2012 December | Two Belles, Four Biceps and the Pursuit of Fitness

Empower Fitness Presents Boxing Boot Camp 12 Rounds DVD

Dec 31 2012

Empower Fitness Presents Boxing Boot Camp 12 Rounds Workout. This workout will strengthen your entire body, release everyday stress, and improve your self confidence! Such a fun workout and the awesome kit comes with a 6 lb weighted ball, a jump rope, and super comfy weighted gloves. I have been unable to do upper back strength work due to an injury for some time so I am SO happy to have found this workout. Wearing the weighted gloves really amps up the intensity and left my back sore for a few days! So excited to use this dvd to work off that upper back flab while burning mega calories and work-work-working my core!!!!

Empower Boxing Boot Camp 12 Rounds
Jamie Clampitt, 2012

Jamie leads this 33 min boxing cardio & strength workout in a cool boxing gym with 2 backgrounders, each showing different intensity levels. All the equipment you will need comes in the kit.

Each two minute round consists of 2-4 exercises performed for 30 – 60 seconds each. After a fun jumprope w/u, exercises include: various punch combos that will really have your upper body burning, squats while extending the ball in front of you, toe taps on the ball, squat hops with the ball extended, low static squats, shadow boxing, Russian twists holding the all, and ball jacks. Lots of great cardio, lots of upper body & core, and some good lower body added in.

I rate this a high intermediate workout. My core & upper back were sore for days! Love the high intensity but low impact. Jamie is a great lead and provides lots of great combos that are easy to follow. The separate rounds make the time fly by and there is no wasted time. A great unique workout that I really recommend. Cant wait to try more from Empower! I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:
Empower Fitness on the web
Empower Fitness on Facebook
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Empower Fitness on Pinterest

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 my disclosures page for details

Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy Review: Arms & Abs

Dec 28 2012

It is actually kind of hard to find now but if you can find it BUY IT! It is super efficient, effective, and has SO much variety. Barry leads some of the workouts and his crew leads others. Each dvd contains a strength workout, a cardio workout, and a treadmill cardio workout! These workouts are tough but totally doable. I highly recommend them! This is one of my all time favorite systems, stay tuned for detailed reviews of all the discs in the set.

Today’s Review: Barry’s Bootcamp 5 Day Academy : Arms & Abs

Barry Jay, 2006 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

Barry leads this workout with a group of background exercisers in his actual bootcamp gym & you can see some treadmill runners on the sides. This dvd includes a cardio, treadmill cardio, and strength workout. You will need dumbbells & a step bench for the strength, a bench for the cardio, a treadmill for the treadmill. I love the music but there is a music off option as well.

Strength: (30 minutes): You do some jumping jacks to warm up and then move right into the work. Exercises include: lying tri extensions, bi curls, dips, 1 arm lying tri press, bicep 21′s, jack knives, tri push backs, single arm tri kickbacks, oh tri press and concludes w/ a stretch. Barry finishes each exercise with a static hold. REALLY works the tri’s!

Cardio: (21 minutes) This is the toughest cardio of the set & you will burn a ton of calories in only 20 min! Each exercise is performed for one minute with virtually to no rest between. Exercises include: fast feet & jacks (warmup), side lunges off the step, plyo lunges, plyo lunges w/ front foot on bench, burpees, pushups, bench Mt. climbers, hopping on & off the bench, & a jack-squat-plyo lunge combo. The circuit is performed twice.

Treadmill Cardio: (17 minutes) I dont have a treadmill so I didnt do this workout but upon a quick preview Barry has the crew do pullups while lying on the treadmill, then with the power off he has them do a “shopping cart” exercise and run the treadmill manually. The remainder is treadmill interval running. The screen shows the speed & incline goal, and has a timer.

I rate this disc advanced! Barry is really motivational and keeps you going long after the burn kicks in! He provides superb form pointers, cuing, and motivation just when you need it! Really thorough workouts that get the job done. Fun & effective in a reasonable amount of time! I compare these workouts to S90- if you like those, you will like these! I did not receive this set to review.

Fitness Favorites Presents: The FIRM More 5 Day Abs

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Dec 27 2012

Fitness Favorites presents digitally remastered, first time available on dvd- some all time favorite one of a king must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of fab Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: More 5 Day Abs, originally released on VHS in 1999. Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.

The FIRM: FIRM Parts More 5 Day Abs

Lisa Kay, Jennifer Peluso, Tracie Long, Pam Cauthen, & Heidi Tanner, 2012

This dvd includes five 5-6 minute core routines; one for each day of the week! Compiled from some of your favorite FIRM workouts. You will need light dumbbells, ankle weights, and a step or Fanny Lifter for some of the routines. The dvd is chaptered or you can play all.

