Saturday, May 24, 2014

Jennifer Galardi - Dance in Ten

This dance workout by Jennifer Galardi is broken into three ten minute segments.  During each segment you learn a portion of the final dance routine.  The last ten minute section you put everything together.  You start out going through once very slowly just to see how it all fits together.  After that you go through the dance at slow, medium, and fast tempo... three times each.

I didn't think I would like how this was set up.  I thought that by the end when you put it all together I would forget everything.  I like when you regularly start from the top.  I was, however, able to catch on without much trouble.

The routine is fun.  I enjoyed it.  I did not care for the music.  Jennifer does a great job explaining the choreography.  Some of the moves have tricky timing.  Overall though I would say it is easy to learn, and fun to perform.

This workout is good for a lazy day, or just something to do to kill time.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Dancinerate - Burn with the Beat

Ilyse Baker wants you to find your inner dancer.  During the Sexy Broadway Jazz routine I felt like I actually was learning a bit about dance.  The seemed like something you  could definitely put together as really good choreography.  A dance you would willingly show off to your friends and family. It's a fun workout.

Hip Hop Funk is sexy, too.  I love that there are moments of freestyle.  I think that this helps your feel more confident and allows you to really feel the music.  You have to just not worry about feeling silly doing these routines. Nobody is watching, so dance like nobody is watching!  Have fun and enjoy yourself!  Life is short.  Do something that makes you smile.   Whatever that is.  

I'll be honest, it's not a great cardio workout.  I had a day off today so I did this AFTER I did my 'real workout'.  I just did it to boost my confidence and get me moving.  I would still suggest this workout.  Ilyse has a lot of energy.  She's excited about what she does.  She has her moments where it seems fake to me.  Not the energy, but her swagger.  Yes, I just used the word swagger.  I applaud her for really asking you to find your own style though and let loose and bring your personality to it.  She even suggests dressing the part to help.  Her shoes were killing me during the Hip Hop Funk routine lol.

I like the music used as well.  It is very fitting.  The music used to practice and to perform are different.  I liked the change.  The performance of the Hip Hop routine had surprisingly slow music.  I was surprised, but it funky and makes you want to groove, so I guess that's why it's call Hip Hop Funk.  The music during the cooldown is perfect as well.  It goes so nicely with the moves.  Even though I got bored with the cooldown quickly I actually did like the moves.  

A good workout for a cold or rainy day.

I

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Now That's What I Call Fitness

I have no idea how I came across this DVD, but  I am so happy that I did!  This dvd is so much fun!  The music is great.  Here are just a few songs used for this dvd:

Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor
LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
Black Eyed Peas - The Time
Lady GaGa- Born This Way
Far East Movement - Like a G6
Rihanna - Only Girl

and there's so much more!

This dvd runs 70 minutes!

I love the way they sectioned it out, but you can also customize.  My favorite part is the first dance of the 'Rock it Out' section.  A great dance to do with some attitude.  I could not keep my eyes off the girl with the black hair.  She has a killer body, and is quite a talented dancer.

Many of the dances really are great cardio.  The moves work your abs, too.  If that isn't enough though, they even include ab work done on the floor.

If you enjoy dancing I strongly suggest this workout.  I am by no means a dancer (seriously!), but this was easy to follow, fun, and effective.  An absolute win.

So You Think You Can Dance Get Fit - Tone and Groove

Pass.  Move on.

Honestly, that's all I care to say about this lol.  I could end right there.

I applaud Twitch for making the Hip Hop section sound like a great workout, but let's be honest.  The Hip Hop routine was the most enjoyable, but still not great.  I couldn't get through the jazz section because Katee's voice was so irritating to me.  The cha cha with Dmitry felt too repetitive.

If you want a dance workout there are some really fun options available.  This is not one of them.  Don't waste your time or money.

Plus, I think the full length segments are available on YouTube, so check there if you're really interested in trying this out.  Try it before you buy it! 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

UFC Fit - Fat Fighter

5 rounds.  4 moves each.  repeated twice.

