As Seen on TV Exercise

Exercising During the Holiday Season

seenontvreviews — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:59:07 +0000

Why bother exercising during the holidays when you’re already running around burning calories? Fitting in a small workout will actually help you feel less stressed and will allow you to be more productive in your day.

Focusing on a workout plan helps you workout at higher intensities and in the end burns more calories. Also it’s important to do resistance training which you don’t get from running around the malls.

The best way to fit your workouts in is to do it before your day gets started. Most of us have packed schedules. Try to get up an extra hour earlier and you’ll have fewer excuses to miss a workout. Don’t forget your healthy breakfast to help you stay energized all day.

This also increases your metabolism and starts the calorie burning at the beginning of the day. If you don’t have time to do both cardio and resistance training , alternate days.

Even if you get a small workout in it’s better than none at all. Instead just do what you can. The calories you’re burning are helping you stay on track toward your goal of a healthy holiday season.

Tahitian Hip Hop – A Truly Entertaining Dance Workout

seenontvreviews — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:47:46 +0000

I’m always looking for new ways to spice up a workout. I just came across this Tahitian Hip Hop dance. What an interesting combination! Instead of looking at exercise as a grueling working, dance workouts are fun and a little something out of the ordinary.

There’s so many really neat dance workouts springing up all over. I’ve seen Bollyrobics, pole dancing, belly dancing, ballroom dancing and the list goes on!

The Tahitian Hip Hop DVD series focus on building core muscles. Obviously they increase the intensity of the hip movements as you move upwards through the the four part DVD series. There’s five basic Tahitian moves: figure 8, ami, flower, bump, flower, shimmy, and farapu. It’s great if you want to train your core muscles and increase your hip flexibility.

Does the Ab Rocket Give You Real Results?

seenontvreviews — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Ab Rocket is meant to give you a massage while you work out your abs. It’s basically a glorified way of doing sit ups. Here’s the low down on this ab machine.

Is the Ab Rocket worth buying?

Ab Rocket Claims

It’s a new way to work your middle, lower, upper and even your sides
In just five minutes a day, the Ab Rocket will rocket your abs from flab to fab!
Three resistance levels
Beginner to advanced workouts
Rolling cushions massage and soothe while you work out
Portable and lightweight and folds up for easy storage

Ab Rocket in Review

One common complaint is that the Ab Rocket doesn’t have enough resistance. Even the highest resistance level still didn’t give enough resistance if you want a good workout.
It’s better suited for anyone who’s 5 foot 8″ or smaller.
The massage feature doesn’t really work that great.
They do include a meal plan and an exercise dvd so you can follow along to different workouts.

The Ab Rocket with it’s $100 price tag may not have benefits your looking for in an ab machine. There’s definitely better options out there on the market for the price your paying.

The Bean in Review – Is it Worth Buying?

seenontvreviews — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:57:50 +0000

The Bean is yet another ab product with a clever name that promises you instant results. I recently saw a video on where High School Students from Marion High did a 6 week review on seven As Seen on TV exercise products. They were also given a grade so you can do a side by side comparison of these fitness products.

The Bean in Review

The Bean Infomercial Claims

In just minutes a day the body of your dreams can be yours.
Rock off the fat quickly and easily.
Three times faster than other exercises.
Have you ever dreamed about having beaufiful abs? Would you finally like to fit into your pants?

Pros

The Bean actually does provide a good solid workout for your abs. It can also be used for back strengthening, situps, leg crunches and oblique training.
Ergonomically correct for your situps.

Cons

Not an end all solution to a great body.
Slides around the floor so you have to put a mat under it.
It’s durability is questionable since it doesn’t stay inflated long.
Final grade is a B
Cost $50

The Bean overall seemed to be on of the favorites for the high school students. It’s not a total dud but not the answer to fitness for your entire body like the infomercial leads you to believe. Above is a video on how to do specific exercises on it.

Fitness Bloopers – Weightlifting Gone Wrong

seenontvreviews — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:05:20 +0000

Here’s a few fitness bloopers to show you what can happen if you end up making some common weightlifting mistakes. They aren’t pretty but their definitely a good laugh.

I think I can sort of relate… weights sliding off the bar, weights slamming into you’re in the chest. You and the bar sliding off the bench together. The worst part are the professional weight lifters getting slammed to the ground. Ouch that’s gotta hurt. Sure, it’s funny and we can all laugh. Could these weightlifting mishaps happen to you? Yeah we all know…don’t lift more weight than you can handle and always get yourself a spotter.

Fitness Tips – How to Choose a Fitness DVD

seenontvreviews — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:55:37 +0000

Fitness DVDs are a great alternative for folks who want to avoid the gym or to have an alternate way to workout when the weather turns nasty. With all the fitness products on the market, which one is right for you? Here are a few things to consider when looking for that perfect fitness DVD.

Choosing the right fitness dvd

1. What is your fitness level?
It becomes really discouraging or incredibly tedious if the fitness level of the DVD does not match up to your specific needs. Starting at the right level will help build up confidence which in turn helps to motivate you to continue using the DVDs. This will eventually help you maintain your fitness level for much longer.

2. How much space do you have for a workout at home?
It’s a good idea to think of the amount of room you’ll need before choosing your DVD. You’ll probably need a mat, some dumb bells, and stretching out area. If you only have a small area to work out think about getting a DVD that uses your own body’s natural resistance to build up your strength. If you have a larger area you can do step aerobics and workouts with hand weights.

