Burn Fat & Have Fun “Walk Strong” fitness dvd by Jessica Smith *review*

**3 Creative, 30-Minute Calorie Burning Walks!
**Low Impact [no jumping] Cardio Interval Training
**Cardio Core Standing Abs Exercises – No Floor Work
**Build Balance, Coordination, Agility and Spatial Awareness
**Lose Inches, Build Fitness and Enjoy Exercise

MY REVIEW:

I received this new DVD last night and did all 3 cardio workouts this morning for my daily workout. I used a small ball and stepper with no risers.

All three workouts include Jessica and her mom Debbie. The background is nice with a bright, home feel. The music is a little low compared to Jessica’s talking, but I think its probably hard to balance the sounds without feeling like shes yelling. Most of the music on all three workouts had a beat, no words. I recognized some of the music, but there was alot of new music as well.

At the start of each workout Jessica gives a daily mantra, which I found really cool and inspirational. All the workouts are standing routines (no floor work) with no jumping.

At the bottom right hand corner, there is a 30 minute countdown clock on every workout.

Workout number 1 is called “Steady, Ready, Go!” (31:15 total mins)

*You do not need any equipment for this workout.

*She did about a 3 minute warm up and about a 3 minute cool down with stretching.

*There are 5 different intervals in this workout. Jessica shows us what the different intervals are during the warm up section.

*Although this workout is low impact, she keeps a steady pace for the “steady” portion, then the music beats speeds up more for the “ready” portion, and then an all out “Go” 60 second interval.

*I enjoyed this workout and I love that her mom Debbie seemed more confident and talkative in these workouts, than she has in any of the other DVDs.

Workout number 2 is called “Stride and Step” (29:55 total mins)

*You need a step (no risers) or small square space if you don’t have a step.

*She did about a 5 minute warm up and about a 4 minute cool down with stretching.

*She keeps a steady pace the entire top since we use the step for the entire workout. She explains that she purposely did not do fast music or interval type music so we could stay safe using the step. I felt like it was fast enough to get a good fat burn and keep my heart rate up, but not so fast that I would twist my knee or get confused with the steps.

*I love step workouts but I don’t feel very coordinated and I don’t like high impact exercises. This workout was neither thank goodness! I used a full step no risers, not a half step like Jessica, and it worked fine.

Workout number 3 is called “Have a ball” (32:40 total mins)

*You need a small (non weighted) ball or a hand towel.

*I didn’t feel there was a warm up to this workout at all. Although she did say after about 5 minutes that the warm up was over, but I didn’t feel there was a music beat difference to it. You start immediately into the workout at a medium pace holding the ball, so I would recommend a quick warm up of your own if you start with this workout.

*You use the ball or towel for the entire workout.

*She does different “coordination series” exercises through out this workout; like a squat/ball chop and jog up/toss the ball in the air/jog back/bounce the ball on the ground.

*This workout was fun and I would highly recommend getting a small ball instead of a towel for this workout. I got a playground ball for $1.00 at my local Dollar Tree store.

Here’s a picture of my FitBit charge HR stats for this morning after doing all 3 workouts in a row. As you can see, because my heart rate was lower, it was a good fat burn. (versus a cardio workout is a higher heart rate)

I really enjoyed these workouts and can’t wait to try her other new “Walk Strong” dvds!! Be on the look out here on my blog for full reviews and pictures of the other new Jessica Smith dvds!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Let’s have a little fun by getting creative with walking-based exercise! While we mix up our moves often to avoid muscle imbalances and joint strain, walking is always our base move and something you can always return to at any time.

Mix and match these walks into your weekly workout schedule (we recommend alternating them with your favorite strength + flexibility training routines 2-4 days a week).

Don’t miss our other titles in this series, our “Walk STRONG: Boost Metabolism + Muscle” and “Walk STRONG: Build Balance + Inner Strength” for some great options! You can also use these workouts in conjunction with our “Walk STRONG: Total Transformation 6 Week System!”

Visit walkonwalkstrong.com/phase3 to download our free, printable “Phase III” calendar which includes our suggested 6 week schedule.

WALK #1: STEADY, READY, GO! – The purpose of this low impact, high intensity interval session is to improve your aerobic capacity, fitness level and even boost your metabolism. Our timed intervals are designed to help you challenge yourself without burning out for maximum results and energy.
MILEAGE EQUIVALENT: Approx. 2.5 miles

WALK #2: STRIDE AND STEP – We’ll focus on adding intensity with a bit of an incline to boost your burn while developing agility, coordination and spatial awareness. And, not to worry, you can still get a great workout without the step – watch our modifier Debbie, age 60, for options as she demonstrates the entire walk on the floor.
MILEAGE EQUIVALENT: Approx. 2 miles

WALK #3: HAVE A BALL! – This walk incorporates the use of a small playground ball to increase core muscle recruitment, improve hand-eye coordination add an extra element of fun. Don’t have a ball on hand? Keep an eye on Debbie – she’ll be using a hand towel as an alternative option.
MILEAGE EQUIVALENT: Approx. 2 miles

About Your Instructor:
Jessica Smith has over 15 years of experience as a certified trainer, instructor and wellness coach.