This has so far been the most confusing workout for me.  I had the same problem with similar moves in LesMills Combat. Another great workout.  I am not a fighter.  I don't know how to roll and twist and turn out of moves.  I'm sure it will come with practice, but for now, I just can't get the hang of it.  You know do moves long enough to really get the hang of something that confuses you.  All in due time.  I'm sure that if I keep at it I will be able to do it.  If and when I do get the hang of it I will know I have made progress! :) It's the same with dance workouts.  Sometimes the choreography is confusing, but after a few times you get the hang of it.

For some of the moves I had to follow the modifier.  This workout is challenging.  Once I was finished though I was surprised how fast it went by.  During the first two rounds it felt like I had so long to go.  During round three I had a moment of wondering if I would be willing to put in the effort.  Then I remember what my goals are,and kept on.  By the time the last round was over I was like, 'already?!' lol.

This is only day four, and I can already feel my energy levels increasing.  More importantly, my mood is improving, too!  Everybody around me is probably grateful for that lol.  I find myself being more outgoing.

It's a great feeling.  I just have to keep telling myself and reminding myself how great it feels to make healthy choices.

I was reading and Lifestyle and Nutrition Manual and Mike Dolce says that he kept a candy bar by his bed, his biggest vice and everyday would say, "I could eat you right now, but I choose not to.  I might eat you later, but right now, I choose not to."  This is how he developed the skill of delaying gratification, and he never did eat that candy bar.  I have read about this before.  I read a lot about intuitive eating.  There are several books on the subject, and some of them suggest doing this.  This is not something I am comfortable with, yet, but I like the idea.  It probably would help.

I am also reading about eliminated processed sugar from your diet, and it says something similar.  "every day you have to flex your 'I don't need sugar' muscles".  Not a bad idea!  For now I will just practice saying no at the grocery, and try eliminating the problem by not having it.  Difficult to do when you live with others that have junk in the house, but it at least eliminates your biggest weaknesses (unless others in the house keep that particular food around).  I still have to use control when my parents bring home snacks, sugary cereal, and ice cream.  I hope to continue to get better everyday.  Wish me luck!

Friday, May 16, 2014

UFC Fit - Power Pull

This workout is tough!!  8 rounds, 3 moves each, repeated twice.  Rounds 1 - 7 are strength and abs.  Round 8 is cardio.

This workout included moves I have never seen before.  Not a lot, but some.  And you know what?  I like them... a lot.

I love these straight to the point workouts.  They're certainly not for everybody, but they suit me.

While I was doing this workout I just kept thinking to myself, "If I keep at this I am going to look so damn good on my wedding day!"  That kept me motivated, and honestly you don't even have time to be unmotivated.  You have just keep going and push through.

I love workouts like this because you feel like a badass when you're done.  You feel like you can do anything.  I much prefer that over the feeling after other workouts.  After doing a dance workout sometimes I feel pretty and energetic.  It's a different kind of confidence.  After this workout I feel powerful.  I love that.  Again, I know it's not for everybody.  After doing a walking workout I don't really feel anything.  This is definitely a workout I can get used to.  It is full body.  It's strength, cardio, and flexibility.  It gets the job done.

UFC Fit - Cardio Cross Train and Ab Assassin

When I went to do this one I was dreading it a bit.  When I see "cardio" I sign a little inside.  I, however, loved this.  He starts off saying that you don't need weights for this one, the only resistance is your mind.  I love that.  That is true so often with fitness (and pretty much every other aspect of life).  

Cardio Cross Train is 8 rounds.  Five moves each round for 20 seconds, repeated twice.  Usually right side the first time around, left side the second.  I really enjoyed this workout.  It moves VERY quickly.

The moves are great.  You throw a lot of punches, do a lot of lunges. You'll feel this one.  I felt ready for my day after this workout. 

I like that Mike Dolce repeatedly tells you to take a deep breath and the importance of oxygen.  Like I said, this workout moves quickly, but you still have time to take one deep breath before moving on to the next move.  He demos each move before you start, so I suggest breathing while you can lol.


Everybody in these videos are seriously fit.  It's quite impressive, and very motivating.

I can definitely see getting results if you stick with this program.  It hits every body part.