No Fitness Journey Would be Complete without Beachbody

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, Pink, Erin 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.

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

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

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.

Have you met Cathe Friedrich?

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.

The Workout That Started It All...

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.

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.

Coming Soon...