That's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gifThat's Fithttp://www.thatsfit.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The FIRM: A Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/the-firm-a-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/the-firm-a-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/the-firm-a-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's hard to believe The FIRM exercise videos from a few decades ago are still one of the most highly sought-after workouts in the country. The straight-forward, no-nonsense exercise videos and DVD's have evolved and include more than 60 at-home workouts.

Here's the skinny: It all began a few decades ago when The FIRM studio opened its doors in South Carolina. Their experts combined cardio and weight training to create a cardio-plus-body-sculpting training fitness hybrid, which they dubbed Synergy Training. Since then, they've sold more than 10 million workout DVDs!

Intensity levels and the exercise sequences vary, making The FIRM different from other home workouts -- moving the participants between upper-body and lower-body moves. They add variable resistance for sculpting, too. For instance, the video "Tight Buns and Killer Legs" includes challenging cardio bursts plus lower-body sculpting.

After doing 10 workouts at least three times each week, the video promises results. Keep in mind each workout has a different goal. While "Core Solutions" focuses on the core and abs, "Cardio Party" is a heart-pumping fat-burning workout.

As If the videos aren't enough of a workout to get your heart pumping, The FIRM Believers Club offers more opportunities to get fit, including personal coaching from master instructors and diet and weight loss advice from The FIRM nutritionists. Additionally, you'll receive information on fat-blasting meals and recipes and can participate in an online support group via chat rooms and bulletin boards.

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]]>Cardio PartyCore SolutionsThe FIRMThe FIRM Believers ClubTheFirmTight Buns and Killer LegsTightBunsAndKillerLegsVicki SalemiThu, 29 Oct 2009 13:15:00 ESTYoga for Weight Loss: DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/yoga-for-weight-loss-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/yoga-for-weight-loss-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/29/yoga-for-weight-loss-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

yoga for weight loss

Photo: amazon.com

Yoga facilitates weight loss in multiple ways. Sure, you get the physical benefits -- increased strength and flexibility -- but there's more to it, and that's a large part of what Element: Yoga for Weight Loss seeks to benefit.

Instructor Ashley Turner is not only a well-known and respected yoga instructor, but she also has a Master's in Counseling Psychology. She combines physical instruction and mental application to give students the greatest benefit from their yoga practice.

Like the other Element videos, Yoga for Weight Loss is filmed in a beautiful outdoor setting, and instructions are given in a voice over. But of all the yoga DVDs out there, is this the right one for you?

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]]>dvd reviewDvdReviewelement yoga for weight lossElementYogaForWeightLossfit-at-homefitness dvdFitnessDvdyoga dvdyoga for weight lossYogaDvdYogaForWeightLossKristen SeymourThu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 ESTPulse Yoga I: DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/pulse-yoga-i-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/pulse-yoga-i-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/08/pulse-yoga-i-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

pulse yoga dvd

Photo: pulseyoga.com

Since we're giving it away this week as part of our Triple Fit Giveaway, I thought it would be a good idea to check out Pulse Yoga I with Argie Tang. This is the basic Pulse Yoga video, offering an overview of the concept (and a pretty decent workout along the way).

The 60-minute video incorporates Pilates, weight training and yoga to build strength, stamina and power. Other DVDs in the series are Pulse Yoga II Balance & Tone, Pulse Yoga III Stamina & Strength and the 30-minute Pulse Yoga Express. The subsequent DVDs are all on the same skill level. This way, "You can choose to mix and match your routines, depending on which workouts you like best," Tang says.

Tang has a wealth of experience in yoga, having studied under some of the great masters. In 1978, she opened the first Yoga College of India for Bikram Choudury and has taught more than 15,000 yoga classes. She's joined in the video by Prisca Boris, who shows modifications for some of the more challenging poses and worked with Tang to launch the "Y4A" Fitness System.

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]]>argie tangArgieTangfit-at-homefitness dvdFitnessDvdvideoyogaKristen SeymourThu, 08 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST10 Minute Solution Quick Sculpt Pilates: DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/10-minute-solution-quick-sculpt-pilates-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/10-minute-solution-quick-sculpt-pilates-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/10/01/10-minute-solution-quick-sculpt-pilates-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Photo: amazon.com
Pilates is something that's always been on the easier end of the exercise spectrum for me. I might not be super fast or wildly flexible, but core strength? That, I have.