3. Consider buying several different types of DVDs
It’s a good idea to address the three areas of fitness. They are strength training, flexibility and aerobics. Just be aware that not all workout DVDs focus on all these areas at the same time. It’s nice to get a workout DVD that combines both strength training and aerobics. Yoga DVD’s are great for increasing your flexibility, increase your range of motion and relieving stress. Having more than one DVD to choose can reduce the risk of boredom.

4. What is your personality type?
Here’s something I discovered when trying new fitness programs at clubs. I personally can not handle yoga classes. Waay to boring. If you like to move and are used to doing more rigorous exercise, you may not like doing Yoga or Pilates. Make sure you have either an exchange or return policy before buying the DVD!

5. Try watching a small clip of the DVD before buying it
You can either preview a sample of the fitness DVD on YouTube or rent them from your local library. You can then quickly decide if that particular workout may be right for you. It’s also nice to read some consumer reviews to find out what each workout consists of.

Fitness DVDs can actually be a nice change from the gym from time to time. Also it’s nice to avoid the gym at certain times of day you know it’s going to be way too crowded.

Sweatin to the Oldies DVD – Is it Right for You?

seenontvreviews — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:26:51 +0000

Sweatin to the Oldies has been around since the 80s. Ten years later they created a second version. The thing that strikes me is how much energy and enthusiasm the group is. Richard Simmons really shows us that it doesn’t matter how overweight you are you can still have fun and move your bod!

Good Points

Richard Simmons of course is always motivational and unconditionally loving.
The exercise video is on a fun set with a live band, disco lights and bubbles.
The workout is lively and creative. There is a party like atmosphere with music from the 50’s to the 70’s.
I found it unique that there are aerobic and dance moves combined to give an interesting workout.
The dance moves start low and progressively get faster and faster instead of being at one steady pace.
It runs for around 40 minutes which is a good workout for the average user.

Sweatin to the Oldies DVD Review

Bad Points

If you are a Type A personality like myself you may not enjoy having a lack of instruction and guidelines to follow along.
If you are unfamiliar with Richard’s dance moves then you are left wondering what is coming up next. There is basically a lack of instruction throughout the video.
Stretching and slow breathing are only done after five minutes into the start of the routine which is kind of confusing.
Richard stops in the middle of the tape to check his heart rate but doesn’t tell you how to do it.
If your used to traditional aerobic fitness moves, you may find Richard’s dance moves quite different and not as easy to follow at first.
The group takes breaks in between songs and runs over to the live brand screaming at them like groupies, which may or may not annoy you.
If you are in mediocre shape naturally you may not get the workout you need. It is more suitable for beginners who want low-impact aerobics who aren’t as concerned with following along to every dance move. Although you can follow along at your own fitness level.

Sweatin to the Oldies is good if your ok with a aerobic workout that’s not structured. If your into Richard Simmons style and personality you’re going to enjoy his workouts.

Fitness and Diet Infomercials Are Way to Obnoxious

seenontvreviews — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:24:18 +0000

Fitness programs and diet infomercials are so annoying to the point of being obnoxious. The all look and sound the same with all those perfectly fit models luring us into buying the newest exercise gadget. Famous fattys like non-dieter Buddy Rose just had to poke fun at the diet infomercials.

“Blow away your weight to a tighter tummy, thinner thighs and firmer fanny in seconds!”

Jimmy Heart and Buddy Rose had a great idea to come up with a spoof diet infomercial. A series of vignettes were produced to make fun of the fact that Rose was so out of shape. That was the whole point…the weight jokes were used to Buddy’s advantage to build his new wrestling character. Buddy took it all in stride and never felt humiliated about the skit.

Push Up Pro and Perfect Push Up in a Side by Side Comparison

seenontvreviews — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:28:01 +0000

Push Up Pro and Perfect Pushup are very similar products. By the looks of it there are a wide variety of pushup fitness equipment products on the market. All of them are meant to help you get a more thorough workout in the arms. Here’s a side by side comparison and a video review so you can decide which one is right for you.

Push Up Pro

Developed by Jack Zatorski, a world push up champion.
They are 8 inches in diameter and have a total weight of 2 lbs – Good for traveling!
Not as well made as the Perfect Pushup. Although in the video the plastic held Dan’s 220 lb weight.
Soft cushion handle but not as soft as the Perfect Push Up.
They don’t spin as easily under pressure. The good thing is that the ball bearings work fine and don’t stick.
Costs $20

Pushup Pro and Perfect Pushup comparison

Perfect Push Up

Developed by a Navy Seal.
Wrist spin action is easier than Push Up Pro.
The ball bearings and handle are steel.
The grips are soft cushion.
They weigh two pounds each. Their 4 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter.
Costs $45

Fun Workouts for Kids and Teens

seenontvreviews — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:02:50 +0000

Cardioke is a relatively new exercise program for kids and teens. Billy Blanks Jr has come out with something that’s part exercise, part karaoke. It’s nice to see him getting kids involved in fitness programs geared toward them.

Kids and teens workout with Cardioke

Pros

Kids are less likely to feel uncomfortable in this exercise class.
It’s fun, motivating, and easy to do.
Kids can entertain themselves while exercising. Learning songs and dances instead of focusing on your heart rate and form.
This DVD program features real people from all walks of life with people of all ages, shapes and sizes.
Multi-level instruction featuring modifications to make challenging moves simple enough for anyone.

Cons
The biggest complaint with this DVD is the price … It’s $151.00 on Amazon and they sell it for $20 elsewhere on the net.

Cardioke really is targeting the people that need it most. The kids! Childhood obesity is at an all time high Everyone talks about it but no one is including them. Finally someone has created a fun exercise program for kids and teens.