, Sweet and Complete Abs video.
If you have hand weights you can do a wide variety of exercises that make absolutely no noise - except for your breath, of course!
Say you are in the mood for alternating reverse lunges, don't let sleeping folks around you keep you from lunging, just make your lunges as quiet and controlled as possible - this will make you work even harder and challenge your coordination.
If you can rock out, try an exercise DVD - here are some that I have reviewed. Pilates and yoga tend to make less noise than cardio if noise is a consideration.
Stretch! Flexibility training is an essential part of fitness that is quiet and easy to do. Plus it is a great way to calm down after a busy day. Chances are high a short stretching session will motivate you to workout the next day!

Fit's Tip: Contrary to popular belief, exercising before going to bed doesn't interfere with sleep. If you feel super awake after exercising, try a nice soothing bathe since they tend to promote sleep over invigorating showers.

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