The Firm: Cardio Sculpt Blaster

The Firm: Cardio Sculpt Blaster Review

This is an early 2000s Firm video from the series that uses the Fanny Lifter, a tall, square step which is adjustable to three heights. This unique piece of equipment is effectively used here to provide a short, fun, intense cardio workout. In addition to the Fanny Lifter (FL), light weights are occasionally added for 4-limbed work, but this is a pure cardio routine with no toning intervals.

Instructor Lisa Kay, who leads a class of 4 other Firm instructors, begins with a basic 4-minute warm-up which combines aerobic moves with dynamic stretches. The first aerobics segment is performed without the step. It moves somewhat slowly, with heel digs and back rocks, but my heart rate still got up, especially with the addition of small optional hops. The first step aerobics portion with weights was a lot of fun, combining heel digs and rocks on and off the short portion of the FL with bicep curls. Other combos included straddles with upright rows and rear dips. There was some take it from the top here, but not so much that I found it annoying or overly repetitive. Squats with hammer curls on the floor conclude this segment.

More step work follows, this time without the weights. This segment was also fun and included A-steps, hamstring curls, knee lifts, L-steps, and floor jacks. The next segment is mostly on the floor, but you add taps onto the fully assembled FL. Here you get a bit more toning work with squats and overhead presses, but you are still moving at an aerobic pace. Another fun aerobic step series follows, this time with straddles, side leg lifts, squats with 1 leg on the step, and presses onto the step. This section was also a bit easier to follow than the first step tune. The final aerobics segment consists of more 4-limb work, with grapevines/rhomboid pinch, step touch/bicep curls, and step knee (adding in a step onto the FL). The almost 6-minute cool down consisted of many typical Firm moves, including marches, step-touch, hamstring curls, sambas, tri-star, and arm sweeps; a brief stretch series using the FL concludes the workout.

Overall, I enjoyed this short cardio workout, which comes in at just under 30 minutes total. I found that my HR stayed in my target zone for a good portion of the time (22-23 minutes), plus I enjoyed the moves and was generally able to follow along. Although this is a cardio-only workout, which is what I wanted, I still would've liked to have seen a set or two of the Firm's signature leg press move; it seems a shame not to use the FL for this. Still, this is a very solid, enjoyable intermediate-level cardio workout that I'd definitely recommend, particularly for when you are short on time.

Note: this same Firm workout was released with at least three different covers, so be careful that you don't already own it when ordering!

The Firm: Cardio Sculpt Blaster Overview

Studio: Gaiam Americas Release Date: 05/18/2004 Rating: Nr

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 09, 2010 18:37:05

Vertical Step Party Turn & Burn Workout with Katina Hunter

Vertical Step Party Turn & Burn Workout with Katina Hunter Review

I decided to take a chance and buy a workout from an unknown ( in mainstream)instructor. I was pleasantly surprised the workout is very well made and kept my heart rate up the whole time. It is very well cued and have moves that are reminiscent of old school gym style step workouts. I was able to do the workout after just one viewing because the cuing was just that good. I am an intermediate exerciser but I was happy for the three water breaks to review my rate of exertion. I will be purchaasing Turn and Burn today. Give Katina a try

Vertical Step Party Turn & Burn Workout with Katina Hunter Feature

• Equipment needed-- Step Bench
• 45 minute step workout
• Bonus Programs included-- Circuit Workout-- 55 minutes and Vertical Step Power Party Mix-- 30 minutes
• Plan your own party feature-- personalize a routine by programming your DVD player or choose chapters from the chapter menu
• Katina will have you turning and burning with the fun step workout!!

Vertical Step Party Turn & Burn Workout with Katina Hunter Overview

Studio: Bayview/widowmaker Release Date: 01/13/2009 Run time: 45 minutes

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 08, 2010 16:26:05

Kathy Smith: Latin Rhythm Workout

Kathy Smith: Latin Rhythm Workout Review

This is a terrific workout -- fun music, fast paced, and very invigorating. Kathy does introduce the dance steps quickly, and sometimes you might feel a bit lost. However, BE PATIENT. It will only take you a few viewings to get the moves, as they really aren't very complex at all. The pay-off is worth the effort. I'm 53 years old and have been doing step aerobics for over 20 years. During the past 4 years I've had some injuries that have prevented me from doing the high impact step DVDs, so I had turned to Leslie Sansone's walking videos. These are okay for days that I don't want to get too sweaty, but I wanted a REAL workout that would get my heart rate up in a FUN way. This Kathy Smith Latin workout is just the right thing for me. If you feel like Leslie Sansone is too easy, but high impact aerobics are problemmatic, then try this workout!

