Video: Absolute Hot Yoga Workout

This full-length hot yoga workout moves you through 50 yoga poses for an intense, full-body yoga workout. Hot, or Bikram yoga is typically performed in a heated room. This warms your muscles, detoxifies your body, and increases the flexibility and weight-loss benefits of yoga. If you do not have access to a heated room, you may also perform this workout at regular room temperature.

This fast-paced workout is performed using only a yoga mat, so no special equipment is needed. Detailed instruction is given along with the demonstration.

Get ready to sweat and let's work out!

Absolute Hot Yoga [official] - Full DVD Online!


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Video: 20-Minute Morning Yoga Workout for Weight Loss

This short and fun yoga workout takes only 20 minutes, but will help support your weight loss efforts, loosen up tight muscles, and energize you for the day ahead, so it's a great way to start off the day! It starts out very slow and easy, and then will speed up and become more challenging as your body warms up. You won't need any equipment other than a yoga mat. She gives very clear instructions along with the demonstration, so it is very easy to follow.

My husband and I are moving into our new house, so depending on my schedule, we may not be posting next week. But be sure to check back soon for more fun fitness tips and weekly workouts that help you get in shape fast!

 

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Review: Stronger Seniors Core Fitness Workout

Whether you're a senior, or just someone recovering from an injury and and you find some workout programs have too much impact on your joints or you have physical challenges that make traditional exercise programs difficult, the Stronger Seniors Core Fitness program is a great solution.

This is a DVD fitness program you can enjoy in the privacy of your own home. But what you’ll find is unique about it is that all of the exercises are performed while seated in a chair, so you won’t have to worry about any impact on your joints.

While there are several different Stronger Seniors workouts, this particular program is designed to help you improve the strength of your abdominals. In addition, you’ll find that you take pressure off of your lower back and you experience better posture and balance. You’ll also learn the best breathing techniques while you exercise.

It’s important as you age that you continue to exercise your body. Exercise has been shown to improve mobility and decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases. If you have a chronic disease, in some cases, exercise can help to alleviate symptoms and even reverse it.

But if you’re experiencing problems related to aging such as arthritis, heart disease, or osteoporosis you may have a hard time with exercises that require walking, jumping, or anything that puts pressure on your joints.

This workout program is free from impact but will help you to strengthen the muscles of your body that help you to stay balanced and pain free. With a stronger core you’ll find it easier to perform your daily tasks and possibly even enjoy exercises such as walking or riding a bike.

If pain or a lack of fitness has kept you from enjoying activities, this program can help you to get back the strength that you’ve lost. You’ll find that it improves the way you feel and helps you to be more independent.

This program uses principles from Pilates to create a core strengthening program perfect for seniors or people with disabilities. Core strength is critical, but many Pilates exercises call for a wide range of flexibility that many people just don’t have.

As you practice the exercises on this DVD you’ll see that they meet you where you are. You can do all the exercises from the comfort and stability of a chair. You won’t have to risk impact or injury as you work to get fit.

There’s also an emphasis on the connection between the mind and body that will help you to have even better success as you work toward fitness goals. With the Stronger Seniors Core Fitness Chair Exercise Program you’ll get stronger, develop better balance, and be able to manage stress better.

Click Here to Get Yours on Amazon.com, and give it a try today!

The Basic Concepts of Kettlebell Training

The use of kettlebells can be dated back to the end of the 19th century but it wasn't popularized in the United States until the late '90s. The first US-made Russian style kettlebell was made in 2001. Kettlebells are used like other weights to improve one's physique and fitness level.

What sets this cast iron weight apart from other exercise tools is its unusual design- like a cannonball with a handle. Some are filled with water, sand or steel shot. Unlike regular dumbbells where the weight is evenly distributed on each side, the kettlebell’s center of mass goes away from the hand.

Because of its design, the user can swing the weight to improve core strength. Each time you swing the weight, you are not just fighting the weight but the centripetal force as well. Using a kettlebell is no doubt more challenging than working out with a dumbbell of the same weight.

Kettlebells (Dragon Door Brand) of various sizes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ballistic and swinging movements combine cardio, strength and flexibility movements. These exercises can build strength and endurance specifically in the lower back, shoulders, butt and legs. Basic moves like swing, snatch and the clean and jerk work different muscle groups at once.