Day One: Jennifer Peulso (Better Body & Buns). Exercises include: crunch variations, oblique crunches and rock & lift.

Day Two: Lisa Kay (Fat Blaster). Exercises include: weighted crunches oblique leg extensions, and rock and lift.

Day Three: Tracie Long (Maximum Body Shaping). Exercises include: oblique reaches & torso twists seated on the FL, crunches, double crunches , and leg extensions.

Day Four: Pam Cauthen (Firm Strength) crunches using a dumbbell and ankle weights, oblique knee pulls, pullover crunches, lower ab crunches, and double crunches.

Day Five: Heidi Tanner (Firm Cardio) knee pulls leg extensions, and oblique work using the FL under your legs.

Each of these routines is appropriate for all fitness levels and are short & easy to fit into any routine. Or you can do the entire routine for a real core blaster! Each instructor is excellent and provides great pointers and cuing. The quality of the dvd is excellent and I am so excited to have this on dvd! I received this dvd to review.

Firm workout calendar

Introducing:Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp

Fitness , Reviews No Responses »

Dec 26 2012

Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp is led by four-time World Champion, female professional boxer Jaime Clampitt, who takes you through this intense twelve-round boxing inspired workout designed to burn fat, tone your entire body & knockout stress. Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp will help you lose weight, build lean muscle, and maximize your workout in minimum time. The set includes a thirty-minute super-charged twelve-round boxing inspired workout – Everything you need comes in the box!

The Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp Kit offers:

A super-efficient boxing inspired workout that takes you through twelve rounds of calorie burning exercise to maxximiee your workout in minimum time
Effective workouts with minimum equipment required – you will only need your body, jump rope, weighted gloves and ball – all of which are included in the box.
Workout Guide so you can track your progress
Convenient workout options for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels

Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp contains everything you need to maximize your workout, fire your metabolism and build lean sexy muscle. The workout is designed to spike the heart rate, burn fat and calories and shed unwanted pounds. Stay tuned for detailed reviews of the incredible workouts included in the Empower Fitness Boxing Boot Camp . You don’t want to miss it.

For More Information, Visit:
Empower Fitness on the web
Empower Fitness on Facebook
Empower Fitness on Twitter
Empower Fitness on Pinterest

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade Recipe

Nutrition , Recipes No Responses »

Dec 25 2012

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade

Adapted from a Diana’s Kitchen recipe , this explosively flavored marinade delivers moist juiciness often lacking in chicken dry rubs.

Combine:

1 tablespoon ground allspice

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon Demerara or brown sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup orange juice

Juice of 1 lime

1 scotch bonnet or jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

3 scallions, thinly sliced

Additional Recipes can be found at : http://www.copywriterskitchen.com/2009/07/30/10×10-grilled-chicken-10-quick-and-easy-marinades-for-grill-ready-grassfed-chicken-in-10-minutes/

Review: The Firm Power Sculpt Workout

Fitness , Reviews 1 Response »

Dec 24 2012

Today’s Review: The Firm: Power Sculpt Workout

Allie Del Rio, 2006 **** * (4.5 of 5 stars based on using real weights not the stick)

This dvd was originally packaged w/ a 9 lb sculpting stick. I used dumbbells as 9 lbs total is just too light to do anything and got a great little workout. Allie works out with 2 backgrounders in an open white & hardwood studio. This 20 minute strength workout done w/ heavier weights will provide a cardio effect.

Most exercises Allie will perform the lower then the upper body work and then combo them. Exercises include: squats with press, lunge & overhead press, dip & front raise, side lunge & row, bi curl & squat, deadlift & tri kickbacks, lying outer & inner thigh raises, walking hi planks, weighted V twists, double crunches w/ the stick behind the knees, and concludes with a stretch.

Done with the stick, this is a beginner workout but adjust your poundage to get a more challenging workout. Allie is a good lead and this workout moves right along. With heavier weights I got a great w/o in only 20 minutes. Good pace, good cuing, & good form pointers. No baby talk Good for days when you are short on time but want to get a bit of everything done. I did NOT receive this dvd to review.

Make all Your Wishes Come True with Wish Dog!!!

Fashion/ Beauty No Responses »

Dec 22 2012

THE Perfect cute stocking stuffer for everyone on your list this holiday season. I had the absolute pleasure of reviewing the super cute classic black & white wish dog and I cant wait to get other awesome varieties. The Wish Dog makes a great gift for those people that have everything and those that are hard to shop for. Wish Dogs were born in New Orleans and are popular and fun everywhere!

