Category Archives: Workout Reviews

WORKOUT REVIEW: Beachbody’s Insanity: The Asylum

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ABOUT

So after you go “INSANE” well then you have to go to the “ASYLUM”, right?…Well, that’s exactly where Beachbody’s follow-up to the super popular “Insanity” workout will take you. This new set of DVDs from the makers of P90X takes the hardcore cardio from “Insanity” and adds some strength training moves and pull-ups from P90X for a killer total body workout system.

COMING SOON… SPECIFIC REVIEWS OF EACH DVD WORKOUT!

WORKOUT

Insanity: Asylum is SUPER INTENSE and includes 6 DVDs total with 3 cardio workouts, 1 strength workout and 1 stretching/recovery workout. The system comes with an agility ladder ( like the ones used for NFL drills) and a jump rope and you just need to add dumbbells, resistance bands and a pull up bar. ( Don’t worry, there are optional exercises is you don’t have a pull up bar).

The workouts use lots of one-minute long intervals, super intense plyometric drills, jump roping and lots of compound upper and lower body strength moves. Oh yeah, and hardly any recovery. All the DVDs have both cardio and strength elements so you always get a full workout in about 45 minutes.

TONE ZONE

  • Triceps, shoulders and especially your back… this workout will shred your upper body
  • While there aren’t any isolated abdominal workouts the plyos and sports drills will really work your core and totally tone your abs
  •  The plyos shape and tone your legs and give your booty a nice boost
  • Check out YouTube for Asylum results videos

WHAT I LOVE

  • The workouts are short (LOVE THIS) but also super intense so you burn tons of calories in a short amount of time
  • These are some of the most intense at home workouts on DVD
  • The DVD set comes with hybrid calendars if you want to combine Asylum with Insanity or P90X
  • Asylum is really fun, challenging and the exercises are new and different so you never get bored
  • You are bound to lose inches and get totally toned
  • Insanity was heavy cardio and P90X was heavy weights…Asylum is a really nice combo of both cardio and weights
  • I used this workout before my wedding and LOVED my toned arms and smaller waistline!

CROWD CONTROL

Asylum is definitely for advanced exercises, no doubt. If you’ve ever turned your nose up at at-home workouts you have to try these DVDs…they will kick your butt! The workout also is perfect to follow-up to P90X or Insanity.  It’s great for anyone short on time, who wants to workout at home and who doesn’t want to  compromise on intensity.

THAT’S WHERE IT’S AT

The DVDs set will run you about $120 with shipping about you can get there here….http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/insanity-next-level-asylum-workout.do

What’s “SUP” with Paddleboarding?

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ABOUT

You may have seen people on the lake and along the shore who look  like their walking on water. No cause for alarm…all those people are probably just paddleboarding (or they’re miracle workers, you decide:) Paddleboarding or SUPping (Stand Up Paddleboarding) involves standing on a large board that looks like a surfboard and using a tall paddle to glide through the surface of the water. It’s actually easier than it looks and don’t worry if you fall off… I had a totally ungraceful fall my first time out and it was super easy to get back up on the board. No injuries, just a little hurt pride:)

WORKOUT

Paddleboarding is one of those “you get out what you put in” workouts. You can leisurely travel about for a mild workout and some sightseeing or get into a semi-squat position and start some hard core paddling.If you want to make it harder try racing a friend or try paddleing against the current. FYI waves on the water make for a totally killer workout!

TONE ZONE

  • Sculpts serious shoulders, back and bicep muscles
  • Targets the obiques
  • Carves your calves

CROWD CONTROL

While this may have started as a surfer’s sport you don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy paddleboarding, in fact it’s great for workout newbies.  You’ll  see all ages from kids to teens to parents and even grandparents..oh yeah you might see a few dogs along for the ride. Celebs with killer bods like Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz  love to SUP as welll.

THAT’S WHERE IT’S AT

Grab a board at any of these locations…

Greenlake http://www.greenlakeboatrentals.net/

Lake Union http://www.nwoc.com/ (call for reservations)

West Seattle/ Alki  http://kayakalki.com/

Workout Class Review: Kinesis

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 Who would have thought that simple looking cables attached to the ceiling and the floor could provide such an amazing workout?!? Since I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest workout classes/routines I stopped by Vera Fitness in Seattle’s Greenlake neighborhood to check out this new workout called Kinesis and all I can say is, Kinesis where have you been all my life!

Kinesis is FUN, and if my soreness and Erin’s abs are any indication you’ll get great RESULTS and Vera Fitness’s focus on empowering women creates a very REWARDING atmosphere.  Thus, Vera Fitness and Kinesis pass the Living Great with Cait Test with flying colors and I will definitely be signing up for my free session with Erin! If you live in the Seattle area you must stop by Vera Fitness. The first session is free (so you have no excuses!) and everyone get a personally tailored workout. To find out more go to www.verafitness.com.