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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Huff and Buff has moved

Posted by HuffandBuff at 6:11 PM 7 comments
Dear Followers and Subscribers,

Huff and Buff has moved.  I can still be found here at www.huffandbuff.com.  However, I have moved from Blogger to self-hosted Wordpress.  They tell me the transition should be seamless for my followers and subscribers, however, erring on the side of caution, I thought I would post my little announcement here.  Should your feed subscription have been interrupted please stop by Huff and Buff and re-subscribe.  I look forward to bringing you more fitness information at my new home.  Hope to see you there!  

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Confessions of an Exercise Video Addict

Posted by HuffandBuff at 7:18 PM 1 comments
So, here is my vision for Confessions of An Exercise Video Addict.  I would like to take a more casual approach with this blog; chronicle my adventures into the realm of the exercise video world.  Share my trials and tribulations of staying on an exercise program.  And along the way, I will share my reviews of a workout, workout program or instructor.

Here is what you need to know about me:  I am pretty easy to please.  I will try to give a fair and balanced depiction of the workouts I use and touch upon the things that may or may not affect someone else’s enjoyment of the workout.  For me, clothing, set, and often times the music used is not a critical factor in whether or not I will like a workout.  But I am full-aware that these are critical purchasing points for others when selecting a workout.  To that end, I will note these things but they may or may not affect my opinion on the workout as a whole.  What may affect my opinion of a workout are unsafe moves, instructor demeanor, or an unbalanced program.  But again, I will try to be fair and balanced because I realize many things are subjective.

What you will not see discussed from me about a workout is information about calories burned.  Even though, I am analytical person by nature and I love numbers, I try not to put too much stock in calorie burned information; because along with being analytical, I also like accuracy and I don't feel that a heart rate monitor or other calorie monitoring device is 100% accurate.  Also, for me to report on calories burned in a workout would be meaningless because I may burn 250 calories doing a particular workout and it may yield a 750 calorie burn for another person, due to a variety of factors.  That said, I hope you will stick around and hopefully I can offer useful information along the way.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Fitness for the Rest of Us – Taylor Nutrition Giveaway

Posted by HuffandBuff at 12:01 PM 1 comments

Hey Everybody! Fellow Blogger - Fitness for the Rest of Us - has been doing some of the best weekly fitness-related giveaways. Some of her past giveaways include very popular fitness DVDs. This week she is giving away a one lb. Vanilla Platinum Hydro Whey protein powder.  Visit her blog to learn more and to enter to win. Want to know more about Taylors Nutrition? Visit their website to learn more about their products. Good luck!

Your Exercise Video Resource Center - Workouts for Every Budget

Posted by HuffandBuff at 5:30 AM 18 comments
So over the years I have accumulated quite a few exercise videos – okay, that is a bit of an understatement.  At one time my workout collection was enormous.  I am sure I have spent several hundred dollars on exercise videos – probably another understatement.  So, where did most of my purchases come from? 

Most of my Cathe Friedrich workouts have come to me from Cathe dot com (Step N Motion) through her pre-sales.  When Cathe is putting together a new series of workouts she makes them available at deep discounts, if you pre-order ahead of time.  This is not an option that works for everyone however, as it usually takes a few months from pre-order to project completion.  So you will need to assess your patience level before taking this route.  If you are not comfortable tying up your money for long periods of time, there are several vendors who also sell her workouts. 

Two of my favorites include Jen at Advanced Workouts and Mary at Total Fitness DVDs who offer Cathe’s workouts at great prices.  Jen and Mary also carry a wide variety of other workouts from aerobics to strength, and yoga to pilates.  Other sources for great workouts at low prices include Deep Discount DVD, who has a semi-annual sale with discounts up to 25% their already low prices (which is actually going on right now); Overstock, Collage Video and Amazon also offer a large selection of great exercise DVDs at low prices.   

Right now, however, I am on a spending hiatus, ouch.  But that hasn’t stopped me from trying new (or at least new to me) workouts.  Let me share with you some my resources for free or nearly free workouts. 

