FitSugar

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 $15 from Amazon.

DVD Review: Body Target - Abs

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Want to work your core but aren't sure if you're in the mood for yoga or Pilates? Get a taste of them both on the Gaiam DVD, Body Target - Abs ($15). It's broken down into two segments: Yoga for Abs (with Rodney Yee), and Pilates for Abs (with Ana Cabán).

The yoga section starts off pretty slow, guiding you through a seven-minute relaxation exercise to help you connect your breath with your core. Then it moves into challenging variations of leg lifts and Boat pose. The workout involves slow, concentrated holds so not only did I feel my abs working, but I also felt completely relaxed. The 25-minute routine ends with Savasana, to calm the mind and recharge the body.

The Pilates section wastes no time and moves right into a demanding workout that targets your "powerhouse" (core). It includes 26 minutes of basic Pilates exercises such as the Hundred, the Roll Up, the Roll Over, Single Leg Circles, Double Straight Leg Stretch, and the Open Leg Rocker.

Yoga and Pilates all on one DVD - it's the best of both worlds. If you have time, you can do both routines, or just turn on one for a quick ab workout. I'd recommend this to anyone looking to strengthen and tone their core. To see a clip of Body Target - Abs, read more.

Register For Your Wedding the Healthy Way

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:15:00 -0700

It's never too early to get in shape for your wedding, but you also can't be blamed for thinking about the wedding gifts right off the bat. You can go the traditional route and register for home and kitchen items, or you can mix it up with some fitness-related finds, from tandem bikes to gym memberships.

I was actually surprised to find a number of online retailers that let you register for fitness-related gifts. Even if you're already married or not getting hitched anytime soon, these make great gift ideas for any fit newlyweds on your list. To see what I've come up with, read more.

Yoga and Pilates Gear: Alternative online retailer Gaiam has a gift registry where you can choose from yoga gear and DVDs, as well as Pilates accessories and exercise balls.
At-Home Fitness Equipment: Through Amazon's wedding registry, you can register for items like treadmills, dumbbells, and other gym equipment for your new love nest.
Outdoorsy Options: Hiking and camping enthusiasts should check out the gift registry at REI, where you can shop for everything from climbing and cycling gear to tandem kayaks.

Did any of you register for fitness-related wedding gifts? If so I'd love to hear your stories. To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

Source