Wish Dogs are easy to use and fun for everyone. Simply write your wish on a piece of paper, roll the paper and put it in the small hole on the Wish Dogs head. Then you light your wish and the super cute Wish Dog blows smoke out his cute little mouth, making all your wishes come true!!!! How fun!

Wish Dogs would make a super fun Christmas morning tradition. The whole family writes their wishes down and burns them in unison. Bringing in good cheer and fun wishes for the New Year. Available in more than just cute doggies!!!! Check out:

Wish Frog

Wish Plant

Wish Monkey

And so many more!!!

For More Information, Visit:

Wish Dogs , LLC on the web

Wish Dogs on Facebook

Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy Review: Chest & Abs

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Dec 21 2012

Review: Barry’s Bootcamp 5 Day Academy : Chest & Abs

Trainer Rich, 2006 **** (4 of 5 stars)

Rich leads this workout with 6 background exercisers in the BBC gym & you can see some treadmill runners on the side. This dvd includes a cardio, treadmill cardio, and strength workout. You will need dumbbells & a step for the strength, a step for the cardio, a treadmill for the treadmill. There is a music off option (though I love the music!)

Strength: This will really fry your chest! After a warmup (Mt. climbers, running, & twisted Mt. climbers) exercises include: pushups, tri pushups, wide arm pushups, crunches, leg scissors, leg drops, uneven pushups off step, elbow to knee crunches, bench press, pec fly, one arm bench press, weighted crunches, twisting crunches, and concludes with two minutes of slow tempo bench press.

Cardio: (21 min) After Rich warms you up you go into one minute cardio intervals. Exercises include: Mt. climbers off the step, hops, one leg hops, moguls, skater, front kicks adding in a punch, and bicycle abs. You perform the circuit twice and finish w/ a cooldown. Pretty low impact but a good intensity.

Treadmill Cardio: (26 min) I dont have a treadmill so I didnt do this workout but upon a quick preview you start out walking, perform some warmup stretches, then start in on the incline & speed intervals and conclude with a cooldown & stretch. The screen shows the speed & incline goal, and has a timer.

This is an advanced workout that will really burn out your chest and work your abs. This gets 4, instead of 5 stars because Rich takes just a bit too long explaining each exercise for my (impatient) tastes. Nothing super fancy about the exercises Rich chooses but they are all tried & true solid exercises. His cuing & form pointers are superb and I know I will feel this tomorrow! Really accomplishes a lot in 40 minutes (compared to P90X in 60 minutes). I did not receive this set to review.

Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy Review: Shoulders & Back

Fitness , Reviews No Responses »

Dec 20 2012

Today’s Review: Barry’s Bootcamp 5 Day Academy: Shoulders & Back

Joey Gonzalez, 2006 **** (5 of 5 stars)

Joey leads this workout with a group 6 exercisers in the BBC gym & you can see some treadmill runners on the side. This dvd includes a cardio, treadmill cardio, and strength workout. You will need dumbbells & a step for the strength, a step for the cardio, a treadmill for the treadmill. There is a music off option (though I love the music!)

Strength: (46 min) Joey thoroughly works the shoulders & back and he provides some great core work as well. After a w/u, exercises include: weighted punches, row variations, push up to renegade row, upright rows, short & long lever lat raise, cuban press, cable pull, arms extended dumbbell twist & static hold, & lying pullover. Interspersed core work includes toe reaches, weighted V twists, hi plank hold, side plank hold, oblique side bends, standing toe & heel touches, & cross knee pulls. Each exercise is performed for 30-90 seconds.

Cardio: (19 minutes) This is pretty much nonstop pretty high intensity cardio! Exercises include: jogging, hi knee run, jacks, jump rope (air), mogul jumps, side to side jumps, compass jumps, jogging rope, hi jumps, single leg hop, & runner knee pulls. Each exercise is performed for 30 seconds and this circuit is performed twice.

Treadmill Cardio: The screen shows the speed & incline goal, and has a timer. I didnt do the w/o as I dont have a treadmill but upon preview

I rate these advanced workouts- with heavy poundage he really nails your back & frys your shoulders! Joey does a bit too much demo’ing the moves before we actually start for my tastes but other than that I really enjoy this dvd. Really burns those shoulders out & simple straight forward & effective cardio. Great cuing & form pointers. I did not receive this set to review.

Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy Review: Full Body

Fitness , Reviews No Responses »

Dec 19 2012

Today’s Review: Barry’s Bootcamp 5 Day Academy: Full Body

Barry Jay, 2006 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

Barry leads this workout with a group 6 exercisers in the BBC gym. This dvd only has a 44 min body weight only strength workout on i & you will only need a step bench. There is a music off option (though I love the music!) and it is chaptered (as are all the strength w/o’s in this set). Each exercise is performed for 1 minute and Barry finishes a lot of the exercises with a static hold to really burn out those muscles.

