Showing posts with label step aerobics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label step aerobics. Show all posts

Monday, June 25, 2012

The Firm - Jiggle Free Arms (2006) Review

The Firm - Jiggle Free Arms (2006)
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This workout is part of the Firm's 4th Body Sculpting System which introduces the Transfirmer, a 5 in 1 piece of equipment similar to the Fanny Lifter but longer in length. It comes in 2 pieces, a 6 inch and 8 inch platform used individually for aerobics, stacked on top of one another for leg presses and tall box climbs, in an incline position for aerobics or strength work, and in a side by side position. It is a very versatile piece of equipment and is very stable.
This workout is led by Stephanie Huckabee, who is joined by 4 fellow Firm Master Instructors including Alison who shows beginner modifications. The workout is just over 30 minutes and alternates upper body work with aerobic segments.
You begin with a simple warmup using the 6 inch portion of the Transfirmer, then you will move into upper body work working the chest and triceps. Pushups are first, with varying counts and tempos, halftime and 2-2 count. These are done on the Transfirmer but you have the option of just doing them on the floor if that is more comfortable. Then you will lie on the Transfirmer set up in the incline position or on the floor and do bench presses, first with both arms, then alternating one at a time, I use lighter weights for this segment as the one arm at a time is more challenging. Then you move in triceps bench presses followed by pec flies. Lying tricep extensions complete this section, where the same weight is used throughout.
Next is a short hi-lo impact cardio section, Alison performs all low impact, jacks, shuffles, calf pumps and knee lifts are some of the moves you will see in this segment.
Tricep and shoulder work is next, you will start with tricep dips, then move into a tough shoulder segment starting with overhead presses with palms inward, then you will do overhead presses with rotation (twisting in at the top). Then you will quickly grab lighter weights and do a segment of front and side deltoid raises with some variation. My shoulders are always on fire after this segment, tough.
More cardio is next, this time a fun step segment using the Transfirmer in the incline position. Hamstring curls, rock steps, sambas, knee lifts and repeaters are some of the moves that you will see.
Now it's time to work back and biceps. You will start with double arm bent rows in a seated position, then you will move into hammer curls, some of them alternating arms. Then you will stand up and do wide bent over rows with a slightly lighter weight, then move back to biceps with angled bicep curls. All of these have varied counts and tempos.
More step aerobics are next, this is a fun segment that is peformed on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer. I myself use the 6 inch section as does Alison, it's just more comfortable for me. Knee lifts, knee tapovers, turn steps, over the tops, and hamstring curls are included in this segment. Lots of fun.
The final upper body segment follows, working the shoulders and biceps. You will start with clean and presses, then move into bicep curls, then upright rows, all of these with some alternating of the arms. You will finish out with a set of rear deltoid lifts with varied tempos.
More step aerobics on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer follow. You will see turn steps, over the tops, V steps, hamstring curls, A steps, jacks and other moves. Cooldown and stretch immediately follows.
This is a great compact workout, hits all the upper body muscles plus includes a variety of cardio in just 30 minutes. I often use this in combination with Jiggle Free Buns, which is a similar workout but for the lower body. I find that I get a great workout with these 2 in an hour. Stephanie is one of my favorite Firm instructors and she does not disappoint in this workout. She has Jiggle Free Arms herself that I would like to have one day. But you will also see Annie in the back who has great definition, definitely the buffest Firm instructor I have seen in a video. I highly recommend this one.

