Friday, March 27, 2009

Total in Ten: Women's Health DVD


Amy Dixon is my new favorite fitness personality. After purchasing her Ultimate Fat Burn workout, which professes to burn 500 calories in one session, I was hooked on her upbeat, but driving style. She's direct and clear in her descriptions of the workouts. I had to get more from her. After reading all of the Amazon.ca reviews of several DVD's I bought Total Workout in Ten. This morning I did the cardio drill (10 minutes) twice for 20 minutes of HIIT.
This DVD is at an intermediate level but there are modifications for those requiring lesser impact, or a slower pace. Divided in to 4 different workouts (Cardio, Upper Body, Lower Body, Flexibility) this DVD delivers the total package. I will do the entire DVD through for total body conditioning, but will use the 10 minute cardio segment in succession up to 3 times for a great cardio workout in 10, 20 or 30 minute intervals. Get this DVD so you have a flexible, customizable workout option in your library. Behind her Ultimate Fat Burn workout, this is currently the best DVD I own.

Epicure Selections: Gluten-free spice mix review

On my sister's birthday I arrived at her home to take her out to dinner, and while I was not looking she cleverly hid 2 gifts for me in my purse- yes she is chronically generous. I love them and thank you lil' sis.
She is conscious of my gluten intolerance and kindly made sure that these did not have any at all- she loves me so.
Curry Dip Mix (Gluten Free)
A mild curry which is perfect for mixing into fat free sour cream, or plain yogurt for a vegetable or chip dip. I've also used this in mashed yams and soup bases already to create a nice compliment between sweet and savory. I highly recommend getting this versatile spice in your cupboard. It's totally free of any processed products or petro by-products. It, like many spices of course, is vegan friendly.
Verde Vinaigrette (Gluten Free)
This is fantastic- flavorful and green (verde)! When mixed with your favorite oil (I use a high-grade olive oil) and balsamic vinegar (again, higher grade is better for salad dressings) it freshens and adds spirit to your greens. I've actually created a little jar to have on hand all the time, using a glass mason jar, I've added this combination of green herbs to my olive oil and vinegar to have on demand. It's that good.
Have both of these ready to dress up your crudites or greens for spring. It's that time of year! Fresh food is always better.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Fresh Weekly: Training


Monday: 20 min Heart Opening Flow yoga from YogaDownload.com, 30min uphill treadmill walk
Tuesday: 20 min Gentle Hatha yoga, 40 minute fitness class (strength and cardio)
Wednesday: 20 min Level 1 of 30 day Shred (Jillian Micheals) DVD, 20 min Power Yoga
Thursday: 20 min Morning Flow yoga, 40 minute fitness class (strength and cardio)
Friday: 20 min Detox yoga, 20 minutes Total Workout in Ten cardio segment
Saturday: 45min Blast Fat Boost Metabolism Cardio/Strength intervals DVD (Jillian Micheals), 20 min yoga of choice
Sunday: 45min Cardio Blast (The Biggest Loser), 60min yoga of choice

30 Day Shred Level 1 Review: This 20 minutes was at a beginner capacity. It felt good for an active session, but at a low enough level to begin to understand what this DVD will deliver. I will alternate between levels 1, 2 and 3 depending on the day and what my body tells me I can do with it on that day. A good workout incorporating strength and cardio intervals. Make sure you have hand weights, and an exercise mat for this one. I would definitely recommend incorporating this into your regular strength and cardio weekly routine. 20 minutes every morning before breakfast will go a long way towards your bikini-ready body fro the summer.