Jeanette Jenkins: Hollywood Trainer 21 Day Total Body Circuit Review

I bought this workout recently and did both workouts on consecutive days.Jeanette is a very bubbly instructor and I enjoy her personality.Workout 1 (Circuit A) is 38 minutes long and Workout 2 (Circuit B) is 36 minutes.Each circuit covers different body parts (except the abs, which are worked in both circuits).Both have virtually the same warmup and cooldown (but the outfits are different in each, so they are slightly different).If you combine both of the workouts and skip the 1st cooldown and 2nd warmup, the workout probably comes in at around 60 minutes total.

All you need for this one is a mat and a couple of sets of dumbbells...I really enjoy strength workouts that don't require lots of equipment, and this one fit the bill.

Jeanette describes this as a circuit (strength + cardio) workout but the cardio bursts are neither long nor overtly intense so I don't consider this a circuit workout myself.The cardio bursts work the abs pretty good, though and they keep the heartrate up.

All body parts are covered.I wasn't really happy about the upright rows in Circuit B, as they work the shoulders (which I did the day before in Circuit A) so I did hammer curls instead (because the bicep work is light in this workout).Other than that, I stuck to Jeanette's format.I appreciated the rotator cuff exercise, as a lot of instructors skip that.

The music was pretty good instrumental stuff with a nice loud beat and I recognized a couple of songs.

My main issue with this workout is the counting.Jeanette has the beginners do 15 reps of the strength work and everyone else do 25 reps.Unfortunately, the girl cannot count accurately!I frequently found myself above or below the 25 reps stated (once I found myself at rep 42)!This doesn't bother me if both sides of the body are being worked at the same time (ie - squats) but it bugs the Heck out of me when I'm doing 1 leg at a time (static lunges, 1 legged squats).So if you're a stickler about even counting on both sides, be sure to count the reps during the 1 legged exercises or you will be uneven.

It would have been nice if Jeanette had had someone off screen counting for her to insure that each side was worked evenly!

Good workout in spite of the uneven counting and I will be keeping it.I liked this one Much better than Jeanette's 1st Hollywood Trainer series.

Recommend to intermediates, but advanced and beginners can use this one as well (just modify to your level).

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Product Description:
Jeanette Jenkins The Hollywood Trainer 21-day TOTAL BODY CIRCUIT -- Will take your body from flab to fab in just 30 minutes a day. Alternate back and forth between Circuit A and Circuit B to sculpt and tone your entire body!

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Weights First by Anna Benson with Tracie Long Review

I just did this video for the first time this morning and it was awesome.I'm an advanced excersier and am always looking for tougher workouts and I found it!I love all Tracie Long videos--The Firm, TLT, FitPrime--and I highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about their workouts.Lots of tough leg and butt work with a great abs section and fun little cardio bursts.If I could give it more stars, I would.

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Product Description:
Fitness Favorites, LLC is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor for this product. This 58 min. workout alternates cardio & weights to burn fat faster than any other exercise method. Excellent soundtrack. Surprisingly inventive, original workout with exceptional athletic performance by the beautiful Ms. Long. Full-sized DVD case. Workout has menu to major sections, plus chapter marks for each tune. Equipment: 14 inch step, balance stick, medicine ball, heavy & light dumbbells & optional barbell.Search Anna Benson Workouts for You Tube preview.

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Trudie Styler's Core Strength Pilates Review

If you're looking for a classic Pilates matwork tape, this isn't that.What it is, though, is a superb combination of Kundalini yoga rolling back exercises, the main Pilates abdominal exercises, and a Pilates side-lying leg series with ending-yoga-stretch-combination that will kick, well, something.

So, if you approach this with the idea that it's a Pilates-and-other-disciplines-class, it's beautiful.It begins with the Pilates roll-up, repeated with stretching forward, like a dance class or a Kundalini yoga class.It moves into side stretches, and bridge pose with many, many variations of the leg extensions.Continuing with Pilates abdominal exercises repeated with a lot of flowing breath and circular arm additions, it moves into a long Pilates side-lying leg series, followed by yoga leg stretches.It ends with Pilates Rolling Like a Ball, and downward dog with the legs extended into the air, Pilates Swan with the arms circling, and then a final hip stretch and standing prayer pose.

