Posts Tagged ‘Fitness Tool’

Gaiam Coreplus Reformer

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Gaiam Coreplus Reformer




Flatten your abs while getting a total body workout with the Coreplus Reformer. Mari Winsor (of Winsor Pilates) takes the lead in this full-length program that replicates the movement of a Pilates Reformer class. Lose weight and tone muscle faster by adding resistance to your Pilates practice. The CorePlus Reformer is a new and innovative fitness tool with a four loop design that engages your entire body. Versatile, lightweight and east to store, the CorePlus Reformer is the perfect weight loss and toning fitness solution.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Bands or Tubing Can Get the Same Work Done
I saw the article previewing this in Pilates Style magazine and anxiously awaited its arrival in the market. But the exercises are nothing more than doing Pilates with a strong C curve and rubber tubing. I was hoping this would be a great workout and it is a great idea to create a “portable” reformer, but it is nothing different or innovative! Try any band/tubing workout out there. They are just as effective.

3 Stars Ok but there should be an intermediate DVD available
It’s an interesting intro to the Coreplus band and it would be great if once you did the DVD a few times you could advance on to a real workout.

Also, by the end of the DVD I thought I’d scream if Mari Winsor said “Beautiful” one more time. She’s not the most dynamic instructor, and repeatedly saying beautiful, argh, didn’t help.

I’m in it for the pilates though. I will watch the video a few more times, write a list of what is done in the DVD, do it on my own and add repititions.

The concept of the coreplus band is a good one–they just need to do something more with it.

4 Stars Quite a challenge
The CorePlus Reformer is quite challenging, even for those proficient in Pilates. The DVD workout is helpful, but it was a bit difficult trying to watch the DVD while performing the exercises. The grips seemed to slide around somewhat, which was distracting and made it sometimes difficult to execute the exercises correctly. I would definitely recommend it but would caution beginners to go easy.

4 Stars Takes Pilates to a new level
This routine works every part of your body and it definately takes Pilates to a new level. Pilates is very good for toning and stretching the muscles and this reformer adds more challenge to the routine which makes it more fun. The reason I gave it 4 stars is that I find myself getting my feet caught in the cords during the changes to the next exercise and that is kind of frustrating. We aren’t all graceful dancers so sometimes I have to stop the dvd to get situated for the next exercise. I expect that over time I’ll get better at it but I’d rather be focused on practicing my Pilates moves and not have to stop to get my cords right. I’ll keep working on it though because I like the way the Reformer challenges the muscles.

4 Stars LOVE this workout
I have been doing pilates religiously for over two years and swear by Mari Winsor’s workouts. This one is definitely challenging and the fact that she always has a modifier for each exercise is great but I wouldn’t recommend this to someone who isn’t familiar with pilates. Also, even at my skill level, the section that focuses on the legs and lower body is tricky- b/c the band sort of slips off your feet if you aren’t paying attention. After doing this a few times now I really like it.

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The FIRM Total Body TransFIRMation Kit

Monday, April 12th, 2010

The FIRM Total Body TransFIRMation Kit




Shape, tone, and strengthen your body with the Firm’s Total Body TransFIRMation kit. Equipped with a set of Firm CardioWeights, 210 minutes of workout programming on DVD, a 48-page Weight Loss Success Guide, and a custom carrying case, the kit will melt away the fat and reshape your body in no time. CardioWeights are the Firm’s most effective fitness tool yet, with a pair of 1-pound handles and 8 pounds of additional weight, letting you customize your workout depending on your strength or fitness goals. By combining the body sculpting weights with a fat-burning cardio routine, you can burn up to three times more fat than cardio alone. Simply pick your resistance level for each workout–the weights screw easily onto the handles in a clockwise motion–and increase the resistance as you become stronger, leaner, and more confident. Even better, the handles and weights are designed to work exclusively with the Firm’s unique blend of aerobic and body sculpting exercises. When used in conjunction with the Firm Master Instructor’s directions, you will begin toning and burning fat immediately.

