Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 17 minutes, wasting no time
Equipment needed: Water
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6 as of 5/3/11
Date completed: 5/4/11
Fitness Stats: Have only done brief amounts of HIIT (1 per 10 minutes in cardio vids)
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 237 in 17 minutes, 216 calories more than normal
Highest heart rate: 190
Lowest heart rate: 156
Difficulty+Intensity: 8/10
Good For:
Who: Anybody adventurous with a decent exercise base who wants results without spending too long each day
When: You're crunched on time but what a kick-butt calorie burner
Extended Review:
If you've never done a HIIT before, prepare to have your bum royally kicked. "Oh, 15 minutes? That's not so bad. I can do 15 minutes of just about anything!" Sure, you think that now ;) Chalene Johnson really knows how to work you to your max and how to motivate you to do your best. You feel like you're dying, and she basically celebrates that. She's smiling and always upbeat, so you're constantly like, "YAY, I'M WORKING SO HARD I WANT TO VOMIT!" Yes, she gets YOU excited to be feeling so bad. And the irony of it all is that after each interval, when you go to rest, you actually feel good. The only downfall when it comes to Chalene is that she doesn't spend a lot of time instructing on form. Of course, in 15 minutes when you're trying to keep your heart rate up, drop it down briefly, and then do it all over again, there's not a lot of time for explanation. She does a good enough job explaining during the resting intervals though
Trainer fun level: 9/10
Trainer explanation level: 7/10
As far as the actual workout goes, like I said, it's a killer. There are 3 different interval types, but each interval type is done 3 times for a total of 9 high-intensity intervals. In order to get your heart rate up so super high, you have to do a lot of jumping- explosive jumping. If you can't do one interval of plyometrics, don't expect to finish this HIIT following all the people in the "class." If you are having trouble with the intensity, you can follow the girl on the right as always for a lower-impact... but be aware, that does not mean "easy." You wanted an effect workout in 15 minutes, right? It has to be so painful. Those jump-squats, jump-lunges, high knee kicks, and the like are necessary, even if you can hardly lift off the ground now because you're so confused. Which, by the way, be prepared for as well. If doing this for the first time, you might feel like a preteen in a calculus class- struggling to even understand what she's saying let alone actually doing it. The good news is that overtime everything gets easier. You'll learn the routine and your body will adapt and let you go harder and higher so you feel like you're doing what you're supposed to.
Overall fun level: 8/10
Overall intensity level: 9/10
Overall difficulty level: 7/10
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
TurboFire: Fire 45
Quick Facts:
Run time: 45 minutes, about 40 minutes spent really "working out."
Equipment needed: Water preferred
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6 last time I checked
Fitness Stats: RHR of 54 (usually). Did Fire 30 and HIIT 15 a couple days before
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 510 total, about 456 extra/more than daily living
Highest heart rate: 187
Lowest heart rate: 143
Difficulty: 8/10
Good For:
Who: Anybody of not-terrible fitness desiring a fat burning, endorphin pumping, high energy workout
When: You have enough time and really want that small desert
Extended Review:
There isn't much difference between Fire 45 and Fire 30. Chalene is exactly the same super upbeat peppy instructor. Just as in Fire 30, Fire 45 has some pretty silly "dance" part where you just "wiggle it." Actually, in Fire 45, there is a song called "Wiggle It," and yes, during that song is when you have those brief periods of crunking and being spastic. Also just like in Fire 30, 45 has those fire drills. They're actually really nice, in my opinion. You work as hard you possibly can for a minute, and then you get to rest by moving slowly! What other cardio allows that? Exactly. The only difference with the fire drills is that there are 3 instead of 2, and they aren't evenly spaced out. Also be ready for some basic plyometrics. Fire 30 had them briefly, and Fire 45 does too. You will be jumping around a bit more, doing "air jacks." And oh, Chalene doesn't forget to squat-thrusts! Thankfully, you have the option of following the girl on the right- Allie. If at any moment you do not wish to continue to push yourself (or it is dangerous to do so), you can follow a more low-impact version by watching her. Comes in handy when you cannot do another squat thrust so quickly!
Perhaps it is because I had already done Fire 30 or perhaps it is because of the length, but Fire 45 seems to be easier to follow than it's shorter counterpart. Each little routine is done longer, there is more focus on the moves, and Chalene takes the time to somewhat explain a bit better what is being done for each move. I found myself actually understanding the punch sequences this time.
Trainer explanation level: 8/10
Trainer fun level: 8/10
Overall difficulty: 7/10
Overall intensity: 9/10
Run time: 45 minutes, about 40 minutes spent really "working out."
Equipment needed: Water preferred
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6 last time I checked
Fitness Stats: RHR of 54 (usually). Did Fire 30 and HIIT 15 a couple days before
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 510 total, about 456 extra/more than daily living
Highest heart rate: 187
Lowest heart rate: 143
Difficulty: 8/10
Good For:
Who: Anybody of not-terrible fitness desiring a fat burning, endorphin pumping, high energy workout
When: You have enough time and really want that small desert
Extended Review:
There isn't much difference between Fire 45 and Fire 30. Chalene is exactly the same super upbeat peppy instructor. Just as in Fire 30, Fire 45 has some pretty silly "dance" part where you just "wiggle it." Actually, in Fire 45, there is a song called "Wiggle It," and yes, during that song is when you have those brief periods of crunking and being spastic. Also just like in Fire 30, 45 has those fire drills. They're actually really nice, in my opinion. You work as hard you possibly can for a minute, and then you get to rest by moving slowly! What other cardio allows that? Exactly. The only difference with the fire drills is that there are 3 instead of 2, and they aren't evenly spaced out. Also be ready for some basic plyometrics. Fire 30 had them briefly, and Fire 45 does too. You will be jumping around a bit more, doing "air jacks." And oh, Chalene doesn't forget to squat-thrusts! Thankfully, you have the option of following the girl on the right- Allie. If at any moment you do not wish to continue to push yourself (or it is dangerous to do so), you can follow a more low-impact version by watching her. Comes in handy when you cannot do another squat thrust so quickly!
Perhaps it is because I had already done Fire 30 or perhaps it is because of the length, but Fire 45 seems to be easier to follow than it's shorter counterpart. Each little routine is done longer, there is more focus on the moves, and Chalene takes the time to somewhat explain a bit better what is being done for each move. I found myself actually understanding the punch sequences this time.
Trainer explanation level: 8/10
Trainer fun level: 8/10
Overall difficulty: 7/10
Overall intensity: 9/10
Thursday, May 5, 2011
TurboFire: Fire 30
Quick Facts:
Run time: 31 minutes, most of it like totally active.
Equipment needed: Mmm water.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6
Fitness Stats: RHR of 54 (usually). Finished with HIIT 15 three hours before doing this. Previous Tae Bo experience but not much. Still can't run, like, at all.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 339 total, about 306 extra/more than daily living
Highest heart rate: 187
Lowest heart rate: 156
Difficulty: 8/10
Good For:
Who: Anybody trying to burn some fat and get drenched.
When: You aren't in the mood for too much interval training but still want a good cardio workout
Extended Review:
The first of many Chalene Johnson and TurboFire reviews! Chalene is a very upbeat instructor. She loves the camera, and the camera loves her. She doesn't look like you do when you work out, and that can be either discouraging or super encouraging. Honestly, I think she wears makeup, but you never know. Anyway, she is one of the most bubbly instructors I have seen on any fitness DVD. She does not intimidate you in the least, like Jillian Michaels. Well, that's a lie. Jillian's persona is very tough and harsh. Chalene is like, that soccer mom that lives down the road from you that all the other woman on the street hate because she is always so vivacious. Again, for some that can be really encouraging, and for others it can make you feel like poo. It encourages me, honestly. I choose to have a positive attitude around happy people (: Chalene is also really good at making you feel like you should work out harder. It's that positivity thing she has going for her. One major problem with her instructing, though, is that it's very hard to learn her routines. If you're doing this for the first time, expect to have difficulty keeping up. My friend, who is a dancer, became confused and even said, "I don't get what she's doing!" The camera angles change, and sometimes you don't see Chalene, which makes it ever harder to follow. The angling is supposed to make you "feel like you're part of the class," and it does in the beginning and end and after the two intervals, but during the workout, if you are confused (which you will be), you want to see what Chalene is doing because you WILL get lost. Sometimes even watching her hardly helps- hellooo, what's an uppercut and double jab? How do I perform such moves in succession? While I might know it, you might not. Another issue, as my dancer friend pointed out, is that the music isn't totally instep with the moves. Chalene does a pretty good job with mixing the music, but there are some times in which she goes off-beat. I hardly noticed it, however. The music is kind of cheesy ("Play that funky music!"), but it gets you going and has an appropriate BPM to keep you up and active.