Kettlebell exercises are holistic in nature, working many different muscle groups all over the body at the same time. Compared to exercises done with dumbbells, kettlebell training often requires a larger number of repetitions. Another important aspect of the kettlebell is the caution that needs to be practiced when using it.

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is they bend at the waist and pull with their arms to move the weight. You need to use your hips and not your arms to move the kettlebell. Doing the exercises correctly will allow you to burn more calories and prevent injuries.

If you are a beginner, it will be best to try different weights and exercises until you find one that that will give you a challenging but functional workout. Learn the basics before you venture out to more advanced techniques. The basic core moves that you have to master are how to swing, clean and snatch.

You can't be an advanced kettlebell user unless you practice the basic exercises first. But another great thing about working out with kettlebells is that since the exercises involved in kettlebell training use the same type of movements you might use in daily physical chores such as chopping wood and shoveling, you are able to develop functional strength that can benefit you in your everyday life.

The weight itself does not look complicated, but mastering the moves is a little difficult. There are certain techniques that are critical to preventing injuries. If you are planning to workout with a kettlebell, it's best to enroll in a class or purchase a DVD so you can practice the moves at home, and learn the basics first to stay safe.

A Few Good Kettlebell Workout DVDs for Beginners:

   

Review: Kundalini Yoga Workout for Beginners & Beyond

I got several new yoga DVDs for Christmas this year, and I'm still working my way through them all, so I'm not sure what my favorite is yet, but if you're new to Kundalini Yoga, you can't go wrong with the excellent Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond, with Ana Brett & Ravi Singh. I absolutely love their simple, soothing style, and all of my Kundalini yoga DVDs that I have tried so far feature them.

This DVD is a great introduction to Kundalini yoga, which is quite different from the Hatha forms of yoga typically taught in yoga fitness classes, so if you're expecting more of the same old Downward Dog and Crescent poses, you may be disappointed. But if you're open to a new form of yoga which challenges your mind and spirit as much as your body, give this one a try without any expectations, and see what it can do for you.

This workout contains exercises for flexibility, strength, aerobic efficiency, stress relief, back care, and more - together with explicit instructions on breathing and guided meditations. This amazingly effective daily routine features two yoga sets which can be done individually or together, as well as a guided meditation and relaxation segment.

The first exercise set focuses on maintaining a strong and flexible spine - important for every aspect of health. The second set consists of a series called "The Five Tibetans," and yes, it does include some of the traditional yoga poses, but you will flow through them repeatedly and rhythmically, rather than holding them, along with specific types of breathing, so it really works all of your muscles and increases your heart rate as well, and provides quite a challenge for your entire body. I've only done this set a few times so far, and I can't do all of the repetitions yet, and still end up very sore for a couple of days afterwards, so don't let the "beginner" title fool you - this is a real workout!

This DVD also includes the "Matrix" option, which I love - I wish all workout DVDs had this! This allows you to choose which segments you wish to do, and program them to play in the order you choose. It makes it really easy to set up your workout to fit into whatever time you have available. If you have a whole hour, you can just play the whole DVD through. But if you only have 20 minutes, you can choose the opening "Tune In" prayer, the first (or second) workout set, relax, and you're done. Or add the meditation if you are feeling extra stressed that day. It's up to you!

If you want to try a new, fun way to exercise this year, check out this DVD and add a new element to your fitness.

Click Here to Buy It On Amazon.com...

How To Stay Gym Fit Without A Gym Membership

If the global recession is affecting you and you’re trying to cut costs, then finding ways to stay fit without going to the gym might help. Regularly going to the gym can cost quite a bit of money and might be one of your single biggest monthly expenses.

While you may not want to stop going to the gym forever, one temporary cost-cutting measure is to try and keep fit from home. Here are a few exercise ideas and tips on how to give your home workout program a running start this year!

Cycling: If you’ve got a bike then it’s pretty easy to keep fit – just head out for a ride! If you usually use an exercise bike at the gym then this is a great alternative, and can be much more fun too. You get to set your own route, so you can see what you want to see as you get your exercise. You can even vary your route to keep things interesting.

Bench and weights: If you’ve got a bit of spare cash you can buy a bench and weights for a home workout. You can pick these up pretty cheap – probably for the same price as a single month of gym membership, and maybe even less! With these you can do nearly all of the exercises that your gym weight machines do, without paying a single penny more than it cost to buy them. Not only that, but you can use them any time you want – not just during gym opening times.