Add to that my mentality that I can do anything for 10 minutes, and you'll understand why I expected to breeze through the 10 Minute Solution Quick Sculpt Pilates.

I was wrong.

Each of the five sections (Total Body Toner, Buns & Thigh Sculptor, Strength & Flexibility Pilates, Core Conditioning and Standing Pilates Sculpt) offered different challenges. I did them in order, and by the time I got to the end, I was taking more breaks than I care to admit. (There might have also been a few "Are you nuts?" glances at the screen, too.)

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]]>10 minute solution10MinuteSolutionDVDfit-at-homefitness divdFitnessDivdquick sculpt pilatesQuickSculptPilatesworkout dvdWorkoutDvdKristen SeymourThu, 01 Oct 2009 15:00:00 ESTpumpRockr - Skateboard to Work Your Corehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/25/pumprockr-skateboard-to-work-your-core/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/25/pumprockr-skateboard-to-work-your-core/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/25/pumprockr-skateboard-to-work-your-core/#commentsFiled under: ,



The pumpRockr isn't your average skateboard. It's a pivot-driven skateboard that requires you to use muscles in your legs and core you might not have known you had, so it's not only fun (and completely cool looking -- just watch the video above), but it's a workout! You pump it like a surfboard, carve like a snowboard, and can still ride at the parks or around town.

I first tried out this board at Orlando's Surf Expo (with very little success -- carpet makes it tough). Then, I tried again at home and showed significant improvement. Keep in mind, I'd never in my life set foot on a skateboard or surfboard, so this was completely foreign to me, and definitely a challenge. There were definitely some falls, so kids -- wear your pads!

Now, if you have any experience with a skateboard, or if you're a fan of the Ripstik, you're going to love the pumpRockr. Kevin Smith, one of the men behind the pumpRockr, is able to ride his pumpRockr for long distances without putting a foot down (although he admits the hills are tough). And skaters who enjoy doing tricks will dig trying them out with this three-wheeled contraption.

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]]>fit-at-homepumprockrripstikskateboardskaterKristen SeymourFri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTTrue Power Yoga - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/16/true-power-yoga-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/16/true-power-yoga-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/16/true-power-yoga-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

true power yoga dvd
Photo: truepoweryoga.com
If a workout has a lot of celebrity endorsements, sometimes, I'm a bit skeptical (still interested, of course, but skeptical). However, when celebrities and professional athletes alike tout the same program, you'd better believe I get my game face on before I begin!

Mark Blanchard's True Power Yoga ($59.95) includes four workouts on three discs -- True Flow Workout (90 minutes), which is geared toward athletes (in fact, NFL receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh participates); True Strength Workout (90 minutes), a flowing class filled with inversions and arm balances; True Core Workout (45 minutes), which, unsurprisingly, works your back and abdominal muscles; and Hip Opener Workout (50 minutes), a class that is actually led by Mark's wife and aims to relieve stress, both physical and emotional.

In addition to Houshmandzadeh (who says, "It's like lifting weights and stretching at the same time,"), NBA star Steve Smith, and actors Drew Barrymore and Mario Lopez are fans.

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]]>dvdfit-at-homemark blanchardMarkBlanchardtrue power yogaTruePowerYogaworkout dvdWorkoutDvdyogaKristen SeymourWed, 16 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST'Hit the Deck' Gives You a Workout Anytime, Anywherehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/09/hit-the-deck-gives-you-a-workout-anytime-anywhere/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/09/hit-the-deck-gives-you-a-workout-anytime-anywhere/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/09/hit-the-deck-gives-you-a-workout-anytime-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: ,

powerhouse fitness cards
Photo: powerhousehitthedeck.com
Maybe you're traveling a lot lately, or perhaps you're just really busy with work (or kids, or, you know, life). And maybe it seems like you can't possibly find time for fitness -- heck, finding more than two consecutive minutes seems practically impossible.

Powerhouse Hit the Deck ($19.99) is a fun, unique way to fit a workout into your day, even if you only have a couple of minutes to spare. The idea is simple -- there are 30 workout cards, divided into three sections; No Sweat, I'm Glistening and Sweating Buckets. A timer and five warm up/cool down cards are also included.