Trainer fun level: 9/10
Trainer instruction level: 6/10
As far as intensity and difficulty, thank goodness I have some background in tae bo. Most of the moves are tae-bo inspired. Not a lot of kicking is involved, but you punch a lot and incorporate your lower body by continually moving your feet/shuffling. She also loves to have you do squats and variations of them. Often times when punching, she'll make you squat down and get lower. This adds intensity, but it is controlled by you, so you get to determine just how much intensity you want. You also will do squat-thrusts, which is basically like you squat, put hands on the floor, jump your legs out, and then jump back up. Those are the worst because she goes really fast. You will also do things such as "fire throws" which are just too odd to explain, and then what she calls "Fire Drills." Fire Drills are 1-minute long high-intensity intervals. There are only two during the video, and personally I really like them. You run in place as much as fast as you can, doing from "narrow" legs to "wide legs" (as if easing your way into a squat while you run), and then you do a lot of plyometric jumping. Afterward, you rest for a little bit, which gives you the perfect opportunity to get a drink of water without interrupting the workout. The advantage of any amount of HIIT, for reference, is that you continuously burn extra calories for up to 24 hours after the workout. This is known as "PEOC"- post-exercise oxygen consumption, or "afterburn." Traditional cardio does NOT get such an effect as HIIT does, so yes, the fire drills are very helpful!
Overall intensity level: 8/10
Overall difficulty level: 8/10
Run time: 31 minutes, most of it like totally active.
Equipment needed: Mmm water.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6
Fitness Stats: RHR of 54 (usually). Finished with HIIT 15 three hours before doing this. Previous Tae Bo experience but not much. Still can't run, like, at all.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 339 total, about 306 extra/more than daily living
Highest heart rate: 187
Lowest heart rate: 156
Difficulty: 8/10
Good For:
Who: Anybody trying to burn some fat and get drenched.
When: You aren't in the mood for too much interval training but still want a good cardio workout
Extended Review:
The first of many Chalene Johnson and TurboFire reviews! Chalene is a very upbeat instructor. She loves the camera, and the camera loves her. She doesn't look like you do when you work out, and that can be either discouraging or super encouraging. Honestly, I think she wears makeup, but you never know. Anyway, she is one of the most bubbly instructors I have seen on any fitness DVD. She does not intimidate you in the least, like Jillian Michaels. Well, that's a lie. Jillian's persona is very tough and harsh. Chalene is like, that soccer mom that lives down the road from you that all the other woman on the street hate because she is always so vivacious. Again, for some that can be really encouraging, and for others it can make you feel like poo. It encourages me, honestly. I choose to have a positive attitude around happy people (: Chalene is also really good at making you feel like you should work out harder. It's that positivity thing she has going for her. One major problem with her instructing, though, is that it's very hard to learn her routines. If you're doing this for the first time, expect to have difficulty keeping up. My friend, who is a dancer, became confused and even said, "I don't get what she's doing!" The camera angles change, and sometimes you don't see Chalene, which makes it ever harder to follow. The angling is supposed to make you "feel like you're part of the class," and it does in the beginning and end and after the two intervals, but during the workout, if you are confused (which you will be), you want to see what Chalene is doing because you WILL get lost. Sometimes even watching her hardly helps- hellooo, what's an uppercut and double jab? How do I perform such moves in succession? While I might know it, you might not. Another issue, as my dancer friend pointed out, is that the music isn't totally instep with the moves. Chalene does a pretty good job with mixing the music, but there are some times in which she goes off-beat. I hardly noticed it, however. The music is kind of cheesy ("Play that funky music!"), but it gets you going and has an appropriate BPM to keep you up and active.
Trainer fun level: 9/10
Trainer instruction level: 6/10
As far as intensity and difficulty, thank goodness I have some background in tae bo. Most of the moves are tae-bo inspired. Not a lot of kicking is involved, but you punch a lot and incorporate your lower body by continually moving your feet/shuffling. She also loves to have you do squats and variations of them. Often times when punching, she'll make you squat down and get lower. This adds intensity, but it is controlled by you, so you get to determine just how much intensity you want. You also will do squat-thrusts, which is basically like you squat, put hands on the floor, jump your legs out, and then jump back up. Those are the worst because she goes really fast. You will also do things such as "fire throws" which are just too odd to explain, and then what she calls "Fire Drills." Fire Drills are 1-minute long high-intensity intervals. There are only two during the video, and personally I really like them. You run in place as much as fast as you can, doing from "narrow" legs to "wide legs" (as if easing your way into a squat while you run), and then you do a lot of plyometric jumping. Afterward, you rest for a little bit, which gives you the perfect opportunity to get a drink of water without interrupting the workout. The advantage of any amount of HIIT, for reference, is that you continuously burn extra calories for up to 24 hours after the workout. This is known as "PEOC"- post-exercise oxygen consumption, or "afterburn." Traditional cardio does NOT get such an effect as HIIT does, so yes, the fire drills are very helpful!
Overall intensity level: 8/10
Overall difficulty level: 8/10
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Pops, Locks, and Shimmies, Vol 1.
Quick Facts:
Run time: 155 minutes, about two hours and 20 minutes active
Equipment needed: None.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6
Fitness Stats: Only some Shimmy for belly dance background.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 673 calories for active time, about 505 more than normal
Highest heart rate: 130
Lowest heart rate: 97
Difficulty: 3/10-7/10 (depending)
Good For:
Who: Anybody interested in belly dance.
When: Any day you're interested in improving your belly dance skills.
Extended Review:
Sadie and Kaya do a good job for most of it, honestly. They give some good tips for how to control your muscles. Some of them include looking at yourself in a mirror (feels a bit silly), looking at them (as there are two of them, they often show differences between two styles of movement or showing from different angles), imagining a "string," and others. As so much in belly dancing is learning to isolate movements to emphasize only one focal point, the tips can help anybody trying to improve their technique. Every motion is commentated by one or the other, and as already mentioned, they show you different angles and speeds to help with the technicality of the motions There are various "segments" to this DVD as well, and the DVD menu is set up so you can easily select something that you want to work on. You can play the whole DVD or start any any particular part in the DVD, basically. This is particularly helpful for those who want to work on just a few areas or if you don't have basically two hours to spend. Some of the segments feel really easy. You might be able to raise your chest very easily, for example. If you are not new to bellydance, you might seem like it's not for you. However, some of the segments get advanced. I, for one, can't shimmy well at all. I also have basically no coordination. I can pop and lock my pelvic isolations just fine, but the drills were so much more difficult, adding in footwork and having to really think of a routine. Even the basic Egyptian walk and the grapevine confused me when I added the arm work and isolations. When the shimmies were added, I started just making something up. I've never learned how to shimmy before, which was definitely the problem, but the point is, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced at belly dancing, you will find something to do with the DVD. Start with where you are slightly challenged, and as you progress and get more skilled, you can do the harder segments and work your way into perfecting the drills.
The only downfalls to the DVD are that the music often seems too quiet (I'd rather hear the drums than Sadie's snapping) and it feels so long. I was pretty bored after 40 minutes. The DVD itself isn't boring- I just don't have that attention span. The length is partially remedied with the fact that you can select chapters and segments relatively easily. However, do not expect to pop in the video and do all of wit without wanting to hit yourself over the head out of boredom. I actually found myself wanting to *run* more than finishing that DVD.
