A Revolutionary Core Workout—And You Can Win It!
December 6, 2010 by Jenn
We’re all trying to do more in less time—work, family, driving, BlackBerrying, all of it. And I’m all for having more free time and less “to-do” time for sure. Which is why Linda LaRue’s latest workout DVD the Core Transformer pretty much rocks my world. Or entire planetary system.
The DVD promises a lot: A three-dimensional two-in-one cardio core and constant resistance lean sculpting tubing workout. I’m not even fully sure what all that even means, but I want it. It also promises a burn of 1,000 calories if you do the whole 60-minute workout. I know—a pretty tall order. I was skeptical at first, but after about 10 minutes, I was a believer. A transformed Core Transformer devotee, if you will.
The kit is straightforward, using only a simple resistance tubing that you Velcro around your feet. You have the option to power through a 20-, 40- or 60-minute workout, plus a warm-up and cool down. But don’t be fooled by the “simple” resistance tubing’s benign look—it is the source of much muscle burning and grunting, believe me. In each workout you use the tubing as resistance when you squat, twist, kick, lunge, press, jump (the plyometrics kill!) curl and—generally—burn, baby, burn. You feel every move EVERYWHERE. Your arms. Your legs. Your abs. Your lower back. Oh, lordy, lordy, the burning. I somehow managed to complete the 60-minute workout all the way through (even Linda confessed to me while discussing Brussels sprouts that it was ridiculous for anyone to start with the hour-long workout—so don’t do what I did!) and was S-O-R-E the next day, especially in my glutes (hooray!) and my lower back (but in a good way).
All three of the workouts truly are cardio, core and strength sessions all in one. So you’re really, really saving time. And you’re seriously working your body in a way I promise you never have before unless you’ve been trained as a professional athlete. It’s super awesome. Not to mention that the instructor Raneir Pollard is extremely encouraging, funny and not the least bit overly perky or annoying. He’s also not hard to look at. Can’t beat that.
The only downside to this core workout DVD is that some of the moves are a little repetitive and the music is oddly quiet at times. But those things are really minor considering how different and revolutionary this workout really is. It delivers, people! It really delivers!
FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★
Fit Bottom line: If you want a workout DVD that will challenge your whole body in new ways, get this! One of the coolest and most unique workouts we’ve tried in years!
Want to try the Core Transformer Kit yourself? Leave a comment on why you’d like to try the workout, and we’ll select two U.S. readers to win the awesome core-working kit AND a free 30-minute one-on-one phone session with the core guru herself, Linda LaRue! You can’t beat that! Full giveaway rules here. Winners will be selected in a week and contacted via email, so get to pleading your core case in the comments before time runs out! —Jenn









I love trying new workouts … I’ve done it all, P90X, Jillian Michaels, Winsor Pilates, The Exhale Series, NYC Ballet, you name it, I’ve tried it (mostly from reading your reviews!). I’m also an avid runner so something that’s going to challenge me and make me feel the burn, as well as burning 1000 calories, sounds incredible. I would love to try out this new workout and add to my arsenal of personal fitness!
Wow – this video looks great! I would love to try it to mix things up in my routine. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut.
Looks like fun! Seems like a great time to try something new – get ready for the holidays!
Awesome. I dig this!
OOH! Ooh! I’d love to try this, because I have GOT to do core work. Seriously, wtf is wrong with me that I never squeeze it in!!
I would really like to try this… really, really…
I Love trying and doing new workouts! I am an HUGE workout buff and workout everyday for at least an hour to two. This would be awesome to get back into shape after baby comes in the next couple of weeks too!!
I’ve recently discovered planks as an addition to my “8 Minute Abs” DVD, and those are what is finally starting to tone my core… but I want more! This workout sounds absolutely perfect.
I’m gonna need to burn 1,000 calories a workout after I have my second baby!
Going into 2010 I weighed 67 lbs. more than I am right now! It has been a journey and life changing…however, I am coming to a stalemate at the worst time- the holidays! I have been substitute teaching while trying to get a full time job so my funds are very limited so a new DVD I the perfect way to spruce up my workout and inspire me to keep going. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on this one.
This would be a godsend — I’ve gained more weight than I know what to do with this year (!) and could use a home-based way to lose it!
As a female firefighter staying in great shape is extremely important. Fit bottomed girls has been so motivating for me. I appreciate much of the info I get here. So wonderful to hear about women who care about being strong and healthy. I’d love the opportunity to try this Core Transformer Kit. A workout like this could really help me perform my job better. And receiving something like this from FBG would be like having personal support from some amazing women.
Wow this would be AMAZING to have! After having 2 kids in under 2 years and having to stop working to stay home and raise them I don’t get to get to a gym so I workout at home…with money tight we can’t afford new workout videos so I’m still rockin a Denise Austin video I’ve had for years! I REALLY want to lose the baby weight without having to spend to much money!!! Thankyou for the opportunity!!!!
I have done the clips of this kit many times with a regular band but have hesitated to order it fearing I would be disappointed. I love unique workouts but also love loud music and unique moves. I’ll probably cave and order it eventually LOL
I’m always looking for a new challenge, especially when it involves a workout that targets my core. My middle still isn’t the same after having two children and could use some help.
This sounds like a great workout DVD! I am all in favor of combining cardio and strength, and this would be awesome for when it’s too cold to head outside, since I don’t belong to a gym…
I could really use some motivation right now to PUSH myself and gain some more strength, this could be just what the doctor ordered!
It is my heart that wants and needs to win….I have got to get healthy , I loved your review and the long term likeability information is grate. So often, I get bored with over videos.
This looks like a great system…I have been watching what I’m eating for the last few days (if you knew me, you’d like that in itself is an accomplishment)..now I just need to find a program that I will actually do. Anyone have any ideas for someone who is a just starting out on that whole working out thing…and hates to sweat in public? lol…thanks!
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE send this our direction. We’re in training for the Warrior Dash and it’s freaking freezing outside (Chicago- Brrrr!!!). We would love to win a challenging workout that does not feature battling the cold to get to the gym!
Looks like an awesome workout! I’d love to try it. I need something to break me out of my fitness rut. Been trying to lose the last of this baby weight, but the last 10 are the worst!
I would LOVE 2 get this to work out my core! That’s my biggest problem area right now that I’ve been wrking on w/out the exact results yet. Just can’t seem 2 get the tone I want & need badly! This would actually b my 1st wrkout DVD ever! So the added help of over the phone instructions would be a huge plus!! I usually get tips off of youtube. Would def b the greatest Christmas gift if this does the job! Thanks!
I’d love to get this core workout! I’m always looking for new core exercises… I’ve been doing variations of the same ab routine for more than 4 years now so it’s time for a change!
I like to try any workouts at home. So hard to get motivated to go to the gym when it is this cold out! Easy to be motivated to workout at home.
this looks so great!!! i sure could use any help i can get with my core!!! especially with the holidays!!!!
I am unable to get to a gym so I’m looking for a good home workout! And in the midwest where we are in the deep freeze already, it would be a bonus not to have to go shop for one!
I would love to try something like this. After having two kids and getting back into fitness, I have been having the most problems losing and toning in this area. I have already lost most of my baby weight but people still think I am pregnant! Ahh… this would be FANTASTIC!
I would love to try this!
After 4 kids, my core has taken a beating. I will be challenging myself to take care of myself now in the new year on all aspects, but especially my health! Winning this workout would help me meet my goals in 2011. Thaank you for the opportunity.
I am always trying to change up my workout and I like to use new tools and resources like Linda Larue’s Core Transformer to do that. I work out 4-5 days a week at either the gym or at home and I need something like this to keep me motivated and going. I’m down 30 lbs, running in a 1/2 marathon in February and am losing that motivation as we speak. But I’m going to keep going through that wall and make it to the other side, hopefully with the Core Transformer at my side!!
I would absolutely love to try this. I have TONS of Tae Bo, Jillian, Biggest Loser workouts, and I’m always looking for new things to add to my collection. I workout all the time, and I have PCOS so I tend to have issues with storing fat in my middle region – I’m wondering if this would help kick that. I would love to try it!
I would love to try this. I’ve been out of commision as far as exercising due to foot surgery but am about to be released by my doctor and i need something to shake me out of this rut!
OMG! I would love this! We are about to move to Italy and w/the move preparations my gym time is SO limited! A good home workout seems to be my best option right now!
I would love this! I work out with a trainer twice a week but would love something new to do at home for my “homework” I have started a new “lifestyle” and this would be a great addition to it. I lost 40 lbs so far but still have 20-30 to go
My core is in need of transforming! I ran my first marathon in October and am registered for my second in March, hoping to be in much better all around shape by then. I could use something fun and challenging to work those muscles (all of them) that I tend to forget about.
This is just fantastic! I would absolutely love to win this! After losing over 75 pounds last year, I have gained more than 50 pounds back and am in some serious need of an awesome workout routine! Seeing as how I live in the sticks of NH, I do not have access to a gym close by so my lifeline to fitness is at home workouts. Starting 2011 off with a great workout DVD such as this would truly help me reach my fitness goals of creating a happier and healthier me.
This workout looks amazing! I’m always looking for new workout dvds because affording a gym membership is not in my budget right now. Love FBG and their great reviews
I soo would love to try this. I am of average weight but I do have a flabby tummy. It is the only part of my body that I really need to work on. This workout program would be perfect for me!
As a woman over 50, I find my whole life has changed. Before, at 5’2″, I never had any problem maintaining a respectable weight. Now, seems no matter what I do or don’t do, eat or don’t eat, the weight comes on and stays on, despite my best efforts to eat right and exercise regularly. Even though I have tried it all when it comes to diet or exercise, I am very determined and have devoted myself the last two years to dropping the bad habits and eating healthy. But my body has not responded. I have firmed up but not lost any weight. This core workout looks like it could be a cardio, core and strength workout that I could easily fit into my life and do regularly to reduce stress and maintain my fitness level, even when traveling. If so, I’ll recommend it to all my friends, even the ones under 50.
Always looking for something new…I love switching things up…running, Chalean Extreme, Turbofire..many Jillian Michaeals…gym WO’s..bring it on….
I’m always looking into new fitness ideas and work outs. I believe I tryied it all and just am always open to learn more n improve myself so I can help others improve themselves. I wopuld love to try this one.
My husband and I are adopting a new toddler in the new year and I won’t be able to hit the gym for awhile. Would love to have some new DVD’s to replace my gym time.