FitSugar

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.

Gear Review: The Wave

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0800

If you prefer working out at home because it's cheap, private, and open 24-7 then you're going to love The Wave ($90). Created by The Firm, this workout accessory is similar to a Step, but it can be turned over and used like a BOSU to challenge your balance, so you get more bang for your buck.

The dual-action Wave comes with three DVDs - the first one illustrating basic maneuvers. The other two DVDs take you through fast-paced cardio workouts utilizing The Wave alone and with dumbbells. Since you're balancing on this rocking step, almost every exercise targets your lower and upper body, abs, and back simultaneously. You also get a fourth DVD called Express Abs, that focuses on using The Wave to tone your core muscles. To make this program even more effective, there's a Success Guide included that outlines diet tips and an exercise calender that maps out a month-long workout plan.

Watch a video clip of The Wave in action, when you read more.

I really love how easy The Wave is to use, and how challenging it makes basic exercises like squats and lunges. In just 30 minutes, my heart rate increased at a steady rate and I felt every major muscle working. By the end of my workout, my hips, thighs, and arms were burning in a good way. For $90, it's a great program for someone who wants to burn calories and tone muscles without having to leave their living room.

Gear Review: The Firm Kettlebell Kit

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:49:59 -0800

If you've been curious to try a kettlebell workout but your gym doesn't offer one, then work it at home with The Firm Kettlebell Kit ($25). It comes with a five-pound kettlebell and a 45-minute DVD to show you how to use it.

I'm new to the kettlebell scene, but now I am a convert. Instead of just using dumbbells or resistance bands, I've been adding kettlebell exercises to my routine and have noticed a huge difference in my strength. That's because the exercises involve using momentum, acceleration, and deceleration instead of static movements. For details on the DVD, read more.

The video starts with a five-minute aerobics class warmup that's easy to follow but very effective. Then you grab your kettlebell and get right into the workout. The instructor is super-energetic and doesn't stop for a second, which I love. She leads you through alternating intervals of about five minutes of kettlebell exercises, and then five minutes of cardio moves without the kettlebell, so you keep your heart rate up the entire time.

The exercises include moves you've done a million times, such as squats, lunges, and glute kickbacks, but swinging the kettlebell at the same time makes these basic exercises more challenging and more effective since you're targeting both your upper and lower body. The best part was the bonus ab and back routine at the end. I'd definitely recommend this Kettlebell Kit to anyone who wants to try a dynamic workout that combines cardio and strength-training.

Check out a clip of the video below.

Cool Fitness Gadget: Gaiam Abs Ball

FitSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Everybody wants a slender and toned middle, not only because it makes you feel good in a bathing suit, but also because it prevents back pain. Plain crunches are not the most effective exercise on their own, and to increase the level of intensity, you can add some weight to your ab work. That's where the Gaiam Abs Ball ($40) comes in.

It's similar to using a medicine ball, but the handy handles make it much easier to hold, so you can concentrate more on the exercise, rather than it slipping out of your palms. The ball weighs six pounds and it comes with a 35-minute instructional DVD to show you how to use it. Triathlete Jonathan Roche demonstrates how to define your obliques and abs with both beginner and advanced workouts. Adding a little weight to your upper body really helps to target and strengthen your core. If the 6-lb ball is too easy, you can buy the 8-lb Abs Ball instead.

Online Sale Alert: Gaiam Outlet Sale

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

One of my favorite online stores, Gaiam, is having a sale - yay!

Shop Gaiam's 6th Annual Outlet Sale and save up to 75% off on hundreds of great products for your health. I've got my eyes on this Anti-burst BalanceBall Set with DVD for only $15. Quantities are limited so I wouldn't wait too long to pull the trigger if you see something you like.

Happy shopping!

What's the Deal With: BodyCircles

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I spend a lot of time strength training my upper body, but I'm so used to using dumbbells and doing push-ups, that I'm always looking for new ways to target my arms. Not only does it make my workouts more exciting, but it strengthens the muscles in my arms in a different way, which is great for preventing injury.

I'm not sure if you've ever tried these BodyCircles (on sale for $10), but you may want to pick some up if you're looking to isolate and tone the muscles in your upper body. These circles are padded and even though they don't look like much, they really do a beautiful job of targeting your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and upper back. Essentially they are like hula hoops for your arms. Spinning those circles forwards as well as backwards requires some coordination, but will build some strength and bring on the burn. There's a 14-minute instructional DVD included so you can learn how to strengthen your arms in just eight minutes. For under $10, it's quite a deal.

Get in Gear: Gaiam's Everything Fits Gym Bag

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:00:00 -0800

I always have gym bag issues. It's just so hard to find a perfect size bag that will hold everything you need without breaking your back.