The performance at the end was really quite beautiful, too. Not part of the workout, but it's enjoyable to watch real performances.
Trainer explanation level: 9/10
Overall fun level: 5/10
Overall intensity level: 5/10
Difficulty levels: 3/10-7/10
Run time: 155 minutes, about two hours and 20 minutes active
Equipment needed: None.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 128.6
Fitness Stats: Only some Shimmy for belly dance background.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 673 calories for active time, about 505 more than normal
Highest heart rate: 130
Lowest heart rate: 97
Difficulty: 3/10-7/10 (depending)
Good For:
Who: Anybody interested in belly dance.
When: Any day you're interested in improving your belly dance skills.
Extended Review:
Sadie and Kaya do a good job for most of it, honestly. They give some good tips for how to control your muscles. Some of them include looking at yourself in a mirror (feels a bit silly), looking at them (as there are two of them, they often show differences between two styles of movement or showing from different angles), imagining a "string," and others. As so much in belly dancing is learning to isolate movements to emphasize only one focal point, the tips can help anybody trying to improve their technique. Every motion is commentated by one or the other, and as already mentioned, they show you different angles and speeds to help with the technicality of the motions There are various "segments" to this DVD as well, and the DVD menu is set up so you can easily select something that you want to work on. You can play the whole DVD or start any any particular part in the DVD, basically. This is particularly helpful for those who want to work on just a few areas or if you don't have basically two hours to spend. Some of the segments feel really easy. You might be able to raise your chest very easily, for example. If you are not new to bellydance, you might seem like it's not for you. However, some of the segments get advanced. I, for one, can't shimmy well at all. I also have basically no coordination. I can pop and lock my pelvic isolations just fine, but the drills were so much more difficult, adding in footwork and having to really think of a routine. Even the basic Egyptian walk and the grapevine confused me when I added the arm work and isolations. When the shimmies were added, I started just making something up. I've never learned how to shimmy before, which was definitely the problem, but the point is, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced at belly dancing, you will find something to do with the DVD. Start with where you are slightly challenged, and as you progress and get more skilled, you can do the harder segments and work your way into perfecting the drills.
The only downfalls to the DVD are that the music often seems too quiet (I'd rather hear the drums than Sadie's snapping) and it feels so long. I was pretty bored after 40 minutes. The DVD itself isn't boring- I just don't have that attention span. The length is partially remedied with the fact that you can select chapters and segments relatively easily. However, do not expect to pop in the video and do all of wit without wanting to hit yourself over the head out of boredom. I actually found myself wanting to *run* more than finishing that DVD.
The performance at the end was really quite beautiful, too. Not part of the workout, but it's enjoyable to watch real performances.
Trainer explanation level: 9/10
Overall fun level: 5/10
Overall intensity level: 5/10
Difficulty levels: 3/10-7/10
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Yoga Practice for Flexibility
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 85 minutes, 75 minutes active
Equipment needed: Yoga mat, blocks optional
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: Under 130, unsure how much.
Fitness Stats: Took a yoga class during school for a quarter (like 11 weeks).
Quick Review:
Calories burned: Unknown, really. Around 55 extra calories per "session."
Highest heart rate: 97
Lowest heart rate: 60
Difficulty: 7/10
Good For:
Who: The flexible person new to yoga or the yogi with some decent previous instruction on modification.
When: Off days when you want to rejuvenate.
Extended Review:
Yoga Journal's two practices for flexibility are, in my opinion, nothing special. Patricia Walden is a good instructor; she's super flexible and shows the positions almost perfectly. Her voice is calming and doesn't interrupt from the yogi feel. If you're an experienced yogi, you'll find her voice annoying as you know how to do the many poses. If you're a beginner, the voice is well-received, as you may not have great body awareness and you don't want to look at the screen all the time. Overall, the poses were NOT beginner poses. She tells you to use a block if you are "not as flexible" and can't reach the floor, but she does not do a terrific job explaining to the beginner how to modify. If you take a class beforehand and your instructor is any good, s/he should tell you what to do if you can't reach. My own previous instructor told us to place our hands wherever on our body (legs) they could reach for stability and to keep everything "connected." This is not explained in the video, and it is expected, especially in the back bend (first) session, that you are already quite flexible, and quite strong as well.
Overall, I think it was okay. I wouldn't strongly suggest it to the brand new beginner to exercise, but whoever is already flexible but new to yoga would benefit. If you've taken some yoga classes and know how to modify poses to fit your own needs, then this is actually a very good DVD, too. If you're advanced and don't mind voices during your sessions, I also recommend it.
Run time: Approximately 85 minutes, 75 minutes active
Equipment needed: Yoga mat, blocks optional
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: Under 130, unsure how much.
Fitness Stats: Took a yoga class during school for a quarter (like 11 weeks).
Quick Review:
Calories burned: Unknown, really. Around 55 extra calories per "session."
Highest heart rate: 97
Lowest heart rate: 60
Difficulty: 7/10
Good For:
Who: The flexible person new to yoga or the yogi with some decent previous instruction on modification.
When: Off days when you want to rejuvenate.
Extended Review:
Yoga Journal's two practices for flexibility are, in my opinion, nothing special. Patricia Walden is a good instructor; she's super flexible and shows the positions almost perfectly. Her voice is calming and doesn't interrupt from the yogi feel. If you're an experienced yogi, you'll find her voice annoying as you know how to do the many poses. If you're a beginner, the voice is well-received, as you may not have great body awareness and you don't want to look at the screen all the time. Overall, the poses were NOT beginner poses. She tells you to use a block if you are "not as flexible" and can't reach the floor, but she does not do a terrific job explaining to the beginner how to modify. If you take a class beforehand and your instructor is any good, s/he should tell you what to do if you can't reach. My own previous instructor told us to place our hands wherever on our body (legs) they could reach for stability and to keep everything "connected." This is not explained in the video, and it is expected, especially in the back bend (first) session, that you are already quite flexible, and quite strong as well.
Overall, I think it was okay. I wouldn't strongly suggest it to the brand new beginner to exercise, but whoever is already flexible but new to yoga would benefit. If you've taken some yoga classes and know how to modify poses to fit your own needs, then this is actually a very good DVD, too. If you're advanced and don't mind voices during your sessions, I also recommend it.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Kathy Smith: March to Fitness
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 30 minutes
Equipment needed: An open mind for cheese.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: I suck at running. I doubt I can run 1 mile in under 10 minutes without feeling sick.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 237 per 30 minutes, about 200 more than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 117
Difficulty: 6/10
Extended Review:
Publication date: too long ago. No, I'm serious. 1993, or like 18 years ago. This came out before I was even born. If you remember the early 90s and adored them, you might like this. Then again, I think it is good for anybody with a strange sense of humor. If you're like me, you'll love to laugh at it, from the clothes to the music.The music is picked from latin-esque "salsa" to cheesy 60s and "funk." It's honestly quite terrible- modern day gym music far surpasses it. I think I heard a song I remember from Barney, actually The two women who show you the moves (in addition to Kathy) are definitely NOT your typical fitness guru types. They have their stomachs covered and their thighs *gasp* TOUCH! Of course, if the abs arent shown, then obviously the shorts are super short, so you see almost everything.
As far as difficulty goes, I felt that it was kind of slow and lame, so naturally I added my own stuff to it, just to increase intensity. If you are doing what she has you do and you aren't at least slightly out of breath, then don't rely on my calorie stats. Roughly 5 calories per minute of activity is probably more than you would be burning. Where I burned most of my calories is during the "salsa" dancing part. I'm terribly uncoordinated with dance steps; my muscles just can't do it. That causes them to work harder, especially because I tend to just jump around and make it more high-impact.