You then select however many cards you want to do from whatever category you like, set the timer (it's recommended you start with intervals of 30 seconds), and do as many repetitions of the exercise listed on your card as possible before the timer sounds. Then, you move on to the next one.

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]]>fit-at-homefitness cardsFitnessCardsintervalspowerhouse hit the deckPowerhouseHitTheDeckshort workoutShortWorkoutKristen SeymourWed, 09 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTPumgo Fitness Scooter - The Newest, Coolest Ride Out Therehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/02/pumgo-fitness-scooter-the-newest-coolest-ride-out-there/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/02/pumgo-fitness-scooter-the-newest-coolest-ride-out-there/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/09/02/pumgo-fitness-scooter-the-newest-coolest-ride-out-there/#commentsFiled under: ,

pumgo scooter
Photo: Pumgo
While I love all kinds of sports, I've never really gotten into things with wheels. Sure, I cycle a bit (but my skills are sorely lacking), and after an unfortunate downhill trip wearing rollerblades, those have stayed in the back of the closet. Never in my life had I been on a skateboard or scooter or anything, until I attended Surf Expo a couple of weeks ago.

I kept seeing these girls riding around on this funky-looking scooter -- they were standing, but sort of pedaling. I followed them back to their booth and found that the scooter is a Pumgo scooter. It's a pedal-powered fitness scooter, and it's awesome.

I tried it out (yes, right there, in front of a huge group of people), and it was surprisingly easy to use. You need a bit of balance, but I feel confident saying that most people would have no problem hopping on and using it right then and there.

Continue reading Pumgo Fitness Scooter - The Newest, Coolest Ride Out There

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]]>fit-at-homefitness scooterFitnessScooterpedal scooterPedalScooterpumgoscooterKristen SeymourWed, 02 Sep 2009 15:00:00 ESTSqueeze Stronger DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/26/squeeze-stronger-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/26/squeeze-stronger-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/26/squeeze-stronger-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

squeeze stronger DVD
Photo: amazon.com
I've had "Squeeze Stronger" on my shelf for a month or so now, and I kept choosing other DVDs to review first, I suppose because I wasn't totally sure from the title what the video entailed. Or maybe because I was intimidated by the ridiculously awesome abs. But I'm glad I tried it now.

The workout, led by celebrity trainer Tracy Effinger, is tough. You use weights for your upper body, and for all moves, the focus is on lighter weight and lots of reps. By the end of a set, though, trust me -- no weight feels light.

The DVD is 80 minutes long and split into Upper Body & Waist Squeeze (39 minutes) and Lower Body & Abs Squeeze (43 minutes). I did the whole thing at once, but would recommend doing them on consecutive days because, well, did I mention it's tough?

While the actual moves take up very little space, you do need a bit of equipment: One or two sets of dumbbells (1 to 8 pounds or more), small rubber ball or firm pillow and a broomstick or SQUEEZE stick -- all of these items are listed on the cover. You also need a chair, and I would recommend a soft mat or thin pillow for some of the floor work.

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]]>celebrity-trainerdvd-reviewfit-at-homefitness-dvdsqueeze-by-tracysqueeze-strongertracy-effingerworkout-dvdKristen SeymourWed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTSo You Think You Can Dance: Get Fit - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/19/so-you-think-you-can-dance-get-fit-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/19/so-you-think-you-can-dance-get-fit-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/19/so-you-think-you-can-dance-get-fit-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

so you think you can dance fitness dvds
Photo: Paramount Home Entertainment
Let me begin with a disclaimer -- I love "So You Think You Can Dance." I even called in to vote once in Season 2 (big deal for me -- I never do that). When I heard they were releasing "So You Think You Can Dance: Get Fit" fitness DVDs, I was thrilled. I recognized the names of all the dancers involved, and the geeky fan in me couldn't wait to dance with some of my favorite contestants.

There are two DVDs in the series. There's Tone and Groove, featuring Twitch on hip-hop, jazz with Katee and Dmitry teaching the cha-cha. Then, you have Cardio Funk, starring Lauren in a hip-hop routine, contemporary with Travis and disco with Courtney. Each video features a lengthy warm-up and plenty of well-cued instruction for each dance. You have the option, once you've learned the dances, to skip the instruction and go straight into the dance -- a good thing, since Tone and Groove is 109 minutes and Cardio Funk is 116 minutes long.