Kathy Smith: Latin Rhythm Workout Feature

• Hot Latin Sounds - Easy Steps!
• Lively Latin Dance Rhythms Combine Great Calorie Burning & Toning Benefits
• Simple Latin Steps That Anyone Can Do!
• Learn Basic Stance & Turns For Salsa, Merengue & Cha-Cha
• Bonus Feature: Get Ready To Dance With The Stars

Kathy Smith: Latin Rhythm Workout Overview

No Description Available.
Genre: Exercise/Fitness
Rating: NR
Release Date: 18-SEP-2007
Media Type: DVD

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 07, 2010 16:22:04

Kathy Smith: Shed the Pounds

Kathy Smith: Shed the Pounds Review

Note: this dvd is compiled of 3 classic workouts that were formerly in VHS form and have now been re=released as a 3 dvd compilation.

First, I have to say that the "march to fitness" dvd on here is worth 5 stars alone. It's one of my most favorite workouts. But you get 3 total dvds in here so the price, I felt, was excellent.

Now granted, you are no doubt gonna laugh a bit when you slide this into the dvd player and are taken back in time to the 1980's with a Farrah Fawcett hairstyle, leg warmers, double socks (ala flashdance) and you'll be amazed that it was ever found "sexy" to workout without a sports bra (as you'll witness in the "starting out" workout) so that, well, you can guess what you see...which wouldn't be so crazy if there weren't a woman in her 70s on the dvd. But, that was 1980, Farrah had that poster out in the red one piece where she was um, "chilly" and the look was copied even in the gym, things have changed...thank God...
...and none of that hindered my workout one bit. But it can't go without mention because you are gonna giggle through some of this.

That said, I'll admit I am not a fan of all of Kathy Smith's workouts but she became famous in the 80s and, to me, this shows evidence as to one of the reasons why. I found her instruction very clear, I got a great workout, and the moves were timeless, in spite of the hair and outfits. (giggle)

March to Fitness was one of those rare dvds that you actually don't WANT to stop. It was truly FUN! This one was from 1993 so it's not such a time wharp feeling to watch it either. The music was from the dance hits of the 60s and 80s (but it's amusing to me that she says "remember dancing to this one?" regarding music in the 60s and, unless I danced in my crib, I never did. But again, I think the time warp feeling just makes it amusing) and there were some "dancing-band-style" marching moves that were VERY easy to follow along to (and I have two left feet, and no coordination) and offered great caloric burn...

...which brings me to the fact that I wear a bodybugg to measure my daily caloric expenditure. I mention this only because I can see the exact caloric burn a dvd garners by measurement rather than percieved exertion and this was high up there on burning the calories! And, since it was fun, it easily captured the 5 stars for me!

Negatives: yes, I know "jazzercise" was hot back then but working out to jazz music in some parts of the dvd wasn't my personal taste although I can't speak for others. We even did "jazz hands" moves a few times.

also "starting out" was too long, for me, in the warm up and stretching at a low heart rate so the caloric burn during this was minimal. yes, she made up for it in the other dvd segments, but I did wind up fast forwarding as I felt it was "overkill"

Conclusion: It's a steal for the price and although all 3 workouts offer much, the march to fitness is so easy to follow and so dang much fun, with great music that you will actually recognize rather than the typical non-copywrited instrumental tunes that are typical of today's workout dvds, that it's worth the price alone for the fun and the calorie burn.

