Spinning Pedal Power: Strength Energy Zone DVD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I started out participating in spinning classes and this spinning video is much more like a true spinning class.The lighting is always dimmed in spinning classes as in this video and music is played in the background.Mike Michels is very down-to-earth and he does a great job coaching the spinning riders into a demanding ride that benefits everyone.He is very friendly and his music in this video would be liked by mostly everyone.

I highly recommend this spinning DVD for everyone.

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Product Description:
Train your legs to move mountains. This Strength Energy Zone ride is your ticket to strong, shapely legs and a tight, toned tush. Using cadence building and resistance loading intervals, Spinning Instructor Mike Michels takes you on a ride that will help you build the physical and mental strength you need to reach your fitness goals.

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Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Sport Inversion Therapy Table Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Why I chose EP-550 Sport:

Purchased this item on Oct.6,08.Chose this model, because of a positive reputation and the easy storage function, though it was a bit more expensive than other brands.In addition, this model is supposed to have a very comfortable ankle clasp.Sport version even includes the gravity boots.So, I decided to purchase EP-550 Sport instead of regular EP-550.

The First Day:
The assembly is not hard, but the whole package is quite ponderous.Once assembled, the inversion table needs some practice, adjusting the height and weight distribution, when one first uses it.This will take a while to get used to it.Unlike some other models, this table uses a seesaw mechanism, which means there is no locking into 30, 60 or 90 degree angle.The whole movement depends on balancing weight between one's head vs. his feet by swaying his arm either toward his head or toward his knee, once the balance has been established.Make sure to view the DVD that comes with the kit.

Pros:
Gravity boots are quite helpful, and I love how I can oscillate.

Cons:
Cam Locks arrived completely broken on both sides.When I called the customer service, they knew exactly what was broken, even before I mention the specific location.Obviously, there is a proven packaging problem.

If you are less than 100 lb, you might have a difficult time going into full inversion, since there is a lot of weight at the bottom.Using the gravity boots helps a bit.

Because the table is bottom heavy, it does not fold like a video.I find that, even when I shorten the table to the maximum storage mode, the table still sways into the horizontal angle, which makes it difficult to store without scratching the wall.

Traction handle is a rip off.Personally, I do not find them useful at all.Besides, they are supposed to be worth $30?!

Conclusion:
I recommend buying the regular EP-550 and the gravity boots kit separately and save money for Traction handle.If you really want to try the traction handle, just buy them separately.Buying EP-550 Sport model does not give you any discount for buying the whole package.EP-550 Sport should be around $350, when EP-550 is $299.

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Product Description:
Achieve a better back, better body with Teeter Hang Ups. The industry leader since 1981, Teeter Hang Ups has focused solely on producing the best value inversion equipment with time-proven design features that ensure dependability and user security. In just a few minutes a day, you can experience a wide range of benefits, including temporary relief of back pain, improved posture through better alignment, stimulated circulation and reduced stress. When you want a natural, in-home solution for a healthier back, try inversion - if you value quality, look to Teeter Hang Ups. The EP-550 Sport adds the Teeter Gravity Boots and the EZ Stretch Traction Handles to the outstanding design and engineering of the EP-550 for an enhanced inversion workout. Use your gravity boots with the table or take them to the gym for inverted sit ups and squats. With the muscles in your lower back relaxed, pushing on the handles can help to increase traction and enhance your stretching experience. The EP-550's new "Flex Technology" allows the table bed to move with you while performing stretches and exercises with ease and precision.

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The FIRM Cardio Sculpting Balls Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am the most skeptical of skeptical people, especially when it comes to anything "as seen on TV"/infomercial products, and MOST especially work out systems.I work at a retail store and noticed this kit a few weeks ago.I decided I'd give it a try, as it sounded decent and the winter weather has put a nice road-block on my outdoor cardio . . . plus my employee discount always helps me try new things! :)I liked the idea of the weighted balls incorporated with cardio, as I am getting married in the fall and I need both cardio and muscle tone to look fab in my dress.

Getting more to the point, this workout kicked my butt!!I was absolutely shocked at how quickly I was drenched in sweat.Mind you, I am a 22 year old fairly fit individual who walks and jogs on a daily basis, plus I have been a dancer since I was 6 and I do yoga regularly.I'm not as toned as I would like to be (lack of motivation to do push ups and lunges . . .), hence buying the kit.I literally could barely walk the next day!I did the full workout, not the express routines, on my first go with the kit.Almost the entire DVD is some form of lunge or squats plus the weighted balls.My abs were sore, every possible muscle in my legs were sore, my arms were sore . . . it was miserable, but a good miserable!I couldn't work out the next day to the same DVD, so I did a low-key pilates DVD instead.I haven't been this sore in YEARS!

The only real downside I saw to the DVD is there is basically no instruction whatsoever.There were a few moves I had trouble wrapping my brain around--probably due to a combination of profuse sweating and extreme fatigue.However, I found that as a complete virgin to The Firm workouts I was able to follow along for the most part and it definitely got easier the second time around.Just don't get hung up on trying to do all of the moves perfectly the first few times with the workout.Often I would ignore the more complicated arm sequences while I concentrated on getting the foot work down.For new moves I usually marched in place and watched the girls do a cycle first to get the move down before attempting it myself and I found that extremely beneficial.