The dancers are fit, for sure, and they're great at what they do. But does that mean you'll be able to dance like a pro at the end? And, more important, does it give you a good workout? I tried them out for you, and can give you all the answers.

Continue reading So You Think You Can Dance: Get Fit - DVD Review

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]]>dance-workoutdvd-reviewfalsefit-at-homefitness-dvdso-you-think-you-can-danceso-you-think-you-can-dance-get-fitworkout-dvdKristen SeymourWed, 19 Aug 2009 14:00:00 ESTElement: Tai Chi for Beginners - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/05/element-tai-chi-for-beginners-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/05/element-tai-chi-for-beginners-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/08/05/element-tai-chi-for-beginners-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

tai chi for beginners
Photo: amazon.com
Usually, when I do a beginner workout video, I feel a little like a fraud -- I'm not much of a newbie when it comes to most forms of exercise. However, I've never done Tai Chi in my life, so I think I was a perfect candidate for "Element: Tai Chi for Beginners."

"Tai Chi for Beginners" takes place in the same perfectly lovely setting as the other Element videos, which immediately put me at ease (I'm a sucker for a gorgeous view). And the instructor, Samuel Barnes (founder of the Tai Chi Works studio in Beverly Hills), has a strong, soothing voice that, like in the other videos, comes through in a voice over so as not to distract from the movements.

The video is broken into three sections, giving you the options for a short or long session. The first is Qi Gong, which focuses on your breath and energy flow. The other two are both Tai Chi, one giving you step-by-step instructions and the other putting the moves together in a moving meditation.

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]]>elementfit-at-homefitness-dvdmeditationmind-bodymoving-meditationreviewtai-chitai-chi-for-beginnersworkoutworkout-videoKristen SeymourWed, 05 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTCamelBak Hydration Packs for Womenhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/29/camelbak-hydration-packs-for-women/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/29/camelbak-hydration-packs-for-women/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/29/camelbak-hydration-packs-for-women/#commentsFiled under: ,

hydration pack
CamelBak Annadel Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com
If you're not a member at the gym or just really like the outdoors, chances are good that, now and again, you go for a run/walk/hike/bike ride that requires you to bring more water than just a little bottle. Or, you might just want to keep your hands free -- I know I have a really hard time reaching for a water bottle while on a bike without eating dirt.

There's a simple (and affordable) solution to all of these -- a hydration pack. CamelBak has been making a wide range of hydration packs over the years to suit a variety of needs. They have options for an expanding array of sports and sizes. The latest women's design is the Annadel, which I just tried out.

The Annadel ($45) is fairly compact, holding one to two hours of hydration (50 oz) and not a whole lot else. There's a pocket for keys, phone and a few other basics. My husband went with the Rogue ($55), which is also fairly streamlined but holds over two hours of hydration (70 oz) and a little more cargo than mine.

Continue reading CamelBak Hydration Packs for Women

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]]>backpackbikecamelbakdrinkfit-at-homehikehydrationhydration-packrunwaterKristen SeymourWed, 29 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTYoga Socks That Take Away the Slip and Slidehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/22/yoga-socks-that-take-away-the-slip-and-slide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/22/yoga-socks-that-take-away-the-slip-and-slide/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/22/yoga-socks-that-take-away-the-slip-and-slide/#commentsFiled under: ,

yoga socks
No-slip Yoga Socks.
Photo: gaiam.com
Let me know if this sounds familiar. You're in downward dog, in your living room, and you're really feeling it -- you feel centered, you're getting a great stretch, and then ... your sweaty feet start sliding around, and all of your concentration goes toward keeping your feet in place.

Ideally, a nonslip mat would solve the problem, but you don't want to be limited to that space, do you? Gaiam has another solution -- No Slip Yoga Socks. Sure, they look a bit like the slipper-socks you're given when you're in the hospital, but these socks have individual toes, so you'll experience the same toe-wiggling freedom as if you were barefoot. Added bonus -- less exposure to foot fungus, which is always a good thing.

They're available in two women's sizes, S/M or M/L, and you get two pairs of black socks for $19.98.

