Product review for “Total Body Balance” dvd with Jessica Smith

Posted on May 14, 2013 by EmpowerMoms
So I am officially done with 3 months of my TurboFire workouts!! Whoohooo!!!
I will be posting a recap and pictures about my experience here on my blog later this week.
 
In the mean time, I decided to start going through my “stash” of workout programs and start doing personal reviews on them.
***I have bought all of my dvd programs, so all opinions and thoughts will be my own and from my own workout experiences. ***
 
Today I wanted to do a
Product Review for “Total Body Balance” workout dvd with Jessica Smith
 
 
 
 
Here is the write up:
A body in balance is a body that feels as good as it looks! This series of routines designed by certified instructor Jessica Smith will help you create a well-rounded program that can be done on its own, or coupled with other additional workouts you may enjoy doing. Remember, fitness should be fun! Find movement that you love and that makes you feel good, and you’ll never have to “work” out again. So, kick off your shoes and let’s have fun getting fit!
Workout include (sessions are all approximately 20 minutes):
Cardio Flow — This flowing, feel-good cardio session combines various styles of movement — all done barefoot for maximum freedom and energy flow.
Sole Sculpt — Sculpt everything from your head down to the soles of your feet with this barefoot sculpting routine that never stops moving to elevate your heart rate while you strengthen and define your entire body. This low-impact session can be done in a small space with a set of lightweight dumbbells or just your own bodyweight.
Core Stretch — Build flexibility and core strength with this targeted series of stretches and core work to help you improve your posture. Do it at the end of a workout or on its own for a stretching session that’s sure to leave you feeling a little taller and lighter.
Cardio Dance Sculpt – Grab a sturdy chair for this dance-inspired, total body cardio toning session. And not to worry, even if you have two left feet you can keep up with these simple, but fun, moves!
 
MY THOUGHTS:
 
Last week I did the Cardio Dance Sculpt.
I grabbed my office chair which has wheels and was doable for this workout, but next time I will use a sturder chair!! I loved this workout-wish there were more “moves” with using the chair though but overall I liked the flow and dancy/ballet moves. According to my polar ft7 heart rate monitor I burned 149 calories in 21 mins.
 
Yesterday I did the Cardio Flow and then the Sole Sculpt.
First let me say, that I LOVED that they filmed this dvd outdoors. I love the brightness and clear openess feeling-it makes me happy to workout while seeing it. Jessica has a helper with her for both of these workout who show you harder moves. I followed Jessica because it was challenging enough for me. I loved that these workouts were done barefoot. Some days I just want to skip my workout sneakers, and yesterday was one of those mornings!! I felt very “elegant” and “flowy” doing the cardio flow dvd and was able to keep up with what  she was doing. She talks through out the whole workout which has never bothered me and helps to cue whats coming up next and demonstrates how to do the moves properly. I burned 120 calories in 21 mins.
Next I did the Sole sculpt using my 5 pound dumbells. Towards the end my arms were getting tired and some of the moves felt awkward for me, so instead of moving my feet and arms at the same time, I just moved my arms so I would still be getting a good strength workout. I burned 113 calories in 22 mins. 
I have NOT been able to do the Core stretch yet which is also on this dvd, but I have done other stretch workouts with Jessica Smith so I’m sure this workout is effective like her other ones.
Overall, I really liked this dvd and will be doing back to it again in the near future!! Check out the links below to find out more about her videos-both for sale and free!!
***She also has a summer challenge coming up next week, so look for details about that!***
 
You can buy the dvd here on amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Total-Body-Balance-DVD/dp/B00B2TWDWG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368547254&sr=8-4&keywords=jessica+smith

You can also find FREE full length workout videos on youtube from JessicaSmithTV:
http://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv?feature=watch

And check her out on facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/10-Pounds-DOWN/142506209147223?fref=ts

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Ellie Coral Crush April clothes shipment product review and pictures!!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

Another ELLIE clothes review!! 

Make sure you check out my other blog posts for more monthly pictures and descriptions. 

You can click on this link to get 20% off your first month subscription (making it $39.96) or you can click on my side toolbar as well.
http://ellie.evyy.net/c/48928/58557/1664

Make sure to pay attention to the sizing chart since it runs small in my opinion!
I currently wear size medium tops and bottoms in my athletic clothes from walmart, target, kohls and victoria secret. However, I’ve found I need to wear mostly Larges in Ellie brand, some medium tops.

Here’s the sizing:

XS (2-4) 32in bust, 24.5in waist, 35 in hips
S (4-6) 34in bust, 26.5in waist, 37in hips
M (6-8) 36in bust, 28.5in waist, 39in hips
L (8-10) 38in bust, 30.5in waist, 41in hips

Here are my pictures from my two April shipments:
Black Swan Tank (size L) and Electric Love Capris (size M/L)
I was waiting on this tank from last month and now that I’ve gotten it I’m disappointed. The cut is very low and I had to constantly pull it up during my home workout so my breasts wouldn’t spill out-and I’m not very big up top. Contacted the company to send this top back but haven’t heard back yet.  