Overall... Oh my goodness. Can you say super-cheese? Total 90s. Fun and energetic, but CHEEESSSSYYYY. The women aren't super small and they aren't all “here are my abs HAHAH!” and they look like real people, so that's good, but it does have the tendency to make you feel like you're a soccer mom from the 90s.
Fun level: 7/10
"This is Awful" humor level: 8/10
Intensity level: 5.5/10 going at her pace, 6/10 if you're laughing the entire time, 6.5/10 if you're adding in your own stuff.
Run time: Approximately 30 minutes
Equipment needed: An open mind for cheese.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: I suck at running. I doubt I can run 1 mile in under 10 minutes without feeling sick.
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 237 per 30 minutes, about 200 more than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 117
Difficulty: 6/10
Extended Review:
Publication date: too long ago. No, I'm serious. 1993, or like 18 years ago. This came out before I was even born. If you remember the early 90s and adored them, you might like this. Then again, I think it is good for anybody with a strange sense of humor. If you're like me, you'll love to laugh at it, from the clothes to the music.The music is picked from latin-esque "salsa" to cheesy 60s and "funk." It's honestly quite terrible- modern day gym music far surpasses it. I think I heard a song I remember from Barney, actually The two women who show you the moves (in addition to Kathy) are definitely NOT your typical fitness guru types. They have their stomachs covered and their thighs *gasp* TOUCH! Of course, if the abs arent shown, then obviously the shorts are super short, so you see almost everything.
As far as difficulty goes, I felt that it was kind of slow and lame, so naturally I added my own stuff to it, just to increase intensity. If you are doing what she has you do and you aren't at least slightly out of breath, then don't rely on my calorie stats. Roughly 5 calories per minute of activity is probably more than you would be burning. Where I burned most of my calories is during the "salsa" dancing part. I'm terribly uncoordinated with dance steps; my muscles just can't do it. That causes them to work harder, especially because I tend to just jump around and make it more high-impact.
Overall... Oh my goodness. Can you say super-cheese? Total 90s. Fun and energetic, but CHEEESSSSYYYY. The women aren't super small and they aren't all “here are my abs HAHAH!” and they look like real people, so that's good, but it does have the tendency to make you feel like you're a soccer mom from the 90s.
Fun level: 7/10
"This is Awful" humor level: 8/10
Intensity level: 5.5/10 going at her pace, 6/10 if you're laughing the entire time, 6.5/10 if you're adding in your own stuff.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Kathy Smith: Starting Out
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 40 minutes for aerobics and 20 minutes for strength
Equipment needed: Leg warmers and a leotard, optional.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness). Terrible runner, awesome biker, can't dance to save my life (: RHR of 54 :D
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 272 in 40 minutes, roughly 220 more than daily life. Strength section negligible
Highest heart rate: 160
Lowest heart rate: 65
Difficulty: 5/10
Extended Review:
Cheesy. 80s. Kathy Smith. Oh, my goodness. Hilarious actually; couldn't stop laughing at the one guy. No, seroiusly, there is a guy in lycra, and he is of questionable sexuality. Not that there's anything wrong with that; it's just... entertaining ;D. Very fun and energetic, and at the very least, the pastel colored aerobics gear is joyously awful. The base for Starting Out is that you have almost no experience with exercise. This is really good for those of you who absolutely dread getting off your bum and thus haven't done it. Kathy explains proper form- she stresses that most- and for the trickier footwork, she shows you an up-close shot of the feet for greater ease. The aerobics section is broken down into different parts, so you don't feel like it's taking 40 minutes of your life. I found it was easier to keep it up and not get so bored.
Fun and humor level: 8/10
Trainer explanation level: 9/10
As far as the aerobic/cardio part, Kathy does a good job at a low-impact workout to really start you off. It takes you through 4 aerobic routines typical in the 80s (as far as I know; this video is nearly 25 years old). The first one is a warm up and very easy. All of the steps are actually super easy to learn- and that is saying something from me, a girl who can't dance to save her life. In one of the aerobic sections. Like I mentioned, Kathy breaks the steps down. While sometimes if you're very uncoordinated you might be slightly confused as to the steps, most of it is simple
Aerobic intensity level: 5/10
The strength segment focuses most on just getting you to do exercises. Kathy aims to teach you "body awareness," so you have a better understanding of your muscles. It is very slow- too slow for my heart rate monitor to calculate any calories burned- but if you're very out of shape, then the calories might not be so negligible. Even still, consider them a bonus, for this part isn't designed for much more than getting you in the habit of strength training.
Strength intensity level: 4/10
Run time: Approximately 40 minutes for aerobics and 20 minutes for strength
Equipment needed: Leg warmers and a leotard, optional.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness). Terrible runner, awesome biker, can't dance to save my life (: RHR of 54 :D
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 272 in 40 minutes, roughly 220 more than daily life. Strength section negligible
Highest heart rate: 160
Lowest heart rate: 65
Difficulty: 5/10
Extended Review:
Cheesy. 80s. Kathy Smith. Oh, my goodness. Hilarious actually; couldn't stop laughing at the one guy. No, seroiusly, there is a guy in lycra, and he is of questionable sexuality. Not that there's anything wrong with that; it's just... entertaining ;D. Very fun and energetic, and at the very least, the pastel colored aerobics gear is joyously awful. The base for Starting Out is that you have almost no experience with exercise. This is really good for those of you who absolutely dread getting off your bum and thus haven't done it. Kathy explains proper form- she stresses that most- and for the trickier footwork, she shows you an up-close shot of the feet for greater ease. The aerobics section is broken down into different parts, so you don't feel like it's taking 40 minutes of your life. I found it was easier to keep it up and not get so bored.
Fun and humor level: 8/10
Trainer explanation level: 9/10
As far as the aerobic/cardio part, Kathy does a good job at a low-impact workout to really start you off. It takes you through 4 aerobic routines typical in the 80s (as far as I know; this video is nearly 25 years old). The first one is a warm up and very easy. All of the steps are actually super easy to learn- and that is saying something from me, a girl who can't dance to save her life. In one of the aerobic sections. Like I mentioned, Kathy breaks the steps down. While sometimes if you're very uncoordinated you might be slightly confused as to the steps, most of it is simple
Aerobic intensity level: 5/10
The strength segment focuses most on just getting you to do exercises. Kathy aims to teach you "body awareness," so you have a better understanding of your muscles. It is very slow- too slow for my heart rate monitor to calculate any calories burned- but if you're very out of shape, then the calories might not be so negligible. Even still, consider them a bonus, for this part isn't designed for much more than getting you in the habit of strength training.
Strength intensity level: 4/10
Friday, April 29, 2011
Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred: Full Review
Quick Facts:
Contains 3 22-28 minute workouts complete with warm-ups and cool downs.
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: First time ever doing all 3 workouts.
Handweights: 5 lb or 1 lb each depending on intensity
Quick Review:
Calories burned: Anywhere from 130-190 extra calories burned during the workout depending on how intense I push myself
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 80
Difficulty: 7/10-9/10
Recommendation:
Would recommend this program to anybody cleared by a doctor for exercise without a history of injury.
Extended Review:
Jillian stays true to her tough Biggest Loser character. She is completely dedicated to getting the video holder good results in the 30 days. Sometimes though she feels too intense. If you aren't particularly fit now- can't run, can't lift a lot- expect injury, and if you do get injured, as Jillian actually does say she expects you will by level 3, she doesn't want you to take rest days, which is kind of counter-intuitive and not something fitness experts generally recommend. If you injure yourself, I strongly suggest you rest until the injury is gone so you can fully perform. I also strongly suggest that during the workouts, you take full advantage of the warm-up and cool down. Doing so will help prevent you from acquiring an injury. Take some time to stretch the lower body before popping in the DVD, too.
