Today we are going to be discussing a new workout program that I stumbled across completely by accident. In my personal life I have begun a quest to find a workout program or system that can help me loose a couple of pounds and improve my heart health. I am not in horrible shape (I still teach boys gymnastics once a week), but I am certainly not in top shape…or anywhere close to it. A couple of months back my wife decided she wanted to give the Insanity Workout a shot (here is my review on the Insanity Workout Program), but we quickly learned that it really is insane, and only for folks that are in decent shape to begin with. While I liked the intensity of the workout, one has to be already functioning at close to the level of fitness that Shawn T. and his friends have to get the maximum benefit from that program.

So, to that end, I am going to continue my search for an exercise program that has a decent amount of intensity, takes a balanced approach to fitness, and that will fit easily into our crazy lives.

This post will take a closer look at the 10 Minute Trainer, a program put together by famed trainer Tony Horton. I have heard favorable things about this program from close friends, so I figured it was worth closer examination.

The 10 Minute Trainer

Tony Horton, the man behind the 10 Minute Trainer Program, is also the same fitness mastermind that put together the P90X workout and the highly spoken of Beach Body Workout series. Tony has years of putting together top notch workout programs so it should come as no surprise that his latest workout programs are spot on. The 10 Minute Trainer takes all of the knowledge he has acquired and combines it to provide a succinct workout program that is perfect for busy folks.

When I first heard of a workout that only takes ten minutes to work through I thought there was absolutely no way it could have any value. I have trained competitive gymnasts for 23 years and I know a little bit about what it takes to get into shape. So I did some digging on this product to figure out if it could possibly have any value, and I think it just might. The basic premise and strength of this program is that it uses something they have deemed as “superstacking” to optimize workout time. This is one of the reason sports like martial arts and gymnastics get people into such phenomenal shape, they are always using more than a single muscle group at any time. The exercises are designed to work several muscle groups simultaneously as opposed to isolating them like so many other workouts do. So, instead of just doing a lunge, you are doing a lunge and then kick, all the while pumping your arms back and forth. This is an efficient use of your energy and your time.

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The 10 Minute Trainer focuses on the following: Yoga Flex Workout, Lower Body Workout, Cardio Workout, and the Total Body Workout. One of the things I like about this program is that it is modular. By that I mean you can add “modules” to increase your workout set. While you can certainly see benefits from doing the 10 minute session, you can add another 10 minute session to increase the effectiveness of your workout. So, on the days when you have minimal time, you can just dive right in and focus on a 10 minute workout session. On other days when you may have a little more time, you can add on a couple of additional workout sessions and really rock your workout experience.

Resistance bands and a cardio workout belt are the primary tools used to maximize results during the ten minutes. The use of these seemingly simple tools really helps to increase the resistance against your body while performing the various exercises. It is this resistance that ensures you are getting the best workout in the shortest amount of time. If you order the kit from the 10 Minute Trainer site these items are included with the package. That is one of the things you need to be wary of if you intend to purchase this program from eBay or Amazon. Not all of the packages they sell on those sites come with the resistance bands included. Make sure you read carefully regarding what you are going to get if you order from one of those sites. If ordered from his site you can also get his ten minute meals, 10 Minute Trainer workout calendar, pocket workout cards, 2-day jumpstart plan, and 10 Minute Trainer bonus abs routine DVD.

10 Minute Trainer Reviews
As one would expect, Tony’s promo site is full of rave reviews from folks that have found the program to be incredibly helpful… but what are other folks out on the net saying?

There are lots of good reviews from people that have used the program. The most frequently given compliment is that the workout is easy to use, and great for tight schedules. The fact that you can customize the workout to meet your specific needs is a huge plus for many of the folks using it. If you are on a tight schedule, get the 10 minutes session over and done. If you have a little more time, slip in another segment or two. Additionally he has modified moves that allow beginners to tone down the intensity of the workout to help them gradually build up.

Some of the cons of the program listed by users of the workout are that the way the CDs have to be changed during the workout makes it awkward to transition effectively (this based on the number of sets one does). Some folks also complained that Tony is not working out with you, but instead coaching you through the process. Both of these items seem like non-issues as neither really impacts the effectiveness of the workout.

