Interviews | Two Belles, Four Biceps and the Pursuit of Fitness

Q&A With Fitness Pro: Laura Tarbell

Mar 21 2012

The Belles are very excited to have had the opportunity to interview Laura Tarbell of Tarbell Pilates! Laura Tarbell is an internationally known Pilates Instructor, trained and certified by STOTT PILATES, and she is a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant certified through the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA). She is a wife and a mother of two year old twin boys. She is a fitness model, most recently seen in Oxygen Magazine’s 2012 Fat Loss Special.

Belles: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in the fitness industry?
Laura: I’ve been an athlete all my life. However, I suffered from chronic back pain after jamming two lumbar vertebra when I during high school. When I graduated from college, I wanted to stay active so I took up running and weight lifting. However, my back was still an issue. Shooting pain from my lower back down my right leg kept me from reaching my goals. When I discovered the power of Pilates, I wanted to know everything about it. I became a certified instructor so I could share it with my family and community. It started out small, but in a few months my classes were packed. After I had my first set of twins! I decided I didn’t want to work full time. I opened my Pilates studio and have been in love with my new career ever since. It doesn’t feel like work because Ive truly found my passion in helping people reach their fitness goals.

Belles: There is quite a bit of emphasis these days on the importance of strengthening the core – or powerhouse. Would you like to add your thoughts?
Laura: I believe Jospeh Pilates put it best when he said, “You are only as young as your spine.” The core is the support that gives the spine strength and mobility. Strengthening the core is not only essential to athletic health, and a great six-pack!, but essential to movement in our everyday lives. From lifting grocery bags to sitting at a desk at work, the core is involved in everything you do. If it weak, the rest of the body will be effected.

Belles: Your core is rock solid! While core specific training is partly responsible, we all know that a proper nutrition plan is 80% of weight loss success and maintenance. Do you have a healthy eating plan or strategy
Laura: I do watch my nutrition carefully. I eat clean 90% of the day and leave a little room for error. Its the only way to stay sane! I choose whole, natural foods as much as possible, including fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy, and whole grains. There are so many great recipes out there to keep you satisfied. I dont really have the desire to eat things like french fries or bacon. I also eat to feel happy and energized. Do I love a big hamburger with sweet potato fries – yes! But it doesn’t leave me energized. So I don’t indulge very often. And if i do, its only a small, portion-controlled amount.

Everything can be eaten in moderation, or you can find a healthy version to satisfy your taste. I have a really great chocolate chip protein cookie recipe that is totally guilt free! I love it! And I feel good about letting my kids eat them too. (i’ll be posting it on my blog this week!)

Belles: You have created some awesome at home pilates fitness dvds, is pilates your go-to workout or do you mix it up with other genres?
Laura: Pilates and running are definitely my go-to workouts. I love the way Pilates makes me feel- toned, lean, taller, and energized. It has a relaxing effect on the mind as well. I mix in a bit of weights, including pull ups, incline press, bicep curls, to name a few. Basically, all the exercises that I don’t do on the reformer (which isn’t many!)

Belles: Can we expect any future workout dvds from you? If so, what can you share about them.
Laura: I sure hope so! I’m not sure where this adventure will take me, but I’m excited about the journey. My dreams is to build a following like Mari Windsor. But really I just hope to share the greatness of Pilates. It has helped my life in so many way – from keeping me fit both physically and mentally to getting me in back shape after the birth of my twins. Even if you aren’t doing my Pilates, I hope everyone will do some version of Pilates. It is a fantastic way to keep the body active as it matures.

For More Information:
Visit the Tarbell Pilates website
Like Tarbell Pilates on Facebook
Read my review of her Ultimate Abs & Core dvd on Fitness For the Rest of Us

Interview With Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp Creator: Ariane Hundt

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Mar 13 2012

The Belles recently had the pleasure of reviewing Ariane’s new Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp dvd. We loved the workout and are super excited about our Q&A session with Ariane below. Ariane Hundt has trained thousands of participants on New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Her workout, New York City’s toughest, promises to change your body in 5 sessions!

Belles: How did you get started in the fitness industry?

Ariane: I quit my career in pharmaceutical market research 5 years ago to pursue my passion for fitness and nutrition full-time. I had always wanted to learn as much as I could about how food and exercise can create healtly, lean and fit bodies. i spent years studying on my own until i realized it was much more than an interest and had to become my career. After quitting my job business I trained clients one-on-one and got my Master’s in Nutrition. The Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp took off almost immediately after its inception four years ago.

Belles: What was your motivation for creating the Brooklyn Bridge Workout dvd?

Ariane: Thousands of people have taken the classes and seen great results in a matter of 5 sessions. I wanted to make this unique workout available to anyone, whether they lived in New York or on the other side of the world. The unique thing about the DVD is that it was shot on the Brooklyn Bridge and you get to enjoy the amazing skyline views as you’re working your entire body. The workout is challenging time after time, so don’t expect to make it through without stopping for the first few times. It’s designed to keep your muscles challenged so they won’t get used to the workout. Additionally, I have been using a set of very unique resistance bands that target trouble zones like nothing else. The short bands work saddlebag areas and create amazing leg definition and a lifted butt. The long bands help build lean and defined arm and shoulder muscles and slim your waist.

Belles: Do you have any future workout dvds planned and if so, what can you share with us?

Ariane: I’m planning a Slim & Strong DVD. Slim & Strong is my indoor workout with an addiction factor. Using dumbbells, resistance bands and our own body weight we produce a massive calorie burn and fat burning effects. The best part is that the afterburn, the amount of calories burned after your workout, is elevated for up to 48 hours after because of the intensity. The workout is highly effective and reshapes every single inch of your body. Some people have compared one hour of Slim & Strong to 3 hours on their own in the gym. Stay tuned!

Belles: What is the best piece of fitness advice ever received or given to a client?

Ariane: The best piece of fitness advice you should know is the following: If you want to create lasting changes in your body, don’t rely on working out alone. Workouts do change the shape of your body and help you get lean and strong, but 80% of fat burning is the result of a clean diet. Feel free to check out my fat loss advice on my Slim & Strong Blog: www.slimandstrongblog.com

Belles: What fitness myth would she like to dispel (or see disappear entirely)?

Ariane: Fitness myth: The worst myth still out there and promoted by trainers such as Tracy Anderson is that lifting heavy weights will make you bulky. It is absolutely impossible for women to build big muscles unless you have testosterone in your body and lift an insane amount of weight and supplement with various enhancers. In order to get lean, defined and see muscle definition, lifting weights is key. Cardio can burn muscle if overdone and won’t change the shape of your body. So, ladies, please pick up the heaviest weight you can lift with good form and join the ranks of Slim & Strong Boot Campers in New York City!