When it comes to the circuit itself, Jillian uses the beautiful-sounding "3-2-1" interval system, with 3 minutes of strength, 2 cardio, and 1 abs. The cardio seems to get progressively harder, but not because you're going faster. As you go from Level 1 to Level 2 to Level 3, you'll notice that you have to engage more muscles in strength training during the cardio segments, so if you're good at cardio but really weak, expect the cardio to kill you during levels 2 and 3. If you aren't into cardio as much as strength, you will find the section pretty engaging. Ever 30 seconds, you change your cardio move, so before you get too bored of one activity, you're on to another. The strength section- what takes up half of the workout- is broken down into 4 segments, too, to keep interest and focus, which is incredibly nice. Not only does it keep you engaged, but it lets your muscles rest a little bit before you work them again, otherwise you might not be able to finish. The abs section is partially meant to be a cool-down and drop your heart rate and part meant to kick your butt and get you a six pack if you aren't overweight. The very last ab circuit is especially designed to drop your heart rate, but you will still feel like throwing up if you aren't too fit because you just experienced death for the previous 18-20 minutes.
The beauty of this program is that it offers a wide range of modification. While Anita shows you how to modify the moves only to one degree, many of the moves involve range of motion or speed, and Anita's modifications are just a decrease in that range/speed. If Anita because too easy but Natalie is still too difficult, for many of the exercises you can find your own modification. Don't kick as high, go a little slower, lower the weights, whatever. It's open to you really making it yours, but if you want results, you HAVE TO PUSH IT. Try to keep your own perceived intensity level as high as you can stand without getting hurt.
Contains 3 22-28 minute workouts complete with warm-ups and cool downs.
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: First time ever doing all 3 workouts.
Handweights: 5 lb or 1 lb each depending on intensity
Quick Review:
Calories burned: Anywhere from 130-190 extra calories burned during the workout depending on how intense I push myself
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 80
Difficulty: 7/10-9/10
Recommendation:
Would recommend this program to anybody cleared by a doctor for exercise without a history of injury.
Extended Review:
Jillian stays true to her tough Biggest Loser character. She is completely dedicated to getting the video holder good results in the 30 days. Sometimes though she feels too intense. If you aren't particularly fit now- can't run, can't lift a lot- expect injury, and if you do get injured, as Jillian actually does say she expects you will by level 3, she doesn't want you to take rest days, which is kind of counter-intuitive and not something fitness experts generally recommend. If you injure yourself, I strongly suggest you rest until the injury is gone so you can fully perform. I also strongly suggest that during the workouts, you take full advantage of the warm-up and cool down. Doing so will help prevent you from acquiring an injury. Take some time to stretch the lower body before popping in the DVD, too.
When it comes to the circuit itself, Jillian uses the beautiful-sounding "3-2-1" interval system, with 3 minutes of strength, 2 cardio, and 1 abs. The cardio seems to get progressively harder, but not because you're going faster. As you go from Level 1 to Level 2 to Level 3, you'll notice that you have to engage more muscles in strength training during the cardio segments, so if you're good at cardio but really weak, expect the cardio to kill you during levels 2 and 3. If you aren't into cardio as much as strength, you will find the section pretty engaging. Ever 30 seconds, you change your cardio move, so before you get too bored of one activity, you're on to another. The strength section- what takes up half of the workout- is broken down into 4 segments, too, to keep interest and focus, which is incredibly nice. Not only does it keep you engaged, but it lets your muscles rest a little bit before you work them again, otherwise you might not be able to finish. The abs section is partially meant to be a cool-down and drop your heart rate and part meant to kick your butt and get you a six pack if you aren't overweight. The very last ab circuit is especially designed to drop your heart rate, but you will still feel like throwing up if you aren't too fit because you just experienced death for the previous 18-20 minutes.
The beauty of this program is that it offers a wide range of modification. While Anita shows you how to modify the moves only to one degree, many of the moves involve range of motion or speed, and Anita's modifications are just a decrease in that range/speed. If Anita because too easy but Natalie is still too difficult, for many of the exercises you can find your own modification. Don't kick as high, go a little slower, lower the weights, whatever. It's open to you really making it yours, but if you want results, you HAVE TO PUSH IT. Try to keep your own perceived intensity level as high as you can stand without getting hurt.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred: Level 3
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 28 minutes, 22 active circuit
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: Still weak, calf strain, upper body incredibly sore
Handweights: 1 lb each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 210 per 25 minutes (warmup included), 180 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 175
Lowest heart rate: 121
Difficulty: 9/10
Extended Review:
So, I'm sure you all have heard if you have an injury you shouldn't push yourself because you might worsen the injury and delay recovery. Heed that advice and do not follow my lead. I took yesterday off because I was sore- especially in my left calf. Today, I am limping, but I wanted to get this series done. So, I pushed through my calf injury, and I'm sure I'm going to feel it later and will be limping still by Sunday. Just don't follow my lead, and if you're injured don't do anything to aggravate the injury. Also, because of my injury and soreness, I didn't exactly push myself as hard as you should- so take the quick facts with a grain of salt.
Warmup is "harder than the others" for sure. Level 2 Cardio makes its debut into the warmup- if you can't double jumprope or butt-kick run, you'll find even the warmup difficult. Jillian is smiling a lot in this one, which can either be seen as positive motivation or some kind of torture, depending on your attitude. Trying to do the butt-kick running with a strained calf is difficult, by the way. The lack of much instruction during the video is expected- you're level 3 and should know the form well enough to just follow the girls. Thank goodness for Anita, though. If this is your first time and/or you STILL have poor upper body strength (like me), she will be your Light. I found that while this was really intense, the intensity comes mostly from the music... You will burn calories no matter what and *feel* exhausted and sore even if the thing is on mute, but the pumped-up gym soundtrack really leaves you more energetic than peaceful.
Trainer fun level: 6/10
Trainer explanation level: 6/10
The strength sections included some familiar workouts with a new twist. Instead of just doing pushup, for example, you do "traveling pushups" in which you do one pushup and then walk your hands to the side, re-situate your body, and do another pushup. Instead of normal rows, you're doing rows while in plank pose and alternating them with leg lifts. Instead of just lunges, you will be introduces to the word "pylometrics" as you JUMP to change legs (unless you're following Anita), and unlike your normal squat press, you do full out one-arm cleans where you touch the floor first. The first strength segment, though, introduced you to two knew moves that aren't particularly straining, just odd- "walking plank" which contains no walking but a shift from being on your arms to hands and "superman" where you just lift your legs and upper body- backwards (on your stomach). Overall, strength felt engaging, but not too deathly difficult but only if you're following Anita like I was (injury). The difficulty comes from the fact that you're probably very sore and after doing cardio, you're also winded
Strength fun level: 6/10
Strength intensity level: 9/10
The cardio section didn't seem like anything knew at first, with the mountain climbers we saw last level and the new "sumo squat" with a small wide-legged squat and a jump. But then we add the handweights and all of a sudden, the cardio moves from levels 1-2 makes you feel like you're going to die. All of the jumping around in the last circuit- there's that "pylometric" word again- is almost a welcome break.
Cardio fun level: 6/10
Cardio intensity level: 9/10
As far as the abs go, it does get kind of difficult. If you've done a lot of pilates, you'll scoff at the first two circuits, where you do a half V-sit (a straight-leg double crunch), scissor crunches with don't feel like crunches at all, and just normal sit-ups. If you haven't done pilates, you might feel like death when you have to do full sit-ups and not just crunches. The last ab move, when you should be cooling down because stretching is NOT an appropriate cool down on its own, hurts, but it does get your heart rate down if you're following Anita. You need incredible balance to follow Nat, but if you've done the first two levels until they were relatively easy, then you won't feel so bad following Nat.
Abs fun level: 6/10
Abs intensity level: 8/10
Run time: Approximately 28 minutes, 22 active circuit
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs
Fitness Stats: Still weak, calf strain, upper body incredibly sore
Handweights: 1 lb each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 210 per 25 minutes (warmup included), 180 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 175
Lowest heart rate: 121
Difficulty: 9/10
Extended Review:
So, I'm sure you all have heard if you have an injury you shouldn't push yourself because you might worsen the injury and delay recovery. Heed that advice and do not follow my lead. I took yesterday off because I was sore- especially in my left calf. Today, I am limping, but I wanted to get this series done. So, I pushed through my calf injury, and I'm sure I'm going to feel it later and will be limping still by Sunday. Just don't follow my lead, and if you're injured don't do anything to aggravate the injury. Also, because of my injury and soreness, I didn't exactly push myself as hard as you should- so take the quick facts with a grain of salt.