Who would have trouble with this:There are no modifications.You need to be aware of the limitations of your back, neck, and wrists, because a fair amount of stress is put on each at points in some of the exercise.You should also have some idea of basic yoga and Pilates form to protect your neck and back.

(However, if you're strong and kinesthetically intuitive, you can probably get away with doing this right out of the box.Just be aware that it's doing more of a number on your neck than you think it is, unless you're really careful to keep your stomach pulled in on the abdominal exercises.)

As a bonus at the end, there is a song from Sting's more recent repertoire. I left the DVD to play while I was writing the review, and right now there is an incredibly beautiful early music version of "Message in a Bottle" playing.

(For reference, I taught Pilates professionally for seven years.)

Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
For Trudie Styler--actress, producer, environmental activist and wife of rock star Sting--Pilates has been the perfect solution to maintaining strength and vitality. A collaborative effort between Trudie Styler and fitness guru James D'Silva, "Core Strength Pilates" is a complete head-to-toe workout.

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Exhale: Core Fusion Collection Review

This collection is amazing and wonderful.It might seem like it is an easy workout when reading the back of the dvd's but wow, they are anything but easy.It is one of the best workouts I have done in a long time, plus they are extremely enjoyable and really make you feel good when you are done.I am a runner and I have noticed a huge improvement in my running since I added this to my weekly routine.I would recommend this to anyone who is serious about a great workout without feeling like they are "working out".Some of the moves are intense and the ab workout is past intense.I do not know if there is a word to describe it.Out of the whole dvd set the ab workout is hard and I mean hard, but it feels good at the same time.Give it a try I think you will love it!

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Product Description:

Three complete CORE FUSION® programs!
"Exhale's Core Fusion will tone you from head to toe." --Prevention
"Firmer, higher backside in one month!" --Fitness
A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at exhale, the exclusive mind/body spa. Now you can get these same results at home. Each program contains five focused segments of just 10 minutes each, for quick results that fit your busy lifestyle.
BODY SCULPT A twist on traditional strength training, this total-body workout targets everything from the arms and shoulders to glutes, hips, thighs, and abs.
PILATES PLUS Integrating your core with every move, this Pilates-based program is a quick and effective way to get a thin, sleek physique.
THIGHS & GLUTES Lift your buns, tone your legs, and trim your waist--these exercises firm and tighten in all the right spots.
Husband and wife team and Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years of combined experience teaching Pilates, Lotte Berk Method, yoga, and dance--disciplines that comprise the Core Fusion workouts. They are founding team members of exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the United States.

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Exhale: Core Fusion - Thighs & Glutes (2009) Review

I just did Exhale: Core Fusion Thighs & Glutes, and I CAN FEEL my muscles!

I am a fan of original Callanetics, and was looking for other programs in similar lines but more modern and more strenuous then Callanetics. Core Fusion Thighs & Glutes turned out to be exactly what I was looking for for lower body! (no abs though) I was not fond of the setting with a statue of Buddha in the background, shadows of trees on curtains, and darker color scheme overall. However, I appreciate the fact that I could get to the menu and start exercising without being forced to wait through a lengthy intro. Exercises are well organized into 10 minute segments of 5 segments total with clear instructions. One instructor demonstrates advanced version, while the other demonstrates lighter version of the same exercise. The music selection is fine, and not distracting. Most importantly the exercises are great!!!

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Product Description:

5 10-minute workouts to lift and tone
"Heidi Klum and Cameron Diaz rave about this Pilates, yoga, and core conditioning regimen. ---FitSugar.com


"Thinner thighs in three weeks!" ---Health (praise for Core Fusion Body Sculpt)


A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at exhale, the exclusive mind/body spa. Now you can get these same results at home.


