There's no shortage of weight lifting in P90X2.

FBG intern and on-again-off-again exerciser Kelsey is trying P90X2, the second version of the super-popular P90X system by Tony Horton. Find out how the last phase went below, and check out how the other P90X2 phases were here!

I DID SURVIVE! Okay, bad take on the song “I Will Survive.” But that’s what I thought when I was done with the last phase of P90X2! It was a toughie, but I got through it. I have officially completed the 90-day program. Woot!

The last phase combined all the elements we learned from the first two phases and applied them in the workouts—though the workouts were few and far between. We had a total of three workouts, one being yoga, which wasn’t as challenging as the other workouts. But the majority of the phase consisted of PAP Upper and PAP Lower, or Post-Activation Potentiation. To me it’s just a fancy term Tony likes to use. (I wonder if he knows what “PAP” means to most women…)

The Upper workout was fast-paced; you used weights and did push-ups, but also did some balancing with your own body weight. I am glad I was able to graduate to 10-pound weights during the program. I think that helped strengthen my workouts a lot. I do feel stronger overall as well. The Med Ball Plank sucked—excuse my language, but OMG. I am not a person who can hold themselves up with their own body weight (yet!), and this one was not any easier on a chair versus a med ball.

The Lower workout consisted of stretching muscles, using weights and building up the lower body. It was a good workout, but had a slower pace than the Upper. One of the moves I liked the least in the lower-body workout was the Side Bridge Leg Lift. This is not a move I have mastered at all, and we’ve done it quite a bit throughout the program. It’s another one of those where you use your body weight to hold yourself up and then, oh yeah, lift your leg up and hold it for a minute. I was doing well to hold myself up and not fall over, let alone hold my leg in the air. I went for the modified version on this one, where you just hold your arm in the air and not your leg.

However, one of the moves I really liked in the Lower workout was Tony’s Triangle. For this one, you lay on your side and lift your top leg in the air and then move it forward as far as you can in front of you and then lift it up, going backwards to make a triangle with your leg. I think being a dancer in a former life helped me with this move, but after 10 of those, it began to get harder and really worked those leg muscles.

Overall, this last phase felt like it dragged out for much longer than the other phases, even though we only spent three weeks on it. I think the repetition of the two workouts just got old. The weather also started getting really nice, so I think that factored in to our lack of enthusiasm to work out inside anymore. We kept getting the itch to go outside and do more productive things, like tend to our neglected lawns and overgrown plants from the previous winter. Oh, and that little-known basketball tournament that was on…NCAA…you know, that one. The guys and I were much more interested in watching those games than working out. Gotta make sure your bracket is holding up right? I’d say, overall, March is not a good month to work out if you want to be productive.

As much as the last phase dragged out, I’m glad we are done with the program and ready to move on to something else. Running, eh? Thanks to everyone for letting me ramble about my experiences from P90X2. I hope you all got some good information from it and try it out for yourself. You never know how it will turn out. Good luck, and please share your experiences below! —Kelsey

If you know and love fitness like I do, then the words Canyon Ranch may make you melt. Canyon Ranch is a dream getaway for every Fit Bottomed Girl who wants an experience full of healthy eating, fitness, overall wellness and, of course, spa treatments—I’m sore here, here and here…ahh much better. Unfortunately, not all of us can afford this luxurious getaway, so the team at the Ranch put together a workout DVD, Canyon Ranch: Strong and Sculpted, to allow all of us busy bodies to get a taste of the Canyon state of mind and way of life in the comfort of our own homes.

Canyon Ranch: Strong and Sculpted has three 20-minute workouts and a bunch of exciting bonus features that are great for beginners. The three workouts take place at the beautiful Tuscon Canyon Ranch and include the segments Yoga, Strength Training and Core.

Yoga

If you are looking for a centering and spiritual yoga session, this isn’t the one for you (this one might be though!). The yoga workout on this disc isn’t focused on relaxation and meditation, instead it keeps you moving from one pose to the next. The teacher wasn’t very energetic, but will lead you from plank to mountain to lunge to Warrior I and to swan dive…over and over again.