Warmup is "harder than the others" for sure. Level 2 Cardio makes its debut into the warmup- if you can't double jumprope or butt-kick run, you'll find even the warmup difficult. Jillian is smiling a lot in this one, which can either be seen as positive motivation or some kind of torture, depending on your attitude. Trying to do the butt-kick running with a strained calf is difficult, by the way. The lack of much instruction during the video is expected- you're level 3 and should know the form well enough to just follow the girls. Thank goodness for Anita, though. If this is your first time and/or you STILL have poor upper body strength (like me), she will be your Light. I found that while this was really intense, the intensity comes mostly from the music... You will burn calories no matter what and *feel* exhausted and sore even if the thing is on mute, but the pumped-up gym soundtrack really leaves you more energetic than peaceful.
Trainer fun level: 6/10
Trainer explanation level: 6/10
The strength sections included some familiar workouts with a new twist. Instead of just doing pushup, for example, you do "traveling pushups" in which you do one pushup and then walk your hands to the side, re-situate your body, and do another pushup. Instead of normal rows, you're doing rows while in plank pose and alternating them with leg lifts. Instead of just lunges, you will be introduces to the word "pylometrics" as you JUMP to change legs (unless you're following Anita), and unlike your normal squat press, you do full out one-arm cleans where you touch the floor first. The first strength segment, though, introduced you to two knew moves that aren't particularly straining, just odd- "walking plank" which contains no walking but a shift from being on your arms to hands and "superman" where you just lift your legs and upper body- backwards (on your stomach). Overall, strength felt engaging, but not too deathly difficult but only if you're following Anita like I was (injury). The difficulty comes from the fact that you're probably very sore and after doing cardio, you're also winded
Strength fun level: 6/10
Strength intensity level: 9/10
The cardio section didn't seem like anything knew at first, with the mountain climbers we saw last level and the new "sumo squat" with a small wide-legged squat and a jump. But then we add the handweights and all of a sudden, the cardio moves from levels 1-2 makes you feel like you're going to die. All of the jumping around in the last circuit- there's that "pylometric" word again- is almost a welcome break.
Cardio fun level: 6/10
Cardio intensity level: 9/10
As far as the abs go, it does get kind of difficult. If you've done a lot of pilates, you'll scoff at the first two circuits, where you do a half V-sit (a straight-leg double crunch), scissor crunches with don't feel like crunches at all, and just normal sit-ups. If you haven't done pilates, you might feel like death when you have to do full sit-ups and not just crunches. The last ab move, when you should be cooling down because stretching is NOT an appropriate cool down on its own, hurts, but it does get your heart rate down if you're following Anita. You need incredible balance to follow Nat, but if you've done the first two levels until they were relatively easy, then you won't feel so bad following Nat.
Abs fun level: 6/10
Abs intensity level: 8/10
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Urban Belly Dance
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 31 minutes, 29 minutes and 30 seconds active
Equipment needed: Mat optional, dance experience recommended
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs. Darn female curse, making me uncertain.
Fitness Stats: In massive pain because I'm so weak. Brief bellydance background (Ever seen Shimmy on TV?)
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 160 for 29 minutes, about 125 more than daily life
Highest heart rate: 134
Lowest heart rate: 107 once the workout started, 94 during warm up
Difficulty: 6/10 (taking in both intensity and confusion)
Extended Review:
Seeing as my arms are still killing me, I decided to NOT do another Jillian Michaels DVD for this one. If you are untrained and tried doing Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred, you know how much it hurts... and to just jump in to Level 3 with so much pain... Results would be skewed. Anyway. So, in light of all of this, I decided to do a Belly Dancing video. Mmm, fun. My wonderful older sister gifted me recently with Denise Druce's Urban Belly Dance, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity.
First of all, despite saying "with Denise Druce" on the cover, she does not appear in the workout. She talks for a minute in the beginning about herself, and then you can watch a very brief snippet about her saying how she's been in the fitness industry and she is taking her workoutS (emphasis on the plurality) to us and hopes we enjoy THEM, nevermind the fact that it's only one workout here. So if Denise isn't instructing, who is? Three people: a guy named Cory in the back (who might make you laugh), a girl that has some more womanly curves in the back as well, and this other girl with her belly showing in the front, the true "instructor." The girl doing the workout, whose name I honestly can't remember, looks a little bit like Britney Spears, or perhaps if Britney had a love-child with Sharpay Evans from High School Musical. Her instructing is hardly any better than what you'd assume right now. She basically assumes you have a background in both "urban hip-hop" and bellydance. If you don't have any experience, you will find yourself confused. Thankfully I took one jazz dance class in elementary school and have my small passing interest in bellydance, so I already knew how to belly roll and figure eight. If you're confused now, you will be during the workout. The woman, who I will name Heather despite not knowing for sure, uses terms like "sashay" and "rocket step." She also uses "pattycake," but it is NOT like your cherised game from your childhood. It's basically odd arm circles while you hip roll in a circle. She shows you the routine, but only while you're doing it, meaning if you want to keep up with her, it's a good idea to watch the video once through at least to understand what's going on when your back is turned. Considering how most people who do workout DVDs aren't usually well-versed in dance (chances are you'd just take classes like you have been), then this might go over your head. Despite trainer helpfulness being so low (meaning confusion is high), the intensity was very mellow. Most DVDs- even the marching ones- get my heart rate to 150. This never got me into my target zone. On the plus side, the addition of the more urban steps raised the calories burned- my exercise trackers tell me I'd burn 107 extra calories with 30 minutes of belly dance. This is in part due to the urban steps and in part due to the fact that the music, though yogi-sounding (and thus somehow fitting the mood), tended to be a bit more... fast paced? It wasn't awfully fast, but it was not like my beloved Shimmy.
Overall, it was nothing special. The instructor kind of sucked and I got lost many times in my step (and I saw her off-beat once too), but if you've got some kind of background and have the money to waste, it's a moderately okay, easy workout for days you just are too darn sore to do anything else. And I'm sure the more you do it, the more you'll be able to understand. Oh, and the DVD case makes it seem a lot more appealing than it really is. The pictures on the back? Not from the vid. At all.
Trainer explanation level: 4/10
Fun level: 4/10
Confusion level: 7/10
Intensity level: 4/10
Run time: Approximately 31 minutes, 29 minutes and 30 seconds active
Equipment needed: Mat optional, dance experience recommended
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs. Darn female curse, making me uncertain.
Fitness Stats: In massive pain because I'm so weak. Brief bellydance background (Ever seen Shimmy on TV?)
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 160 for 29 minutes, about 125 more than daily life
Highest heart rate: 134
Lowest heart rate: 107 once the workout started, 94 during warm up
Difficulty: 6/10 (taking in both intensity and confusion)
Extended Review:
Seeing as my arms are still killing me, I decided to NOT do another Jillian Michaels DVD for this one. If you are untrained and tried doing Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred, you know how much it hurts... and to just jump in to Level 3 with so much pain... Results would be skewed. Anyway. So, in light of all of this, I decided to do a Belly Dancing video. Mmm, fun. My wonderful older sister gifted me recently with Denise Druce's Urban Belly Dance, so I figured it was the perfect opportunity.