Lift your buns, tone your legs, and trim your waist with Core Fusion Thighs & Glutes. This program firms and tightens in all the right spots, giving you the lower body of your dreams. And since the moves work your largest muscle groups at a high intensity, you'll lose weight and inches as you sculpt and tone.


The five 10-minute workouts can be played together for a full core fusion class. Or, you can pick individual segments to suit your time schedule. It also includes the "Leg Lift Thigh Strengthener," a bonus exercise to shape long, lean legs. With the unique Core Fusion approach, you'll tone deep down muscles to gain new strength and redefine your physique.


The Instructors: Husband and wife team and Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years of combined experience teaching Pilates, Lotte Berk Method, yoga, and dance--disciplines that comprise the Thighs & Glutes workout. They are founding team members of exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the United States.


Stills from Exhale - Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes (Click for larger image)

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Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones (2009) Review

This amazing DVD by Jillian Michaels is a 50 minute workout, including warm-up and cooldown, that includes innovative toning moves to target trouble spots. While not for the true beginner, I think this workout would be good for all levels, because she shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers (although sometimes not until halfway through the set). Also, you move at a slightly faster pace throughout, so you get a cardio benefit from this workout as well, although its' main focus is toning your body into great shape. The circuit nature of the workout means that you continue to burn more calories even after the workout is over.

The workout is composed of seven 6-minute circuits that leave no muscle unworked.You can choose to do the entire 40 minute circuit or just select the body parts you want to focus on so you can focus on your "problem areas".Each of the circuits consists of 5 different exercises that you do for 30 seconds each, then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 2 sets of each move.Jillian has a lot of unique, effective compound moves (compound means that you work the upper and lower body at the same time).She uses 3 lb. weights and a mat for the workout but you could adjust the amount of weight to suit your needs and use a blanket if you don't have a mat. I've included a breakdown of all the moves below:

Warmup: Basic marching in place, jumping rope (no rope needed), arm circles, skaters (simulate speed skating) and jumping jacks. Then you repeat the entire sequence for a complete five minutes.

Circuit #1- Shoulder & Legs
- Squat with Shoulder Press
- Backwards Lunge with Side Shoulder Raise (repeat on other leg)
- Chair Squat with Front Shoulder Raise
- Front Shoulder PressOuts

Circuit #2- Chest & Abs
- Chest Press with a Crunch
- Chest Fly with Double Leg Raise
- Bicycle Crunches
- Squirms (lying down with knees bent. lift head and shoulder blades offground and alternate bending to the side and tapping your heels).
- PushUp

Circuit #3- Biceps & Butt
- Deadlift with Hammer Curl
- Static Squat with Concentration Curl
- Front Lunge with Wide Grip Curl (repeat on other leg)
- Side Lunge with Biceps Curl

Circuit #4- Thighs & Triceps
- Chair Pose with Triceps Kickback
- Sumo Squat with Overhead Triceps Press
- Surrender (step back and down to kneeling position then stand up again)
- Forward Lunge with Triceps Pushback (repeat on other leg)

Circuit #5- Core
- Double Crunches
- Twisting Plank
- Plank with ToeTaps (repeat with other leg)
- Windshield Wipers (lying down lift both legs and move from side-to-side)

Circuit #6- Upper Body & Core
- Plank with Back Rows
- Superman
- Scissor Kicks
- Pelvic Thrusts (repeat on other leg)

Circuit #7- Lower Body & Core
- Side Plank
- Side Lying Leg Raise
- Inner Thigh Raise
- Donkey Kicks
- Fire Hydrant with Kick

Then relax with a nice cooldown.

Overall, out of the over 200 workout DVDs I own this is one of the best and I highly recommend it for great results.Jillian is motivating without being too peppy and cues well. If you stick with this workout you'll be ready for short summer shorts and bikinis in no time at all.Enjoy! :)

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Product Description:
Get into the zone with TV's kick-butt trainer, Jillian Michaels, and tackle stubborn problem areas with her surefire circuit training formula that combines upper- and lower-body sculpting moves to obliterate fat even faster. Say goodbye to saddlebags, muffin tops and wobbly arms with this heart-pounding, 40-minute circuit workout that targets trouble zones like never before. By keeping you constantly challenged, Jillian will transform your body from flab to firm in no time! Warm up and cool down before and after this grueling workout.

