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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DVD Kick Butt! WHFN FitPrime PUSH PULL Pilates Yoga Weights Review

The original "Firm" sisters created this workout, a perfect mix of weights and cardio.Well produced, not boring or irritating...what could be better?Check out all the new fitprimes,which have a much better production quality than the originals.

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Product Description:
Master Instructors Heidi Tanner and Kimberly Spreen lead this fat burning, muscle sculpting FUSION workout (pilates, cardio, yoga and weights). Opposing muscle groups work in push-pull pairs, increasing functional fitness. To burn extra calories, Non-Dominant (weak side first) weight work includes both 2 and 3-limb drills. "Powerhouse Pilates" and Astanga (power) Yoga complement the standing hip and thigh exercises. For lively cardio, nothing beats Kimberly's specialty ' kickboxing!

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Breakthru - Pilates Sculpt Review

Workout Description:about 40 minutes of toning (10 standing traditional weight work, 30 traditional weight and Pilates floor work-fairly evenly split among upper body, lower body, and abs) with 9 minute warm-up and with brief stretches after each toning section for a total of 55 minutes
Workout Level:intermediate
Instructors:Michelle Dozois (Certified instructor; former National and World Aerobic Champion; co-owner of Breaththru Fitness, a personal training and Pilates studio) & Tracy York (Certified instructor and star of over 20 exercise videos).Michelle and Tracy obviously have a good rapport and are serious about exercising, although they do chatter a bit here and sometimes interrupt the other.The two alternate leading segments.Michelle is particularly good at imagery, and Tracy is particularly good at describing form in non-imagery terms.Michelle is more graceful while Tracy is more athletic.Both sides of the body are worked evenly (except for Michelle's leg raise portion, which leaves out one set-you can remedy this quickly before moving on), and the two instructors intend for you to mirror their movements.
Class:Michelle & Tracy only.The instructor in the background for each segment will demonstrate modifications, if any.
Music / Set:The instrumental music is beat-driven and synthesizer-derived.The interior set has richly-colored walls and curtains and is meant to look like a room in a house, with a chair, some side tables, and some potted house plants.The floor has carpet on it.
Equipment Needed:sneakers for standing portion (rest of workout done barefoot); 1-2 pair(s) of dumbbells (your choice of weight), mat
Caveats:Familiarity with basic weight-training techniques is a must.Familiarity with Pilates is recommended.Michelle and Tracy do not give enough pointers for this to be a good instructional video in either discipline.Pay attention to your form.In particular, make sure your knee never goes past your toes when performing any squat, lunge, or plie.
Additional Comments:You do not need a lot of space for this workout.You should be able to lie down with your arms and legs extended; when you're standing, you should be able to take one big step forward and back and two medium-sized steps to each side.
Of the three Breakthru Pilates programs, this is the least focused on Pilates and is the best in terms of production.Of the three, I personally think this is the most effective and interesting routine.However, I use all three almost equally.(I like to throw a "Breakthru Pilates Week" in my rotation.)
The DVD lets you choose chapters; I use this feature to skip the Breakthru Pilates intro and the workout intro, but you could use it to do just the abs segment, for example.There are no extras.

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Product Description:
We've blended Pilates with handweights in one extraordinaryworkout. It's like a shortcut to your leanest, firmest body ever.Pilates is one of the best workouts to make your body leaner and isknown for creating sleek abs and firm buns. Body sculpting with weightscreates unparalleled muscle tone and definition - for sexy arms and thekind of legs that turn heads.Now you can get the best of Pilates andthe best of sculpting in one easyto- follow workout, that's under anhour. Tracy and Michelle have skillfully combined the most effectiveelements of Pilates and sculpting into a one-ofa- kind workout designedto tone and tighten your entire body.Pilates Sculpt will make the mostof your workout time and deliver RESULTS! The Instructors
MICHELLE DOZOIS is co-owner of Breakthru Fitness, a personal trainingand Pilates conditioning studio in Pasedena, California. She is a formerWorld Aerobic champion and has appeared in over 15 fitness videos. TRACYYORK is an internationally known fitness professional who trains otherinstructors worldwide. Tracy has starred in over 20 best-selling fitnessvideos. Please consult your physician before beginning this or anyexercise program.

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Quick Start Pilates for Weight Loss Review

The DVD begins with a 2 minute introduction to general weight loss guidelines, including amount of food taken in, sufficient exercise, and the benefits of pilates.

The workout itself is set off the shore of an ocean border with waves splashing on the rocks. The scenery is beautiful and inviting. The music is typical Gaiam relaxation music. There is nothing overly special nor offensive about it, although the beginning segment includes a nice drum beat in the background.

Ana begins the workout in standing pilates stance, then lowers down with arms crossed in front. The following is the list of exercise series included in the workout.

*The hundred
*Roll-up (5)
*Single Leg Circles (5 each direction, each leg)
*Rolling like a ball (5)
*Single leg stretch ( 5 slow)
*Double straight leg stretch (2 modified with arms and legs straight up, 3 normal)
*Spine stretch forward (5)
*Open leg rocker preparation (alternate leg extensions while balancing-2, follow both legs extended and balance)
*Cork screw (3 each side)
*Saw (3 each side)
*Neck roll ( 2 sets)
*Swan dive prep (5)
*Child's pose stretch (2 breaths)
*Single leg kick (5)
*Double leg kick (4 sets of 3 kicks)
*Child's Pose Stretch (3 breaths)
*Shoulder bridge prep (5)
*Side kick series (right side):
Up & Down (5)
Circles (8 each direction)
Bicycle (3 forward, 3 reverse)
*Side kick series (left side)
*One leg teaser (1 leg planted, 1 leg extended diagonally-3 each side)
*Hip circles (2 each side)
*Seal
*Stand without the aid of hands

This workout is low to mid-intermediate. The pace moves a bit slower than typical Cabán workouts. At first I was irritated by this, as I was used to Ana's previous speed, but I soon realized that I was able to focus better and feel the exercises more deeply at this speed. Although it is not my favorite of Cabán's work, I am happy I made this purchase, and plan to rotate it into my collection.