NetFlix – if you are already using NetFlix to rent your movies, you might like to know that they offer exercise rentals as well.

Neighborhood Video Store - in my case, Family Video, which is located in 18 states, offers free exercise video rentals.

Local Library – Don’t have a Family Video in your area and your local video store doesn’t offer fitness workouts.  Don’t forget about your local library; and if your library doesn’t have a workout you are looking for, see if they offer inter-library loans.

Exercise TV – offers hundreds of free online workout videos led by top trainers – including Jillian Michaels, Cindy Whitmarsh, Jackie Warner and many others.  Depending on your cable or satellite provider, ExerciseTV is also available on OnDemand.

So, where do you go to satisfy your exercise video habit?  Have I missed one of your favorite places?  Any other free or nearly free options that I may need to look into?

Monday, June 7, 2010

Me in Threes

Posted by HuffandBuff at 7:28 PM 4 comments
So, Blogger was down all day today and is finally back up and running.  Back to my regularly scheduled posting schedule tomorrow.  In the meantime, I've been tagged with a "blogging" chain letter from Lindsey at Fitness for the Rest of Us, so I thought I would oblige:



Me in Threes: Maria



Three names I go by: Maria, Mia, and Mimi

Three jobs I've had: Accountant, Bank Teller, Deli Counter Person


Three places I've been: Italy, Disney World, Las Vegas


  

      

Three movies I love: 13 Going on 30, Never Been Kissed, Miss Congeniality


    






Three shows I can't miss:  Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, Rules of Engagement(Honorable Mention goes to 24 which, alas, ended this season)



     


Three books I love:  Dear John, The Choice, and The Last Song (yes, all Nicholas Sparks Novels)

  

Three hobbies I do in my spare time: Exercise, Blogging, Crocheting/Knitting 

Three things I am really, really looking forward to:  Watching my daughter grow up, Summertime, Getting Re-Certified as a Personal Trainer

Three People Who I Think MAY Continue This Blog Chain:  Well, being new to this whole blogging thing, not sure who will actually continue this.  Lindsey would have for sure but given that she tagged me I don't think she'd be willing to do it again ;).  Maybe Debra at Bikini or Bust

Friday, June 4, 2010

Exciting News: Win, Lose or Blog!

Posted by HuffandBuff at 5:43 AM 0 comments

I have very exciting news to share with everybody.  I have teamed up with five amazing bloggers - Fawnda from Fireflies and Jelllybeans, Jill from Women Who Do It All, Lindsey from Fitness for the Rest of Us, Sumo from Sumo's Sweet Stuff, and Holly from 504 Main - and we are launching our fun and exciting new blog today:  Win, Lose or Blog.

Win?  Win what?  Great prizes donated from our sponsors.

Lose?  Lose what?  Lose those unwanted pounds and have fun doing it.

Blog?  Blog what?  Blog about your weight loss journey.  We will be there every step of the way to encourage, support and motivate you to a healthier, fitter, trimmer you.

Stop by Win, Lose or Blog and sign up to be a contestant.  You can also be eligible to win great prizes just by following our blog and leaving a comment supporting the contestants.

To learn more about the contest, meet the team or be a sponsor.  Visit our blog today!

Go check it out!!! And spread the word!

Head on over to Win, Lose, or Blog now and you'll notice that you can leave three comments for displaying our button on your blog and five comments for writing an exciting post announcing us to your friends. We want you to invite others to join the the fun and gain some motivation to live a healthier lifestyle.  Hope to see you there!!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Video Virgin Phenomenon

Posted by HuffandBuff at 6:28 AM 3 comments




Hello, my name is Maria, and I am an exercise video addict.  Yes, we have already established that.  Now let's dive into one of the many mysteries that have long plagued the “vidiot”:  The video virgin phenomenon.  It goes something like this: 

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, you put together your errand list, which includes a trip to your local Wal-mart/Target/BJ’s, and head out the door.  You pull into the parking lot and grab your purse and your grocery list and make your way inside.  You grab your cart and weave methodically through the aisles, placing the items from the list into the cart.  Mysteriously, somehow, you have made it to the fitness section of the store.  From the corner of your eye, you see the latest and greatest workout from your favorite instructor.  Yes, you are in the middle of the latest and greatest fitness rotation, but the workout effortlessly makes it into your cart, and you head to the checkout. 

