Lauren Brooks DVDs now in stock!

New, just in! I've had so many requests for Lauren Brooks kettlebell workouts that they're now in stock and ready to ship!

Ultimate Body Sculp and Conditioning with Kettlebells is a tough, inspiring kettlebell workout that's over 80 minutes in length (but can be shortened to fit your schedule and/or needs).

This DVD Features:
•15 basic Kettlebell and Body Weight exercises demonstrated step by step understandable even by the complete beginner. These exercises include:

1.Two Handed Swing
2.Overhead Swing
3.Suitcase Deadlift
4.Squat Thrust
5.One Arm Clean
6.Front Squat
7.High Pull
8.Catch, and Squat
9.Russian Twist
10.and many more

In Baby Bells, Lauren was over six months pregnant during filming. This workout is a totally unique prenatal program -- the only pregnancy DVD that uses kettlebells for the ultimate in prenatal strength and conditioning. With a more mellow and calming feel than Ultimate Body Sculpt, Lauren introduces viewers to the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and the precautions that need to be taken when exercising during pregnancy, as outlined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Once again, Lauren inspires. While many women may use the excuse of pregnancy to literally “eat for two” and stay away from the gym, the energy that Lauren radiates proves that making fitness and healthy eating a priority even during pregnancy is good for mom and for a healthy baby.

Bernadette Giorgi's Pilates Power Ball Sculpt

Bernadette has done it again with her new Pilates Power Ball Sculpt workout. The use of a weighted ball adds a unique challenge (the DVD was designed specifically at the request of Pilates Style Magazine), incorporating more upper body work than you'd normally see in the average Pilates workout for a total, complete routine.

The weighted ball is used in very unique combinations for the ultimate burn (I used a 6.6 pound ball, and discovered it was too heavy for some of the exercises -- I had to go down to a 5 lb ball). Bernadette's form is precise and perfect even during the uber-challenging moves where she places the ball between her knees. Talk about thigh burn! You'll work your inner thighs like never before with these exercises, and your core will develop a satisfying burn particularly during the moves where the ball is placed between the feet.

Biceps, shoulders, back, core, lower body ... you'll work them all in a highly effective manner. Bernadette's signature style of gentle instruction makes for a stress-relieving, complete workout.

Dining Out Made Simple: A Few Tips

I just found a great article on the hidden dangers of eating out -- what to avoid, and what your best options are. Here's the link:

WATCH YOUR WAISTLINE WHILE DINING OUT

Full of great tips and advice, this article by Margaret Furtado, M.S., R.D. will tell you such things as:

• How much butter, sodium, etc you are supposed to consume per day--and how much is in popular chain-restaurant entrees (Ms. Furtado gives a sampling)
• Which menu items are okay, which aren't
• The low-down on popular menu items from such restaurants as Outback Steakhouse, Ruby Tuesdays, and more

Exciting News from Amy Bento!

News flash! Just in!

Amy Bento just made a huge and happy announcement -- she's going to have a baby! Of course, this will delay the filming of her Dynamic series, but obviously it's worth it!

Direct from her blog, Amy writes:

Hi Everyone,

I have some great news and some not so good news at least from a video production perspective for this year. We are going to postpone filming the rest of the "Dynamic Series" until next summer (2010). This was unexpected and I am somewhat sad about it. But… there is a positive personal side to this story that I am excited to share with you.

As you know, Phil Ross and I are getting married (next month). We also found out that we are expecting!! Phil, his kids (my soon-to-be step children), myself and our families are over the moon about this! I have been advised by my doctors to take it easy for the next 4 to 6 weeks due to certain circumstances. So, in the interest of our baby, I am going to postpone things until 6 months after he/she has arrived. I want to enjoy my pregnancy, production free. So, I am taking a year off.2009 has been one of the most exciting times in my life.

I have been very lucky and blessed this year. I hope you will all understand and support my decision.PS. Of course I will honor all of your coupons for the "Dynamic Series", same time next year. Just ignore the expiration date. :)

Take care and have a great week.

Bernadette Giorgi's Pilates Power Ball Sculpt

It's nearly here!!!!!!

We've been eagerly anticipating Bernadette Giorgi's latest workout, and it's nearly here! Pilates Style Magazine requested that Bernadette design this workout for them, and what better testimonial is that to the effectiveness of this Pilates routine?

Pilates Power Ball Sculpt uses the most effective body sculpting Pilates moves that will engage your entire body. Bernadette has designed a gentle, flowing, yet highly challenging routine to target your waist, lower abs, legs, and butt. The optional Power Ball (weighted ball) will help you focus on working slower and harder to achieve a beautiful dancer-like physique.