(Photo credit: GO INTERACTIVE WELLNESS)

Yoga: One of the cheapest forms of exercise to do from home is yoga. Although yoga isn’t for everyone, it’s incredibly popular and is a great way to stay healthy when taken seriously. To do yoga you really need nothing more than your body, but you might want to get a yoga mat too. That’s all you’ll need to start doing your own home yoga program.

If you’re not already familiar with yoga practice, then you can pick up DVDs on yoga instruction for next to nothing, and the internet offers loads of free yoga tips and videos too. There’s no reason to spend loads of money on yoga classes if you haven’t got the cash!

Exercise with no equipment: The most obvious kind of exercise that requires no equipment is running. However, there are a variety of other exercises that are easy to do with nothing besides your own body. Press-ups and sit-ups are classic examples. Pull-ups are another. Using exercises like these it’s possible to cover nearly every muscle in your body. If you need guidance, check out some of the fun interval training workouts like PACE Express, which use only your own body weight to do a wide variety of exercises, while providing great cardiovascular benefits as well.

It’s also possible to use makeshift equipment in place of the “real” thing. For example, you don’t actually need dumbbells to do weights. All you need are heavy objects that are easy to lift. For light aerobic training you can just use canned food items like baked beans. For heavier weights, try using large bottles of mineral water. Both are just as good as real weights but cost nothing extra than your grocery shopping bill!

Make It Social: If the gym forms a central part of your social life, then stopping your regular gym attendance might not seem like much of an option. But it is possible to get your gym buddies to come and train with you from home, so don’t rule it out altogether. Staying motivated during home workouts can be one of the toughest things. However, there are loads of ways to keep your motivation up. One of the best ways is to find buddies to work out with from home – go for a run with your gym pals or have a friend over for a yoga session.

Another great way to stay motivated is to reward yourself for every workout (as though your own personal fitness and wellbeing wasn’t enough of a reward!). You can do this with food (careful not to undo all your hard work with this one though) or with small gifts.

Exercising from home also means that, if you’ve got music or a TV on hand, it’s your choice what to watch or listen to as you exercise. Together, these things should be able to keep you motivated and maintain your fitness even without heading to the gym regularly, so you can save money and still build your health and fitness this year.

And of course, check this blog regularly for fun exercise ideas, tips for staying motivated, and free weekly workout videos!

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Video: Introductory Kundalini Yoga Workout

Most people are familiar with different forms of Hatha yoga, but you may never have tried (or even heard of) Kundalini yoga. This form of yoga is less focused on what you might think of as yoga poses, and more on breathing and meditation, connecting your mind to the physical movements of the body, sometimes with more rapid movements, incorporating more elements of cardiovascular exercise.

I've only been introduced to Kundalini yoga fairly recently, and I absolutely love it! I still do Hatha yoga too, but my Kundalini practice is what keeps me balanced, relaxed, focused, and relieves stress and anxiety. Basically it just makes me happy!

I received several Kundalini yoga DVDs for Christmas, so I will be reviewing those for you as I work through them, but I wanted to share an introductory Kundalini yoga workout with you today. This one is a full-length workout, so be sure you have the time set aside to do the whole thing to reap maximum benefit. If you've never tried Kundalini yoga, it may take some getting used to, but just keep an open mind and follow the instructions, and try not to compare it to other forms of yoga you might have done, but approach it as a new experience and relax into it.

As always, remember to be gentle, listen to your body, and check with your doctor if you're not sure you're in good enough shape to do yoga.

Give it a try, and enjoy this unique form of exercise for mind and body!

Yoga Workout Introduction to Kundalini Yoga
yoga for beginners yoga class


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Review: Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred

People the world over are becoming more and more health conscious as our jobs increasingly require us to sit in a chair in front of a computer all day. It’s clear that our health suffers when we do so little physical activity, and as a result a huge industry has developed to help people get healthier through physical exercise.

The Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred program is one of a number of fitness programs that aims to help people get into shape with the minimum amount of time spent exercising. This appeals both to those who are somewhat lazy and those who are very busy. So does it actually do the job? Let’s take a look.