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05-51454 The Firm: Jiggle Free ARMS Synopsis: For the past 20 years, The FIRM® has been changing millions of lives with their groundbreaking fitness programs. In a time when dance aerobics was the craze, they pioneered the idea of combining aerobics with weight training, providing effective workouts with fast results! This method is the center of The FIRM® philosophy today, and tens of thousands of FIRM Believers™ across the country will agree that it really works!After years of perfecting their techniques, The FIRM® now brings you their latest offering—The TransFIRMer Series™! By combining brand-new, specially-developed equipment with experienced FIRM® Master Instructors, this series is their best yet! The new TransFIRMer™ was designed with multiple uses in mind, and has 5 different configurations to take your workout to the next level. The fun cardio moves will get you melting off the pounds quickly, and the sculpting moves will help you define a more shapely figure. So what are you waiting for? Once you start, you will see results so quickly that you’ll never want to stop! Jiggle Free™ Arms Is there a little too much "squish" in your upper body? Well, don’t worry—the solution is here! If you want dramatic upper-body results, sculpted shoulders, and sleek arms, this workout is for you! FIRM® Master Instructor Stephanie Huckabee leads you through this 30-minute upper-body blast to help you strengthen and tone your arms and give you maximum results! As a part of the great cross-training Jiggle Free™ series, you can get the upper body of your dreams with Jiggle Free™ Arms!deserve! Approximately 33 Minutes Color

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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Step Aerobics Review

Step Aerobics
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I used to do Gilad videos in the early 90s when I was in high school and I always liked him. I thought his videos were challenging. I decided to purchase this dvd to see what the deal was with Gilad today, but this DVD is from like 1993. So it's pretty dated as far as their clothes go, but I still love it! If you like Gilad, you'll like this. You either love him or hate him. I love him! I think he's GREAT! Its a very challenging, fun video and it gives you the option to intensify the movements to make it even more challenging. The setting is at a beach resort in Hawaii and although some people might find this a little hokey, I was totally into it. I could almost imagine myself at this beach (yes wishfull thinking..) And even the best excercise dvds are pretty corny, this one is really good. I only gave it 4 stars because I would have like a little more difficult combinations, but they were still pretty challenging none the less. If you need to lose weight, this is the way! The ab workout is great too! Gilad defiantely stands the test of time! Definately purchase this workout if you want to burn calories (which burns fat!!) and also step aerobics certainly tones your legs too. If you don't have a gym membership and work out at home like I do, you can be pretty limited on what your equipment is. But step aerobics really tones up your calves and thighs. This is an excellent DVD and I definately recommend it for all fitness levels. If you are a beginner, don't do the arms and don't jump the movements and walk in place if you need to catch your breathe. If you are advanced then you can definately power it up and get a great workout!

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This creative routine builds cardiovascular endurance and burns excess fat at a fast rate. A nice variety of moves without complex choreography will keep your body in motion. The BONUS abdominal section will help firm and reshape your stomach area as well. Set on Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background, this workout is recommended for the intermediate to advanced participant.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Kari Anderson: Go - Step Workout for Beginners (2005) Review

Kari Anderson: Go - Step Workout for Beginners (2005)
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This is only the second workout I have tried by Kari Anderson, who is known for more complex and dancy choreography. She has come up with a great step workout for beginners and intermediates. I would consider myself a solid intermediate in step who simply prefers easier choreography, doesn't want to have to think too hard and just wants to step and burn fat. While the choreography is simple, I wouldn't call it super basic, therefore it is enough to keep beginners/intermediate steppers interested and not bored once their fitness levels increase. Kari is joined by 6 of her students, 2 of them on the right side of the room show easier modifications, whether it be performing some moves on the floor or leaving some of the trickier moves out.
There are 4 segments to the workout, a 5 minute warmup performed mostly on the floor but the step is utilized a little bit. Then you move into the first segment which is 15 minutes, some of the moves you will see here are corner to corner kicks and knee lifts, basic steps, walking around the step, repeaters, hamstring curls, straddles, side leg lifts and stomps.
Segment 2 is also 15 minutes long and slightly more complex, but still easy to pick up. Here you will see more basic steps, alternating knees, T squats w/side leg lifts, V steps, around the world, mambos, corner knees, inner thigh lifts, front back front repeaters, turn steps, turn shuffles, over the tops and rocking horses. Then it's on to the 10 minute cooldown and stretch again which uses the step a little bit.
Kari does a great job choreographing these routines, they are simple and easy to follow thanks to her great cueing. The music selected is very good and fits the workout well. Kari is an excellent instructor, she is encouraging, offers options to increase or decrease the intensity and is good about interacting with her students to make the workout fun for them too. I get the impression that her live classes are a lot of fun, she seems like a very caring and personable individual.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for step workouts with simpler choreography. While it's labeled for beginners and it is fairly simple I still get a great workout from it. Great effort from Kari.