Gaiam's Everything Fits Gym Bag ($50) may be the answer. This cute bag features a roomy interior with a zippered pocket, an elastic pocket, and a key tether. The vented outside compartment can hold shoes, sweaty clothes or a wet towel. Also includes an easy-reach outside pocket for water bottle, inside and outside holsters for cell phone and MP3 player, and bottom adjustable straps for your yoga mat. What's more? It's made from 100% recycled polyester. It totally reminds me of the adorable Puddle Jumper Bag I fell in love with last year but is about $20 cheaper. Buy the Everything Fits Gym Bag here.

Move It at Home: Gaiam YogaKids 2: ABC's

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

When my girls get antsy and we can't play outside because either the weather is not cooperating or it is too dang early to disturb our neighbors, I like to pop in a yoga DVD. I pull out the yoga mats and we do the poses together.

We all enjoy YogaKids 2: ABC by Gaiam. There are 26 kid-style yoga poses and games inspired by nature and other familiar icons kids love. Imitating butterflies and alligators is certainly a good time for the entire family, and the DVD provides a nice introduction to yoga philosophy. It is a wonderful and physical way to hang out with your kids. Plus it provides a nice pre-run warm up. It is challenging for the little ones, but they are usually game for anything. It is also cool to see their yoga practice evolve as they get more coordinated.

Suggested age for children watching this DVD is ages 3-6. My 2 year old does manage to follow along for the first 8 letters of the alphabet, but then she sits and watches calmly as her older sister and I work our bodies all the way to the letter "Z."

Buy it for $10.99 from Amazon.

Sale Alert: Gaiam Outlet Sale

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Great gear on sale? No way!

It doesn't happen all the time but right now Gaiam is having their annual Outlet Sale and some great gear is 20-70% off! There are some really great deals but things are selling out fast. I am loving this Resistance Cord Workout Kit because it comes with a cord, a guide and a DVD and it's all only $4.99! To start shopping, visit Gaiam.com.

New Uses for Old Mats

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

There comes a time when your yoga mat has seen its last downward dog and you may not feel that throwing it away is the best solution for you (or the environment). So what's a girl to do?

Gaiam.com has an awesome list of fabulous ideas of uses for that old yoga mat:

Tree ornaments -- just use holiday cookie cutters! – T.C., Arvada, CO
Dog & cat dishes stay put. Cut to size required. – A. O., Trumbull, CT
Donate to homeless shelters as sleeping pads. – R. N., Minneapolis, MN
Use an exacto-knife to cut out shapes, letters, numbers, etc. Perfect for little fingers. – C. M., London, ON, Canada
While taking my dog to the vet or groomer or just for a ride with the top down, her feet would scratch the leather going around curves. So I decided to take an old yoga mat and roll it out over the back seat of my car. Viola! She is comfy and can do her own version of Downward Dog without scratching my seats! – L. S., Powell, OH
Drop off your old mat at an animal rescue group. Most of these places need soft, durable mats, rugs, towels, & blankets to line crates. The poor helpless and homeless animals need comfort too! – P. O., Highland Park, NJ
My children love play dough! This mat will be excellent for play dough and other messy projects because it will make cleaning up a lot easier. – F. F., Owings Mills, MD
I have used an old mat in my wood working shop to keep wood from slipping on my workbench while using power tools on them. – M. C., Lee's Summit, MO
Line kitchen shelves - glasses won't scratch and hold better to the sticky surface. – J. S., Madison, WI
Smother weeds in your garden. Just place the mat over a section of your garden and the mat and the sun's heat will smother weeds and their seeds. Then when it is time to sew your seeds just remove the mat and move it to another spot in your garden. – J. M., Woodbury, CT

There are a lot more so read more

Cut the mat into squares and use them as "bases" while playing baseball with the kids. Easy to carry and easy to clean! – J. C., New York, NY
Mat gripper - place it under an area rug for no-slip gripping. When you're ready to work out, just roll back your rug and presto - yoga in an instant. Best used with a sticky yoga mat. – S. F., Brooklyn, NY
I made one of those garden knee pads to kneel on by cutting the mat into even sections and binding the ends with twine. – K. F., Manassas, VA
Wash, then cut apart to use as drawer liners. – C. L., Mason City, IA
Cut it up to make mouse pads. – L. E., Fort Worth, TX
Grommet the corners and suspend the used mat from the ceiling of a parking garage (such as at the yoga studio) to prevent door dings. Keep that centered, calm feeling going! – F. H., Los Angeles, CA
Use it on the beach instead of a towel. – A. B., San Diego, CA
Shred and use for a backyard jungle gym, at the end of the slide. Ooh, comfy landings! – R. N., Minneapolis, MN
Grip pads to open jars. – A. F., Grapevine, TX
Cut to size and use as foot pads for the bottom of furniture that is on a wood or ceramic floor. Glue on pieces with a non-toxic adhesive. One mat will go a long way! – E. W., Tampa, FL

Have your own ideas? Share them in the comments section below!

Still want more ideas? Then check out Gaiam.com.