 I love the detailing on the blue capris!! However, my hubby said when I bend over-thus stretching the fabric-it shows my underwear. So probably not something I want to wear in public or with people around. 🙁 

From the new CORAL collection!! 
Wicked Attraction tank (size M) and Double Decker Capri (size L)

Love the straps and detailing on the tank top!! 

Loved the pink flap on the capri band but don’t really see a purpose to it!?? 

Wearing To Dye For Capri (size L). These are navy blue-you can’t tell from the pics online. I love the tie dye colors down the side. 

I’m pleased with my coral collection that I got in the month of April. They didn’t release the products to order until the 3rd week instead of the 1st of the month because they didn’t want any shipping delays like last month. Good move!! After I placed my two orders I got a shipment notification the NEXT DAY and received both packages one week later!! (coming from CA and I live in VA)
I think I’ll give Ellie another month or two before I decide to continue… I’m concerned about the fabric quality with the see thru stretchy-ness. (is that a word??) I’m glad they are stretchy but I don’t want to keep products I can’t wear outside my home because people can see my cleavage or underwear… 
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Tarafit dvd winner!!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by EmpowerMoms
Thank you to all who entered my contest!! So sorry it was just for US addresses.
Stay turned for more giveaways which should include Canada as well!!
 
CONGRATS TO CARRIE H.
who won the full dvd set from TaraFit.
 
She will have 3 days to contact me before I draw another winner.
 

WINNER, WINNER!!
comment #13:
My fav is running. Nothing special.
Carrie H.
cake918@yahoo.com

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The Color Run in Roanoke VA and promo code!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by EmpowerMoms
 Guess what is coming to Roanoke VA on Saturday June 15th!!!???

 

 
The Color Run™, also known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community.
 
Less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life, The Color Run is a five-kilometer, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. The fun continues at the finish line with a gigantic “Color Festival,” using more colored powder to create happiness and lasting memories, not to mention millions of vivid color combinations. Trust us, this is the best post-5k party on the planet! Wear white at the starting line and finish plastered in color!

 

 

WELCOME TO The Color Run™ Roanoke, Virginia!

The Color Run™ 5k is going down in Roanoke, VA on June 15th, 2013! The only question is “Are you ready for the craziest, colorful, 5k of your life?” You bet you are. Race it solo or form a “color team” of 4+ members. Check out the race details below & we’ll see you all squeaky clean at the start line.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Color Run™ event is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. For our events, it is about participants of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of The Color Run™ course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time. (If you have more questions about how it all works, check out our “ABOUT” page.)

RACE RULES

Rule #1 Be kind to each other! All participants are welcome… fast, slow, runner, walker, old, and young.
Rule #2 Wear something white to the start line. Start time is 9:00am
Rule #3 DON’T THROW YOUR COLOR PACK BEFORE THE RACE. (We know it’s tempting, but trust us, you’re going to get all sorts of colorful soon enough. Save your personal color pack for the finish festival color throw. It is so worth the wait.)
Rule #4 Enjoy the colorful Willy Wonka goodness at the finish.

You can go to the website here: http://thecolorrun.com/about/ if you have any questions!

 
Ready to register?
 and dont forget to use the promo code
COLORFAMILY
to get $5 off your Roanoke VA race!!
(promo code only valid for Roanoke)
 
 

Registration

Sign up as a solo runner/walker, or get together with a team of four or more to participate in The Color Run™ 5k. Our races fill up VERY fast, so make sure to get on our VIP List to get notified as soon as this race opens up for registration. If you plan on racing with a team, make sure everyone on the team gets registered for updates as well, to ensure that they get their spots!

*The Color Run™ Roanoke Pricing & Deadlines*
*Solo Runner/Walker
40.00 Early Registration
45.00 starting March 1st, 2013
50.00 starting May 1st, 2013

*4+ Person Color Team Runners & Walkers
35.00 per person Early Registration
40.00 per person starting March 1st, 2013
45.00 per person starting May 1st, 2013

 

When people register in a team of 4 or more it is automatically $5 cheaper, they can then also use their promo code on top of that and save $10.00. Details are online:
How does a “Color Team” work compared with a solo runner? Pretty simple, you register as a (4 minimum/infinity max) unit rather than as an individual. You get to pick a groovy custom team name, anything from The Roy G Biv All-stars to We Sweat Rainbows. You then get to run/walk together and “help” each other get really colored up over the 5 color kilometers. There is no “relay” component and team members can finish together as a unit or separately.

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE!! i WILL POST MY RACE EXPERIENCE AND PICTURES NEXT MONTH!

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Product review for TaraFit “Trim in 10” dvd set and GIVEAWAY!!

Posted on April 28, 2013 by EmpowerMoms

This month I had the opportunity to try  “Trim in 10” dvd set by Tarafit. 

This program comes on 3 dvds with 6 (10 mins) workouts on each dvd; Strength Stackers, Cardio Challenges and Torso Tacklers. 
You will need some equipment in order to do some of the workouts. 
You will need: Mat, aerobics step, various dumbells, resistance bands, stability ball, barbell/dumbells/broom handle, optional medicine ball and optional weighted gloves. 
I previewed all of the workouts and wrote down what equipment I would need for each video so I could be prepared ahead of time. 
This is what the dvd front, back and inside looks like: 

It even comes with a schedule to follow for 3 different levels.