Kathy Smith: Shed the Pounds Overview

SHED THE POUNDS will gradually build your strength stamina and endurance with effective fun and easy-to follow exercises. Mix itup get moving and start shedding those extra pounds today!INCLUDES THREE COMPLETE WORKOUTS:STARTING OUT (1987)-- 3 part routine begins with a Warm Up including energizing breathing and stretching exercises to prepare for the Body Toning segment. Tone and firm all muscles in the body and learn proper alignment and techniques to the best results. The Aerobic routine is designed with aseries of low-impact moves with hi-energy tunes...learn to monitor the pulse for pacing and maximizing results. Move and Groove into your new body!INSTANT WORKOUT (1991)-- Complete routine designed to get you the Toning Cardio Fat Burning and Stretching you need for your new body. This one hour workout includes three 20-minute routines that will sculpt your arms legs buns and abs. Key low-impact cardio-aerobic moves burn-calories and maintain weight-loss. Finish with a stretching routine to leave your muscles feeling more flexible and relaxed while zapping daily stress away.MARCH TO FITNESS (1993)--The benefits of walking are timeless this 30-minute low-impact fat burning aerobic workout is accompanied by a fun high-energy soundtrack from 60s Dance to 90s Hip Hop. Easy-to-follow walking and marching moves offer a full range of intensity no matter what your fitness level is.System Requirements:Running Time: 150 minutes Genre: HEALTH/FITNESS Rating: NR UPC: 031398221562

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jan 06, 2010 14:19:05

Water aerobics - The gym in water

Water aerobics, aqua aerobics is one of the most effective methods of practice. It consists of exercises that you stand in chest deep water, usually in a pool. An instructor is usually present, showing the different exercises, the arms, legs and the heart of the body. The exercises can be heard rhytemathic Music and weight and can also be used to force majeure. Burned in a work about an hour, about six hundred calories.

Water aerobics, asOther forms of exercise help in losing weight control by lowering levels of blood sugar and stress. Water aerobics, but also has additional advantages that traditional education can not provide. Given our strong support in water, ninety percent of our body weight is. This means there is less stress on joints and ligaments and is doing so much more fun and safer for people who can not use traditional methods for some reason. In addition, the building is a gradualaerobic endurance and strength for those who have recently started weight training.

Water aerobics are very suitable for obese persons. Pool exercises are much better, and people do not have the courage as you would lose in the attempt to exercise classes regularly. Furthermore, there is little chance for injuries, such as the stress on joints and ligaments is significantly reduced. This can help many people to maintain their motivation in the program of fitness exercise.

Exercisesare also very effective for those who have experienced a recent surgery or recovering from an injury. Why is movement in the water reduces the intensity of the vibrations and provide a buffer against shocks. Jogging, can not be done as part of a leg injury, may safely be done in heavy water impacts are avoided. This technique can be used to safely exercise the injured party, thereby accelerating the recovery.

Pregnant women, especially the search for conventional exercisesdifficult. However, you can drive safely to a global movement in the water, with a lower risk of an accident or the impact of the child. Pregnant women can safely exercise and then, without fear of damage. How to get more exercise, they lead a better time of pregnancy, which is to their advantage and for children.

The elderly may, in particular, to find water aerobics is ideal for meeting their physical needs and social issues. Many members of this group are the conditions that age, like the bones brittle. MoreIn addition, because many have not done exercise most of their lives, the added stress can seriously affected tissue, which can not cope. The pools can also serve as a meeting place where friends and family can spend time together and train.

In summary, we can say that safe water aerobics and more comfortable than traditional exercises. You can not only improve your fitness, exercise pool can help accelerate the release of his wounds andCombat stress. Thus equipped, you do not need much equipment. Everything you need to do is dive!

Key facts about things you should know, aerobics

If you, as most aerobic exercises inspired, you always saw the intensity of your workout equipment with a single step. The goal of participating in the phase are essentially the same as other aerobic exercises is to increase the heart rate and burn them for at least twenty minutes, and at the same time toning your muscles and fat. Step will help you to achieve all these goals, while an extra dimension added to the exerciseProgram. To begin a program of aerobics, step, you can relax with a step aerobics class, or you can purchase the pass with the videos to teach him at home.

The benefits of exercise are:

1) It adds extra fun to your program of regular exercise

2) E 'simple and easy to learn

3) The device is cheap enough

4) You use the large muscles of the legs, helps strengthen the muscles

5) It strengthens the tendons andMuscles and ligaments that connect bones to each other

How's Step Aerobic Equipment

You can buy a book or video, or even learn the local gym to move. However, you can just start with simple exercises just by stepping on the platform and then resign. These simple exercises can then continuously from simple steps for more complicated aerobic routines progress.

