DVD Review: Totally Ripped Core/Shoe Review

Hey everyone! So, I got Bob's new Ab DVD in the mail about a week and a half ago. This DVD is about 48 minutes long with a warm up and cool down. You only need one set of dumbells for this workout. I'm using 8lb dumbells, but use what you're comfortable with, or if you need to modify, you can use just your own body weight. There is a 45 minute workout and a mini workout. I have not done the mini workout yet, but I will soon!

This isn't one of Bob's normal workouts where you're drenched in a pool of your own sweat by the end of the hour, but you will be feeling your abs for the rest of the day! It not only works your core, but it pushes the limits of your balance as well. I have a crooked spine, so some of these balance moves were very challenging to me. Bob loves to work balance and core together, and since I've been using his DVD's, my balance has greatly improved, but I still have to work to get through these routines. Some moves are very simple, like the crunches and variations of them, and others are deadly, like the side burpees and plank twists at the end. Bob knows just how to push you to your limits and then some. I have done this workout twice and I feel it at the end! I did this workout 15 hours ago, and I still feel my abs! It will really work your core, your balance, and your strength all at the same time. It's a nice DVD to have in between the cardio workouts to break up the week. So...yes! Go out and get this DVD right now!

Next review; Puma running shoes!

You can get these babies here! I bought mine earlier this month and I've got to say...I've fallen in love with them. I've done both outside running (with the ginormous Japanese hills here on our base) and running on the treadmill with them. They are very breathable; I felt the wind blowing around my feet while I was outside! The insides practically molded to my foot. They have amazing support, and have a sort of "spring" to them when you take each step, which launches you to your next stride. I've done regular cardio workouts with them and they are great for that too, but I'm using them just for running since I have other athletic shoes too. I've officially switched from being a Nike Girl to a Puma Girl!

So if you are in the market for new shoes, go with the Puma running shoes! They run true to size! I normally wear a 6, and I ordered a 6 without trying them on and they fit perfectly.

Until next time!

HarperGirl



Jillian VS Bob Review

Many of us are familiar with The Biggest Loser. At some point int he first 2 weeks, the contestants picked a trainer, Jillian or Bob. Jillian had the rep of being the "tough one" because she yelled, screamed, and cursed at the contestants. Bob was the "nice one", he could connect better with the contestants and get a workout done. He wasn't, and still isn't, one for screaming. Now both Jillian and Bob have their own line of workout DVDs, and I get asked about Jillian's 30-Day Shred multiple times a week. Everyone knows that I am a "Harper Girl", and will be till the day I die, but I have Jillian's 30-Day Shred at home.

In this DVD, Jillian has 3 levels, a warm up and cool down included. I've done all 3 and for someone like me, it's not nearly enough to make me break much of a sweat. If I'm really short on time sometimes I'll throw it in just to mix it up a little, but that is a very rare occasion. I used this DVD many, many times in the past before I lost the bulk of my weight, and it never made my scale budge. And she markets on the TOP of that DVD "Lose up to 20lbs in 30 Days!!". Umm....no. That's actually almost impossible. Even when I was consistently dropping pounds, I lost 8-10lbs at the most a month. All of that without Jillian, I might add.

My honest opinion? Jillian is a marketer. She markets to the stay at home mom crowd, who only have about 20 minutes to workout. As yourself this; is 20 minutes enough to really make a change? Answer; NO. Reality people, 20 minutes is barely a WARM-UP. Reality is harsh. If you want change, you need to put yourself in a pool of your own sweat 4-6 times a week for 45-60 minutes. It doesn't sound fun, but it's reality. That was and still is my reality. As Bob says to the 15-20 minute workouts "are you KIDDING me?!". Ok, I know many of you will not like me after saying that, but I don't want to steer you wrong here! This issues is life and death for some people. It made the difference between healthy and diabetic for me. You have to make time for that hour, whether it's getting up an hour early before your kids, or staying up later, or getting a sitter. If you want it bad enough, you will do what it takes.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Jillian! I think she did a great job on TBL with her teams. It's this DVD that I have issues with. Working out for only 20 minutes will get you nowhere near where you want to be. I still workout for close to an hour a day, 6 times a week, just to maintain my fitness level! If you want to change your life, this DVD isn't for you. It is highly popular, but for the reason that it's only 20 minutes. If you go from completely sedentary lifestyle to working with this, then your scale might budge some, but you won't see any good lasting results with it. It's better than NO workout, but trust me, spend an hour with Bob and his cardio and you will understand why he has been the dark horse of TBL for years. He won't yell at you like Jillian, but he will change your outlook on fitness, food, and how you live your life.

With love,
Harper Girl

PS- for more one-on-one help with me, or for daily inspiration, join my Facebook group Homefront Warriors! I have a great group going so far, and I check it daily!