I am extremely pleased with this purchase, which means a lot coming from one of the cheapest people ever!I would recommend this product to anyone who wants an intense and effective workout.I will update and let you all know if I notice a difference in my strength and tone in a few more workouts.

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Product Description:
The Firm Cardio Sculpting Balls will sculpt and tone your body with astonishing results in half the time.High energy, high intensity, and high-fat burn---it's all there. Includes the balls and a workout DVD containing three workouts: CARDIO CORE FUSION, CARDIO ABSESSION, and BURN SHAPE & TONE.

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The Firm Body Sculpting System - Complete Body Sculpting - Exercise DVD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This DVD alternates upper and lower body standing weight work with cardio for a circuit-type routine. The cardio segments are challenging enough, and the weight work is, too, if you heavy-up enough with the dumbbells. This workout is a performed a little more slowly so that you can do that. There is no floor work for the legs. This runs around 45 minutes.

Christa (the lead) looks very thin in this workout, but she had supposedly had a bad case of the flu shortly before this was filmed, so that may be why. There are four other "master instructors" performing the workout with her, one of which is doing the "beginners" version of the routine (not using dumbbells, etc.).The music is good, a kind of slower techno music, the camera work so-so. Often, you cannot see Libby (the "beginner") and incline step work is filmed showing the side of the instructor, not the front. That can be very confusing.

The step that was originally designed to be used with this was crap. About a year later, they came out with the TransFirmer, which should be used instead (it is much safer). Other than dumbbells and maybe a mat, no other equipment is necessary.

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Product Description:
Do you want stronger, shapelier thighs and hips? If so, Complete Body Sculpting is for you! Complete Body Sculpting combines fat-burning cardio with body-shaping moves to transform your whole body into the sleek, firm body you've always wanted. This total-body workout is sequenced to reshape your hips, thighs and fanny completely while blasting away the fat! Firm Master Instructor Christa Riley sequences the muscle-sculpting exercises so that you stay in a "fat-burning" cardio range even when performing slower exercises - you'll feel the cardio effect of this workout even when you're not performing traditional cardio moves! This workout is all you need to shape and slim your body for life!

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Gaiam Total Body: Cross Train Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)At first I wasn't so sure about my purchase, but I watched the little video and it looked really good. I like the instructor and that the workout was filmed outside (it's a nice change of scenery compared to my other workout dvds, which were all filmed indoors). The workout has a "relaxed" feel, the music is really nice and the instructor is somewhat quiet, but the workout itself is not relaxed! I like that about it. I did the whole workout - but you can also do it in segments of upper body, lower body and abs and I really feel like a got a good whole body workout.
I like to keep my workout interesting, and the disc and resistance cord (and the whole dvd in general) are different from your usual weights and cardio.
I struggled at first with inflating the disc, I wasn't sure how much air I needed, and during the workout I had to adjust the air, when I noticed that my disc wasn't inflated enough.
If you want something "different", and not your usual cardio + weights, this is definitely it. The dvd makes me feel like I want to go outside and exercise in the fresh air now.

EDIT 04-20-2008
This has become one of my favorites, I just love Tanja!!!!!
I am going to buy more of her workout dvds (I already bought the balance ball workout).

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Product Description:
Enjoy a total body workout during your cross-training routine with this Gaiam Total Body Challenge kit. Bundled with a stability disc, resistance cord, and a workout DVD, the kit includes everything you need to burn fat and tone up fast. The stability disc--an inflatable, cushion-like product--helps you strengthen your leg, core, and shoulder muscles while working out. Simply stand on the disc and you'll improve your balance while stabilizing your joints. The resistance cord, meanwhile, offers an efficient, no-frills way to strengthen and tone your muscles, especially when combined with the stability disc. In addition, the cord is wrapped in soft cloth for added comfort. Finally, the DVD includes three 20-minute workout segments hosted by fitness expert Tanja Djelevic.
About Gaiam
Gaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice, people would choose a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing, for themselves, their families and the Earth. The Gaiam lifestyle is a vote for individual health as well as the future sustainability of the Earth's resources. Gaiam strives to provide customers with alternatives to traditional products by offering natural, eco-friendly or healthy versions that compare with the style, quality and price of conventional products.
Gaiam's goal is to become the trusted source and unifying brand for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) participants. They understand that the opportunity to affect people's lives with information and products is both a privilege and a responsibility. Gaiam believes in the concept of Conscious Commerce, the practice of making purchasing decisions based on personal values and beliefs. It takes into consideration all the aspects of our lives and the impact we have upon the planet. Research indicates this concept appeals to approximately 50 million people in the U.S. alone. Gaiam's strategy in delivering the distinctive quality for which they are known is to partner with experts in health/wellness, eco-living and personal development to develop proprietary products that meet our customers' needs with meaningful solutions.
The name GAIAM is a fusion of the words Gaia (the name of Mother Earth from the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete), and I am reminds us that we are all interconnected with the Earth, the air and water, and very much a part of this living system that sustains us all.

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