First of all, despite saying "with Denise Druce" on the cover, she does not appear in the workout. She talks for a minute in the beginning about herself, and then you can watch a very brief snippet about her saying how she's been in the fitness industry and she is taking her workoutS (emphasis on the plurality) to us and hopes we enjoy THEM, nevermind the fact that it's only one workout here. So if Denise isn't instructing, who is? Three people: a guy named Cory in the back (who might make you laugh), a girl that has some more womanly curves in the back as well, and this other girl with her belly showing in the front, the true "instructor." The girl doing the workout, whose name I honestly can't remember, looks a little bit like Britney Spears, or perhaps if Britney had a love-child with Sharpay Evans from High School Musical. Her instructing is hardly any better than what you'd assume right now. She basically assumes you have a background in both "urban hip-hop" and bellydance. If you don't have any experience, you will find yourself confused. Thankfully I took one jazz dance class in elementary school and have my small passing interest in bellydance, so I already knew how to belly roll and figure eight. If you're confused now, you will be during the workout. The woman, who I will name Heather despite not knowing for sure, uses terms like "sashay" and "rocket step." She also uses "pattycake," but it is NOT like your cherised game from your childhood. It's basically odd arm circles while you hip roll in a circle. She shows you the routine, but only while you're doing it, meaning if you want to keep up with her, it's a good idea to watch the video once through at least to understand what's going on when your back is turned. Considering how most people who do workout DVDs aren't usually well-versed in dance (chances are you'd just take classes like you have been), then this might go over your head. Despite trainer helpfulness being so low (meaning confusion is high), the intensity was very mellow. Most DVDs- even the marching ones- get my heart rate to 150. This never got me into my target zone. On the plus side, the addition of the more urban steps raised the calories burned- my exercise trackers tell me I'd burn 107 extra calories with 30 minutes of belly dance. This is in part due to the urban steps and in part due to the fact that the music, though yogi-sounding (and thus somehow fitting the mood), tended to be a bit more... fast paced? It wasn't awfully fast, but it was not like my beloved Shimmy.
Overall, it was nothing special. The instructor kind of sucked and I got lost many times in my step (and I saw her off-beat once too), but if you've got some kind of background and have the money to waste, it's a moderately okay, easy workout for days you just are too darn sore to do anything else. And I'm sure the more you do it, the more you'll be able to understand. Oh, and the DVD case makes it seem a lot more appealing than it really is. The pictures on the back? Not from the vid. At all.
Trainer explanation level: 4/10
Fun level: 4/10
Confusion level: 7/10
Intensity level: 4/10
Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred: Level 2
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 24 minutes, 20 active circuit
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness).
Handweights: 1 lb each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 218 per 22 minutes, 191 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 124
Difficulty: 8.5/10
Extended Review:
I'll skip over some of the minute details, as I already reviewed Level 1. Like Level 1, Level 2 hosts the same two "models" in addition to Jillian, the one on the right side of the screen, Anita, showing modifications. If you're doing this for the first time, you will need to follow Anita more likely than not. I'm actually still shaking from it (it's been about 10 minutes). Jillian is much more intense, and she isn't as big on explanation. If you're on to level 2, she expects you to have done level 1 and gotten the basic form down, and if you're fit enough to be doing level 2 right off the start with ease, then you probably don't need in depth explanation on how to hold your back. Jillian is still a bit awkward and intense, and the intensity sort of saps her fun a bit, but she does a nice job motivating you and it more or less cancels out. She has adorable little sayings that I'll leave you to at least watch the video to find out ;) One other thing: do NOT skip the stretches at the end, even if you're low on time.
Trainer Fun level: 7/10
Trainer Explanation level: 7/10
Like level 1, the first part of her circuits are "strength," combining 30 seconds of a "power move" and one minute of a combined legs and arms, and then you repeat usually on the "other side". If you're weak like me and level 1 isn't a breeze, don't expect to use your same weights. Even with my 1 lb weights that feel like nothing normally, the dynamic upper body moves KILLED. Like level 1, if you try using a heavier hand weight, I suggest keeping a smaller weight to the side for this activity if you have poor upper body strength. just in case. Not all strength moves required handweights, which you might THINK is nice until you actually do them. Walking pushups. Yes. WALKING. With your knees straight. Didn't think you'd need flexibility, did you? At any rate, the moves kept my heart rate up, never dropping below 130, and while I didn't feel totally dying, it was just not fun.
Strength Fun Level: 5/10
Strength Intensity Level: 8.5/10
The cardio was definitely a huge change from last time. Instead of just doing cardio, they utilize that upper body strength, which again, I have none of. My heart rate almost got to 180, and would stay above 150 for the bulk of the cardio sections. This seriously felt like death. None of that punching. The high-kneed running was the lowest-intense, and that was only in the first circuit. After that you did twisty things where you had to keep your arms up (ow). And you will absolutely definitely want to make sure that your floor does not move. I made the mistake of doing it on the rug in my fitness room. Bad idea. The rug moved during first-circuit squat thrusts, and then it moved again during second circuit explosive jumps. Last circuit included "push-up jacks" and likewise were a pain, combining upper body strength and ab strength with cardio.
Cardio intensity level: 8.5/10
Cardio Fun level: 6.5/10
And then there's abs. While heart rate drops a small amount, and at least it is somewhat more bearable than the normal strength, it still was definitely more painful. First circuit was fine- leg crunches, which aren't awful. Second circuit was reminiscent of pilates but made more difficult by the use of HANDWEIGHTS to create tension in your- yep, you guessed it- upper body. But the last circuit, when you already feel like you're dying from the push-up jacks, you have to do weird plank twists. The move itself wouldn't be so bad if it were JUST abs, but my scrawny arms have troubles holding myself up in plank. Redeeming factor: the twistiness there at the end. I can work with that.
Abs intensity level: 7/10
Abs fun level: 6/10
Run time: Approximately 24 minutes, 20 active circuit
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness).
Handweights: 1 lb each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 218 per 22 minutes, 191 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 124
Difficulty: 8.5/10
Extended Review:
I'll skip over some of the minute details, as I already reviewed Level 1. Like Level 1, Level 2 hosts the same two "models" in addition to Jillian, the one on the right side of the screen, Anita, showing modifications. If you're doing this for the first time, you will need to follow Anita more likely than not. I'm actually still shaking from it (it's been about 10 minutes). Jillian is much more intense, and she isn't as big on explanation. If you're on to level 2, she expects you to have done level 1 and gotten the basic form down, and if you're fit enough to be doing level 2 right off the start with ease, then you probably don't need in depth explanation on how to hold your back. Jillian is still a bit awkward and intense, and the intensity sort of saps her fun a bit, but she does a nice job motivating you and it more or less cancels out. She has adorable little sayings that I'll leave you to at least watch the video to find out ;) One other thing: do NOT skip the stretches at the end, even if you're low on time.
Trainer Fun level: 7/10
Trainer Explanation level: 7/10
Like level 1, the first part of her circuits are "strength," combining 30 seconds of a "power move" and one minute of a combined legs and arms, and then you repeat usually on the "other side". If you're weak like me and level 1 isn't a breeze, don't expect to use your same weights. Even with my 1 lb weights that feel like nothing normally, the dynamic upper body moves KILLED. Like level 1, if you try using a heavier hand weight, I suggest keeping a smaller weight to the side for this activity if you have poor upper body strength. just in case. Not all strength moves required handweights, which you might THINK is nice until you actually do them. Walking pushups. Yes. WALKING. With your knees straight. Didn't think you'd need flexibility, did you? At any rate, the moves kept my heart rate up, never dropping below 130, and while I didn't feel totally dying, it was just not fun.
Strength Fun Level: 5/10
Strength Intensity Level: 8.5/10
The cardio was definitely a huge change from last time. Instead of just doing cardio, they utilize that upper body strength, which again, I have none of. My heart rate almost got to 180, and would stay above 150 for the bulk of the cardio sections. This seriously felt like death. None of that punching. The high-kneed running was the lowest-intense, and that was only in the first circuit. After that you did twisty things where you had to keep your arms up (ow). And you will absolutely definitely want to make sure that your floor does not move. I made the mistake of doing it on the rug in my fitness room. Bad idea. The rug moved during first-circuit squat thrusts, and then it moved again during second circuit explosive jumps. Last circuit included "push-up jacks" and likewise were a pain, combining upper body strength and ab strength with cardio.