Strength Training

The focus of this segment at Canyon Ranch is on muscular strength and endurance. The workout, which is led by the same woman who taught yoga, is well-rounded and hits every body part. There are not many modifications, except the option of doing all of the exercises without holding weights. Because of this—and because you do tons of squats and lunges to keep your heart pumping throughout the DVD—I would caution those with any previous or present knee injuries to take it slow and listen to your body in this section. In addition to leg work, the Strength Training section also includes side lunges with a lateral raise, bicep curls with curtsy lunges, a plank with a row, push-ups and glute bridges—my legs burned!

Core

Core—the center of your body, and what keeps you strong. A good core keeps your lower back protected and is always engaged in every activity of our daily life, so I love working it! With combinations of burpees, planks, Russian twists and lots of arm-figure-eights, this teacher has the personality and excitement to keep you motivated and working hard.

Once you’re done breaking a sweat, the also DVD includes cool bonus features such as keys to success, how to cook with superfoods and how to keep healthy joints. I am looking forward to trying the Canyon Ranch’s recipe for salmon topped with mango-blueberry salsa—YUM!

Now if only the DVD came with a day at the spa! I don’t think this DVD is a good example of everything Canyon Ranch has to offer, so I guess I’ll be booking my trip to the ranch sooner than later…

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★
Music: ★★
Fun Factor: ★★
Meets Expectations: ★★
Overall: ★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: Best for beginners without knee issues, Canyon Ranch Strong & Sculpted isn’t as good as actually going to Canyon Ranch, but it will give you a pretty good yoga, strength training and core workout in a short amount of time. 

Have you ever been to Canyon Ranch? If so, color me jealous. But also intrigued—tell me what it was like! —Raquel

I have a new favorite workout DVD instructor, and his name is Sensei Guillermo Gomez. Despite the fact that his accent is oh-so-sexy and fun (which we’ve noted before), Guillermo is just a loveable guy who packs a serious punch in his new Kickboxing Cardio Power workout DVD. (Get it “punch”? ‘Cause it’s a kickboxing workout? Har. Har.)

Flanked by two ladies (one of which is, no surprise, the lovely Jessica Smith, who appeared next to Guillermo in yesterday’s video!), Mr. Gomez shows you how to punch and kick your way fit. With moves like what you’d expect in Tae Bo or any live kickboxing class, you get about a 40-minute workout that’s mostly cardio with a little lower-body strength mixed in.

After a quick 6-minute warm-up that runs you through the punches and some stretching, Guillermo gets right to the good stuff—32 minutes of punches, shuffles, V-steps, jump rope, jumping jacks, squats and other kickboxing-inspired moves put together for some fun yet not overly complex combinations. After that, he cools you down with about four minutes of stretching.

The DVD also includes a short intro by Guillermo (more of that accent—growl) and a tutorial on how to do all of the moves, which has really good cues on how to properly punch. So many girls have noodle-arms when they punch, so it’s a nice little primer on proper boxing technique. Punch with power! There are also not one, not two, but three bonus segments. While the sound quality on the bonus segments isn’t great, if you’re into martial arts, you’ll love these. The first one shows you how to do a basic roll, the second gets more complicated with a roll back with lunge, and the third is a lunge to kick. All are fun, and make you feel like a bad-ass.

One of the best parts of this DVD (minus the accent and solid instruction, of course), is that you just need yourself to do it. For the bonus segments, you’ll need a soft padded area or carpet, but besides that it’s just you, Guillermo and your sweat (double growl). While there’s nothing particularly ground-breaking in this DVD, it’s done damn well. The music is a bit lackluster, but Guillermo more than makes up for it. It’s high-energy, fun…and did I mention he has an accent?

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★

Fit Bottomed Line: If you love kickboxing workouts and/or a man with an accent, this intermediate workout DVD is for you!