What turned me on to this workout? My wife and I actually did the Beach Body Insanity Workout Program for a while, as discussed earlier. The program was great, but we haven’t worked out seriously for over a decade (or two). The Insanity DVDs have warnings all over the place that it is not a workout for folks just getting into the game. They were right. So, I am looking for something that is a little more toned down that can act as an introduction to the wide world of fitness. This seems like a good fit, and it will fit into my tight schedule nicely.

10 Minute Trainer Cost
One of the big turn-offs for me on these types of programs typically is the cost. It is not unusual for a product like this to run into the hundreds of dollars and that assumes there is no specialized diet or workout equipment required. I like the fact that you can buy this program for about $90 right from Tony’s site. Additionally, he will let you split the cost into two payments to make it even more affordable. Splitting the cost of a workout program into two payments is nothing new, but Tony Horton will allow you to get a refund on the product before the second payment is processed if you are unhappy with the workout. That is a great deal. It allows you to buy the program and give it a try. If it turns out that it doesn’t work for you, you just send it back and get your money back. I like that.

I am going to purchase the program later this week and give it a try for a couple of months. I will come back here after a month on the program and post an update on the status of my workout success. I am looking forward to evaluating the effectiveness of the 10 Minute Trainer and see if it delivers what they promise.

Let’s talk a little bit about two workout programs that can provide awesome results when applied properly. The 6 Minute Abs workout series and the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred are two very popular programs that folks all around the country are getting results with.

6 Minute Abs

As the name implies, the 6 Minute Abs program is a very intense workout that focuses primarily on exercising the user’s abdominal region. Many folks believe this is an actual program that you can buy (it once was), but now most of the information you are going to find on it is found on YouTube in the way of videos.

Apparently this workout gained notoriety when Ben Stiller’s character in the movie “Something About Mary” picked up a hitchhiker that was all buffed up because of it. Regardless, there are actually many ab workouts that you can do in the time span of 6 minutes that will help improve that muscle group. Even if it is just 6 minutes worth of crunches on a daily basis you will be ahead of the game. Some of my other personal favorites are v-ups and hollow body rocks. A little more difficult than the basic crunch but also much more effective.

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

This is another one of those programs that is really popular right now. Part of its popularity is probably derived from the fact that Jillian is currently one of the personal trainers on NBC’s show The Biggest Loser; however, there are many favorable reviews of the program as well. For example, out of the 2,400 reviews on Amazon.com for this product, over 1,800 of them are 5 stars. The reviews are very consistent as well…it is a tough and challenging workout that will put you through the paces and make you feel it. Jillian uses the 3-2-1 method to help maximize the effectiveness of your workout time and then really push you to the next level by not letting you take any breaks until the end. I am not sure how many calories the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred calories burned, but I am willing to guess that when you follow the program at full intensity for the full duration it is in the 700 to 800 calories an hour range.

While the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred results are sure to vary for each of the folks that use it, you can be certain to see and feel a change if you follow the guidelines provided with the DVD and endure till the end of the program.

If you want a good workout, try the two products above and see how they work for you. If you don’t feel like buying them new and spending a lot of money you can probably purchase used copies of the products from Amazon or Google (under their shopping interface). Good luck!

The hype over the Cardio Twister Machine shot up the day it was launched through international infomercials. Initial reaction from consumers was that the promise of faster burning of fat through the cardio twister actually holds some truth to it.

First of all, how is the Cardio Twister Machine extra special, compared to the usual bunch of exercise machines we’ve known?

A lot of Cardio Twister Exercise Machine reviews tell us that the selling point of the machine is its function. Its firms your body, shapes up your abs and tones your muscles without having to perform numerous types of exercises through a wide array of exercise machines. A Cardio Twister Machine is very convenient to have at home since it’s easier for busy people to perform workouts without allotting so much time for it.

Reading the Twister reviews, I have understood that it does not necessarily give you the perfect exercise routine. You still have to support yourself with proper diet and regular cardio workouts to speed up weight loss compared to jogging and other treadmill exercises.

Also, the Cardio Twister Machine costs less than the others so it is appropriate for people who are on a tight budget. For $200, one can have their own cardio twister machine and enjoy working out in the comforts of their own home.
The Cardio Twister machine reviews I found also emphasize that working out is more fun if you are having fun with the equipment you are using. The machine is not just cheap and effective; it also lightens up the pressure of having sexy abs by making it enjoyable to work those tough muscle groups.