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]]>fit-at-homegaiamno-slip-yoga-sockspilatesslipperysocksyogayoga-socksKristen SeymourWed, 22 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTDance Off the Inches: Country Line Dance - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/13/dance-off-the-inches-country-line-dance-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/13/dance-off-the-inches-country-line-dance-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/13/dance-off-the-inches-country-line-dance-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When it comes to music, I'm pretty open-minded. Country music isn't my top pick, but I've been known to hit a country bar with line dancing now and again. Honestly, I think line dancing is a lot of fun regardless of what song is being played, so I had zero reservations about trying out Dance Off the Inches: Country Line Dance.

country line dance dvd
Photo: amazon.com
Now, to be clear, this isn't going to teach you standard line dances that you'll find at line dancing bars or clubs, or play your favorite country tunes. The instructor, Amy Blackburn, teaches you three distinct dances to three instrumental songs (I didn't recognize them, but you might).

Like the other Dance Off the Inches DVDs, there is a step guide that teaches you 10 steps in 10 minutes. Once again, I didn't use it, but a few of the steps in the third dance were pretty tricky -- I probably could've used it, to be honest.

Continue reading Dance Off the Inches: Country Line Dance - DVD Review

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]]>country-line-dancedance-off-the-inchesdvdfit-at-homefitness-dvdlow-impactreviewworkout-videoKristen SeymourMon, 13 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/06/10-minute-solution-knockout-body-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/06/10-minute-solution-knockout-body-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/07/06/10-minute-solution-knockout-body-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

So far, I've enjoyed the 10 Minute Solution DVDs (at least, for the most part). And I love kickboxing. Plus, I'm all about awesome accessories. And so, when I received 10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body along with a pair of pink weighted gloves, it wasn't even a day before I was trying it out.

10 minute solution knock out body
10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body with weighted gloves. Photo: amazon.com
As I'd hoped, this is a workout. Kickboxing really works your entire body, and this video did just that. The instructor, Jessica Smith, keeps you moving and motivated from beginning to end. Five 10-minute segments were focused on five different areas, but truthfully, each of them works the whole body.

Knockout Body Blast is an interval workout, mixing cardio and strength. Fat Attack also uses intervals, but with different intensity and different moves. Ultimate Upper Body focuses on punches, but there are enough squats to get your legs screaming, too. Kickbox Cross Train shows more combinations and incorporates cardio, strength and balance. Then, Fierce & Fabulous Abs, as you'd guess, works your abs, but you do a lot more than just crunches.

Continue reading 10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body - DVD Review

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]]>10-minute-solutiondvdfit-at-homekickboxingknockout-bodyvideoweighted-glovesKristen SeymourMon, 06 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTUnderwater Pogo Stick - Splash Around to Get Fithttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/29/underwater-pogo-stick-splash-around-to-get-fit/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/29/underwater-pogo-stick-splash-around-to-get-fit/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/29/underwater-pogo-stick-splash-around-to-get-fit/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Only Underwater Pogo Stick
Photo: hammacher.com
The Underwater Pogo Stick is the only pogo stick designed specifically for pool use -- the rigid ball is filled with water, so it allows you to bounce on the walls and bottom of your pool. Your body weight is all you need to bring it down, and the ball provides enough bounce to get you bounding through even deep water!

The handles are rubber, and the footrest is also nonstick, so you should be able to work hard without losing your grip. And while I love swimming laps, I have to say that this looks like a heck of a lot of fun. It's the type of tool that would help you burn calories without feeling like you're actually working. And the price is right -- just $59.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer.

The only caveat -- chances are you won't be able to use this at your gym's pool. But you can probably find some pool-owning pals who'll let you splash around. You know, as long as you let them have a turn, too!

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]]>fit-at-homepogopoolunderwater-pogo-stickwater-workoutKristen SeymourMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:00:00 ESTBollywood Booty - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/25/bollywood-booty-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/25/bollywood-booty-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/25/bollywood-booty-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


Who doesn't love Bollywood dancing? It's energetic, it's beautiful, and it's fun! And although I wasn't completely satisfied with the last Bollywood-inspired workout I did, I was excited to try Bollywood Booty, featuring fitness star and yogini Hemalayaa.