This is the toughest body weight only strength w/o I can recall every doing! Barry adds in some cardio moves & the pace is brisk enough to get the heart pumping!!!! The warmup is a 2 min wall sit followed by jacks. Exercises include: pushups, plank, plyo lunges, deep squats, squat w/ knee raise, tricep dips, long lever arm circles, pushups, bench Mt. climbers, burpee to pushup, squats off the bench, decline pushups, superman holds, donkey kicks, double crunch, bench V drops, spelling A-Z w/ your legs fully extended. The last exercise before the cooldown is: 2 minutes of plank, plank twists, & plank side knee pulls.

This is an advanced workout. Barry’s cuing is spot on, he provides excellent form pointers, and I find him very motivating. Love that this is body weight only but so effective- all my muscles were worked- many fatigued. The pace is perfect- basically nonstop action and quick enough to get a great sweat on. Fantastic workout! I did not receive this set to review.

Barry's Bootcamp 5 Day Academy Review: Butt & Legs

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Dec 18 2012

Today’s Review: Barry’s Bootcamp 5 Day Academy: Butt & Legs

Nadia, 2006 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

Nadia leads this workout with a group 6 exercisers in the BBC gym & you can see some treadmill runners on the side. This dvd includes a cardio, treadmill cardio, and strength workout. You will need dumbbells & a step for the strength, a step for the cardio, a treadmill for the treadmill. There is a music off option (though I love the music!)

Strength: (36 min) This is a TOUGH lower body workout! Each exercise is done for 90 seconds and exercises include: slow & controlled lunges, static dips w/ one leg on the box, squats, pliets, deadlifts, & calf raises. You then move to the floor for: donkey kicks, table top side knee raises, table top side kick outs, and stand back up to finish off & REALLY burn out the lower body with 2 rounds of plyo power squats and jacks and a final stretch.

Cardio: (19 minutes) This is a nonstop high intensity cardio workout! Nadia performs two 60 second exercises and then repeats and moves on to a new set. Exercises include: jacks, Mt. climbers. pushups, cardio side lunges off the step, fast feet, flying jacks, skaters, and high knee runs. Accomplishes a great calorie burn in less than 20 minutes!

Treadmill Cardio: (31 min) I didnt do this workout as I dont have a treadmill but upon preview: Nadia moves you from a walk to a jog and then into a run. She adds in run & incline intervals. The screen shows the speed & incline goal, and has a timer.

I rate these workouts advanced. Nadia’s cuing is spot on and she provides excellent form pointers! I find her very motivating and I like her personality, which helped me get through these tough workouts! Nothing fancy- tried & true exercises performed nonstop for great results. My heart was pumping HARD during even the strength workout. These res a real calorie burners!!! I did not receive this set to review.

Holiday Hot List: Humerus The Funny Bone

Reviews No Responses »

Dec 17 2012

The Belles know that the key to staying healthy involves proper nutrition, a sound exercise program and adequate rest. But we also know that laughter is, of course, the best medicine. Laughter triggers healthy physical changes in the body, strengthens the immune system, boosts energy, diminishes pain, and protects from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use. So, we ask you, what holiday hot list would be complete without something to tickle our funny bone?

Meet Humerus the Funny Bone and his Comedy Side Kick Ulnar the Nerve.

The Drew Oliver Company, the makers of the GIANTmicrobe products, have just released a brand new product Humerus the Funny Bone ! It is a brand new toy that provides dozen of hysterical jokes that will have everyone laughing. It is the ideal product for anyone who enjoys a good laugh!

Humerus the Funny Bone is the funniest guy in the joint. And his sidekick Ulnar the Nerve, well, he doesn’t talk because he is too nervous (get it?!?!) and hates the spotlight. Humerus is a stand-up comic with a funny bone, well, actually he is the funny bone. He is the perfect gift for anyone who has a sense of humor. He also make a great gift for a doctor, nurse or orthopedist.

Humerus the Funny Bone is the perfect fun gift idea for adults, kids, and anyone with a funny bone! This delightful toy tells a side-splitting, knee slapping joke whenever he hears a clap or other loud noise. Humerus the Funny Bone comes complete with his own Comedy Stage Gift Box. Humerus tells jokes – silly ones, of course – like these: What’s the difference between a wishbone and a backbone? How many bones are in your body? Why did the actor break his leg? And many more! If you are looking for that perfect gift for the joker in your life, you can’t go wrong with Humerus the Funny Bone.