Thank you Ariane for sharing your insights with us and our readers!! For more information about Ariane & her Brooklyn Boot Camp workout:

Visit the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp Website

Like the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp on Facebook

Follow Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp on Twitter

Check out the Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp Blog

Interview: Q&A Session with Coach Nicole

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Jan 20 2012

Coach Nicole Nichols is a Fitness expert and Editor for SparkPeople.com, America’s #1 diet & fitness site. She’s known for her approachable style that makes working out fun and accessible for all. Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and education, specializing in exercise and fitness. Nicole maintains several fitness certifications, including ACE Personal Training and AFAA Group Fitness Instruction. Coach Nicole just released SparkPeople 28 Day Bootcamp by Acacia .

Belles: What can you tell us about yourself and how you got started in the fitness industry?

Coach Nicole: For as long as I can remember, I was interested in health and fitness, but mostly as a hobby. I started out my college education as an art/design major, but switched to health and fitness three years into college. I knew I wanted to do something to help people and that I was passionate about healthy living. My goal was to be a fitness writer, so landing a writing/editing gig at SparkPeople.com while still in college was a dream come true. In college I started working part-time as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and I still train groups and individuals as my second job because I love it so much. My background in fitness and my job at SparkPeople led me to creating more than 50 free workout videos for YouTube that have been viewed more than 15 million times to date, all of which led to the creation of our most recent DVD “SparkPeople: 28 Day Boot Camp.”

Belles: Motivation and support are attributable factors in achieving successful and lasting results when on a weight loss journey. You are a favorite on SparkPeople, what do you find works best to motivate people?

Coach Nicole: It has to be fun and enjoyable. I will only do workouts that I actually like to do. I would never tell someone to exercise in a way that gets better results or burns the most calories if they are going to hate it. The only workout you will ever stick with is one that you want to do or can get excited about. Similarly, you have to change things up to keep your program fresh and interesting. If it’s starting to feel old, try something new—that goes for fitness and food.

Belles: Having helped may people through SparkPeople, what do you find is the best piece of advice for someone just starting their journey?

Coach Nicole: Be realistic and start small. People want to take the weight off overnight even though they slowly gained it all over a decade. Or they hope to pull weight-loss numbers like they see on “The Biggest Loser.” That’s not reality, and it’s not realistic. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people complaining about losing “only” a pound in a week. A pound is awesome and it’s progress! If you set your sights on losing a pound, you’d be ecstatic. It’s when you set your goals to lose 8 pounds a week and don’t reach it that you lose motivation.

More specifically, I’d say the best dietary change you can make is to start tracking your food—diligently. It will be so eye opening for you that you’ll learn to (and be motivated to) make even more changes to improve your diet than if you just applied a bunch of diet rules to yourself. Fitness-wise, I’d say it’s all about making it a habit. Just 10-20 minutes most days of the week will help you do that. Put it on your calendar like an appointment, not an afterthought.

Belles: For the readers that are not familiar with SparkPeople, what can you tell us about the plethora of fantastic advice, support and tools they can find on the site?

Coach Nicole: So much! SparkPeople.com is the #1 ranked weight-loss and healthy living website in America. We have more than 11 million members worldwide taking advantage of our 100% free tools, content and community features. We have so many amazing cool things that it’s hard to even begin a short list, but here are a few of the things you can access when you create your free account: a personalized diet and nutrition plan, free food and fitness trackers, hundreds of workout ideas, tons of different newsletters on just about any topic, recipes and recipe tool that allows you to calculate the calorie and nutrition facts in any recipe you make, support from the most positive community on the internet—people just like you and our very own experts. That’s just a start. We even have free mobile apps, workout videos, 5K training plans, and SO MUCH MORE. You just have to check it out to see for yourself!

Belles: You just released the 28 Day Boot Camp workout for Sparkpeople through Acacia. What can you tell us about the DVD making experience?

Coach Nicole: It made me feel like a real rockstar! The experience was intense, but it was very fun, too. I love teaching fitness and creating workouts, so it was a fun project for me. But it was a lot of work for many months on end to create the workouts, finalize them, practice them for many weeks (which not only makes for a good shoot but also conditions you for 12-hour days of exercising on set). I put a lot of thought into these workouts and wanted to make them as fun and universally appealing as possible. They are by far the best workouts I’ve ever designed!

Belles: You were recently voted, Americas #1 Fan Favorite Personal Trainer to Watch (psst…we voted for you). What did you do when you found out you won? How did it make you feel?

Coach Nicole: Thank you so much! I’m amazed at how many people voted in that competition and I was very excited to win the honor. I think it really shows the power of SparkPeople’s supportive community who have really embraced me as their fitness trainer since the first YouTube video I ever shot in the corner of our office. It was a great feeling and I was very excited for it. The competition ended at midnight on a weeknight, and I was up watching the votes from the edge of my seat all evening long hoping to take the honor. I’m pretty sure I did a huge happy dance and then was so excited that I couldn’t sleep very well despite it being so late at night. In general, I hope this shows a shift in fitness training. I’m a normal person who likes to exercise and I can’t wash laundry on my abs like some other trainers. I think people respond to and are motivated by a friendly exercise instructor who’s just like them, and that’s exactly who I am!

Belles: Do you have any plans to make any future DVDs?

Coach Nicole: I think I am allowed to say that I have a second DVD with Acacia that will be released later this year. We actually shot it at the same time as 28 Day Boot Camp. In fact, I just saw the first cover design for it today and I just can’t wait for its release to get here. I love creating workouts and I put a lot of time, thought and effort into them, so I would love to do more DVDs!

Read more about Coach Nicole’s experience filming her latest workout including a look behind the scenes !

To learn more about Coach Nicole Nichols, visit her at

SparkPeople
Coach Nicole on Facebook
Coach Nicole on Twitter

Check out her Sparkpeople 28 Day Bootcamp workout available through Acacia !

Thank you to Acacia for putting us in touch with Nicole for the great interview!

Interview With Fitness Pro: Christi Taylor

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Dec 14 2011

Fitness favorite Christi Taylor shares her insights with our readers!

Belles: You are a long time favorite of at-home video exercisers with your unique and fun step choreography. You just recently came out of a long hiatus. Why did you decide to take the break from creating workouts? What prompted you to create your most recent workout?

Christi: Have you ever tried to do lots of things, just to find yourself not doing any of them well? That was me 5 years ago. My world was cluttered, stressful, confusing, and simply not fun any longer.

Yes, the change in the economy and the fitness industry was a contributing factor. And of course you can also add my son serving in Iraq, my father passing away, and a number of other typical mid-life challenges. But mostly, I myself (yes me) was the major contributing factor.