The Total Body TransFIRMation kit comes with the following workout DVDs.

  • Hi-Def Sculpt: Taught by Annie Lee, Hi-Def Sculpt provides the perfect introduction to the Firm’s body shaping exercises at a slower pace. The DVD includes upper and lower body moves designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing your time commitment. It runs 45 minutes and includes a 25-minute “express” option.
  • Hard Core Fusion: Allie Del Rio Pointer demonstrates an innovative hybrid of aerobics and weight training with body-transforming power. Allie guides you through high-energy cardio and distinctive body sculpting exercises that will give you the lean, strong body of your dreams. The DVD runs for 55 minutes with a 35-minute “express” option.
  • Cardio Overdrive: Allison Davis’s Cardio Overdrive will kick your weight loss into high gear. The DVD features unique low-impact cardio and body shaping exercises that burn calories both during and after this dynamic workout. Users will tone their legs, arms, and waist to the high-energy beat with easy-to-follow steps and Allison’s expert coaching. Cardio Overdrive is a 45-minute heart-pumping, fat-burning workout, with a 25-minute “express” option.
  • Cardio Party: For days when you need an extra boost to get you in the mood, the Firm’s Cardio Party is just the ticket. This 40-minute heart-pumping workout will rev up your weight loss results with a total calorie burn. Designed for everyone from novice users to advanced workout enthusiasts, the DVD helps you burn calories, shrink your body, and have a great time with party instructors Allison Davis, Emily Welsh, Rebekah Sturkie, Annie Lee, and Allie Del Rio Pointer.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Not much of a TransFIRMation
I typically have very good things to say about The Firm series, but these DVDs are just okay. The Cardio Party quite honestly just sucks!! Absolutely no new moves. How many times must we do the tri-star or low jacks?? I get so bored with Annie Lee’s segment, I just want to fall asleep. For those that have used The Firm might be a little frustrated with the same moves taught by Emily in her other videos. I only use Cardio Party when I travel because it is so very basic that it can be easily done in the hotel room.

The other three videos are a little bit more challenging. I do like some of the moves in Cardio Overdrive. Annie Lee is very annoying to listen to in her DVD so I can only do the 25-minute version.

Overall, if you don’t have any of the other Firm DVDs, this is a good option. But if you have been using The Firm for awhile, have low expectations.

4 Stars Great Workout for the $$$
I needed to loose weight because I’m in a wedding and have to wear a strapless dress (of all things) but I also wanted to tone up and develop some muscle,too. I started out doing Walk Away the Pounds - 4 and 5 mile walks along with walking 2 to 3 miles at night on my treadmill. This combination helped me lose a few pounds, but I wanted more. I bought this kit, and so far have only done 4 workouts but can really feel and see a difference. I must say that even though I was doing 7 miles a day, my first run through with these videos was a little tough because the moves are so quick. I wouldn’t recommend that anyone who’s just beginning an execise regime jump right into this program. I gave it 4 stars because the weights are not that great quality wise. I have to keep tightening them throughout my workout, and I’ll have to buy another weight set to double them up. Also, I have tile floors and they keep rolling away on me. lol I think I’ll just buy a separate weight set - but you get 4 DVD’s in this set so it’s deffinately worth it!!!! Oh, and it comes with a one month calendar filled out with which workouts to do on what days so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

3 Stars Says 8 lbs of weight - somewhat misleading
4 lbs are handles - unless you have 4 hands - I don’t see how you can use them. Even according to the diagram included there isn’t a way to use 8lbs. For 2 hands you can use up to 3 lbs each. You can alternatively get up to 5 lbs for one handed exercises. There doesn’t seem to be any way to use 8 lbs.

5 Stars Great Workout!
I am an exercise beginner and this program kicks my butt. I find it to be VERY challenging. I have alot of weight to lose and am losing weight and feeling much better and more energetic since beginning this program. The tapes provide instruction for beginners as well as for more advanced exercises. I really like that there are 4 dvds to choose from so there is alot of variety. I do wish there would have been a wider range of weights included but overall, I give it 5 stars.