A week later, you login to the computer and get on to your favorite fitness forum to check out what’s new.  Oh, look, it’s another workout everyone is raving about.  Before you know what is happening your credit card has somehow made it into the computer room and you are clicking on the button marked “Click to Complete Order”.  Another workout purchased.

Meanwhile, you finish the fitness rotation you have been focused on completing.  You remember the workouts you purchased and decide today is the day you are going to give one a try.  But just as you reach for it, the sixty day program that gave you fantastic results the last time you followed it, catches your eye and you grab it instead and place it into the DVD player. 

The workouts you bought, still in their pristine cellophane wrap, sit on the shelf, along with the nine other workouts that you have been “meaning” to get to.  They sit, waiting; untouched, wondering if they will ever make it into a DVD player; the innocent victims of the video virgin phenomenon.

Have your workout DVDs fallen prey to the video virgin phenomenon?  How many unused, “I’ve been meaning to get to them” DVDs do you have?  At last count, I have eleven, but I know without a doubt, I have had more than that in the past.  

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Thrill of the Hunt

Posted by HuffandBuff at 6:16 AM 6 comments

So, how is it that someone comes to collect, er, own over 100+ exercise DVDs?  While contributing factors include needing variety, staying motivated, or staving off exercise plateaus, for me it is about the thrill of the hunt.

Few things can compare to the thrill of a great bargain.  Your adrenaline is pumping, palms sweating, hands trembling as they clutch a DVD, slashed to mere dollars, resistance is futile.  Saving five, ten, or sometimes twenty dollars on a purchase equates to five, ten or twenty dollars worth of future DVD purchases.  Patience, taking the initiative and knowing where to look are the traits of a good bargain hunter.

Most of my bargain finds come to me courtesy of the Bargain Watch at Video Fitness.  Other sources of great exercise bargains include various other fitness and weight loss forums.  The advent of social marketing has also contributed in the search of huge savings on excellent workouts.  I look forward to sharing great bargain finds with you as I hear about them.

Best Purchase:  Urban Rebounder, which usually retails for $89+, slashed down to $12.99 at Kohl’s this past January.

Zaniest Purchase:  The purchase itself wasn’t crazy, my actions, maybe a little.  Ross Dress for Less is known for having tremendous bargains, unfortunately there are none in the Chicago area.  I sent my sister, who was living in Colorado at the time, to purchase several 4-packs of DVDs priced at only $5.00 dollars that normally retail for $20.  She is now helping savvy moms save money at her blog http://blog.yourathomeassistant.com/

Worst Purchase:  There’s no such thing as a worst purchase.  Well, actually, there probably is.  I just have been lucky enough not to have purchased any…yet.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Fitness for the Rest of Us - Samba Party: Brazilian Rhythm Celebration

Posted by HuffandBuff at 7:20 PM 0 comments


Once again Lindsey at Fitness for the Rest of Us is hosting a free DVD giveaway.  The workout is Samba Party: Brazilian Rhythm Celebration and was generously donated by Collage Video.  Please visit her blog for a review of the workout and details on how to enter the giveaway.  Good Luck!

Building My Arsenal, One Dumbbell at a Time

Posted by HuffandBuff at 5:56 AM 6 comments

My very first piece of exercise equipment was a Denise Austin dumbbell tree with, what I believe was, sand-filled dumbbells (similar to photo above but the weights were green).  They have since seen their demise when one cracked and the sand came pouring out. My arsenal has grown leaps and bounds since then.  My dumbbells now consist of pairs of hex dumbbells ranging from 3-25 pounds.  I own a 60-lb barbell, tubing and resistance bands of different tensions, a 15lb body bar and 20lb kettlebell.  Ankle weights, wrist weights, a Fitness by Cathe 10-Pound X-Vestand weighted gloves; a yoga mat, an exercise mat, BOSU Balance Trainer, stability ball, medicine ball and balance board; a tall box, short box, club step, high step; a pull-up bar, a pull-up tower, a rebounder, Val-Slides, cross-trainers, running shoes.  And an iPod to view my Cathe downloads and listen to my Cardio Coach workouts.  Oh, I almost forgot the most important thing, a TV equipped with a VHS and DVD player.  I can’t do my exercise videos without one. 

When I stop to think about how much I have spent on my fitness habit, let’s see...add the…carry the one…less the…well, actually, I don’t.  I figure there are worse things I could be spending my money on.  Besides it is an investment in my future health and well-being and I can’t put a price tag on that.  Happy Exercising Everyone!


Well, what do you know, it looks like there is plenty of room on the bottom shelf for more DVDs.

Friday, May 28, 2010

No Fitness Journey Would be Complete without Beachbody

Posted by HuffandBuff at 6:12 AM 6 comments


Most everyone, even those who aren't fitness enthusiasts, have probably heard of Beachbody.  If you think you haven't, I have one word for you.  Infomercial.

You know how it goes, you find yourself unable to sleep at night, so you get up, and turn on the TV.  The problem is, for the most part, the only thing on during the wee hours are infomercials.  So you start watching, maybe one, then two or three.  Well, if you have seen any fitness infomercials, you have most likely seen one from Beachbody.  Just to throw out a few:  P90X, Insanity, Chalean Extreme, Slim in 6.  And, yes, before you ask, I own each of these.

I know most of the stuff advertised on infomercials is perceived as garbage or ridiculous claims are made that sound too good to be true, and usually are.  But truth be told, Beachbody produces some of the best exercise videos on the market - and no - unfortunately, I am not getting paid to say that.  I am a self-admitted infomercial junkie.  Lucky for me, these programs work.

Currently, I am making my way through a P90X rotation.  P90X is a comprehensive program of 12 DVDs comprised of cardio, strength and flexibility led by Tony Horton.  Many celebrities are touting the brilliance of P90X, celebrities including Sheryl Crow, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, PinkErin Andrews and many more.  If these celebrities, who can afford to spend enormous amounts of money on personal trainers, nutritionists and personal chefs, are raving about P90X, then you know it has to be good.   Stay tuned for updates on my progress, and should I be brave enough, maybe I will add some before and after photos at the end of my rotation.



Thursday, May 27, 2010

Fitness for the Rest of Us – Amy Bento Abs and Stretch Giveaway

Posted by HuffandBuff at 8:55 AM 0 comments

Recently, at Huff and Buff, I posted about the importance of stretching in a well-rounded fitness program. Lindsey Lu, at Fitness for the Rest of Us, has teamed up with Amy Bento of NRG Fitness to offer her latest giveaway:  Amy Bento Abs and Stretch DVD.  Please stop by Lindsey's blog for details about the giveaway and her review of the workout.

Then Came Cardio Coach

Posted by HuffandBuff at 5:23 AM 0 comments

A few years into my fitness journey, a friend encouraged me to take up running.  I was resistant because I was so accustomed to my video workouts, I hadn't pursued many other avenues.  Well, one night, I decided to give it a try and went out for a run.  I barely made it fifteen minutes.  Granted, my body had not been conditioned for running, but more than anything I found the process boring and monotonous.

Enter, Cardio Coach.  Coach Sean O'Malley created audio cardio workouts that can be downloaded and synched to your iPod or other mp3 player.  It was just the motivation I needed to improve and enjoy my runs.

Now imagine clipping on your mp3 player, placing the earbuds in your ears, the sound of the music streaming in your ears, transporting you to a different place and time.  Then, Sean begins coaching you through your run, guiding you from the warm-up through the intervals to the cool-down and stretch; pushing you when you think you can't go any further,offering motivation at just the right times.