Working out doesn’t have to be so serious and expensive! Couple your will power and stamina with the right as seen on TV exercise equipment that not only gives you the perfect body you deserve, but also the fun you could’ve lost just to make room for exercise.

Cardio may be something that you know you should do, but also a thing that you mostly avoid like a pest. But cardio shouldn’t be something that you dread each day and something that bores you to death. Cardio exercise can be fun, it can make you look and feel better and it can also improve your fitness levels. The trick is to find a cardio machine that you really like doing (there is such a thing). In order to help you to find your favorite cardio machine, I will share with you my 4 favorite cardio machines and I will also tell you what their benefits are and which body parts they tone.

So without further ado, here are my 4 favorite cardio machines:

1. The Elliptical

The eliptical machine is my top favorite machine. This is because I have to spend less time on it and because it exercises my whole body. It is also low-impact, so it won’t put too much strain on your joints. The elliptical also combines the effects of walking, running and skiing. If you prefer exercising at home, an elliptical machine will be a great investment – no more sweaty gym machines for you.

2. The Exercise Bike

The exercise bike is one of the best cardio machines because you can sit on your butt while exercising. It strengthens your whole lower body and tightens and tones your legs and buttocks. You can even watch TV or listen to your favorite music while using it. If you want an exercise bike to use at home, the mini exercise bike is a great investment. With the mini bike you can also exercise your upper body.

3. The Stepping Machine

The stepping machine will ensure that you get a rear-view to be proud of. It is also excellent for strengthening your whole lower body and you get a cardio workout from it. The stepper can also be used while watching your favorite TV show or listening to music. If you need a portable exercise machine, there are mini steppers available that will give you the same workout on the go.

4. The Pilates Machine

Although Pilates is more a toning exercise than a cardio exercise, it does offer light cardio. But Pilates still remains one of the best exercises there is – it tones and tightens the whole body and it also builds a strong core (the muscles of your lower back, abs and hip flexors). Have a look at the pilates reformer machine to see what it is all about.

If you search diligently you will find your favorite cardio machine – it is just a matter of time and some research. But when you do find a machine that you like exercising on, make sure that you use it often, playing your favorite music or watching a TV show might help. And just remember…warm up before your workout and to stretch afterwards.

Exercising is a big deal.  We all know we need to do it.  As we watch our abs or butts or stomach grow, we think we need to do something about it.  Then we visit the doctor and he insists that we exercise and eat well including natural nutrients for our healthy well-being.  There are millions of dollars spent on home exercise equipment.  Exercise equipment consisting of bikes, simple and easy rowing machines to steppers and lots of other devices.  Everyone has a product that will make exercise easy and worthwhile.  You can spend a lot of money on these items.  I know because I have done it…my basement is full of them.

The manufacturers of  The Firm’s “The Wave” have tried to do something about the space limitations and ease of use.  They developed a small simple curved device that supposedly will make exercise easy and fun and not take up a lot of space.

You can turn The Wave on one side and do steps exercises or use the enclosed bands to get different workouts.  You can then turn The Wave over with the curved ends up and while stepping on the two ends move your body back and forth to get a workout that way.

There are many different reviews on The Wave.  One review indicated that the novice exercisers that purchased the device were disappointed.  They felt it moved too quickly for a novice to use.  Another review thought the device was wonderful for all types of exercises including Cardio, toning and a complete core workout.  The reviewer said the workouts were professionally produced  and were all different exercises.

However, they did point out that it was a bit cheap and creaked when you used it.  They also pointed out that it had a weight limit of 275 pounds.  They stated there was a steep learning curve for the exercises and the instructors tended to go a little fast with their instructions.  A 30 day membership to the website comes with the product but you have to go online and cancel the membership, according to the reviewer.  They did however feel it was worth the price to at least try it.

If you decide to give “The Wave” a try, please consider coming back here and letting us know what you think.  Were your experiences with it similar to those of the folks listed above?

Now get out there and get in shape!