4 Stars Great product
I was a gym rat for years and was interested in cardio and weight lifting. Recently with my job and other life changes I am unable to get to the gym and workout like I used to. I have always felt I would feel silly following a workout video in my own home, but I was really surprised when I popped in the DVDs and could follow most of the direction. The videos are intense but not so much that I’m searching for the IBProfen bottle afterwards. I really enjoy being able to workout in my pajamas in the comfort of my own home, and hit the shower right after. The only complaint I have is that the pack comes with 2 sets of 1 lb handles and only 4 1 lb weights that you twist onto the handles (in other words you can assemble two 3 lb weights or one 5 lb weight, but you will have an extra set of handles that are useless. They do include a flyer to buy more of their weights for around $30 extra dollars). However, if you are thinking about getting this kit you will definitely work up a good sweat even if you use no weights.

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The FIRM Power Ball Kit with Slim and Trim DVD

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

The FIRM Power Ball Kit with Slim and Trim DVD




Boost calorie burning as you tighten and tone your abs, hips, thighs, shoulders and arms with The FIRM Power Ball. Youll toss, roll and pump the 4 lb. Power Ball as you move to the high energy beat.

The Power Ball adds intensity to your entire workout while challenging your core muscles for solid abs. With just one simple fitness tool, youll learn easy-to-follow sculpting moves and total body conditioning drills that make your body slim, trim and stronger than ever.

Power up your workouts for faster results with The Power Ball. Youll reshape your entire body for a leaner, stronger, healthier you with The FIRM Master Instructor Tina Smalley leading the way!

Kit Includes

  • One 4 lb. Power Ball, textured for a comfortable, solid grip. Dynamic and fun to work with, the Power Ball helps you burn more fat as you sculpt your entire body.
  • Slim & Trim Complete and Express Workouts on one DVD.

    The SLIM & TRIM WORKOUT DVD Led by Master Instructor Tina Smalley includes:

  • 40-MINUTE COMPLETE WORKOUT
  • 20-MINUTE EXPRESS WORKOUT
  • BEGINNER MODIFICATIONS, SO ANYONE CAN DO IT!

    BONUS WORKOUT: Twist Your Belly Flat in Only 8 Minutes!

    The FIRM Foundation
    For over 25 years, The FIRM has worked with an incredibly insightful idea: strength training combined with aerobics yield better results than either alone. And the founders were right, thanks to one simple truth muscle burns fat all by itself. With The FIRM, you burn fat through the aerobic portion of your workout while you build muscle that increases your bodys natural fat-burning mechanism. Your collective muscle burns more fat. Solid thinking. Solid body. No wonder its called The FIRM.

    For more than 25 years, The FIRM has combined sculpting and cardio in a unique, effective way to help you develop the body youve always wanted. The FIRM method maximizes your ability to sculpt and shape

    • User Ratings and Reviews

    3 Stars Expected to like this more than I did….
    I love weighted workouts, but this one had so many multiple things going on.. for instance, the fancy side squats (while doing like 4 other things at the same time) should be done very carefully if you have ever had any knee injuries or pain. this is a move a person should be extra careful to do in correct form anyway, but the way it is done in the video makes it difficult to understand if you are doing it in correct form or not. i understand the need to be creative, but i also think there is a balance in the sense that we must be mindful of the way we are moving as well in order to avoid injury.

    5 Stars Excellent workout

    I was pleasantly surprised with this DVD. Tina is not my favorite FIRM instructor but she does a great job with the workout. The workout itself is very challenging-this is not for beginners.