In addition, you can also speed the process or increasing theAerobics, step platform, the fitness and skills increased. The aerobic phase can grow in their complexity, how to be more responsible.

The exercise of the body are usually the music, and other aerobic routines, but with the exercise of them side by side on the movements of the plan will be used by extending vertically upward and downward from the platform of your stepper motor. What is most important for an efficient workout is to observe yourAttitude. Keep Your Head up, shoulders back and your back straight as you do your workout. If the foot on the platform, should the foot firmly on the surface, and if he will step down from there, the feet should be near the back of the stepper motors. This is to avoid the tension again, lead back.

When you step on the aerobic step platform, there was no shock to the joints.

Cost of Step Aerobics Equipment

If you intend to buy yourown set of aerobics, step machines, you should know that will cost from $ 30 to $ 100. However, if you can afford to buy a head, you get an advantage. These models are generally more expensive adjustable in height so that it can accommodate different skill levels or intensity of training.

For a beginner a step of four inches is sufficient, but if you increase the intensity, you can Aerobic Stepper into two one-inch increments. Soexpensive model is adapted, can be cheaper in the long run.

However, if you have a limited budget, want, or step aerobics, without the purchase of equipment before attempting each item of the family, may be a suitable replacement. You can use things like a piece of wood, a milk crate, or even a short stool, which can run as an elevated platform to practice step.

Precautions step

Like any regular physical activity,Steps must be taken when participating in the hand. This precaution is to ensure that the exercise routine step in the right direction.

Some proper techniques for training with the pass are the following:

1) strengthening of the platform with the soul of the foot

2) The proximity to the point where the building

3) Change your legs used to supply and alighting

4) Set a maximum of five consecutive steps by UPSLeg

5) Do not let the knee to lock

6) step on the floor of the step-down

Other precautions you should also use a stage or platform is the right height. This area is usually determined by the competence of participants in the process of aerobic exercise. Height of four inches is usually suitable for beginners and a 12-inch-high platform is suitable only for an expert.

Aerobic exercise can improve mental health

In addition to the physical benefits, aerobic exercise to improve mental health. One study examined the literature on exercise and mental health to find and shows consistent evidence from several studies using different methods of research that aerobic exercise is 20-30 minutes [in] The time between the "three to five weeks for mental health and welfare benefits - are. "1 The mental health is a broad and includes many conditions. Two of theseConditions relating to millions of people have depression and anxiety. Some studies have shown that regular aerobic exercises can improve and relieve some symptoms of these conditions.

Aerobic exercise and depression

According to the World Health Organization, depression is widespread and affects 121 million people around the world "and" one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. " 2 A common measure of the severity of depression is the Beck Depression --(Inventory BDI) Evaluation. The BDI is a series of questions, the answers provided and a note is created. Research has shown that subsequent to the participation in a regular exercise program, patients with BDI scores corresponding to moderate to severe depression, their results in the category of mild to moderately reduced. In addition, medications are often prescribed with side effects, to alleviate depression, although some studies have found that are less effective than normalOperating programs.3 Depression can be very mild or very severe, but still, regular aerobic exercise can help improve that situation.

Aerobic exercise and anxiety

Aerobic exercise can also be a factor in reducing anxiety. Three meta-analysis that determined the effect of physical activity on the fear that "the exercise of more than 20 minutes [in] length required to reduce the anxiety, irrespective of the testedAnxiety is measured. "4 Another study examined the effect of physical activity recorded on the fear that" exercise programs have the potential to relieve anxiety, improve health and to promote greater psychological well-being physical "5

There are different opinions on why exercise improves symptoms of anxiety. One view suggests that the increase taking the body temperature of the year, the same effect as a warm bath can have on the body - relaxation and reduce muscle tension has. Another point of viewAttributes the reduction in symptoms of anxiety for the release of neurotransmitters, which have a calming effect on the body. Another look shows that the performance distracts people from different stressful events and thoughts that can produce anxiety.6 Regardless physiological reasons, the exercise has a beneficial effect on anxiety in some people.