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Overview:
Today I am going to write a short article about the Cardio Twister. The article today is going to be short for two reasons. The first reason being that there just isn’t a whole lot to write about on this piece of equipment…but more on that in a moment. The second being that I am just plain tired today. The Cardio Twister is another one of those pieces of “As Seen on TV” exercise equipment that makes promises to users based on its revolutionary design.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Product overview:

Cardio Twister

As “As Seen on TV items” go, this equipment is fairly standard. The creator has come up with a unique way to get people motivated to start exercising. The workout is low-impact on your joints and internal organs…which I like. One of the other things that is appealing about the product is that it appears to be simple enough for the basic user to pick it up quickly. The movements are fairly straight forward, and should be easy to follow.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Turin’s Review:
As I see it, this piece of equipment has some pretty strong selling points. It is small, it is easy to use, and it is inexpensive. Having said that, I do not own one of these so I can not speak to the quality of workmanship or materials that go into it. If it is made decently, I think it would be a great place for someone who is just getting back into the exercise game to begin. Keep in mind that this as seen on TV exercise equipment operates that same way as everything else…you have to use it to receive any benefit. Additionally, your success in losing weight and toning muscle is directly related to your lifestyle. Don’t think that you can eat chips and ice cream for breakfast every day and still meet your weight-loss goals. It ain’t going to happen.

Cheers and good luck on your exercise goals!

As Seen on TV Exercise

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Overview:
So today I went out to research a product I recently saw on TV. The name of the product is the Bender Ball, and it is one of those typical as seen on TV items that you are accustomed to seeing on late-night TV. My wife has used exercise balls before and initially this one appeared to be just a smaller variation of the large-size I’m used to seeing. After spending several minutes on the product’s website it appears that the smaller size of the ball serves a very distinct purpose.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Product overview:

The Bender Ball

As I stated above, one of the very first things to catch my eye when seeing this piece of equipment for the first time was its size. Unlike most of the exercise balls I’m used to seeing this one was small and resembled a kickball your children would use during recess at school. This is one of the things that made this as seen on TV exercise equipment standout. If you spend any time at all watching late-night TV you are aware that there are numerous as seen on TV items being pedaled across the airwaves. Most of them have a unique angle they are peddling but few of them are as simple as this apparatus that resembles a kickball. Additionally, per the information on the company’s site, this piece of exercise equipment is a mere $10 plus shipping and handling. That definitely caught my attention.

The product site goes into specific detail regarding the reasons for the size of this particular TV exercise equipment. The premise is that this ball, with its smaller size, the designed to fit precisely into the small of ones back to help increase the effectiveness of the abdominal workouts. The ball also has a specially designed surface that allows it to give on the workout surface without slipping out from the small of your back in the middle of your exercise sets. The equipment makers purport that due to the small form factor of the ball it provides additional extension through the abdominal muscles and lower back to offer a greater range of motion when performing a stomach exercises.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Turin’s Review:
If you’ve spent any time reading through the articles on this site you know that I am a big fan of two principles – the first being cost and the second being size. The Bender Ball exceeds my expectations in both of these categories. While I haven’t used the equipment, I feel comfortable saying that for $10 one really can’t go wrong. The motion concepts behind this piece of as seen on TV exercise equipment are solid given that using the ball in the small of your back will in fact isolate your abdominal muscles while performing exercises such as crunches. Having spent 20 years training gymnasts I would also agree that this $10 ball will provide you with a greater abdominal workout than simply doing the exercises on the floor.

Cheers and good luck on your exercise goals!

TV Exercise Equipment

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Overview:
Most of the time on this site I spend my time reviewing various home gym machines that incorporate fairly traditional exercise activities. Today’s article focuses on an exercise apparatus that does, in fact use traditional exercise movements, but is a slightly unorthodox manner. The home gym equipment under scrutiny today is the Urban Rebounder.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Product overview:

