REVIEW Body By Bethenny Yoga DVD
I didn’t mean to come across so …. what’s the word… bitchy. I feel kinda bad. I really do like Bethenny, and I like her book, I just do not like this DVD…
I have died and gone to heaven. Stonewall Kitchen is not only my new favorite store to browse, but they have made one of the most delicious and healthy condiments I have ever tasted. Seriously. This shit is amazing and less than $3. Blue Cheese Herb Mustard, you are my best friend, and at only 5 calories a tsp, a damn good healthy role model.
Jillian Michaels is known for her in your face, no holds back, type training personality on The Biggest Loser. In her previous workout videos like 30-Day Shred and No More Trouble Zones, she proved she could kick our asses at home. Her newest workout DVD (or Exercise TV clip OnDemand) doesn’t exactly hold up to her reputation.
Her first stab at Yoga is a half ass effort. I barely broke a sweat and at only 2 points did I remotely want to stop. The first was during the second set of triceps pushups to which I dropped down to my knees. The second, a side plank hold, which was due to the pain in my shoulder and wrist.
She lacks attention to the breathing that makes yoga so relaxing. She also neglects the flat back during a sun salutation. Form goes to the way side as she instructs you how to get a burn, but I never really did feel that burn (except for the two times I already mentioned).
The video is quick and if you’re looking for a mediocre workout at the end of a busy day, it’s a good choice. However if you are looking to do yoga or lose weight, there are better choices. I burn more sweat during the regular Yoga videos On Demand.
Will I do it again? Yes.
Is it worth buying? No.
Grade: C
Review: Jackie Warner’s Total Body Power Circuit Training
ExerciseTV is great when it’s cold outside and you don’t feel like going to the gym. Of course I make videos that directly rival theirs, but I love to learn new exercises so I try to soak up as much knowledge as I can when it comes to exercise.
Jackie’s Power Circuit Training is 44 minutes according to my OnDemand. There is no standard cardio but your heart rate will jump! All you need is a mat and set of dumbbells. I used one set of 8 lb dumbbells but you can use a light and heavy set if you have them.
The workout is chopped up into segments, each being a separate body part starting with legs. You do 3 different moves for 1 minute and then repeat the moves for a shorter period of time at a slightly higher intensity. Then you move on to the next body part!
I love this style. I hate repetitive workouts. When you do a move that is out of your comfort zone, you can total eek it out knowing this is the last set, or just 20 seconds after I can finish this set. The moves are not awkward and she goes at a pace that is maintainable. Even I find it difficult to keep up with Jillian Michaels’ workouts.
My only recommendation would be less exercises that force you to lean over. My back started to hurt during the bicep/tricep/shoulder segment.
Grade: A-
Dining Out: Skinny comfort food in Boston
Celebrate National Soup month with the best tasting cup of guilt-free comfort foods you’ve ever tasted. The New England Soup Factory offers an extensive list of award winning homemade soups as well as a homemade flavorful skinny vegetable soup (think Weight Watchers Zero Point soups) by the quart ready to be brought home! On a cold winter day, nothing tastes better!
I went to a little dinner here last night and got try to try many of the soups and side salads. This place has the best soups in Boston, HANDS DOWN. The waldorf chicken salad is also my new obsession. They even have a “Skinny Soup” which you can buy in a quart sized container to bring home for those of you watching you calorie intake. Stay tuned for a full review.