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Exhale: Core Fusion - Pilates Plus Review

I hurt my back, was unable to fold forward, or sit. When given the go ahead by my doctor to move again, I found the Core Fusion Pilates DVD, and the Core Fusion Body Sculpt DVD, to be the only workouts that I could do without increasing my injury. In fact, it helped do the exact opposite and helped HEAL my back. After 6 weeks, I went from having a severe condition to being clean and clear. I did not take any drugs. I went to the chiropractor regularly, iced my injury, and did Core Fusion, and I feel better than ever!!! Not to mention I lost inches from my waist and hips, and am the strongest, leanest, and most flexible I have ever been! This dvd is AWESOME and empowering!

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Product Description:

"Exhale's Core Fusion will tone you from head to toe" --Prevention
A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at the exclusive Exhale Spa--now you can get these same results at home.


Named "Best Fusion Class" by New York magazine, this unique program is one of the quickest, most effective ways to get a thin, sleek physique. In five segments of 10 minutes each, the Pilates-based moves deliver washboard abs, perfectly sculpted arms and shoulders, and a tighter, higher backside-fast.


The secret to Core Fusion Pilates Plus is that it works from the inside out, integrating your core with every move. The deep-toning approach goes far beyond the surface muscles, working hard-to-reach areas that traditional exercises can't reach. Infused with yoga-inspired postures and core-conditioning exercises, this invigorating workout produces real results and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.


Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years' combined experience teaching Pilates, yoga, dance, and Tai Chi, disciplines that inform the Pilates Plus workout. They are founding team members of Exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the country.


Stills from Exhale: Core Fusion Pilates Plus (Click for larger image)

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Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt Review

I'm always looking for something fun and results oriented to keep me motivated. This DVD totally fits the bill on that front. It's a really interesting and different approach to a total body workout broken up into do-able 10-minute sections that completely make me "feel the burn" AND keep me interested. The instructors do a great job of explaining each exercise clearly and showing alternate moves. Core Fusion seems to be all about small muscle movements and lots of reps so you're not working with heavy weights. However, you are repeating specific exercises for a longer period than you normally would so by the time you're done with each 10-min segment you really know you put some work into that muscle group. My personal faves are the ballet inspired chair workouts (amazing for the rear-end) and the arm workouts (awesome tri/bicept routine).

If you like this one, check out Core Fusion Pilates Plus. I bought both DVDs at once and am really pleased. Pilates Plus features the same instructors but with exercises that target the abs. The fact that I not only finished this DVD, but am doing it regularly is a testament in itself as I normally can't get through a pilates workout (find them boring in many cases) and I hate working my abs. I may be imagining things but I do feel a bit tighter all around after doing these workouts for a little while. Both Core Fusion DVDs have quickly become part of my regular workout rotation.

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Product Description:

"Lose the jiggle without the gym" --Marie Claire
A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at the exclusive Exhale Spa--now you can get these same results at home.
Build a strong core, develop washboard abs, improve posture, and create a tighter, firmer physique with Core Fusion Body Sculpt. This total-body program employs exercises that tone and sculpt your deepest, hard-to-reach muscles so it's more efficient and effective than traditional strength training. You'll use your own body weight as resistance and small hand weights to really challenge and build your muscles.
Segmented into five focused workouts of just 10 minutes each, these exercises target the whole body, from arms and shoulders to glutes, hips, thighs, and abs. The unique Core Fusion system will strengthen your body, quiet your mind, and improve your overall well-being while redefining your physique from head to toe.
Core Fusion creators Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have over 50 years' combined experience teaching Pilates, yoga, dance, and Tai Chi, disciplines that inform the Body Sculpt workout. They are founding team members of Exhale, a leading mind/body spa with locations around the country.

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