FitSugar

DVD Review: Billy Banks Tae Bo Amped Series - On Sale!

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Last Winter, I worked out with the Billy Blanks Amped Full Throttle DVD and thoroughly enjoyed myself while burning up some serious calories. The DVD is part of the Amped Tae Bo series. In case you missed it, all four of Blanks's Amped DVDs are available (and on sale for $36) in one set, complete with the expandable accelerator weighted sculpting bar.

If you're not familiar with Tae Bo, it stands for Total Awareness Excellence Body Obedience. It's basically like boxing aerobics. Expect a lot of punching, kicking, heavy breathing, and very little resting.

To find out more about this DVD series read more.

These four cardio DVDs are intense, fast-paced, and high energy. They're the kinds of DVDs you pop in when you need to move, but can't get out for a run or to the gym. The Amped series will make you feel like you're in a real cardio class since Billy and 10 people behind him work it and glisten with sweat. You may find it comforting that everyone counts out loud for the entire video, but I found it a little annoying, so I just turned down the volume and pumped up my own music. You can use the three-pound accelerator bar to make the movements more intense, or just move your arms without it. Billy is one encouraging dude, and his little pep talks throughout the videos make you want to work hard. Get ready to burn some major calories with these four 30- to 55-minute workout DVDs. Order them straight from the Billy Blanks website.

Fitness at Your Fingertips: Tae Bo on YouTube

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

You can find more on YouTube than just hilarious videos. In fact, a friend told me the other day that she just worked out to her computer. When I asked how, she replied, "YouTube."

She proceeded to explain to me that she found a series of Tae Bo workouts all online. I did a little investigating and sure enough you can get in a good Tae Bo workout with the help of your computer. I thought it was such a great idea, so I thought I'd share. Here are the Tae Bo Cardio Billy Blanks workouts in five parts: Part one, part two, part three, part four, and part five. They're each broken up into about ten minute segments, so if you do all five you have a good workout ahead of you.

If you've found any great workouts online, I'd love to know about them. Share your finds below.

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."

Fit Tip: Trade Fitness DVDs With a Friend

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800

Since it's chilly outside, many of you have probably brought your workouts indoors. Hitting the gym, pool, or fitness classes are great forms of exercise, but let's face it - sometimes it's tough to muster up the energy to head out the door. That's when doing exercise DVDs at home comes in handy. There are thousands to choose from out there for every type of fitness from strength training, to dance, to yoga, to routines with hula hoops. If you've followed along with DVDs you own over and over again, you're probably bored of them. Instead of going out and buying a bunch of new DVDs, just like swapping your iPod with a friend, you can trade fitness DVDs. Lend a fellow active buddy your favorite Shiva Rea video, and she can let you borrow her Billy Banks Tae Bo series. Not only will you save money, but since your friend recommended it, you'll also know the video is actually good, so it'll also save you the frustration of buying a crappy fitness DVD.

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)

Dieters Support Group: Down 6 Lbs!!!!!!!

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 16:30:00 -0800

You know what I love? A happy success story! Here is the thing, when it comes to getting healthy and losing weight, it is important to celebrate accomplishments every step of the way. This is why I want to share user SeptemberLights recent note of success in the Fit's Dieters Support Group.

"l lost 6 lbs! I am sooooo happy. For the past two weeks i have given up wine, chocolate and cheese. Basically my three favorite things and i switched from Pilates to Tae Bo and it seems to be working. my butt is so sore! I even got a compliment from someone at work. I just love the feeling of my jeans being looser. I only have 10 more lbs till i reach my goal and im hoping i will be there by April!"

Not to sound cliché, but YOU GO GIRL! Thanks for sharing your success with us.

Dieting is HARD, especially if you are going it alone. Join my Dieters Support Group to share with other folks dealing with dieting - the GOOD and the BAD. Support and be supported, group therapy style!