Where at one time in my life I went with the flow, kept a smile on my face, and sang my way through obstacles, I was now trying to be what other people wanted me to be, disappointed when I could not please everyone, and thinking that I can do it all. I needed an attitude adjustment, BIG TIME! I became the “jack of all trades, and the master of none” with a cocky, whiny attitude.

After some much-needed time on my knees with God, and in front of a very close and personal mirror, I began to see myself. It was scary at first. Then it was comforting. I am coming back to life now.

The first thing I wanted to do was film. However, I didn’t just want to film a DVD, I wanted to do it like the good ole days. That meant enjoying every moment of the process in faith and perseverance; calmly enjoy the planning, prepping, rehearsals, and performance of it. Achieving that was all I needed. If the DVD also sells and people enjoy it, then that is the cherry on top of an already successful adventure.

Belles: We are all very excited about your new Totally Cool Step 2 and video exercisers want to know, any other future workouts on the horizon?

Christi: Yes. I am planning to film a dance fitness workout. That’s my biggest passion, and my personal preference to keeping myself fit. The hardest part, as usual, about filming this type of workout is finding the right music. The music must be energetic, stylized, and have a driving force to every movement performed to it. I have already hired someone to create and produce new music just for my next workout DVD. My plan is to film in the spring, or early summer if necessary. I have some cool ideas to make it unique. I’m enjoying the process!

Belles: How did you get involved in the fitness industry?

Christi: I fell in love with the fitness industry in 1982. Remember the movie “Perfect” starring Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta? Watching that movie was the turning point for me. I was in the accounting industry at the time. I decided that I wanted to transition over to the fitness world, so I began making strategic financial adjustments to help me do just that. Walla! Here I am almost 30 years later! I have not regret a single moment, nor do I ever expect to.

Belles : What is your favorite thing about being part of the fitness industry? What is your least favorite?

Christi: Favorite…..

- Keeps me close to lots of people while also helping them meet their personal goals. I am the epitome of a “people person”

- Allows me to maintain my own health, fitness, and vitality

- I have actually become more valuable to the industry as I have aged; only of course if I practice what I preach, and adjust with the moving and changing fitness industry.

- Offers me a way to enjoy what I love most (dancing), while still being able to live a normal life, raise my children, and generate income

Least Favorite….. - Nothing

Belles: You teach live classes at Freedom Fitness in Arizona. Can you share with us the “live class” experience typically entails.

Christi: I love the live class experience – especially at this club. They have two locations, so I get to enjoy a variety of people. It’s not a huge gym, so it is more intimate; and allows everyone to get to know each other well. Gone are the days when I taught in huge studios and ballrooms, with packed crowds. Though they can be fun, I tend to loose myself and my purpose in that type of environment. Today I teach 3 or 4 dance fitness classes per week, with approximately 12 to 23 people per class. That’s my personal preference.

Thank you Christi for your awesome answers!!!!! For more information:

Christi Taylor ‘s website
Like the Christi Taylor Fan Page on Facebook
Check out the Christi Taylor dvd store

Interview with Billy Blanks Jr & Sharon Catherine Blanks

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Dec 07 2011

Meet the Blanks ! Billy Blanks Jr. & his wife and fitness partner Sharon Catherine Blanks have shared some of their fitness insights with us & our readers:

The Belles: We really enjoyed your Dance with me Cardio Fit and Groove & Burn dvds, do you have any new projects on the horizon?
The Blanks: Thank you for the compliment on our DVD’s. We truly love doing what we do and hope others enjoy it as well! This December our newest DVD releases! It is called “Billy Blanks Jr.’s Fat Burning Hip Hop Mixes” with the amazing Dancing With The Stars DVD director Cal Pozo! Then in March 2012, we have another DVD that will release called “Billy Blanks Jr.’s Bootcamp Dance Party”. These DVD’s are our favorites to date.

The Belles: What can you share with us about working as a husband & wife duo in the fitness world?

The Blanks: We have been working together since 2000 and we love it! It really works for us because we deal with a lot of families. We can both identify and help each other understand the needs and inner workings of the opposite sex.

The Belles: How did your fitness focused childhood influence you:

The Blanks: Growing up in a fitness family I always knew the importance to keep moving. My fitness ideals are much different than my father’s because my wife and I only create programs that are all inclusive and a little less intimidating; equally as effective, but fun for everyone. We want our programs to not only help you get in shape but to give you a boost to make it through the day.

The Belles: What does your typical workout week look like?

The Blanks: Our typical workout routine is to dance everyday whether through teaching or just as a family at home. We also throw in some strength training.

The Belles: Do you have any cool fitness stories you can share with us?

The Blanks: With our programs we have had some amazing stories. On the silly side, my wife dances out of her shoes at least once a month! One time I split my pants in the middle of class; the class got a nice shot of my boxers! On the more serious side, we built and started this program just after losing our home. We were literally living in the motel connected to the 24 Hour Fitness Gym we were teaching at. Each day we would sneak through the parking garage so that no one would see us. What we learned was that you never know what people are going through on any given day. Eye contact and true connection with our students was so important. They didn’t know this but their support also helped us get through! Each day we opened ourselves up and heard stories from our students that touched us. One of our students shared with us that she was a cutter. Because of our class, she now feels empowered. She is doing better and she is no longer cutting. One mom said the class is the 1 hour she devotes to herself. It makes her feel like a better mom. Finally, one of our male students Darrin. He is a complete “guy non-dancer”. Darrin said he came into class because he watched it from outside and it looked fun. He expected to leave after the first 15 minutes but had so much fun he stayed for the whole class! Since then he has lost 60lbs with us and has now finished two marathons! Our students and supporters make the program. Without them it would be nothing and we always place the focus on them.

For more information:
Visit the Meet the Blanks website
Like Billy Blanks Jr.’s Dance With Me on Facebook

Follow Sharon & Billy on Twitter

Subscribe to Sharon & Billy’s YouTube Channel

Interview with Fitness Pro Jennifer Galardi

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Sep 13 2011

Jennifer Galardi i s a nationally recognized star of many best-selling dance &fitness DVD’s- her newest being Sweatin’ Sexy and Flowetry is available for pre-order now! Jennifer Galardi is a popular figure among top media, held in high esteem throughout the fitness industry, and adored by fans-including the Belles.

Belles: What got you started in the fitness industry?
Jennifer: You know, I get that question all the time and it’s always difficult to answer simply. I believe I’ve been led down this path my whole life. One thing prepared me for the next and it’s been that way since I started dance and tennis in high school. I’ve always loved to move and dance has always been near and dear to my heart. They say luck is when opportunity meets preparation. If that’s the case, then I’d have to conclude, I’ve just been lucky. I’m blessed to be able to do what I love for a living.