Whether it is a journey into a dream world high in the mountains in Volume 2 or outrunning a lion in the Serengeti in Volume 5, Coach Sean gives you the motivation to get the job done.  Cardio Coach workouts can be easily adaptable to the treadmill, elliptical machine, or stationary bike.  They are great to use for outdoor runs or challenging bike rides.  Now, I consistently schedule a run, with Sean talking in my ear and encouraging me every step of the way, it has become a workout I enjoy.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Have you met Cathe Friedrich?

Posted by HuffandBuff at 7:05 AM 0 comments
After acquiring and doing several Firm workouts for years, I was ready to take it up a notch.  So off I went to Video Fitness to research some advanced workouts.  The consensus was that Cathe Friedrich was my girl.  Cathe began creating exercise videos over twenty years ago.  She has always been at the leading edge of fitness and the cutting edge of technology.

Now the next question was which workout.  Well, after doing extensive research it seemed I was hard pressed to find any negative reviews for Ms Friedrich.  So, my first ever purchase included 17 of her workouts.  Yes, you read that right...17.  I know, I know you're thinking I'm crazy.  What you have to understand is, at the time, Cathe was already producing her workouts on DVDs (and I am usually on the trailing edge of technology) and I was still using VHS and Cathe was offering mass quantity discounts on her VHS stock.  Lucky for me, Cathe lived to up to all the hype and I clicked with her teaching style and personality immediately.  I have since replaced many of those workouts with DVDs.

Cathe's extensive library consists of step workouts, Hi/Lo, Kickboxing, Strength Training, Circuit workouts, Core workouts and most recently MMA workouts.  Recently, she also began to introduce downloadable workouts.  These workouts can be downloaded to your computer and synched up to your iPod.  If you are looking for an advanced workout, I encourage you to give her a try.  She also has an array of workouts for intermediate and beginner exercisers.

Recently Cathe has partnered with Eggland's Best. This partnership has allowed her to take road trips across the U.S.  She kicked off her tour in New York, and has already been to Daytona, San Diego and will be having her annual road trip at her home gym in New Jersey at the end of July.  Other destinations, including Chicago, are on the list and you can be sure I will be there to meet one of the fitness icons who have had a profound effect on my fitness journey.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The Workout That Started It All...

Posted by HuffandBuff at 6:27 AM 6 comments
So, what was my first video purchase you ask?


My exercise adventure began with the purchase of The Firm Volume 2 - Low Impact Aerobics led by Janet Jones-Gretzky.  The Firm method was created by Anna Benson, who sadly passed away late last year.  The Firm method is based on a concept known as Aerobic Weight Training (AWT).  It consists of using light weights while doing cardio moves to create a cardiovascular effect and, per their claims, burn fat three times faster than standard cardio exercise.  If you can get past the leotards and leg warmers, the ancient set, and the heavy breathing, this is truly a gem of a workout.  The workout has since been converted from VHS to DVD and is available at Fitness Favorites.

Looking for a more current Firm Workout?  Two of my current favorites include The Firm Bootcamp - Maximum Calorie Burn led by Allison Davis and The Firm Total Body Time Crunch led by Rebekah Sturkie.  These two brilliant instructors are set to lead upcoming workouts from The Firm.   You can also follow The Firm on Facebook.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Posted by HuffandBuff at 8:59 AM 0 comments

Yes, I am starting a second blog already. My original vision for creating a blog was to share my experiences as a fitness video connoisseur. But Huff and Buff morphed into my findings on fitness as a whole. To that end, I have decided to create Confessions of An Exercise Video Addict and share my tales as they relate to the exercise video world. I am hoping that between the two you will be able to find what you are looking for as it relates to fitness.

Please excuse the “dust” over the next few days as I transition some of the original posts from Huff and Buff over to this one. I will also be tweaking the layout and functionality during this time.  Thank you and I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I enjoy writing it.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coming Soon...

Posted by HuffandBuff at 7:20 AM 2 comments
 

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