Cardio intensity level: 8.5/10
Cardio Fun level: 6.5/10
And then there's abs. While heart rate drops a small amount, and at least it is somewhat more bearable than the normal strength, it still was definitely more painful. First circuit was fine- leg crunches, which aren't awful. Second circuit was reminiscent of pilates but made more difficult by the use of HANDWEIGHTS to create tension in your- yep, you guessed it- upper body. But the last circuit, when you already feel like you're dying from the push-up jacks, you have to do weird plank twists. The move itself wouldn't be so bad if it were JUST abs, but my scrawny arms have troubles holding myself up in plank. Redeeming factor: the twistiness there at the end. I can work with that.
Abs intensity level: 7/10
Abs fun level: 6/10
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred: Level 1
Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 22 minutes, 18 active circuit.
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat optional but highly suggested.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness).
Handweights: 5 lbs each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 163 per 22 minutes, 135 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 174
Lowest heart rate: 80
Difficulty: 7/10
Extended Review:
I just finished with the 22-minute workout known as Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred. Like all workout DVDs, it has it's pros and cons. The program, which consists of 3 levels of circuit training, was developed by The Biggest Loser's trainer Jillian Michaels. She has had a rough patch with her weight before she became a trainer, so she really knows that if you're new to fitness and exercise, this is very hard. Even still, she is not easy. She gives you an option of following a lower-intensity girl, Anita. However, there are parts where there is no modification. If you can't do jumping jacks or "jump rope" (without the rope), then you're out of luck. Jillian is true to her intense character. However, it's obvious that she isn't good with scripts and she isn't such a friend of the camera. She's great, but you can tell she's awkward. Honestly from my perspective she doesn't have the "it" factor on a video tape all the time. While she does take time in the video while you are working to give you form tips and explain the program, I felt as if some of the time she didn't explain it as much as she needed to. Her warm-up was fine to get the heart pumping, but her cool-down felt insufficient to prevent blood pooling and dizziness can result.
Trainer Fun level: 7/10
Trainer Explanation level: 7/10
Her first part of her circuits are "strength." In each 3 minute section, so combines 30 seconds of a "power move" such as pushups and one minute of a combined legs and arms (like squats with an overhead press), and then you repeat. Though a good way to fend off boredom and let yourself rest without ever taking a rest, some of the combined actions were quite difficult with the 5 lb dumbbells. My weightlifting max is so small for upper body activity that it's not hard to see why I had trouble with the pushups (you have the option of being on your knees, which I gladly took). The last one, with the extension and lunges, was very hard with the 5 lbs dumbbells, and even if you can do bicep curls and overhead presses, your body position during the extensions make it more difficult. I suggest keeping a smaller weight to the side for this activity if you have poor upper body strength. My average heart rate for this segment was around 125, raising to around 130-140 during pushups and all three leg/arm sections and dropping to 80 throughout the other two "power moves."
Strength Fun Level: 5/10
Strength Intensity Level: 8/10
The cardio felt quite easy. I am definitely more of a cardio bunny than a strongwoman (though I love weight lifting!), so that might be why. It got my heart rate almost to max- which is decent- but it didn't *feel* that intense. The cardio sections are only 2 minutes long, so you are only engaged in cardio for 6 minutes out of the entire workout. For reference, 6 minutes of running for me burns around 60 Calories. I felt it kind of unnecessary to change cardio activity after 30 seconds, though. As soon as your heart rate was back up, she would change the activity and my heart rate would fall briefly as the new muscles warmed up.
Cardio intensity level: 6.5/10
Cardio Fun level: 7/10
The last minute of each of her circuits ("3-2-1") is abs, which is basically strength training but she focuses specifically on the core. It IS strength training, but for marketing purposes, separating it makes sense (3-2-1 is much more appealing than 4-2). Plus she wanted to make sure that cardio came before abs in the beginning, I'm sure. The abs intensity always seemed very low. You do crunches, reverse crunches, twisty crunches, and bicycle crunches- everything you're probably used to if you've been doing any ab work at home. The minute seems off with the rest of the workout. Heart rate typically drops during this, especially during the second one where both of her helpers go slow. The last Ab circuit is designed to drop your heart rate as well, because during her cool-down, she focuses only on stretching and not an actual cool-down.
Abs intensity level: 5/10
Abs fun level: 5/10
Run time: Approximately 22 minutes, 18 active circuit.
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat optional but highly suggested.
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness).
Handweights: 5 lbs each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 163 per 22 minutes, 135 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 174
Lowest heart rate: 80
Difficulty: 7/10
Extended Review:
I just finished with the 22-minute workout known as Level 1 of the 30 Day Shred. Like all workout DVDs, it has it's pros and cons. The program, which consists of 3 levels of circuit training, was developed by The Biggest Loser's trainer Jillian Michaels. She has had a rough patch with her weight before she became a trainer, so she really knows that if you're new to fitness and exercise, this is very hard. Even still, she is not easy. She gives you an option of following a lower-intensity girl, Anita. However, there are parts where there is no modification. If you can't do jumping jacks or "jump rope" (without the rope), then you're out of luck. Jillian is true to her intense character. However, it's obvious that she isn't good with scripts and she isn't such a friend of the camera. She's great, but you can tell she's awkward. Honestly from my perspective she doesn't have the "it" factor on a video tape all the time. While she does take time in the video while you are working to give you form tips and explain the program, I felt as if some of the time she didn't explain it as much as she needed to. Her warm-up was fine to get the heart pumping, but her cool-down felt insufficient to prevent blood pooling and dizziness can result.
Trainer Fun level: 7/10
Trainer Explanation level: 7/10
Her first part of her circuits are "strength." In each 3 minute section, so combines 30 seconds of a "power move" such as pushups and one minute of a combined legs and arms (like squats with an overhead press), and then you repeat. Though a good way to fend off boredom and let yourself rest without ever taking a rest, some of the combined actions were quite difficult with the 5 lb dumbbells. My weightlifting max is so small for upper body activity that it's not hard to see why I had trouble with the pushups (you have the option of being on your knees, which I gladly took). The last one, with the extension and lunges, was very hard with the 5 lbs dumbbells, and even if you can do bicep curls and overhead presses, your body position during the extensions make it more difficult. I suggest keeping a smaller weight to the side for this activity if you have poor upper body strength. My average heart rate for this segment was around 125, raising to around 130-140 during pushups and all three leg/arm sections and dropping to 80 throughout the other two "power moves."
Strength Fun Level: 5/10
Strength Intensity Level: 8/10
The cardio felt quite easy. I am definitely more of a cardio bunny than a strongwoman (though I love weight lifting!), so that might be why. It got my heart rate almost to max- which is decent- but it didn't *feel* that intense. The cardio sections are only 2 minutes long, so you are only engaged in cardio for 6 minutes out of the entire workout. For reference, 6 minutes of running for me burns around 60 Calories. I felt it kind of unnecessary to change cardio activity after 30 seconds, though. As soon as your heart rate was back up, she would change the activity and my heart rate would fall briefly as the new muscles warmed up.
Cardio intensity level: 6.5/10
Cardio Fun level: 7/10
The last minute of each of her circuits ("3-2-1") is abs, which is basically strength training but she focuses specifically on the core. It IS strength training, but for marketing purposes, separating it makes sense (3-2-1 is much more appealing than 4-2). Plus she wanted to make sure that cardio came before abs in the beginning, I'm sure. The abs intensity always seemed very low. You do crunches, reverse crunches, twisty crunches, and bicycle crunches- everything you're probably used to if you've been doing any ab work at home. The minute seems off with the rest of the workout. Heart rate typically drops during this, especially during the second one where both of her helpers go slow. The last Ab circuit is designed to drop your heart rate as well, because during her cool-down, she focuses only on stretching and not an actual cool-down.
Abs intensity level: 5/10
Abs fun level: 5/10
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