The video is beautifully shot, and Hemalayaa makes all of the moves look easy and natural. She has two other women dancing with her who also do a great job. And, some of the moves are guaranteed to get you giggling, which is part of the point -- throughout the 45-minute workout, you're constantly reminded to smile and enjoy yourself.

If you've watched much Bollywood dancing, you'll definitely appreciate learning some of the names of the hand and arm movements -- seeing those broken down definitely makes the whole style much more approachable. But is the video worth your hard-earned money?

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]]>bollywood-bootydancefit-at-homehemalayaaindianworkout-dvdKristen SeymourThu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTElement AM & PM Yoga for Beginners - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/18/element-am-and-pm-yoga-for-beginners-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/18/element-am-and-pm-yoga-for-beginners-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/18/element-am-and-pm-yoga-for-beginners-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Devotees of yoga are often divided into two schools -- those who practice for the physical benefit, and those who practice for the spiritual/mental aspect. While I like what yoga does for my body, I definitely fall more into the latter group. Yoga provides a peace of mind that just isn't matched by most other forms of exercise.

Element: Am and PM Yoga for Beginners is right up my alley. It focuses strongly on the mind while giving good instruction on how to move the body.

But, is it the best choice for someone new to yoga? I tried it out and am happy to report my findings!

Continue reading Element AM & PM Yoga for Beginners - DVD Review

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]]>am-and-pm-yoga-for-beginnerselementfit-at-homefitness-dvdmeditationrelaxationworkout-dvdyogaKristen SeymourThu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTDance It Off Ballroom - DVD Reviewhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/11/dance-it-off-ballroom-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/11/dance-it-off-ballroom-dvd-review/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/11/dance-it-off-ballroom-dvd-review/#commentsFiled under: ,


One of my favorite shows, "So You Think You Can Dance," is in full swing, which gets me itching to dance. Dance off the Inches: Dance It off Ballroom is the perfect opportunity to do it -- it's a dance video that aims to work your muscles and help you work up a sweat!

dance off the inches
Photo: amazon.com
The video has four sections. First, there's a Step Guide to get you familiar with the footwork. Then, you go through the cha cha, samba and jive. Ballroom dancer Kristina Milova takes you through a short routine in each style, and while she makes all the moves look intricate and professional, the truth is, they're easy to follow.

Over all, you're learning just 10 steps. Using these, you'll burn calories while improving your dance skills. But is it enough of a workout to be worth your time?

Continue reading Dance It Off Ballroom - DVD Review

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]]>ballroom-dancingdancedance-it-off-ballroomdance-off-the-inchesfit-at-homefitness-dvdworkout-dvdKristen SeymourThu, 11 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTKitchen Appliance Workout Gets You Strong as Steelhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/04/kitchen-appliance-workout-gets-you-strong-as-steel/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/04/kitchen-appliance-workout-gets-you-strong-as-steel/http://www.thatsfit.com/2009/06/04/kitchen-appliance-workout-gets-you-strong-as-steel/#commentsFiled under: ,




We've all tried adding a few strength-training moves into our daily routines -- maybe you did lunges while carrying the laundry basket, or did calf raises while waiting in line at a store. Well, get ready to take it a step further with the Strong As Steel kitchen appliance workout. Hey, Alison Sweeney from "The Biggest Loser" makes an appearance -- if it's good enough for her, maybe it's worth a shot.

What? You've only worked up a sweat in the kitchen by baking cookies? Think outside the box (err, gym) -- the trainers in this video promise that, after doing this workout, you'll be the hottest dish coming out of the kitchen.

If you've clicked on the video above, you know that it's a little on the corny side (and definitely a marketing tool for stainless steel GE appliances). But, you know what? Some of these moves have merit. You might not want anyone to watch you doing Dishwasher Squats, but by the time you've loaded or unloaded the entire dishwasher, you'll be feeling the burn.

The video is just $9.95, and it's sure to give you some unique ideas for burning calories in the kitchen (although, use your judgment -- the Refrigerator Curls seem like an enormous waste of energy). At the very least, it's probably good for a giggle (which burns calories too, you know!).

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]]>fit-at-homeGEkitchen-appliancestrong-as-steelworkoutKristen SeymourThu, 04 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST