Keep reading for my review of disc 9, Ripped Conditioning of the TapouT XT set. This set is led by certified MMA Coach, Mike Karpenko and includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in included in the set! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

TapouT XT: Sprawl & Brawl
Mike Karpenko, 2012

Mike leads this 46 minute cardio workout in a MMA gym set with a group of exercisers. You will need your optional TapouT weighted gloves for this workout. There are music and subtitle options and an on-screen countdown timer.

Each exercise is performed for 30-90 seconds. Mike includes some nice knee, elbow, & lunge combos, quite a few pushup variations, and some nice sit up & crunch variations  in this workout. Other exercises include: bridge -punch-situp- elbow strike, elevator plank to side plank hip drops, burpee variations, bob & weave & punch, hi knee run, explosive pushups, Mt climber – plank tucks, and kneeling -drop to pushup. The workout ends with a killer move: 70 seconds of kneeling -drop to pushup- Mt Climber.

There are definitely some advanced exercises but overall I rate this a high intermediate workout. I wore weighted gloves and got a great cardio w/o. This is a fun fighting style workout with a lot of unique exercises! I received this dvd to review.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:
TapouT XT on the web
TapouT XT on Facebook
TapouT XT on Twitter
TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review: Canyon Ranch: Yoga for Strength & Energy

This dvd contains two 20ish minute yoga routines. Yvette leads this workout in a lovely outdoor desert set. There are no background exercisers but Yvette does a great job of providing various modifications. You wont need any equipment for these workouts.

Energy Stretch (22 min): This is a unique flowing total body yoga inspired stretch routine. Poses include: dancing seaweed, flowing chair, table top series, up and down dog, flowing stretches standing, kneeling, seated and lying.

Energetic Flow (24 min): This is a more standard yoga flow. Poses include: fire finger flow, up, down & 3 leg dog, warrior 1 & 2, eagle, crescent, and side angle pose.

This is an intermediate yoga routine that is appropriate for most exercisers. I enjoyed Evettes instruction style and appreciate that she provides multiple modification options and her cuing & form reminders are excellent. The variety between the two workouts & the gorgeous outdoor scenery definitely add to this dvd. I received this dvd to review.

Keep reading for my review of disc 2, Plyo XT of the TapouT XT set. This set is led by certified MMA Coach, Mike Karpenko and includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in included in the set! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

TapouT XT: Plyo XT
Mike Karpenko, 2012

Mike leads this 65 minute lower body focused plyometric workout in a MMA gym set with a group of exercisers. You won’t need any equipment for this workout. There are music and subtitle options.

You perform each exercise for 45-60 seconds. Exercises include: gorilla walk, squat & kick, low lunge & hop, fl touch squat hops, side lunge abduct, plyo gorilla hops, plyo skater to curtsy, jump to knee pop ups, lunge to plank hop ups, and 180 squat hops. The workout ends with a killer move: 60 seconds of tuck jumps.

I rate this an advanced workout that had me huffing & puffing and I definitely felt soreness in my buns the next day. Mike keeps this workout moving right along with no wasted time. He does provide some welcome water breaks & short stretches. I received this dvd to review.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:
TapouT XT on the web
TapouT XT on Facebook
TapouT XT on Twitter
TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

TapouT XT is led by professional trainer and MMA conditioning coach, Mike Karpenko, who takes you through an intense 90-day home workout program designed to transform your body and get you ripped and chiseled. TapouT XT will help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and get ripped in 90 days without using any weights, without having to do pull-ups and there is no need for a gym membership. The set includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in the box! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

Review: TapouT XT Muay Thai:

TapouT XT Muay Thai is about forty minutes of straight Martial Arts influenced cardio.
I recommend participants watch TapouT XTs Strike Training prior to doing this work out. A majority of the movements in this exercise are based on rather specific martial arts strikes unlike other martial arts influenced work outs. Proper balance and technique is needed to execute the movements without injury or hyper extension.

TapouT XT Muay Thai Splits the body in half as Mike leads you through various combinations of knee, elbow, fist, and foot strikes. This video does a great job of catering to the martial arts enthusist as well as to the individual looking for a tough workout. Don’t be mistaken you will not be able to enter the cage after this one and throw down, but the strikes and techniques expressed in the workout are very accurate and very effective. Ontop of that the cardio in this video definitely emmulates the cardio from a straight martial arts class. The cardio sneaks up on you as you learn the techniques. You’re kicking and punching and the next thing you know you’re drenched in sweat.

TapouT XT Muay Thai The movements in this workout are not difficult at all to execute which makes the workout fun and easy. However, as stated previously I do recommend watching the strike training video in order to absorb proper strike technique to avoid injury. For experienced exercisers I suggest challenging yourself with speed, wrist weights, or ankle weights with this workout as the movements themselves aren’t very challenging. But, don’t be mistake the cardio IS there.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:

TapouT XT on the web

TapouT XT on Facebook

TapouT XT on Twitter

TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Keep reading for my review of disc 10, Ultimate Abs XT of the TapouT XT set. This set is led by certified MMA Coach, Mike Karpenko and includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in included in the set! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

TapouT XT: Ultimate Abs XT
Mike Karpenko, 2012

Mike leads this 16 minute core workout in a MMA gym set with a group of exercisers. You won’t need any equipment for this workout and there are music and subtitle options.

Exercises include: banana boat, sit ups, leg raise, oblique ankle taps, sit up to bridge, sit up & elbow strike, roll backs, boat pose w/ punches, superman w/ elbow strikes, oblique crunches, sit up & speed bag. The workout ends with a killer move: 90 seconds of GFO (roll up to a side hold)

I rate this a solid intermediate core workout. Mike keeps this workout moving right along with no wasted time. His form pointers are excellent. I received this dvd to review.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:
TapouT XT on the web
TapouT XT on Facebook
TapouT XT on Twitter
TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

TapouT XT is led by professional trainer and MMA conditioning coach, Mike Karpenko, who takes you through an intense 90-day home workout program designed to transform your body and get you ripped and chiseled. TapouT XT will help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and get ripped in 90 days without using any weights, without having to do pull-ups and there is no need for a gym membership. The set includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in the box! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

Review: TapouT XT Cross Core Combat:

TapouT XT Cross Core Combat is a forty-six minute workout that focuses on your core while also incorporating a cardio component. The workout is led by Mike Karpenko in a MMA gym setting. Mike is joined by several participants. Though a modifier is not present, modifications are shown and/or provided on the screen. For the workout you will need the resistance tubing. You may also want to have some water handy for the breaks- you will need it.

TapouT XT Cross Core Combat is divided into four segments, separated by three water breaks. The workout focuses on all areas of the core; upper, lower, mid and obliques. After a short warm up Mike wastes no time getting into the meat of the workout. Using a circuit of plank exercises and crunches, Mike thoroughly exhausts the muscles of the core. Utilizing the resistance tubing, intensity is added to the exercises to really chisel the core. Interspersed in the workout are bouts of cardio using kicks and punches to kep the heart rate elevated and clories burning.

TapouT XT Cross Core Combat does a great job of hitting all areas of the mid-section. Mike effectively mixes in core stretches, body weight, and band exercises. All of which are complemented with a nice balance of cardio. This is one of those workouts that you will feel halfway through the current day as opposed to the next. Mike does a great job offering form pointers, showing exercise modifications and encouraging the exercise participants.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:

TapouT XT on the web

TapouT XT on Facebook

TapouT XT on Twitter

TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review: STEP by STEP III, Toning with Weights, Hi-Lo Cardio II, Abs & Core
Jenny Ford, 2012

Jenny leads these classic workouts in a studio gym type set. You will need a step, dumbbells, and an optional chair for some of the routines. Each workout is chaptered and you get 180 minutes of exercise for only $9.99 & free shipping to the USA!

Step by Step 3: (55 min) This classic step routine includes all the step moves you know & love. Tried & true and no complicated  choreography. Jenny takes you through four fun step combos. Also includes a w/u & c/d. Intermediate

Hi-Lo Cardio 2: (45 min) Jenny teaches you  three combos and you combine them together as you go. This is a classic style hi lo aerobics at its best. Lots of tried & true moves: side step, pony, ham curls, grapevine, mambo and step touches. She gives plenty of time to learn each exercise so no problems catching on. Includes a warm-up and cool-down. Low intermediate cardio, beginner choreo.

Weights and Toning: (55 min) Using dumbbells and an optional step & chair Jenny takes you through sets of classic strength work: bi curls, French press, weighted & unweigted squats & lunges, bench press, pushups, deadlifts, and rows. Jenny hits every muscle except the abs (check out the separate core routine!), some with multiple sets. Love the slower tempo that really allowed me to heavy up. Intensity depends on poundage used but following Jenny I rate this a low intermediate workout.

Core on the Ball: (10 min) Using an exercise ball Jenny takes you through a series of crunches, oblique crunches over the ball, and ball pull-ins. Low intermediate.

Step and Hi-Lo for Kids: (20 min) This fun floor & step routine is a great workout for kids and adults alike. No complex choreo just fun moves to get you & your little ones moving. It includes a quick warm-up and cool-down. Beginner.

TONS of variety and plenty of time options make this is an ideal dvd for those with a small collection. A perfect Christmas gift for anyone getting into exercise. The routines are easy to follow and easy to modify up or down. I really enjoyed Jenny’s instruction style; she provides excellent cuing & great form reminders. I received this dvd to review.

~Check out a clip here ~

For More Information, Visit:
Jenny Ford on the Web
Jenny Ford on YouTube (FREE workouts!)
Jenny Ford on Facebook

I received samples of these products to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Please see our disclosures page for details.

TapouT XT is led by professional trainer and MMA conditioning coach, Mike Karpenko, who takes you through an intense 90-day home workout program designed to transform your body and get you ripped and chiseled. TapouT XT will help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and get ripped in 90 days without using any weights, without having to do pull-ups and there is no need for a gym membership. The set includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in the box! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

Review: TapouT XT Competition Core:

TapouT XT Competitions Core is a forty-seven minute workout that focuses on your core with a cardio complement. The workout is led by Mike Karpenko in a MMA gym setting. Mike is joined by several participants. Though a modifier is not present, modifications are shown and/or provided on the screen. For the workout you will need the resistance tubing. You may also want to have some water handy for the breaks- you will need it.

TapouT XT Competition Core focuses on all areas of the core; upper, lower, mid and obliques. After a short warm up
Mike wastes no time getting into the meat of the workout. You instantly feel the stretch, pull, and pulse of a solid core workout. That aspect of the workout is complemented by a sneakily satisfying cardio component.

TapouT XT Competition Core does a great job of hitting all areas of the mid-section. Mike does a great job of mixing in core stretches, body weight, and band exercises. All of which are complimented with a nice balance of cardio. This is one of those workouts that you will feel halfway through the current day as opposed to the next. Mike does a great job offering form pointers, showing exercise modifications and encouraging the exercise participants.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:

TapouT XT on the web

TapouT XT on Facebook

TapouT XT on Twitter

TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Belles can’t think of a better gift than a book from Ulysses Press this holiday season! I know I would love to receive one (or more) of the many books from Ulysses Press. They have a huge variety of books of so many topics (including fitness books) and a ton of cookbooks! We had the pleasure of reviewing a few of these gems!!

Review: Ketllebells for Women by Lauren Brooks

Lauren Brooks didn’t grow up living an athletic childhood but moving to Southern California quickly changed that as she fell in love with surfing. From there, she pursued a degree in kinesiology and became a personal trainer. Bored with traditional weight lifting and cardio programs – she soon found her newest love – kettlebells. After being trained world renowned Pavel, she soon began teaching kettlebell techniques to her clients. In addition to the many DVDs Lauren Brooks has since produced, she also put together Kettlebells for Women – a book designed to offer kettlebell workouts.

Kettlebells for Women is Lauren Brook’s first book that shows you how to use these fitness tools to help you achieve a strong, sculpted and sexy body – in less time. The Kettlebells for Women is a fully-illustrated book filled with workout programs, detailed instructions for exercise execution, a history of kettlebells and nutrition information. The book begins with a brief introduction of the history behind kettlebells. Lauren emphasizes the MANY benefits of kettlebells including:full body workout, increased endurance, rapid fat loss, increased core stability, efficient workouts and much more. The book then dives into the various kettlebell programs and progressive levels. The final portion of the book shows fully illustrated pictures of the various exercises included in the programs as well as detailed instruction on how to perform the exercises. Lauren show you how-tos, what not to do, tips as well as various exercise variations to increase or decrease intensity. The book also includes illustrations of warm-up exercises and joint mobility exercises.

Kettlebells for Women is an easy-to-read book that included easy to follow programs with detailed instruction and illustrations. The book makes a great gift for the fitness enthusiast in your life. It is a great resource for those familiar with kettlebells or ready to spice up their current exercise program.

TapouT XT is led by professional trainer and MMA conditioning coach, Mike Karpenko, who takes you through an intense 90-day home workout program designed to transform your body and get you ripped and chiseled. TapouT XT will help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and get ripped in 90 days without using any weights, without having to do pull-ups and there is no need for a gym membership. The set includes 12 super-charged mixed martial arts style DVD workouts – Everything you need comes in the box! All the dvds are packaged securely and in a space saving package!

Review: TapouT XT Buns and Guns:

TapouT XT Buns and Guns is a thirty-one minute workout that focuses on the muscles of the glutes and arms. The workout is led by Mike Karpenko in a MMA gym setting. Mike is joined by several participants. Though a modifier is not present, modifications are shown and/or provided on the screen. For the workout you will need the resistance tubing, the resistance loop and a mat. You may also want to have some water handy for the breaks- you will need it.

TapouT XT Buns and Guns is divided into three segments. The first segment focuses on the glutes. Using timed intervals, and alternating sides, Mike using the resistance loop to target the muscles of the lower body with various leg lifts, raises and side squats. After a brief water break Mike shifts focus to the muscles of the arms. In this segment he uses the resistance band to exhaust the muscles of the arms with targeted exercises. He also includes several exercises that focus on the upper and lower body simultaneously. After a final water break, the lower body is targeted once again with the resistance loop before finishing the workout off with a stretch.

TapouT XT Buns and Guns does a great job of hitting the glutes and arms. Mike does a great job offering form pointers, showing exercise modifications and  encouraging the exercise participants. He does a great job explaining the importance of strengthening the muscles of the glutes and how it translates to other activities in life.

For more information or to purchase TapouT XT , visit:

TapouT XT on the web

TapouT XT on Facebook

TapouT XT on Twitter

TapouT XT on YouTube
TapouT XT on Pinterest

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.