For More Information, Visit:
Humerus the Funny Bone on the Web
Humerus the Funny Bone on Facebook

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.

Fitness Favorites Presents: The FIRM Prime Power Lower Body Shaping

Fitness , Reviews No Responses »

Dec 14 2012

Fitness Favorites presents digitally remastered, first time available on dvd- some all time favorite one of a king must have Firm workouts!!! Stay tuned for plenty of fab Fitness Favorite dvd reviews and keep reading for a detailed review of The FIRM: Prime Power Lower Body Shaping featuring Kim Bartlett, originally released on VHS in 1996. Be sure to check the all new Firm workout calendar on Fitness Favorites now.

The FIRM Prime Power Lower Body Shaping

Kim Bartlett, 1996 (2012)

Kim leads this 43 minute cardio + lower body workout in a cool jungle set with a group of backgrounders. You will need a step bench, dowel, and dumbbells for this workout. Kim does a great job of adding some upper body work to the lower body exercises to keep the heart rate up.

Exercises include: knee raises, hover squats, seated leg raises, pliet & row, glute raises, dowel dips variations, dowel squat & inner thigh sweep, seated oblique work and finishes with bridges, crucnhes, & pelvic floor work.

I rate this a low intermediate workout that can be easily modified for any fitness level. Kim is an awesome lead with excellent cuing & form pointers. This is a great workout for those lower intensity days or for newer exercisers. Great to rotate into your routine with your more challenging workouts to keep your body guessing. I received this dvd to review.

Firm workout calendar

BOOK REVIEW: The GI Mediterranean Diet

Health No Responses »

Dec 13 2012

Just in time for the holidays, another great gift idea from: Ulysses Press The GI Mediterranean Diet: The Glycemic Index-Based Life-Saving Diet of the Greeks. It is proven that the most heart healthy way to eat is to follow a Mediterranean sytle diet. Well look no further than this book to give you all the info you need to make this healthy & delicious life style change!

The GI Mediterranean Diet: The Glycemic Index-Based Life-Saving Diet of the Greeks Fedon Alexander Lindberg M.D., 2009

Mediterranean cuisine and GI dieting are a proven to be the healthiest way to eat. Good news is- its also a delicious way to eat. The GI Mediterranean Diet offers more than just mouthwatering recipes for every course. The book also shows readers how these foods can keep you lean, young and living a longer and healthier
life.

The book includes a nice large recipe section, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, sweets & snack recipes. It also covers which foods are the best choices and tells you why. After reading this book you will fully understand how to eat Mediterranean style, what that means, and why everyone should!

Along with in-depth scientific breakdowns of traditional Mediterranean foods, The GI Mediterranean Diet offers a day-to-day, four-week
program that will get you looking and more importantly, feeling your best. You will find full meal menus and fantastic, low GI recipes for
Moroccan chicken to Greek moussaka, lamb casserole and the author’s own
nut-encrusted cheesecake, each accompanied by a calculation of its winning GI score. I received this book to review .

For more information:

Available for Purchase on Amazon.com

The Ulysses Press website

Ulysses Press on Facebook

Ulysses Press on Twitter

Review: The Tracey Anderson Method Mat Workout

Fitness , Reviews 2 Responses »

Dec 12 2012

Stay tuned for some exciting Tracy Anderson reviews. First of my reviews is her Mat Workout! Check out her website for info on her unique dvds. I have my eye on her mini-trampoline workout because I LOVE all things rebounder! Keep reading and stay tuned into the blog for more fun Tracy reviews

The Tracy Anderson Method Mat Workout

Tracey Anderson, 2008

Tracy leads this 56 min workout in a nice wood studio. You will need a chair and a pair of 3 pound dumbbells for this workout. The dvd is not chaptered but is divided into distinct sections: standing legs, standing upper body, standing core, floor legs, and floor core.

The standing legs section uses a chair and you go through a series of barre type lower body exercises; leg lifts & raises and pliets. The upper body work includes arm circles, reaches, and lifts using 3 pound weights. The short standing core section includes lots of hip shift variations. Floor legs is a nice compilation of leg raise/ lift variations and the floor core includes crunch varieties with your legs fully extended and leg drops.

I rate this ah intermediate workout-though the upper body section was quite tough! Tracey is a pleasant instructor that provides good form pointers. I also enjoyed the music. Tracy utilizes very light weights and believes that they deliver optimal results including lean muscles, tight skin, and will re-engineer your musculature structure. She is not a proponent of anything over three pounds. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information, Visit:

Tracy Anderson on the web

Tracy Anderson on Facebook

Tracy Anderson on Twitter

Tracy Anderson on YouTube