Urban Rebounder

The equipment is dubbed the Rebounder because it makes use of a small trampoline bed to provide the bulk of the workout for users. The aim of the equipment is to provide users with a variable type of aerobic workout based on their own, personal fitness level. This is appealing for several reasons. The one that immediately comes to my mind is that fact that you can control the intensity of the workout, and the impact that it has on your body. The gentle nature of the trampoline bed allows you to perform many repetitions of various motions and exercises while minimizing the impact to your joints and organs. On the opposite end of the spectrum, this type of home exercise fitness equipment allows you to increase the intensity and frequencies of your workouts without having to purchase additional equipment…a big plus. During my many years of training competitive gymnasts we used these types of mini-tramps to condition and train our gymnasts very effectively.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Turin’s Review:
If you can’t tell, I like these types of home gym machines…simply because of the broad applications and usability they have for a broad range of people. Additionally, this type of equipment will grow with you as your fitness level increases, and it doesn’t have to coast you an extra penny whe you are ready to kick it up to the next level. Think about it, with most of the other types of weight training equipment, or home gym, you need to purchase additional weights or accessories to move up to the next level of workout complexity. The Urban Rebounder has it all, right from the start. Additionally, having used this type of equipment before for gymnastics conditioning, I agree with them that this is a pretty fun way to get into shape…and very effective.

If you decide to check out this non-traditional workout equipment, come back and tell us what you think about it. Cheers and good luck on your exercise goals!

TV Exercise Equipment

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Overview: Most of the time on this blog, I focus on equipment that is an actual home gym fitness machine. For today’s article I decided to change things up a little and review a piece of equipment that is actually a videogame. I am a big fan of technology, and I think that uses like fitness are an exceptional way to get your geek time in a healthy way. After you read the product review if you think you are interested in the software you can find it over at Jillian’s site. They have put together an interface for ordering, and they provide some additional demos of the software and how they can be used.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Product overview:

Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010

The name of the product is Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010; it comes from both the Wii and the Nintendo DS. The basic premise of these exercise fitness games is that you, the user, are dropped onto an island with Jillian to undergo fitness training with her. The user interface differs on whether you are using software on the Wii or on the DS. By using the different accessories that come with the Wii software contractor motions into movements and provides an on screen reference image to give you guidance as you perform the exercises. Additionally, the product allows you to build out a routine for up to six months and then track your progress against your routine. One of the added benefits of the software is that you get the in your face motivation style that Jillian is known for.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Turin’s Review: I like anything that gets people up and gives them moving. Personally I think that Americans spend too much time sedentary. This application encourages users to use the videogame machines they would typically use for mind-numbing activities to actually take advantage of the user-interface and begin to condition their bodies. While Jillian’s motivational techniques may seem over-the-top at times it gets you up and encouraged…then I guess it works. I also think this is an excellent use of videogame machines, and it could possibly be the next wave in personal fitness training. Additionally, the form factor of the software (which is incredibly small) meets one of my criteria goals for home exercise fitness equipment… that it is small, portable, and easy to store.

If you have a Wii sitting around the house and swore to yourself, or purchasing it because of the exercise programs that are available on a highly encourage you to spend a couple of dollars and give this software a shot you may find that you like it. If you decide that it is not for you, you can always sell it on eBay and buy another first person shooter game. Cheers and good luck on your exercise goals!

As Seen on TV Items

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Overview:
Many times exercise routines become just that…boring routines. It is very easy to become bored with your standard, run of the mill, exercise regimens when you use the same old weight training, elliptical, and treadmill equipment. It is for this reason that I am a strong believer in having several home gym machines to utilize in your daily workout routines. The gazelle is one of those pieces of equipment that has the ability to change your exercise up and provide you with variety in your daily routines.

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Product overview:

The Gazelle

Claims of the equipment, which areas of the body it is designed to work on, customer testimonials
The Gazelle is different than your standard home exercise fitness equipment because it provides several different type of workout simultaneously. This single piece of equipment provides an excellent aerobic workout that is similar to that of skiing, running, and aerobic dancing…all without increasing the stress on your joints. Here is a little snippet of information from the Gazelle-products.com website about their machine:

As Seen on TV Exercise Equipment – Turin’s Review:
One of my big likes when it comes to home gym machines is their easy of portability/storage. Based on the user reviews for this product, that may be a challenge for this particular piece of home exercise fitness equipment. The prices that I saw start around $400 dollars for this gym machine. You may be able to find cheaper if you dig around the Internet a little bit. If you can handle the cost, and are not a workout animal, you may want to give this piece of equipment a shot, you may like it.

Cheers and good luck on your exercise goals!

TV Exercise Equipment