    4 Stars Innovative and fun!
    Pluses:

    ——-

    - interesting new versions of well-known moves

    - good lower body workout, keeps your heartrate elevated

    - nice and motivating instructor that cues well

    Minuses:

    ——–

    - apart during moves that use my own weight ( pushups ) my upper body does not feel challenged enough by the workout

    - if you are a beginner or are not too coordinated some of the lower body moves could be dangerous to your joints as you have to change directions very quickly

    5 Stars Challenging and Fun!
    MI Tina did a great job with this one. I’ve been using FIRM videos 5 times a week for a couple of years and this one kept my heart rate up the entire time. I didn’t think a 4lb ball could fee so heavy. The additional 8 minute ab workout is really good as well. She uses a variety of classic moves with a twist as well as all new moves. If you’re up for a total body challenge, you need this one!

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    The FIRM 5 Pound Kettle Bell Kit with Transfirm Your Trouble Zones DVD

    Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

    The FIRM 5 Pound Kettle Bell Kit with Transfirm Your Trouble Zones DVD




    Tighten your abs and sculpt your entire body with todays most transforming cardio fitness tool. With The FIRM Master Instructor Kelsie Daniels, youll swing the 5 lb. Kettlebell like a pendulum for a workout you cant duplicate with regular weights. You get tight abs while you melt. Imported.

    DVD Includes:

  • 45-minute Complete Workout
  • 20-minute Express Workout
  • Learn the Moves
    BONUS 8-Minute Core Workout: Strong Abs and Back

    EQUIPMENT: The FIRM 5 lb. Kettlebell, coated in rubber for a smooth grip and to protect floors and reduce noise

    The FIRM Methodology
    For more than 25 years The FIRM has combined weight training with cardio in a unique, effective way to help you develop the body youve always wanted. The FIRM method maximizes your ability to sculpt and shape your entire body, burning up to three times more fat than cardio alone.

    • User Ratings and Reviews

    4 Stars Like it, but cueing is confusing
    I’ve heard great things about kettlebells, so I thought this would be a great way to start. I really like the instructional segment - it’s short enough that I actually watched it and got a good sense for proper form. However, the actual full 45 minute workout moves almost too quickly at points. I’m pretty experienced at exercise DVDs, but Kelsie can be tough to follow. She moves very quickly (which is good!) but sometimes doesn’t tell you what’s next until the very last second. I’ve now done the full workout three times and the express once, so I’m starting to get a better feel for the progression.

    In addition to the full 45 minutes workout, there’s also a 25 minute Express workout - which is awesome for such a condensed session. It includes a good mixture of sets from the full workout.

    Being my first experience with kettlebells, overall, this is a great workout. I feel it the morning! After the initial run through, I think the 5 lbs bell is a bit light for most of the moves, so I’ll be buying a 10 or 15 lb to supplement - but definitely a good introduction.

    4 Stars Realisticly GREAT!
    I am a mother of four and do not have any time to myself - much less to work out. This is a great way to begin using the kettle bell - only 20 minutes for the express work out. I LOVE IT!!!

    5 Stars WOW!!!!!
    Heck of a Workout!!!

    Every part of my body was pouring sweat!!!

    The only thing I found fault with this set is the handle on the kettle bell is not wide enough. I don’t have the biggest hands in the world but when I held the bell with a solid grip the insides of the handle would scrape against my knuckles. Luckily I wear workout gloves which protect my hands. So I am guessing that the girls in this dvd either have exceptionally small hands or are using a different kettle bell than the one sent out to the consumers in the kit.

    Highly recommend the workout, but for those out there who do not have elf like hands get some work out gloves to protect your knuckles ’cause its a tight fit……

    5 Stars Good workout!
    This is a good workout. Kelsie delivers once again. I even love the music on this one. I found it motivating. Kelsie of course has you burning out your legs (which is a good thing) as well as burning tons of calorie with high energy cardio. I really liked this tape. The kettle-ball is different for me. While I find it effective for most moves, it is not very user-friendly as it feels awkward at times. I will say the “turkish get-up” is my fave. Once you master it, you feels its effectiveness.