The instruction is impeccable, probably some of the best, detailed guiding that Ana has even done. It is performed in voice over format. As usual, Ana's form is excellent and inspiring. Ana uses a calm, yet motivating voice, and is very easy to follow. Her manner of speaking is not at all offensive, and it is easy to "bond" with her as an instructor.

Pilates for Weight Loss: Motivational Audio Program CD
Narrated by Ana Cabán

This audio CD is an accompaniment to the Pilates for Weight Loss: 30 Minute Quick Start DVD workout. Along with the DVD and CD kit is an access code for more specific dietary and exercise recommendations on a Gaiam web site for weight loss.

The CD has 6 tracks. The first 5 range around 1 minute long.

Track 1 focuses on staying on track with weight loss goals, by giving general recommendations about food intake and exercise.

Track 2 gives general recommendations for healthier eating and the benefits of doing so. Ana even reveals that she herself was beginning to combat weight gain until she started following some of these recommendations.

Track 3 suggests keeping a journal. The journal can record food eaten for the day, helping to create a sense of moderation. Or the journal can be of thoughts, such as lists of activities you have planned or even just how you are feeling.

Track 4 gives specific examples of what topics can be written in a journal. Some suggestions are current thoughts in the head, which exercises you enjoy, focus on daily fitness, or accomplishments.

Track 5 lists ideas of activities that will be beneficial to practice daily. For example, you should take time for yourself, focus on small steps, exercise, expect disappointment at times, think of 3 things you are grateful for, and drink 8 glasses of water.

Track 6 contains the actual audio workout. It is perfect for traveling as it is a mini-version of the workout on DVD.

The first 2 minutes discusses Joseph Pilates's belief on the purpose and effects of pilates.

The next 4 minutes include warm up stretches. This part would be good if doing no other workout before hand, or if relaxing at the end of the day, but it can be skipped if you prefer to go directly to the actual mat work, especially if you had done cardio first, for example.

Stretches while lying on the back:
*Pull knees into the chest, one at a time, with slow, synchronoized breathing. (2)
*Rib cage stretch: lift arms straight up above then pull over-head (5)
*Single leg hamstring stretch
*Lying back twist
*Breathing and relaxing with knees bent, feet on floor

The next 11 minutes begin the actual mat work. The workout is nearly identical to its DVD counterpart, using the same music and most of the same exercises; however, extra attention to description has been given to enhance the ability to follow along with the audio format.
The following exercise series is included:

*The hundred
*Roll-up (5)
*Single Leg Circles (5 each direction, each leg)
*Rolling like a ball (5)
*Single leg stretch ( 5 slow)
*Double straight leg stretch (2 modified with arms and legs straight up, 3 normal)
*Spine stretch forward (5)
*Saw (3 each side)
*Breathing and relaxing with knees bent and feet on the floor while lying on the back

The remaining 8 minutes or so continues with the relaxation music used in the DVD format.

I think the CD is a good reminder for anyone looking to change to or keep healthier habits, regardless of weight loss goals, if any. The actual workout is performed at Ana's normal pace and is at a low to mid-intermediate level. I plan to use this workout for travel, relaxing at the end of a day, or as an add-on.

Ana's instruction is very clear and purposeful, and her tone is soft and encouraging. Her strong visualization skills greatly aid in her description, allowing the exerciser to complete each exercise with good form.

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Product Description:
Quick Start Pilates for Weight Loss: Get a Pilates body easier than ever with a Pilates workout that focuses more on the core to kick-start metabolism. This 30-minute power-
Pilates program encourages faster results with a minimal time commitment to workouts and with the same healthful, lifelong-lifestyle approach as other Gaiam workout programs. Includes BONUS audio CD and exclusive online access to a 64-page weight loss/nutrition guide with power tips for weight loss success.

There is also a Spanish Track version available.

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Pilates for Men Review

I am a soldier in the US Army. I have found this DVD to be a useful tool to stay in shape when pinched for time and work space. It's easy to fallow, requires minimal space, and requires minimal time. I find it easier to sholder my gear, My back pains are reduced, and I feel less tired when on mission for long periods. I do the exercises on the army issued mat and an able to exercise in a small area. It pumps me up for mission, keeps me in shape, and dosn't overwork your muscles to the point of muscle failure (which is very important if you go on mission in a pinch right after.) I would refer this product to any soldier that does not have time to hit the gym.

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Product Description:
Recently featured by the BBC, this unique men's DVD will enhance your sporting and sexual performance and will also increase energy for work.
Pilates develops fantastic abdominal and back muscles to support a healthy spine.

Through practical multi-camera demonstration this clearly taught DVD will challenge you, whilst teaching you to move safely and correctly.
With celebrities and sportsmen realising that Pilates gives them that extra edge, expert Lindsey Jackson has produced one of only 2 men's DVD's in the world. This one will stretch you, in every way!
Synopsis
Includes warm-up, development of core strength, a power section for those who like an extra challenge, deep stretching and a relaxation bonus.
From the Director
SPECIAL FEATURES: An audio option allows you to listen to the instruction with or without background music. There is also a free downloadable relaxation in MP3 format that can easily be transferred to your MP3 player.

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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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