When it’s just too hot to work out outside, you can take your workouts inside. Don’t have a gym membership, or just REALLY not in the mood to go out? Just keep some DVDs in the house so you can stay on track. Here are some new ones we tried out.
Bottom Line & A Core Defined with Patricia Friberg (a professional trainer) is a Pilates and Strength based workout broken into three segments; Bottom Activation 1, 2, and A Core Defined. These and a few guides, set ups, and an intro make up the DVD. It focuses on defining your butt (as the name indicates) but also works your core, improves posture, and helps you become more flexible and fit. While it definitely focus on the glutes, you will feel this workout in your abs and legs as well for sure. You will likely want to do the first activation a few times before you move on to the second, just to get the hang of it or to get your body ready for the higher intensity. A Core Defined covers more of the body overall, but really focuses on the abs. Friberg gives good direction throughout, just keep pace that is comfortable to you and move on when you are ready. Available for $20 from http://www.patriciafriberg.com
Want to work your lower body? Want to work out, but in a bit of a time crunch? Your Sexy Everything (Booty, Legs, Thighs) by Ilyse Baker might be one to try out. I know it says “everything”, but it means everything below the Mason Dixon, it seems. It has a good variety of workouts, containing four mini workouts that are 5, 6 ,7, and 8 minutes long each as well as two bonus workouts- Ballet Grooves, a 5 minute core workout (and it’s fun) as well as the Dancer’s Floor Stretch (seeing a theme here?) that is 10 minutes of lengthening, flexibility enhancing stretching and toning. $15 at http://ilysebaker.com/
Also available by Ilyse Baker are Dancinerate Sassy Jazz and Hip Hop Fusion and Dancinerate Burn with the Beat. These fun workouts are great ways to add some variety to your routine, and maybe learn some new moves. If you are a great dancer- great! These will just add to your skills and be good practice for you. Not a good dancer? (Cough) That’s ok- they are still really fun to do, and no one sees you being completely off when you are in your own living room- enjoy it.
Want to add a little something extra to your workout? The AB-EZE suspension trainer is fun, interesting, and easy to install and use. It’s an interesting way to work your abs and core, it’s design based on a trapeze harness found on a catamaran. It uses your body and weight as well as gravity to give you a work out, by leaning on the support pad and using it to engage your muscles. AB-EZE anchors easily over any door or fixed point, then by leaning on the comfortable support pad, muscles will instantly engage. You can change the intensity by pressing a button and lengthening or shortening the strap, and changing your body positions. Use it to “firm and lift the butt; sculpt abs and shrink waistline; strengthen back; and, shape and define legs”. Easy to take with you when you travel if you’d like as well. Get yours for $149.99 at www.ab-eze.com
In Light of Change by Julie Rammal is a change of pace. It’s a little slower, and uses your whole body to work out your whole body. This is one of the more interesting DVDs I’ve tried in a while. It is for sure not like other DVDs you might have tried. It has eight different (VERY different) segments ranging from Cardio Boxing to “Tibetan Rituals”, none of which take more then 8 minutes to complete each. No equipment is needed to do any of them, and is said to be inspired by “aerobics, primal movements, yoga, Pilates, stretching and nature.” Overall, I found it calming and relaxing, while still providing a decent workout. I enjoyed this one, it was quite different, but in a good way. One note- it’s not great for beginners. Ms. Rammal is not great with instruction or giving modifications, so only do what you feel comfortable with, or what you’ve been taught to do as modifications outside. Available for about $19 from Amazon.com