Running time: approximately 50 minutes

Recommended equipment:

a mat or carpeted surface; a Power Ball (weighted ball) is recommended but necessary

This DVD includes three shorter options: Lower Abs and Butt Express (15 min), Pilates Style Power Sculpt (15 min), and Recovery Stretch 5 min)

Core Training Exercise Tips from Trish Muse

Trish Muse is best known for her thorough and highly effective core workouts. Her latest article, published on Ezine Articles, gives a wealth of information and tips to help you target any trouble areas in your core region and answer any questions you may have.

Trish writes:

Core training has created quite a buzz in the fitness industry. However, understanding the anatomy, physiology and exercise programming can be elusive to the fitness enthusiast longing for a defined mid-section. The muscles that comprise your core are the abdominals, pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, back and chest.

GETTING STARTED
To start a core training program learn to find and maintain your neutral spine. This will help enhance the effectiveness of your core exercise program. A neutral spine or neutral posture is the position between an anterior and posterior pelvic tilt (an arched back and flat back position) that places the least amount of stress and strain on joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments.

USE A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH
Take a multidimensional approach to defining your core muscles by participating in cardiovascular exercise, and balanced nutritional practices. You will burn fat as fuel during cardiovascular or aerobic exercise so your lean physique can be seen. A balance between fat and carbohydrates will not only help fuel your body but will also help you keep a lean physique.

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION
There is a definite mind- body connection involved with core strength training. The mind-body connection starts with proper breathing and is also necessary for abdominal muscular development. Deep breathing allows for an adequate oxygen supply to the working muscles. Abdominal muscles are actively involved during exhalation or breathing out. Remember to exhale during the contraction or hard part, and inhale on the return to maximize the effort of the abdominal muscles.

DOES ABDOMINAL EXERCISE GIVE YOU A PAIN IN THE NECK?
Have you ever experienced neck strain or pain when doing abdominal exercises? There are several ways to avoid this discomfort. Avoid neck strain by keeping your tongue in its proper position. Keep your tongue towards the roof of your mouth, behind your teeth versus towards the back of your throat. Doing so allows the muscles, which support your neck to do only that instead of supporting your tongue as well. Perform core exercises by contracting from your abdominal muscles and not your neck. Refrain from pulling on your head and neck with interlocked fingers placed behind your head and neck.

ELONGATING YOUR SPINE
Keep your spine elongated by keeping your chin in its proper position. Proper chin position is a fist or apple's distance from your chest. This keeps your spine in proper alignment and decreases stress on the surrounding structures.

LET YOUR FEET OFF THE HOOK
Your feet should remain unrestrained and not hooked under the furniture or held by someone else. Fixing the lower body by holding the feet during core exercise engages the muscles that flex or bend the hip more so than using the abdominals to perform the exercise. Stabilize your body with your internal musculature versus using external support or assistance.

CAN I TRAIN MY CORE EVERY DAY?
The muscles that comprise your core are skeletal muscles just like your legs or arms. Therefore, the abdominal muscles should not be worked on consecutive days just as you wouldn't work your legs or arms on consecutive days. Abdominal exercise should be performed no more than every other day unless you are performing a maintenance routine. You are participating in a maintenance routine if you have accomplished your entire core training goals and wish to maintain your current core fitness level. In this case you would perform a lower volume of exercise on a daily basis as opposed to a program you do every other day to reach strength, flexibility and stability goals by modifying the number of sets, reps and amount of intensity.

BREAKING THE MOLD
Variety and change will provide the challenge necessary to encourage strength development and stability in your core muscles. Refrain from recruiting other muscles when attempting to perform an exercise or exercises. Recruitment from other muscle groups tends to occur when you try to perform core exercises, which are more difficult than you can perform and cause you to compromise form and technique.


Trish Muse is a physical therapist, veteran pharmaceutical representative and published author. Frequently featured in Essence, Heart and Soul, Self and Health magazines as well as several others as a fitness consultant, Trish provides continuing education internationally for fitness professionals and physical therapists. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy. As the owner of Body Productions, Inc. she is a popular National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, respected American College of Sports Medicine certified Health Fitness Instructor and Wellcoaches licensed Wellness Coach in the Washington DC area. She is a Polestar certified Pilates practitioner and East Coast Fitness Ambassador for Doce Vida Designs. Trish is the star and creator of the popular exercise videos, Ab Attack, Core Attack, Strength Attack, Body Management and The Workstation Workout and star and co-producer of the functional fitness video Rock, Roll and Reggae.