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GO:STEP WORKOUT FOR BEGINNERS - DVD Movie

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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Jane Fonda's Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout (1992) Review

Jane Fonda's Step Aerobic and Abdominal Workout  (1992)
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This workout video is divided into two parts. First there is
a 45-minute step aerobic section which includes a warm-up,
several different step combination featuring a rotation of
three instructors, a cool-down, and a short lower body stretching
segment. The second part is a ten-minute ab workout hosted by
Jane Fonda herself. The step workout is not difficult, in fact
it may be aimed more for beginners as the instructors often ask
the viewer to pay attention to their breathing and lessen their
movements if need be. I consider myself at a strong intermediate
level and work out with step videos 4-7 days a week. When adding
my own propulsion, I still feel I get a good workout with this
video. I like the rotating instructors (especially the cute guy,
I get tired of only watching women instructors on aerobics tapes).
I feel different instructors bring variety to the workout. The music also
changes with each rotation. Not the most hip music (this is
probably not a tape aimed at the young), but oh well.
The ab workout makes this video well worth seeking out. Fonda
does an excellent job explaining the moves, especially how to
breath during the crunches. I used to be confused on the correct
breathing procedure during abdominal crunches. Often, I would
unconsciously hold my breath. After using this video, I know
the correct breathing plus correct arm placement for all my
ab workouts!

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Saturday, April 23, 2011

Kim Kardashian: Fit In Your Jeans by Friday: Butt Blasting Cardio Step Review

Kim Kardashian: Fit In Your Jeans by Friday: Butt Blasting Cardio Step
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First and foremost: These reviews are about products and how beneficial they are, please don't rate these reviews based on how you feel about Kim, even if you haven't used the DVD.
Anyway. In my opinion, these are fun DVD's that get the job done. It really does remind me of the old school 80's workout videos, but this is distinctly modern and gives you a killer workout. It was a plus to me that Kim could look glamourous even as she's sweating and getting fit. It serves as inspiration lol.
Overall, I give this 5 stars because it was challenging, fun and inspirational, which is what we would all like.

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Monday, March 14, 2011

CherFitness: A New Attitude (1991) Review

CherFitness: A New Attitude  (1991)
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I work out with step aerobic videos 4-7 days a week, and this one is one of my favorites. I save this video for the weekend or days off because it is very long (1 hour and 22 minutes), but it is worth the time. The first segment is the step workout that lasts about 38 minutes. It has a long warmup and a very fun step routine. Cher and the gang obviously had a blast filming this workout, and it rubs off on the viewer. The music used is also cool ("Missionary Man" by the Eurythmics, "All Right Now" by Free, etc.) The cool down is very short, however. You do a few lunges and stretches and that's it. If you do the entire video though (which I would recommend), you get a better cool down at the end. The step workout is at an intermediate level. Nothing too fancy and only a few power moves which are optional (of course, the user can always add propulsion).
The second segment is a ten-minute ab workout. On many aerobics videos, additional ab routines are very short (maybe 3 or 4 sets at 8 reps each). This ab workout is ten minutes non-stop with very tiny pulses. One of the best ab routines I've found.
The final segment is by far the toughest. It is 32 minutes of leg toning. Squats, lunges, leg raises, you name it. The first part of this segment is the most challenging. You will feel the burn big time! Once you get to the leg raises, it gets much easier but still challenging. The last part isolates the inner thighs. Instructor Keli Roberts does an excellent job explaining proper body alignment for each of the moves. Finally, there is a cool-down stretch (you'll need it). Cher is there through the whole video and adds her own comments during some of the segments. New Attitude gives you an all-around, full body workout!

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