All posts in: Exercise Videos

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.

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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.

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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.

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Can't commit to the gym? Try a workout DVD at home

Fitness & Sports
By Sage McHugh on January 23, 2010 in

Working out at home

If you resolved to lose weight in the New Year but you're leery of committing to a long-term gym membership, you can establish a home workout routine instead.

Exercise DVDs are a convenient and affordable way to get fit, as long as you actually put them to use. With such a wide range of them on the market, how can pick the one that's best for you? Fortunately, you can preview workout DVDs at retail websites like Amazon.com and CollageVideo.com prior to purchase.

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The truth about energy bars

Health & Beauty
By Sarah Burns on January 19, 2010 in

The truth about energy bars.

Once reserved for fitness fanatics, today's energy bars appeal to a much broader audience -- and they taste better, too. Gone are the cardboard-stiff, bland-tasting products of years past. Instead, today's energy bars are chocked full of exotic ingredients and formulated to fit a variety of consumer needs. Offerings now run the gamut from high-protein and super-fortified to low-cal, organic or whole food energy bars.

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