All posts by: Erin Renzas

Drink to your health: The verdict on juice and weight loss

Kitchen & Food
By Erin Renzas on January 16, 2012 in

Juice made from wheat grass.

Ever since Jack LaLanne and his Power Juicer popped into our late night infomercial programming, juicing your own fruits and vegetables has sounded like the perfect way to help shed a few of those extra pounds around the middle.

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Well blended: Easy tricks for making the most of your blender

Kitchen & Food
By Erin Renzas on October 10, 2011 in

Making a smoothie in a blender

Finding the blender that can do it all can be a challenge (see our updated blenders report for recommendations). If you aren't willing to purchase a high-end multi-functional model, like the Vita Mix 5200 (est. $450), relax. These simple tricks we found on the TLC website will get anything any consistency you want it to be no matter what blender you own.

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Skip the boredom: Three fun Pilates DVDs

Fitness & Sports
By Erin Renzas on September 29, 2011 in

Illustration of a girl with a Pilates ring

Pilates is known for helping to sculpt a longer, and leaner body. The concentrated, exacting movements and breathing patterns help tone the torso and define muscles. But for fitness junkies who prefer a high-energy, high-intensity workout--Pilates can seem a bit of a bore. In fact, when we recently reported on the best Pilates DVDs and videos, one of the main criticisms we came across was that many of these workouts verged on a serious snooze session. Plus, the low-impact routines aren't going to give that calorie burn that so many crave.

So what's a woman (or man) to do when you want an exciting, pound-shedding workout that still delivers the coveted Pilates body? Try a "Pilates fusion" DVD. These workouts take the core principles of Pilates and combine them with elements of cardio, dance and yoga. The result is a higher energy routine that still gives you a long, strong body. Read more

Run free? Barefoot running gets harnessed by minimalist shoes

Fitness & Sports
By Erin Renzas on August 22, 2011 in

Man running barefoot on beach

Fitness trends come and go, but in recent years, no fitness trend has been as prominent has the emergence (or, as some may argue, reemergence) of minimalist running shoes.

For those readers who are unfamiliar: In 2009, Christopher McDougall published his book Born to Run. A serious runner who suffered from frequent injuries, McDougall went on a search for a better way to run. His journey led him to the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico. The tribe is known for running hundreds of miles in only sandals. In his book, McDougall argues that it is precisely the shoes that we turn to to cushion and protect our feet--with their gels and stability posts--that cause so many running injuries. The focus on finding a shoe that corrects incorrect pronation and provides stability is flawed, he says.  Read more

Beat the Heat: Stay-cool running shoes

Fitness & Sports
By Erin Renzas on August 10, 2011 in

Runners at sunset in the desert

When temperatures are soaring, your regular run may feel like a challenge. Forget those heavy, hot running shoes that you've been using all year long and opt for one which will help you stay cool while going the distance. Look for a pair of lightweight, breathable shoes. Several brands offer models featuring moisture-wicking or ventilated uppers. Here are a few hot-weather favorites we came across while updating our running shoe report. Read more

5 workout DVDs from exclusive fitness studios

Fitness & Sports
By Erin Renzas on July 31, 2011 in

Woman exercising in front of television

Every year there is a hot new fitness trend thanks to luxe studios and gyms who constantly create the next "must-try" class. For those of us who aren't based in New York City or Los Angeles, we're out of luck. However, there is a way to hop on the next sizzling fitness trend without a flight to your nearest metropolis and it lies in your DVD player. Many of these trendy workouts can now be tried at home and at a fraction of the cost. (Some classes at fancy studios cost $30 each!) Here's a listing of some of the most-sought after fitness classes that can done in the comfort of your living room. Read more

Is P90X the right workout for you?

Fitness & Sports
By Erin Renzas on July 27, 2011 in

P90X product shot

If there is one do-it-at-home fitness program that has made a splash in recent years, it's "P90X: Tony Horton's 90-Day Extreme Home Fitness Workout." The 3-month intensive program includes 12-discs of heart-pumping workouts that combine interval-style cardio, martial arts-inspired workouts, and stretch and yoga routines. Shell out just $150 and you'll get all the workouts, plus, multiple goal-oriented fitness plans and nutrition guides. It's rare that a home fitness program which is peddled on late-night infomercials actually works, but real-world users say that this is one that does. Even celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon. Twilight teen heartthrob Taylor Lautner, Sheryl Crow, Usher and even husband/wife duo Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore say they are fans.

Hey, if these sexy celebrities are doing it, why shouldn't you? Experts say that "P90X" definitely has some benefits and can help turn the flabby into the fabulous, but the program is not without some flaws and drawbacks. Before dropping the dough you may want to consider whether this is the program for you. Read more

Mix it Up! Convert an old baby monitor into a nanny cam and more

Family & Pets
By Erin Renzas on July 2, 2011 in

Tied up nanny

For many parents, purchasing multiple single-use baby products can be frustrating. There's the stroller and highchair and bouncy seat and bassinet and, and--you get the picture. What's more: it gets expensive and you only need these products for a few years, at most! If you're in the market for a new video baby monitor, but aren't so thrilled about dropping a couple hundred dollars on something you'll only need for a small period of time, you may want to consider a network camera. Read more

Turn your smartphone into a baby monitor

Family & Pets
By Erin Renzas on June 18, 2011 in

Withings video baby monitor

Baby gear aficionados are all a-buzz about the latest gizmo: baby monitoring smartphone apps.

Simply, these apps convert your iPhone, Blackberry or Android into a monitoring system by essentially turning your phone into a receiver unit. Run the app on your phone and leave it in your child's room. When your phone detects your child making noise (crying or cooing), it will automatically place a call to a selected secondary number, such as a landline or another mobile phone. You can even set the sensitivity level on most of these apps so you can control how loud or soft your child must be before your phone places the alert call. Read more

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