    5 Stars Great workout video
    I’ve had this DVD for about 6 months now, and I love it. I feel like I’m getting a total body workout, and Kelsie (the instructor) is great. Her instructions are clear and easy to follow. She’s also encouraging. I have not had any problems with the kettlebell scraping my knuckles as some of the other reviewers have mentioned. I’ve tried a couple of other kettlebell videos - like The Kettlebell Goddess one. I like The Firm’s video MUCH more.

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    Polar F4 Womens Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Amber

    Saturday, February 20th, 2010

    Polar F4 Womens Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Amber




    The F4 is the first women’s specific unit from Polar, combining all the necessary heart rate features with a new, slim design. It includes the popular Zone Pointer feature that helps keep you in your Target Zone, and OwnCal to track the calories you burn in real time during your exercise. This well-rounded monitor offers automatic age-based heart rate target zones that will keep you exercising on the right track. You can also override the automatic setting to manually change this zone for fine tuning to fit your particular metabolism. With stopwatch and convenient button free operation, the F4 is a valuable fitness tool. Includes Wrist Unit with CR1632 battery, Transmitter with built-in lithium cell, and Elastic Strap to hold transmitter on chest.

    User Ratings and Reviews

    5 Stars Just what I needed!
    I’ve wanted a HRM since I started working out about a year ago, but I couldn’t muster the courage (or money!) to get this one until recently. I bought another one that only gave you your heart rate on demand (instead of constantly), and it drove me up the wall. So I sucked it up and bought this as a replacement.

    I LOVE this watch. I was floored at how easy it was to use. I didn’t even have to read the handbook to figure it out. The chest strap is surprisingly comfy. Yes, you will probably need to wet the probes before you start working out, but I put it on, run around the house picking things up or doing laundry and it usually works when I’m ready to go out for a walk/run. I love that the watch blends in and looks like a regular watch so you can wear it without feeling like you are wearing a man’s watch or a small computer!

    The only problem I have with the watch is that I can’t get it as tight as I would like because the strap kind of sticks when trying to attach it or take it off. Nothing major, I just have to remember that I have to be more aware of it than I would of a normal watch.

    **If you are a larger woman, the watch automatically comes with a size “medium” strap, but it fits me with room to spare. I highly suggest trying the one it comes with before ordering a larger one!**

    Bottom line: LOVE this product. If you want something that will work easily and well, buy this HRM!

    5 Stars A real life saver.
    This little device actually saved my life while running…. A great investment at any price….

    1 Star Can’t use it with Sun Tan Lotion
    I got this F4 as a Christmas present in 2008. Two weeks later the buttons cracked and fell off. Polar sent me new buttons, and two weeks later the buttons cracked again. I sent the unit to polar two more times and the buttons only lasted 2 weeks each time.

    I called their service department and escallated the issue. I spoke to Albert, who said that sun tan lotion damages the buttons so they break. He suggested either not using sun tan lotion or wearing a wrist band under the watch. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! I live in San Diego and I wear sun tan lotion 360 days per year. Polar said their new units do not have that problem, but they would not replace my F4 with a good one.

    I will never buy another Polar product.

    1 Star Polar seems to need some competition
    First, if you buy one of these be aware that it’s extremely easy to accidently wipe out all the personal and cardio info it stores. There isn’t any way to lock this monitor to protect such loss.

    I sent this monitor in for repair. They emailed me to tell me they received the monitor. They emailed me to tell me they replaced the circuit board. They had my monitor over a month. I got this monitor back and it works exactly the same as before I sent it in. They did nothing to it. Yes I know how to read and I always read the manuals for everything I buy. This monitor does not display the time when brought to the transmitter belt like it say’s it will in the manual. There isn’t any way for me to have this display the time while it is monitoring.

    4 Stars Good Buy
    I am very satisfied with this purchase. The only reason im not giving it five stars is because it doesnt have a stop watch or a pedometer. I have a small wrist, and the watch face is a good size especially if you dont like a bulky look. It is comfortable and the band stays put. It is easy to operate, and set up. you can easily turn the sound on or off. The strap is probably the same as all others and occasionally when i switch from doing cardio to weight training the clasp will pop apart, but that only happens occassionally.

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