Belles: You have a lot of fitness dvds out, do you have a favorite?
Jennifer: I really enjoyed shooting my “Sweating Sexy” DVD as I was working with two of my favorite dancers as back up talent. My newest DVD called “Flowetry” (which should be out late this year) was a totally different experience for me, as I didn’t instruct as we were shooting. All of my cuing, etc. will be done in post-production via voice over. I thought that was a better, more appropriate way to teach a yoga-based program. Which is also a new area for me. I combined two of my most favorite disciplines: Yoga and Dance. That workout felt really good.

Belles: Some of your newest dvds are ballet inspired- does this reflect your current fitness regime or do you “mix it up”?
Jennifer: I definitely like to mix it up, but dance and yoga are two disciplines that really feed my soul as well as my body.

I express myself best through physical movement and my body and yoga and dance allow me that outlet. Other days you may find me running or just playing around in the gym using everything from the ViPR tool to Kettlebells to the Pilates Magic Circle. I just love to move and create!

Belles: You have done quite a few workouts for ExerciseTV, Dance Off the Inches, and 10 Minute Solution. How does that compare to workouts you have put out on your own?
Jennifer: I can’t say creating workouts for other outlets is much different than creating ones for livWhole. You know, the process is similar. However, I definitely feel more freedom to do exactly what I want when coming up with workouts for my own productions. At times, it’s more challenging because no one is holding me accountable to a schedule, timeline, etc., except myself and I tend to procrastinate!

Belles: Many people may or may not know this but you are also the choreographer behind many popular workouts, how does it compare being behind the scenes vs in front of the camera? Do you have a preference?
Jennifer: I actually LOVE being behind the scenes! The pressure is off to ‘look good’ all the time and it’s nice to be able to teach others some new skills and watch them flourish. I’d have to say Julianne Hough was one of my favorite talents to work with, b/c as a dancer, she ‘got it’ intuitively. I wasn’t teaching her how to dance that’s for sure! Just refining her skills to teach in front of a camera. She had this bubbly personality and she was meant to be on screen. Truly a beautiful, fun young lady!

For more information about Jennifer Galardi visit:
Her LivWhole website
Jennifer Galardi on Facebook
Jennifer Galardi on Twitter

Interview with Martial Fusion's Guillermo Gomez

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Sep 08 2011

The Belles have both had the pleasure of reviewing Guillermo Gomez’ awesome Martial Fusion Rockin’ Body Workout. We loved it, so we were very excited with the opportunity to “interview” Sensei Gomez.

Belles: We are both huge fans of your Martial Fusion workouts and see that you have a new dvd Yin Yang Fusion , that you co-lead with Jessica Smith . What can you share with us about this much anticipated release?
Guillermo: Well, this DVD is a beautiful blend of workout routines, styles and energies between Jessica and I. She is a fantastic instructor and her workouts are rock solid. I’m very happy with the end result of this DVD, It’s one of the best we both have done so far.

Belles: You are the founder of the Martial Fusion Organization in Miami, what motivated you to open this health and fitness training studio?
Guillermo: To me, it is more than just a training studio. It’s a dojo, a temple, a place where you come to develop yourself physically and spiritually. Coming into the dojo is an opportunity to leave outside the door all the energy and ideas that are holding you back, and face your training with the right open and humble attitude. I grew up in places like this, and have been training since I was 10, so it is very natural for me to somehow create an environment that others can benefit from as well. Martial Fusion is really an evolution of 25 years of my training in martial arts and many other disciplines combined, in one place and one workout.

Belles: You obviously have a background in martial arts, what got you started in the fitness industry.
Guillermo: An open mind. I wanted to try different things and to step out of my comfort zone. That’s how I got involved with the fitness Industry about 12 years ago, here in Miami. I was invited through a friend to substitute a kickboxing class in a gym, and I said, What? Teach martial arts in a fitness gym? With music? To a group of people that don’t wear uniforms, don’t have any training etiquette and like to chew gum during class? No way! Then I said to myself, the real goal of any martial arts training is for us to be flexible and adaptable to any situation. This is only a challenge that has been presented in front of me, so let’s step away from what I think I know and jump into the unknown! Now I get to teach both “fitness” martial arts classes and my more traditional Aikido martial arts practice several times a week to children and adults.

Belles: Your passion for your art shines through in your workouts, what are some of your other passions in life?
Guillermo: Traveling! No question, it is the best university you can ever attend. Learning about other cultures, people, and traditions gives a real perspective to where we come from, in my opinion, and the choices we later make along the way. It allow us to find exactly where and how we want to be, instead of repeating motions and patterns that maybe are not the best ones for us.

Belles: Besides Martial Arts based workouts, do you see yourself releasing other forms of fitness videos in the future?
Guillermo: Anything is possible. For sure with Dynamic Zen, Inc. I’ll be directing and producing new fitness workouts with other presenters as well.

For more information about Guillermo, Dynamic Zen, and Martial Fusion visit:
The Martial Fusion website
Yin Yang Fusion on Facebook
Martial Fusion on Twitter
Dynamic Zen on YouTube
Dynamic Zen on Linked In
Sensei Guillermo Gomez on Facebook

Interview: Q&A Session with Amy Dixon

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Aug 30 2011

Amy Dixon is one of the most dynamic fitness instructors and Master Trainers in the industry today. With a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise physiology, as well as many other fitness certifications, Amy delivers fresh, fun workouts while challenging and motivating exercisers. Featured in many workouts for Women’s Health and a popular trainer for ExerciseTV, Amy’s workouts SuperFitBod and Give Me 10 gained instant popularity with exercisers everywhere. Amy Dixon’s two newest releases include Give me 10 More and Breathless Body .

Belles: Many of us are familiar with you from your workouts, ExerciseTV and Women’s Health workouts. What can you tell us about yourself and how you got started in fitness?

Amy: I am a hard-working mother of two that wanted to produce DVDS from the time I first started doing Karen Voight’s video’s. I grew up in a small town in Utah and have participated in sports all of my life. My dad was an amazing coach and his passion and hard work has definitely rubbed off on me. I am a former World Competitive Power Tumbler, an Exercise Physiologist, the Group Fitness Manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, a member of Gatorade’s G-Series Fit Team , a Master trainer for Schwinn and BOSU, a founding member of the International Fitness Challenge and a star and creator of many critically acclaimed fitness DVDS. For me fitness was a natural transition from sports, tumbling, and cheerleading. I originally was going to be a school teacher but changed my major on my first day of school because I truly wanted to work in the fitness industry.

Belles: With so much misinformation out there and everyone claiming to be an expert on something, how do you help your clients decipher the information so that they can achieve a healthy and fit lifestyle?

Amy: To me it is all about being authentic. There definitely is a lot of misinformation out there, but I have found that by offering up my opinion with science as my support it tends to help people understand who really knows what they are talking about and who just wants to make a quick buck with the next trend.

Belles: You have created a variety of workouts from BOSU to kickboxing, circuits to Tabata. What is your favorite workout and training method and why?

Amy: It’s hard for me to pick a favorite BUT if I have to it would be strength training. Right now I am really digging Kettlebells and ViPR.

Belles: You have recently participated in some fun extreme events, Tough Mudder and International Fitness Challenge comes to mind, how do you prepare for these events and what do you have planned next?

Amy: To prepare for these events I definitely logged more hours in the gym and practiced my BOSU workout from start to finish so that I could be completely prepared to work the room. The next major event I have on the horizon is another Tough Mudder in February 2012…wish me luck.

Belles: You look absolutely fantastic in your new Breathless Body & Give Me Ten More! DVDs what was your training routine to prep for the filming?

Amy: I actually trained hard by working on choreography for the DVDS and invested in a meal delivery program called ZEN foods. It REALLY changed my body.

Belles: We have loved all of your DVD releases and cannot wait for more! We know you just released two new (fantastic) workouts- any other projects on the horizon?

Amy: I have quite a few more things up my sleeve. Right now I am working on a new program for BOSU and plan to shoot two brand new DVDS in early 2012. Stay tuned for specifics but I’m thinking there is a lot more room for a female to swing a Kettlebell.

To learn more about Amy Dixon, visit her at

Amy Dixon Fitness website

Amy Dixon Fitness on Facebook

Amy Dixon Fitness on Twitter

You can also catch her columns on ESPNW and her FREE workout downloads for G-Series Fit and MotionTraxx

Interview: Q&A Session with Fitness Pro Mindy Mylrea

Interviews No Responses »

Aug 23 2011

Belles: You have been involved in the fitness industry for many years. For those who aren’t familiar with you or your programs, what can you tell us about yourself and your fitness background?

Mindy: I started teaching fitness dance at the age of 17. I was one of the first “aerobic” instructors in Northern CA. I started teaching 4 classes a day at 5.00 at class. All high impact. I also entered every aerobic competition in the early 80s. I won the National and World Aerobic Championships in 1991.

Belles: Everyone has been anxiously anticipating the release of your newest program, 360Miracle , what can you tell us about it and the motivation behind it and the benefits of this type of training method?

Mindy: This has been many years in the making. I noticed as I have gotten older that more is not better – better is better. I have always had great success with interval training and I wanted to take HIIT to the next level. Everything about this program is smart and sensible. This program is not a quick fix. It is a lifestyle change. It is as much about what you are eating as it is about what you are choosing for your exercise.

Belles: You have a wide variety of exercise programs under your belt from BOSU to Gliding Disks, Step to now Tabata-style workouts. Do you have a favoriteform of exercise or does the variety keep you motivated?

Mindy: Variety is the key and I love it all. I incorporate Tabatas with all my toys to keep it all fresh and fun.

Belles: You are also a proponent of functional fitness, what are the benefits of this type of training and how do you recommend incorporating it into one’s fitness regimen?

Mindy: We should train movement and not muscle. Functional training allows our body to react quickly and with ease. Make each day movement oriented. One hour in gym class is not going to make up for 8 hours sitting at a desk. Take every opportunity to be active and mobile.

Belles: You recently celebrated a “big” birthday. What advice do you have for people young and old who say it is too late to start an exercise program?

Mindy: Attitude is everything. You can be old or you can be young at any age. Staying active throughout the day is the key as I mentioned before. You are not going to be balanced fit and active if you don’t look at the whole package – what you do during your entire day and how you fuel your body for success.

Belles: If you could leave us with one word of fitness wisdom, what would it be and why?

Mindy : Everything is a gift. Being able to move is a gift. Eating wonderful beautiful food that nourishes body and soul is a gift. Being mindful and present is the best way to dive into everything that we do. We get misaligned when we don’t think about our actions and deeds. We fall behind and lose the joy. We live with guilt and we need to stop. Exercise with intention and purpose. Eat with joy and thankfulness. Enjoy every step and every bite. And balance will come

For more information about Mindy Mylrea and her popular workout series visit:

Mindy Mylrea website
Mindy Mylrea on Facebook
Mindy Mylrea on Twitter

Interview: Q&A Session with Fitness Instructor Angie Gorr

Interviews No Responses »

Aug 16 2011

Belles: Thank you for taking the time to take our questions. For our readers, what can you tell us about yourself and your background in the fitness industry?

Angie: As a child I was involved in gymnastics. I was a cheerleader in high school and a member of the dance team at the University of Nebraska in college. About two years into college, I was diagnosed with three degenerative discs in my upper back, a herniated disc in my upper back, mild scoliosis in my lower back and a bulging disc in my lower back. I was in a lot of pain, and was told by doctors to never work out again. They wanted to perform surgery. I was scared of going under the knife, so I started trying everything from chiropractic to acupuncture and massage.

At age 23 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was really sick, and had gained a lot of weight. I had a desk job, and had to take 1-2 naps a day while at work because I was so tired. I was determined to turn my life around. I saw a Naturopath who helped me with my thyroid, and also nutrition. I started eating non-processed foods and more protein. I hired a personal trainer and learned how to lift weights and exercise with the proper technique. I realized I could exercise; I just had to do it properly. I was so happy with the transformation that I trained to become certified as a group fitness instructor. I fell in love with teaching. I was able to pass on the knowledge I’ve learned to my students. Every spare second I had, I found myself reading any exercise/nutrition related articles or books I could get my hands on. I finally lost the weight, no longer had to take naps at work, and had so much energy! Better yet, I have been off my thyroid medication for over three years, and I feel great!

I still work full time at a desk job, but in every spare moment, I am teaching, living, reading and breathing nutrition and exercise. It has become more than just a hobby; it has become a part of who I am. Helping my students and seeing their transformations has been the most rewarding thing I could ever ask for.

Belles: What is the best piece of fitness advice you have ever received or given to your clients?

Angie: I find that the biggest obstacle standing in someone’s way of exercise is excuses. EVERYONE has them, and people can think of 100 things they could do with their busy schedules before exercise. As a child, I had an incident on the vault, and I was scared of it. My gymnastic coach brought me into her office and held a piece of paper between her fingers. She told me to try to take it away from her. I tried, and couldn’t do it, she was holding too tight. She yelled at me “try again”, so I did… and failed, and she kept yelling and I kept failing. Finally she screamed “don’t try , JUST DO IT”, and sure enough the paper came flying out of her hands when I pulled on it. I think that so much of diet and nutrition starts in the mind, and it is so hard to teach people drive and willpower. My advice to all my students is to not try , just do! It is amazing what someone can do when they put their mind to it.

There is ALWAYS time to exercise. Working out is cumulative, and studies have shown that 10 min in the morning, and 10 min at night is just as effective as 20 min straight. My parents living out of state were able to follow my nutrition advice, but early along in the program, every time I asked them how their workouts were going, they had an excuse. What better motivation for doing a workout DVD when your own daughter is on the DVD! They still weren’t working out as much as they should. My DVD is broken into 5 min segments. ANYONE can do 5-10 min. I told them to start with 10 min of cardio in the morning every day. Then, I added 10 min at night and told them before they were allowed to eat dinner they had to do 10 min of weights at night. Somehow giving my parents a specific schedule worked! My parents are now working out twice/day and have both lost over 25 lbs in a 5 month time-frame. My suggestion is to follow these three steps:

Throw all your excuses out the window (there are none).
Come up with a schedule, and write it down. Don’t stray from this schedule, and if you do, pencil in a make-up session
Break up the workouts into manageable sessions (2-3 times per day if needed)

Belles: You recently came out with your first workout on DVD, Custom3 Fit 50/50. What motivated you to produce an exercise DVD?

Angie: I have always been super busy, so workout DVDs have been a great way for me to fit my workout in on my schedule without the transit time it takes to get to and from the gym. I have analyzed over 100 fitness DVD’s, and I couldn’t find a lot that met all the criteria I was looking for. There were definitely some great ones, but the majority fell short in at least one of my personal top criteria. I started to survey my students, and other customers buying workout DVDs. Here were their complaints:

They had an injury and didn’t know if the workout would work for them
They weren’t coordinated and didn’t know if they could do the moves
They didn’t want to buy a ton of equipment
They didn’t have a ton of time

Therefore, the DVD that I produced had to address these all the above criteria, plus a few more criteria from my own to the list. Some have told me I have the attention span of a 2-yr old. I needed a DVD that had easy choreography, yet moves that changed frequently enough to hold the attention of people like me. I also added the three distinct levels, which I haven’t seen in any other video. The three different levels are highly effective. As a group fitness instructor, we are taught that one of the criteria in a class is for the participant to feel success. The most common way people feel success in by completing something. Most DVDs I tried were too easy (don’t get me wrong, there are some tough ones out there!) but a lot of them were way too easy for someone very advanced, and I could do all the moves on the first try. That leaves no room for improvement. The type of video I wanted to produce was one that pushed someone to their next level. When I teach a class, my goal is for my students is for them to not be able to do all the reps, or entirely level 3. If they can, then they are not pushing themselves to the next level. I tell them that I define success differently. People immediately think if they can’t do the entire thing on the first try, then they failed. Success is not being able to complete all the reps, but rather hanging in there and not walking out of the class. Stick through it all. Success is pre-determining a set time you are going to work out, and doing as much as you can whether it is level 1, 2 or 3, and not quitting. If you can do that, and you can challenge yourself in your workout, then you are successful.

Belles : We love you 50/50 workout! We also love to combo C+S. Why do you find these types of workouts so effective?

Angie: Thanks! I designed the DVD to have 30 min of straight cardio and 30 min of straight weights. If strength training is involved, then there is a risk over over-working certain muscle groups if you do the entire video every day. Therefore, the ‘select exercise’ menu allows someone do cardio and strength, but they may choose to do arms and chest one day, and legs and abs another day. Cardio has so many benefits, but so does strength training. The combination of the two has been shown to be very beneficial. Strength training is important for keeping and/or building muscle, and cardio helps burn calories, and helps your overall cardiovascular health. Bottom line is that you need to constantly mix up the workouts, and the order in which you do them, combining cardio and strength is a great way to help overcome a plateau that you may have hit.

Belles: Rumor has it you have a new workout underway. What can you share with us about your upcoming DVD release?

Angie: Yes! I am hoping to release my 2 ^nd DVD yet this summer. The DVD has three circuits that consist of cardio, weights and abs. Each circuit is 18-20 min long. The weight section will hit every major muscle group. The exercises are slightly more difficult than the ones in 50/50 cardio and weights, but still offer the three levels of intensity for every move. The DVD will also offer the exercises broken out so that the user can still perform only cardio, or only certain weights depending on their training schedule. This is an interval training DVD where your heart rate is really high, then take it down to medium, then to low and then back up again. Interval training has so many benefits and I’ve found that personally it has helped me with my overall cardiovascular abilities.

Belles: Congratulations on your pregnancy! How has your workout routine changed, if at all, since becoming pregnant? What recommendations can you give to pregnant women looking to continue their exercise regimen?
Angie: Thank you! I am super excited. I have never felt more ready than now to bring a child into this world. I have a wonderful husband, a great job, and most importantly a WAY healthier “me” compared to 10 years ago. I had really bad morning sickness the first three months, and the only thing that helped the nausea was exercise! It just made me feel so good. I know that last thing you want to do when you feel tired and nauseous is to exercise, but it takes that nausea away (or at least helps it!). Everyone should check with their doctor before exercising once they find out they are pregnant. The guideline I was told by my dr. was that if you exercised before pregnancy, you should continue, but if you didn’t exercise regularly before, pregnancy is not the time to start. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that you should go by the RPE (rate of perceived exertion) instead of relying on heart monitors. If you exercised before, and your doctor has approved you to keep exercising, then my advice is to continue what you’ve been doing while making some modifications. Even for those that exercised before pregnancy, there may be complications or restrictions that your doctor wants you to follow because every pregnancy is different. We all tend to ignore the disclaimer “talk to your dr. before starting an exercise routine”, but in this case it is not something you want to ignore.

Belles: What are your plans post-partum? Any other workout DVDs planned?

Angie: Yes, there are plans for more DVDs after the baby is born. I’ve been thinking of doing a video with the workout band. I teach some really tough classes with the band that involve both cardio and toning. Most videos I’ve seen with the tubing are more toning, and not a lot of cardio, so I wanted to combine the two. I have some other ideas as well, but nothing is set in stone. If anyone reading this interview has ideas on what they would like to have in a workout DVD, I am always open to suggestions. Please email me at: angie@twobellesfitness.com with your thoughts/ideas.

For more information about Angie Gorr and her popular workout series visit:

The Custom3 Fit website

Custom3 Fit on Facebook

Interview: Q&A Session with Elisabeth Halfpapp of Exhale: Core Fusion

Interviews 2 Responses »

Aug 08 2011

Belles: What can you tell us about yourselves and how you got started in the fitness industry?

Elisabeth: Fred and I met in high school..I being a cheerleader and he a football player. Fred needed a date for his senior prom, so he asked me! We then dated until we married in 1983. Fred went to college for Physical Education and I for Dance Education. I was a professional ballet dancer (Mercer Ballet, Princeton Ballet, Hartford Ballet) looking for additional work teaching movement/dance and answered a NY Times ad for a teacher needed with dance ballet background for the Lotte Berk Method located in NYC and Bridgehampton, NY. When I started teaching there it was a fitness studio for women only and the first barre core fitness class. Fred (we were dating at the time) was not even allowed to step into the building! In the mid 80’s, we opened this method to men and Fred was hired to teach. We both managed, taught 6 classes/day, 6 days/week, helped develop this method, and teacher trained all the teachers. Then in 2002, we wanted to share nationwide this incredible technique and the opportunity came through exhale. And here we are 9 years later as part of the exhale founding team with 18 exhale units across the country and in Turks+Caicos teaching Core Fusion!

Belles: The Exhale Core Fusion DVD series has been well received. What inspired you to start the Exhale program and spas? What was your motivation to bring the workouts to DVD? Our inspiration to start the Core Fusion program for exhale came through us seeing the healing and physical changes of our guests at the Lotte Berk Method, not only physically, but mentally as well. We were transforming lives and creating a lifestyle. We felt this calling to share this life transformation with as many people as possible. Thus we were open to looking for someone who wanted to share this journey with us…and then Annbeth approached us at Lotte to share her exhale vision with her, not only with Core Fusion, but with yoga, spa, acupuncture, and nutrition. We wanted to create an exhale lifestyle that all included these modalities.

Elisabeth : Our motivation to bring Core Fusion to DVD, was to expand this physical and mental results producing technique to even more of a population where we do not have exhale locations…we are now global! Plus our regular guests needed their CF when they traveled…and the 10 minute segments are doable wherever you are! Also we wanted to educate our viewers on how to move with the first priority of position, alignment, and then how many repetitions you can do maintaining the form. This is based on my ballet technique training…

Belles: Do you have any new workout DVDs on the horizon you can tell us about?

Elisabeth : Yes! We just released Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity and Core Fusion Power Sculpt will be released end of this year!

Belles: In addition to being Core Fusion creators and founding team members of Exhale Spas, you are also husband and wife, what can you tell us about balancing work with your personal lives?

Elisabeth: It is very important to set your boundaries between your personal and work lives. We have set times when we stop talking about business and we ask each other first “do you mind if we discuss business for set number of minutes?”. If either of us reply’s “ No, I really don’t want to discuss business right now” we have learned to honor each others request or to at least, set a time limit for the business discussion.

Belles: What advice do you have for other couples to encourage or help people commit to a healthy lifestyle from the newlywed stage through the golden years?

Elisabeth: Start moving and exercising together….make this a special time to connect with each other. Once you start exercising, you feel better about yourself, you eat better, and make healthier choices with all aspects of your life. “Move a muscle, change a thought.” is one of Fred’s favorite sayings…

Belles: Do you have any secrets or words of wisdom on maintaining a healthy marriage while leading such a hectic lifestyle?

Elisabeth: Communication and being each other’s best friend!

For more information about Exhale Core Fusion and their workouts visit:

The Acacia Website

The Exhale website

Exhale Spa on Facebook

Exhale Spa on Twitter

Stay tuned for reviews of the latest workout from Exhale: Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity

Interview with "The Studio's" Ellen Barrett

Interviews 3 Responses »

Aug 02 2011

Belles: Rumor has it you are creating some new workouts. We are super excited about them- what can you tell us about them?

Ellen : Yes, two new workouts are coming this fall. They are the first two releases in a new series called ELLEN BARRETT LIVE, which captures the real energy of a real class. They were filmed in the space I teach everyday with some of my favorite class regulars. I think the LIVE energy is really motivating and people will want to workout to them rather than force themselves to workout to them.

Belles: Your workouts feature light weights. Do you ever lift heavy weights or are you strictly a light weight/ body resistance type of strength trainer?

Ellen: Heavy weights just don’t feel right to me..so I never lift heavy weights formally, but my daily live with a toddler and a dog and groceries…I’d say I do a lot of lifting. I’m a real naturalist when it comes to fitness, I don’t drink sports drinks, eat power bars or worry about protein. My sister says I’m a hippie fitness instructor.

Belles: What inspired you to create your fusion style workouts? What are the benefits to this type of training?

Ellen: I just feel super strongly about the notion of “exercise as medicine.” Exercise can lift your mood. It can provoke creativity. It can prevent so many diseases. The benefits of fusion fitness, especially, go beyond the body, into the mind and spirit. That’s what I want in a workout and I thought maybe there are other people searching for that completeness too.

Belles: One common myth out there is, “No Pain, No Gain.” How do you convince hard-core exercisers that high intensity isnt always the best form of exercise?

Ellen: There are reasons for hardcore workouts, especially if you play a competitive sport or are training for some over-the-top physical challenge.However, most people just want to look good in their clothes and have energy. Their goal is to be fit and trim and lead a productive life. In that case, pain isn’t necessary and in fact, pain holds you back. Pain is a symptom of disharmony and disharmony is the opposite of health, so create harmony – move towards it – and lose the pain.

Belles: What advice do you have for people who want to start an exercise program but don’t know where to begin?

Ellen: Go for a short walk. Meditate. Pop in a video and just do the warm-up. As the song goes, “Put one foot in front of the other And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor. Put one foot in front of the other. And soon you’ll be walking out the door.”

For more information about Ellen Barrett & her workouts visit:
The Ellen Barrett website
Ellen Barrett on YouTube
Ellen Barrett on Twitter

Interview: Q&A Session with Fitness Celebrity Jackie Warner

Interviews 3 Responses »

Jul 26 2011

Belles: Many of our readers are familiar with you from your television shows The Workout and Thintervention, for those that aren’t can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the fitness industry and on television?

Jackie: I was working at Warner Brothers and realized I didn’t want to be working in the entertainment business. I got into fitness late. I got certified at 30 but I was bodybuilding since I was 20. Once I was certified I started training friends and then clients. One of my clients had a total transformation in just 4 months. That got me hooked and made me really passionate about this as a career.

Belles: You have also created quite a few exercise DVDs, can we expect any more in the future?

Jackie: Definitely! I’ve got 3,000 workouts in my head and I’ve got to get them out or they’ll eat me up inside. You can expect to see my newest DVD in December.

Belles: What can you tell us about what is involved in starring in a television show vs producing a workout? Do you have a preference?

Jackie: I love producing. I’m much more comfortable behind the camera than in front. I love being in the editing bay and putting everything together. In fact I’m developing 3 shows right now and I’m not even in 2 of them!

Belles: We have done Xtreme Timesaver many times and it is an effective, tough and thorough workout. You are a huge proponent of circuit workouts. Why are they your favorite and what is the magic behind them?

Jackie: You can get more done in 10 mins of circuit training than 40 mins of weight training. I love circuits because your heart rate is up, you’re in the fat burning zone AND you’re putting on muscle. It’s the best way to get great results. And it’s more fun for the mind, too, to keep moving.

Belles: Do your workout DVDs reflect your actual workout routine? And can you give us an example of your weekly workout routine?

Jackie: My “Personal Training with Jackie” DVDs are definitely what I do for myself. For the most part I do 2 muscle groups a day to FAILURE. So Monday might be 6 chest moves and 6 tricep moves. I spend about an hour and twenty minutes in the gym every day except Sunday. Research from Harvard shows if you work out 3 times per week you’ll maintain but it takes 5 times per week to see change. You really need that consistency.

Belles: What advice can you offer women and men out there regarding our struggles with body image?

Jackie: Don’t even look at the magazines. If you’re 5’2” you’re never going to look like Giselle. Find something realistic. Ask your doctor for your ideal weight. When you’re looking at a model or celebrity, you don’t know how unhealthy that person may be and they’re so photoshopped, it’s not their body that you’re really seeing.

Belles: You understand the evils of sugar- do you have any tricks to help with our sweet tooths? And what are your feelings on Stevia & Splenda?

Jackie: I like Stevia and avoid Spenda but…everything in moderation. A little Splenda is OK. Don’t replace sugar with artificial sweeteners. The latest research show they spike insulin too. You need to go cold turkey. It takes five t0 seven days to break the addiction. I’ll take you through this in my book, “This is Why You’re Fat…”

For more information about Jackie Warner and her popular workout series visit:

The Jackie Warner website

Jackie Warner on Facebook

Jackie Warner on Twitter

Interview With Jill Miller Creator of the Yoga Tune Up Series

Interviews 1 Response »

Jul 19 2011

Jill Miller creator of the popular Yoga Tune Up series

Belles: Yoga, though centuries old, has found renewed popularity. The DVD market offers a variety of Yoga workouts from traditional to more recent fusion workouts. To what do you attribute the popularity of yoga?

Jill: Yoga is becoming more and more popular as folks recognize how essential tuning in and tuning down is for their overall health and wellbeing. Yoga formats almost always include an opportunity to involve conscious breathing and deep relaxation intermixed with movement and stillness. When you take time to enter into deeps states of sedation that yoga offers, it enhances your ability to perform better no matter what you do. My Yoga Tune Up® work focuses on corrective exercise coupled with self-massage and proper breathing techniques,. This potent mix helps to facilitate better functional movement patterns in students who love yoga, fitness, or who just want to live better in their bodies!

Belles: Many of us do our best to fit exercise into our busy schedules but with so many disciplines out there – strength, cardio, Pilates, Yoga etc – it is hard to fit it all in. What are your recommendations for fitting it all in?

Jill: No matter what you do, be completely present and absorbed in the activity you are doing. Condense your concentration to enrich the little time you do have.

Belles: When starting an exercise program individuals often times take on too much too soon which may lead to injury. What other exercise “habits” potentially lead to injury? What are your recommendations for injury prevention when exercising?

Jill: Your breath is a natural built-in safety barometer. One of my rules of thumb is, if you cannot take a full breath, you are in it too deep, or you are overexerting yourself. Above all, you must remain aware of your movement patterns and pay attention to pain signals.

For more information about Jill Miller and her popular Yoga Tune Up series visit:

The Jill Miller Yoga Tune Up website

Yoga Tune Up on Facebook

Jill Miller on Twitter

Yoga Tune Up ‘s YouTube Channel

Interview with Fitness Pro Jenny Ford

Interviews 3 Responses »

Jul 12 2011

Belles: For those of us who are new to you and your workouts, what can you tell us about yourself and how you got started in the industry?

Jenny: I love chocolate chip cookies, and people with ADD. I have 3 little boys, 2 of which have ADD. (If you count my husband, it is a total of 3.) As you can imagine, going to the gym for some me-time has never been an option. I have a bookshelf stacked with at-home exercise DVDs—from Kathy Smith, Gay Gasper, Rob Glick, Christi Taylor, Petra Kolber, Seasun Zieger, Gin Miller, Kim Miller, Karen Voight, Tracey Staehle, Jari Love, Tracie Long, Marcus Irwin, Rebecca Small, Deidre Morris, Amy Bento, Cathe, Patrick Goudeau, Jules Benson, Kari Anderson, Deirdre Morris, and more. Step has always been my favorite format, but I am really loving Zumba. Exercise has always made me feel wonderful!

For years I knew I wanted to be a fitness instructor, and one day after working out at home with one of my favorites, Christi Taylor, I noticed info about her one-on-one instructor trainings. After I certified with AFAA in group fitness, the stars aligned, and I was off to AZ to train with Christi. This was one of the best decisions I made. She gave me the tools to start my journey as an instructor, and then I came home and practiced, and practiced, and practiced!

Belles: You just released your SECOND set of dvds. What was your motivation behind them?

Jenny: My motivation is to help people realize the empowerment exercise can give them. I have always had a great passion for helping people to feel successful and confident. Exercise has gotten me through some extremely difficult times in my life. It gives me great satisfaction when I hear from people who I have helped through my workouts. I love to be a part of making someone’s life a little better.

Belles: The price point for your dvds was awesome! In this shaky economy it is a breath of fresh air to see workouts at a reasonable price when there are so many out there at an inflated price. Do you think lower price points are a trend we can look forward to?

Jenny: I don’t see price points dropping any time soon in the DVD market. People would be shocked at the costs involved in producing a video.

Belles: Before putting your workouts on DVD you had them available to stream. Do you see a shift from workouts on DVD to an electronic version?

Jenny: Yes, most definitely! I think streaming is the future. I get countless e-mails from people saying they’re doing my workouts on their iPads, iPhones, laptops, and that they LOVE that they can do my workouts wherever and whenever they please.

Belles: Do you have plans for future dvds and if so can you share any info about them with us?
Absolutely! I am currently working on 3 new workouts to be released around the first of the new year.

Jenny: If people would like to try one of my current workouts for FREE, they can find them at jennyford.com in their entirety.

For more info about Jenny or to get your own FREE downloadable workout please visit:

JennyFord.com
Jenny Ford on Facebook