Key Features For Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred

RRP: $14.98
Year of Release: 2008
Instructor: Jillian Michaels
Focus Areas: Strength, Cardio, and Abs

Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred: The Pros

1. 20 Minute Program: The Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred program's biggest selling point is that the program is based entirely on a workout of no more than 20 minutes a day. That sounds like a dream come true to many people, and rightly so. Having to exercise for just 20 minutes a day is nothing.

Those who’ll benefit most from this are busy people who struggle to find the time to go to the gym, or even to do more typical kinds of workout at home. It’s not hard to set aside 20 minutes of your time each day no matter how busy you are, and that’s all this program asks of you.

This is also a benefit to those who are unmotivated or lazy and don’t like the idea of having to work out. Only taking up 20 minutes of your time each day, this is a far easier program both to get started with and to stick to in the long run than many longer workouts.

2. Short Bursts of Intensity: The program differs from others in that it uses a series of short bursts of intense activity to get the exercise done. That means that the 20 minutes which each workout lasts for can be pretty exhausting, but gets things over with quickly.

This kind of exercise keeps the workout varied, as you move from one exercise to the next fairly quickly. For those who get bored easily, this will be of definite benefit. However, short bursts of activity (interval training) are also known to be an excellent way to train for both stamina and strength. In short, this will get you fighting fit, and quick.

3. Different Levels: This program offers three different levels of intensity through three different workouts. That means you can ease into things, and then as you progress you can stretch yourself and work harder and harder so that you continue to improve.

It’s worth noting that even the beginner level is far from easy, and that’s true for veteran athletes as well as total novices. Although that means it can be a tough start, it also means that you don’t just whiz through the start, so you’re getting better value for the money.

An additional advantage of having several levels is that each level offers a different workout. That means you can switch things up to keep your workouts fresh, helping you to fend off the boredom that can often come when you get used to a workout.

4. It's Simple: Many novices are easily put off workout program because they’re complicated. However,  Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is one of the easiest to follow, using simple yet effective techniques to target key areas of the body. Whatever your previous fitness experience, you should be able to follow this program without trouble.

Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred: The Cons

1. May Exacerbate Back And Knee Injuries: This is a serious point that all potential users should be aware of. The exercises in this program may make back and knee injuries worse, or could even cause them if proper form and technique are not followed. You should be very cautious, listen to your body while working out, and consult your physician before engaging in this program to make sure you are appropriately fit to start a fitness program of this intensity.

2. Requires Accessories: Okay, so this one may not be a big deal, but to do this workout you do need a couple of accessories. These are some small hand weights and, if you’re working out on a hard floor, a mat. Although these aren’t going to cost you much, you will want to be aware that they don't come with the DVD.

3. Loud Music: This will vary depending on your personal tastes, but the music can get annoying. Sure, it’s energetic and motivational, but it could get annoying if you don't like this kind of music. Dealing with annoying music shouldn’t stop you from working out, but it might demotivate you over time.

4. Limited Variety: If you need a lot of variety to keep you interested, this workout DVD may fall short. There is only one routine for each of the three levels, so in total you have three routines to choose from. That’s a very small number, and might not be enough for some.

Is Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred Worth Buying?

This is a great workout program that obtains results quickly without eating into your free time too much. You just need to be careful of your back and knees, as some of the exercises can put a lot of strain on them and may cause injury. With this in mind though, this is a program that can definitely be recommended for its motivational style and great results in a short amount of time.

You can find Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred program in many stores as well as online via Amazon.com.


 

Video: Jillian Michaels Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout

Jillian Michaels' workouts are not for wusses - and this workout is no exception!  This full-length workout includes a warmup and cool down, complete with 45-minute workout that will blast fat and kick your metabolism into high gear, while toning your entire body. Use your own body weight to get a great workout at home without any equipment. This one isn't really for beginners, but she does include some beginner modifications for you to follow if you're not that fit yet. If you are a beginner, follow the beginner examples of the exercises where available, and you don't have to do the whole thing - even if you can only do the first 15 minutes that's a start!

Take it easy, be sure to warm up and stretch, and listen to your body. Now let's get ready to move!

(Note: Be sure to consult with your trainer or healthcare professional before starting any new workout, especially if you are at a low fitness level.)

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout
Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism Complete Workout is an intense calorie-blasting, total body-sculpting exercise series that is made up of 7 card...

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