We have two of Guillermo’s Kickboxing Cardio Power workout DVDs to giveaway! Leave a comment with why you want to win it or what accent is your favorite, and we’ll select two lucky U.S. readers to win a copy in about a week. ¡Buena suerte! —Jenn

Why are all of the FBGs discussing green and natural fitness stuff this week? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Earth Week, silly!

There are so many things to be thankful for in life, and sometimes with all the hustle of our everyday activities, we forget to stay in the moment. It’s in this moment and place where we cultivate our true selves and find inner alignment. It’s also where we feel most at home—and natural (see the tie-in to Fit Bottomed Earth Week?!)—within ourselves. Jo Tastula’s High Vibrations Yoga DVD helped center me at a time when all I wanted to do was let my mind race.

Her compilation of five meditations and five short practices range from eight to 15 minutes in length and take place in a beautiful rocky landscape. The music and Jo’s voice calm the mind and allow each person to listen to his or her body, thus letting their mind chatter disappear.

I found that the short practices are the perfect amount of time to start or end your day. They are not difficult and aren’t meant for you to break a sweat. This set of meditations and practices do what most things in life can’t—help you refocus and live in the moment. We only have one life to live, so let’s be mindful of ourselves and the world around us.

The 5 Segments of the High Vibrations Yoga DVD

Here is a list of the five meditations and its corresponding short practices…

Abundance: This practice is about cultivating your energy. There are two main poses, including crescent and temple pose, but the main focus is on breathing. The mantra you follow? “I am in the flow of life and connected to the energy of all things.”

Releasing: The Releasing practice is about releasing the negative, or things in life you can’t get past, and bringing in the new. Personally, this one was my favorite, and by the end of the practice all the tension and stress I had was gone. My exhales had become more meaningful, and I started to listen to my body. Mantra: “I release the past and open myself fully into the serenity of this moment.”

Strength: The Strength practice begins with one hand on the belly and one hand on the heart. As you focus on your breath flowing through your body, your mind enters a relaxed state. From this point you begin your practice, including chair pose, plank, three push-ups and warrior I. Mantra: “I’m directly connected to the source of all energy in the universe.”

Balance: The Balance practice is about finding a deeper consciousness within. Each pose allows the whole body to open up and re-energize. Poses include chair pose, plank, downward dog and cobra. This section’s mantra: “My natural state is one of deep harmony within myself and in the world.”

Peace: The Peace practice helps you find peace and serenity within yourself and the many changes of life. Poses include child’s pose, cat and cow, and downward facing dog. Mantra: “My natural state is one of deep peace.”

Seriously, Namaste.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★

Overall: ★★★

Fit Bottomed Line: If you’re looking to get more in touch with your natural self for Earth Day or are looking to de-stress, this yoga and meditation DVD is it. You won’t get a great physical workout, but your brain will get a calm-inducing breather!

Do you use yoga or meditation in addition to your usual workouts to de-stress? Does it help you connect to nature? Tell us about it! —Raquel

Why are all of the FBGs discussing green fitness stuff this week? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Earth Week, silly!

Sure, you’ve already seen (and been terrified by) An Inconvenient Truth, but what about these seven other Earth documentaries? From showing you the dark side of the food supply to showing the powerful effect of making just one change, we think they’re the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day 2012—and inspire you to make a difference!

7 Earth Day Documentaries Worth Watching for Earth Day 2012

1. Bag It. We promise that after seeing this Earth documentary, you’ll never look at plastic the same way again. You can watch this one for free, too, on this Sunday (Earth Day 2012!) at 8 p.m. ET on the Documentary Channel, which is doing a whole day of “EarthView” programming that promises an eye-opening exploration of our earth, the environment and ways we can all participate in making the world a better place to live. We dig it!

2. Food, Inc. It changed my plate (even inspiring me to go vegetarian for a month and then only buy organic, grass-fed meat), and we think it’ll change yours, too! And then some…

]]> http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/04/7-documentaries-to-watch-to-celebrate-earth-day-2012/feed/ 4 http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/04/review-jari-loves-get-extremely-ripped-1000-and-if-it-burns-1000-calories/ http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/04/review-jari-loves-get-extremely-ripped-1000-and-if-it-burns-1000-calories/#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:38 +0000 Jenn http://fitbottomedgirls.com/?p=29833

Kelsey doing a pull-up!

FBG intern and on-again-off-again exerciser Kelsey is trying P90X2, the second version of the super-popular P90X system by Tony Horton. Find out how it’s going below, and follow along with her progress in the coming months here!

Wow! That’s my initial reaction to P90X2 Phase Two. It was a definite challenge, taking me back to what I remember about the original P90X—weights, pull-ups and push-ups galore. All good muscle-building exercises.

Coming off the last phase where I modified several moves, I was determined not to do that as much during Phase Two. And I feel like I succeeded for the most part, but there were times I modified yet still managed to get a good workout in.

This phase worked a little differently than the last one in that there were four workouts that alternated every two weeks (so you did two workouts for two weeks and then two other workouts for two weeks). So instead of Phase One where you were stuck on the same thing for four weeks, it actually mixed up the workouts. I found this nice because I get bored easily, and I knew there was something new around the corner!

The one workout that did continue through Phase Two was Base and Back. It’s a combo of plyometrics and pull-ups. Instead of using resistance bands, which are now too easy for me, for the pull-ups, I used a chair for my weakling self. But I managed to do those pretty well! (See photo for proof.) I could feel myself getting stronger.

Shoulders and Arms was the first of the four alternating workouts. In this one, I went for the weights to tone my arms versus using the bands, which I think I’ve gotten used to from Phase One. This was one area I really tried to challenge myself. The Chest, Back and Balance workout was also one I tried to do modified pull-ups instead of using resistance bands. I succeeded for the most part with that. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I was impressed with myself for using the weights. I’m not usually a weight lifting kind of gal, but I’m glad I took on the challenge.

The last two weeks of the phase involved the V Sculpt and Chest, Shoulders and Tris workouts. As with the others, I did my darndest to “keep up with the boys” or, in my case, use the correct weight and not modify the moves as much. I definitely stayed pretty stable with my progress in the workouts that lasted two weeks. But there is only so much you can do in two weeks. You would have to keep going with the program to really see how you progress. Ah well, for another day.

Phase Two definitely kicked my butt, but I’m glad I took it by the horns and tackled it as best I could. I must say the alternating workouts helped the phase go by much faster than expected. Now we are on to Phase Three. Hopefully I survive the program and can live to tell about it. So until next time…P90X2 Phase Two complete!

Have you done P90X2? Have a similar experience during Phase Two? Let’s compare notes! —Kelsey

Get fit by bouncing like a kid!

There’s just something about jumping on a trampoline. It makes you feel like a kid again, alive and bouncing and happy. So when JumpSport asked if we wanted to try its new foldable Fitness Trampoline, I—wait for it—jumped at the idea.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one digging on the idea. Both my husband and my dog were equally jazzed at the thoughof having a trampoline at the ready, too. On more than one occasion—or 12—I had to ask (or command, in the dog’s case) nicely (or firmly, in my best pack-leader voice, again for the dog) to use the trampoline for my work. Bouncing is hard work you know.

Besides being fun, bouncing on a personal indoor trampoline is a serious workout. At first you’re all bouncing and happy, and before you know it, you’re out of breath, sweaty and your legs are burning. It’s awesome. The newest JumpSport Fitness Trampoline Model 350f, which is the first foldaway version of the company’s personal exercise trampoline, will run you $359, which isn’t cheap, but have I mentioned it’s super fun?

See? It folds up so that you can jump just about anywhere.

This fitness trampoline isn’t like the ones from the 80s or 90s with those metal springs that made you feel like if you misstepped they’d eat your foot. Instead, it’s stable, solid and surprisingly quiet. Not to mention that instead of having metal springs, there are soft elastic cords that give you the bounce minus the ouch if you do land a bit off the center. While the foldable aspect of the trampoline is cool—especially for those who want to bounce here, there and everywhere—getting the trampoline folded and unfolded is a bit of a skill that takes practice and brute strength. Additionally, I found that after a few weeks of use, you have to go back in and tighten up the legs as they can start to unscrew over time with all of the bouncing.

However, to be totally transparent here, my household seriously tested this trampoline. My husband bounced on it as hard as he could (which is HARD), and my dog sometimes even jumped on it herself as she ran to see what the FedEx man was delivering (Oh, that evil FedEx man, always delivering packages.).

And me? Well, I tried the fun cardio and strength workout DVD that came with it (while nothing to write home about, it’s pretty solid and shows you how you can use the trampoline for abs, push-ups, cardio drills and so much more), but I mostly used it as a fun way to sneak in activity every single day. Now that my treadmill desk is gone, I bounce for a few minutes every couple of hours to get off my rear and take a break. And I routinely bounce during commercials when watching TV, especially The Biggest Loser. And I can’t count the number of times my husband and I have had a silly jumping contest where we try to perfect our Mario Brothers jumping impersonations.

This looks says, "Puh-lease, don't try to steal my fitness trampoline."

Jumping on a trampoline is awesome because it’s a low-impact activity that both works the legs and the heart, but my favorite thing about it is that it really doesn’t feel like a workout. The act of jumping is truly joyous and makes you feel like a kid. I know it’s pricey, but if you could use a little more play in your exercise, this is well worth it. And, hey, it doubles as an elevated dog bed!

Have you ever tried a fitness trampoline? Would you? Tell us about it! —Jenn

The Insanity program. Credit: Beachbody.com

Those of you who know me know I truly enjoy a hard workout, like one that can make even the fittest of Fit Bottomed Girls and Fit Bottomed Dudes sweat. I like being pushed hard and seeing just how much I can get out of my body. Some people think I’m a little nuts. Those people probably won’t be surprised to learn that I freaking loved Insanity. I first did the program almost two years ago (which is when I first reviewed it for That’s Fit—if you want the details on each individual workout in the program, check that out), and since then, it’s regularly rotated into my fitness routine.

For those of you who are not yet familiar with Insanity, here’s the scoop. Insanity bills itself as “the hardest workout program ever put on DVD.” It’s a 60-day program that consists of 10 DVDs (six workouts you rotate through according to the Insanity calendar for the first month, one DVD that’s used for recovery during week five, and four that are rotated throughout the second month).

Each workout is based on the idea of MAX Interval Training, which basically means you do longer periods of super-intense exercise with short rest intervals. By switching up the intervals in this way, Insanity claims you can burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour. These intervals keep your body and mind occupied with moves that are easy to learn but tough to master, especially when you’re nearing the end of an interval and facing total muscle failure. Because, believe me, you will experience total muscle failure.

The workouts are all similar insofar as to say that, if you like one of them, you’ll like them all, but they differ enough to keep each day fresh. The first day is the Fit Test, which takes you through eight exercises for a minute each, and then has you write down your score. Insanity trainer Shaun T leads and, as he does with all the videos, participates in the majority of the exercises but takes breaks to show form (and catch his breath). The man and woman he uses as examples offer up their scores from their first time and what they score on the video (after 60 days on the program), so you can get a feel for where you stand. I was pretty middle ground—sometimes higher than their starting score, sometimes lower.

Now, the Fit Test had me struggling, but compared to the other workouts, it was a breeze. Each workout had its own special way to torture my muscles, so that even though I was sore enough after, say Plyometric Cardio Circuit to warrant concerned glances from strangers as I tried to walk up the stairs, I was still able to give the next day’s workout, Cardio Power & Resistance, my full effort. However, my full effort still wasn’t quite enough to finish every move, every time. There were several times when my body gave up before my mind was ready to quit, and even if my life had depended on it, I could not have possibly done another rep. Nope, not even one.

The Insanity program is $144.80 on the official Web site (including shipping and handling), which, I know is a lot of money to spend. But that’s a small price to pay for results, right? Plus, it comes with a nutrition guide, quick-and-easy fitness guide, calendar and access to online support tools. If you ask me, it’s entirely worth it. Shoot, it’s worth every penny and then some.

I have a couple of notes for you before I give out my official rating. First, I want to point out that this is a seriously athletic workout—I found myself transported back to being 15 years old and attending the varsity volleyball and basketball open gyms, hoping I could work hard enough to keep up with the juniors and seniors. It’s sporty without the sports, so if you consider yourself an athlete and want to be pushed in the same way a coach would push you during tryouts, you’ll enjoy it.

That being said, it is hard. There are no real modifications because Shaun T doesn’t want to give you any excuses for not giving absolutely everything you have. (I know this for a fact—he told me.) So, if you’re not in pretty good shape to start with and aren’t familiar with how to modify athletic moves like this, I would strongly recommend asking a trainer or fit and experienced friend to help you modify the moves to avoid injury.

One other thing I’d like to say is that this was the first workout my husband and I ever did together consistently (kind of like FBG Jenn and her hubby!), and we both had a blast. In fact, maybe it’s about time for us to start another round …

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★★★
Music: ★★★★1/2
Fun Factor: ★★★★1/2
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★1/2

Fit Bottom Line: I loved it. LOVED. I loved how hard this program pushed me, I loved Shaun T, and I loved that each video was just different enough to keep me fully focused, but not so different that I had to struggle to figure out new moves with each one. And the best part is that, even after finishing Insanity, I’ve continued doing the workouts here and there, and use a lot of the moves when I put together my own impromptu workouts at the gym or when I’m on the road. I’m going to go ahead and say it: This is my favorite at-home workout program. EVER.

Have you done Insanity? Agree with my review of the Beachbody program? —Kristen

I remember last year when Fit Bottomed Mamas interviewed Ellen Barrett. One line that I loved from the Q&A was her advice on workouts: “Workouts can be nurturing or they can be abuse. Choose nurturing.” Simple but sage advice that really speaks to the Fit Bottomed Girls’ philosophy of choosing activities and exercises that you love—not just ones that burn a lot of calories. Part of being healthy is being happy, and it’s simply hard to do that when you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to to. (I talk about this SO much during FBG Life because it’s so important!) So, naturally, when her new workout Ellen Barrett Live DVDs came out, I knew we had to try one.

Ellen’s personality is so encouraging without being overly hippity-dippity or perky. She’s real, and looks like a real woman, too. From the title of the DVD series, I expected Power Fusion to be almost like a concert or at least have a performance feel to it, but instead it’s almost like you’re in one of Ellen’s live classes. All done in one continous take with Ellen and a few of her real students, Power Fusion is both high energy and calming. (Yes, you read that right.)

Mixing moves from yoga, barre, dance and Pilates, Ellen leads you through choreography to get your heart rate up. She shows a move like a plié, then adds on a twist, a touch to the “earth” (not the “ground,” which I thought was a subtle yet effective way of making the workout seem more natural) and other little additions to add difficulty. In one section she flows from triangle pose to a runner’s lunge with pulses to doing figure-eights with your arms. In another, she has you on all fours for core work where you bring your knee up towards your arms while you “thread” your leg all the way up and through.

With a gentle 8-minute warm-up, 26 minutes of cardio, and 12 minutes of floor toning and stretching, this is a solid 46-minute workout that will leave you sweaty (the moves look easy but aren’t), stretched out and feeling strong. While modifications are shown, there are a lot of pliés in this workout DVD. So if your knees aren’t the best or you simply despise pliés, this one probably isn’t for you. Everyone else though? One to enjoy and feel good about!

FBG Rating (Out of 5):
Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★

Overall: ★★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: It’s hard for a workout to be both challenging and feel-good, but Power Fusion does it. Perfect for intermediate exercisers looking to de-stress and work out.

Want to try this Ellen Barrett Life: Power Fusion yourself? Leave a comment telling us why, and we’ll select one lucky U.S. reader to win in about a week! —Jenn