This lists the chapters so you know what workouts are on which dvd.

First I tried the “All ball” workout on the 3rd dvd-Torso Tacklers. 

I used my stability ball and 6 pound medicine ball. 

This is what I burned according to my Polar FT7 heart rate monitor. 
This was a great workout! I used my smaller stability ball and had a hard time with one of the moves and had to switch to my bigger stability ball. 
Next, I did the “Kickboxing” workout from the Torso Tacklers dvd. 
Used my weighted gloves. 

 This is what I burned for calories. 
This was a little different from what I thought it would be because it was on the floor, hence why it was on the Torso Tacklers dvd! 😉 But a great workout and felt it in my core immediately. 
On the second dvd Cardio Challenges I tried the “Cardio bounce” 

You can use any size stability ball you want to!
This is what I burned in calories. 
I did this workout with my mom and it was fun!! I always love doing workouts with my stability ball. It keeps your heart rate up the whole time because your hands are in the air. Some of the moves are  a little tricky so you definitely have to concentrate. 

Tried the “Step” workout from Cardio Challenges dvd. 

I had my stepper on the ground-no risers. 
This is what I burned. 
This was probably the hardest of the ones I’ve tried so far. My mom got lost after the first 2 minutes so she just went up and down the stepper to keep her heart rate up. I was able to follow along for most of it but got lost towards the end. I will definitely have to do this workout a couple of times before I master all the moves and can keep up. 
 The last workout I’ve tried was “Belly Burn” from Cardio Challenges. 
No equipment needed. 

wow what a great calorie burn!!
This workout was an awesome burn!! Very fast paced and kept my heart rate up! loved the burpees and pushups!! 

I have not had the opportunity to try any of the workouts from the strength stackers but I did preview them and they look great! I love strength workouts using hand weights. 
Before starting these workouts, keep in mind you should do a couple of minutes of a warm up. Because these workouts are only 10 minutes long, there is no time for warm up or cool downs on the discs. She does try to do about 15-30 seconds of cool down after some of the workouts. 
Depending on your skill level, you also might want to preview the workout before trying it. She jumps right into the workout, which can be overwhelming if you are not use to something fast paced like that.
My mom had a heard time keeping up with the pace and she commented that she would consider this program “intermediate” which I would tend to agree with. 
Anyone could do these workouts and modify them, (she has a girl on the left do modifications to make the moves easier) but if you aren’t doing any kind of regular exercising, this dvd set may be hard to jump right into. 
I love that the workouts are 10 minutes because then I won’t have an excuse that I don’t have time to workout!! Who doesn’t have 10 minutes?? I usually find that after 10 minutes I want to keep going and do another 10 and then another 10. I really liked the workouts that I’ve tried so far and can’t wait to try the other ones… 
If you want more info about Tarafit, Her wesbite is: http://tarafit.com/

You can buy the set of 3 dvd workouts for $49.95 here: http://www.tarafit.com/TaraFitProducts.aspx or you can buy each dvd separately for $19.95. 
NOW ITS GIVEAWAY TIME!!
Tarafit has graciously offered to send one of my blog readers this same dvd set for FREE-valued at $49.95!!

SPECIFICS:
Open to US only-sorry no Canada or international addresses. 

This giveaway will start today April 28th and will end next Sunday May 5th at 6pm est. 
Mandatory entry: Please comment with your name and email address to contact you if you’re the winner.
Optional second entry: Tell me what kind of exercise you like to do! 
If you are worried about privacy and don’t want to leave your email address and just your name, thats fine but make sure to come back here Sunday night to see who the winner is!!
The winner will have 3 days to contact me with a mailing address before I redraw another name on Thursday. 
Tarafit will then mail your dvd set to you directly. 
Good Luck!! 
EDITED TO ADD THIS COMMENT FROM TARAFIT-
Sorry, Tara is correct!! she does do light exercises for the first minute that will warm up your body before jumping into the rest of the exercises!! 😉 I personally prefer to walk in place for a couple of minutes before starting a workout. 
Thanks for a great, honest review, Rachel! I’m glad you found an enjoyable intensity and found the workouts challenging enough to require more than one session to master it (otherwise it’s boring!). I would like to clarify that each workout does have a designated warm up included in the 10 minutes. It is brief at 1-ish minute but the body needs just a small temp increase to ensure safe exercise. You may not have realized you were doing the warm up because it’s incorporated into the workout choreography with a smooth transition right to the meat of the session! For instance, in the Strength Stackers the first few exercises are always done with very light or no weights to signal the body as to what is coming. In the Torso Tacklers, exercises are kept in a small range of motion at first to allow the core to warm up. In the Cardio Challenges, choreography is kept easier and in smaller motions or low impact before moving to higher intensity. Thanks again and keep in touch with your continued use and results! Best of luck to all those hoping to win the FREE DVD set!!!

-Tara, TaraFit

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