Since I’ve been training for a half marathon, I’ve found myself craving workouts that allow me to stretch my running muscles. There’s been a lot of yoga happening in this household, is what I’m saying, and I’ve really slacked off on the strength training.

Core Fusion Power Sculpt just debuted the week of Dec. 6, and, lucky for me, it offers the best of both worlds. It incorporates the fluid, yoga-inspired moves you expect from Core Fusion founders Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito, but adds in a bit of strength work with light hand weights. And it’s customizable—there are five 10-minute sessions with a bonus stretch at the end. You select the sections you want to do, or choose to do them all and they will flow seamlessly from one workout to the next.

Halfpapp and DeVito are expert cue-ers—is that a word?—they take turns leading sections, and give clear, easy-to-follow instructions. There are three other exercisers with one showing modifications, although she’s not always shown at times when it would be most helpful. I mean, I don’t think any number of downward dogs and warrior poses are going to give me flexibility like Halfpapp, and I’m definitely never going to be able to keep a smile on my face the way she does. That’s just not right.

As is generally the case with Core Fusion workouts, there were quite a few times when I was quite literally begging the TV to stop, and it was right about that time that they switched to a new move or, in some blessed cases, to child’s pose. However, a couple of the sections felt fairly similar, with lots of downward dogs and Warriors, and I would have loved a little more variation, especially when they were automatically played back to back.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★1/2
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★1/2

Overall: ★★★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: If you want some extra strength work with your yoga and Pilates, Core Fusion Power Sculpt is the DVD for you!

How do you like your yoga-inspired workouts? Straight up or with a strength-training twist? Tell us in the comments below, and we’ll select one U.S. reader to randomly win this DVD! Winner will be notified via email and in the comments. —Kristen

As a general rule, I’m not one for lots of gadgets and gizmos when it comes to workout equipment. I like my ol’ dumbbells, stability ball and my own body weight just fine. And when I’m feeling particularly crazy, I’ll spend some time on the TRX or will safely (with totally proper form) throw a kettlebell around. But extra items that just take up space in my home gym? Not so much. I say all this as proper disclosure for what I’m about to preach: If you want to get fit you don’t need anything but yourself, a good attitude and some good footwear. (And even that isn’t always necessary!) However, other things can help—if you actually use them. That’s a big “if,” especially for many products that promise dramatic results in a short amount of time—and for those buying them thinking they can get get killer abs and thighs in just 10 minutes, three times a week. Like the EasySculpt does.

This little purple pillow thingie (which got my husband really excited when it first came in the mail because he thought I was testing something else) is meant to support you and put you in better position (saying “position” didn’t help my case with the hubs, by the way) as you do different ab and Pilates exercises. For example, you rest your head in the cradle while doing crunches and other traditional ab matwork, hold it in your hands for proper form when doing oblique twists from a V-sit position, place it between your knees during bridges, and lie on your side in it as you do leg circles and other inner- and outer-thigh moves. And it really does work in that it makes it easier for a beginner or a home exerciser to have proper form when doing some harder or more complicated Pilates moves that require perfect form to really work the targeted muscles. It also is great for those who always feel strain in their neck when they do crunches and other ab work.

But I don’t think the product alone will get you fit. It comes with two DVDs, each with a 10-minute workout. Come on, guys, could we have not saved some packaging and put them on one DVD? Celeb trainer Jennifer Galardi leads both of the workouts (one for the core and one for the buns, thighs and abs), and does a great job of cuing and instructing, and she’s totally likable, but the production quality is less than what we typically see in most workout DVDs. Plus, to be honest, the moves are pretty repetitive for a 10-minute workout, and I imagine after a few days of doing this I’d be yawning. The exercises aren’t easy and you will feel the burn, but 10 minutes of leg lifts and crunches three times a week does not a fit body make.

Oh, and I’m not sure what’s up with the little Zebra on the packaging and what it has to do with fitness, but I like it.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★
Music: ★★
Fun Factor: ★★
Meets Expectations: ★★

Overall: ★★1/2

Fit Bottomed Line: This is a good piece of equipment for newbies starting their exercise journeys  who want to try Pilates or do abwork and are willing to round out their fitness plan with cardio on their own time.

—Jenn

We love how many functional core workout DVDs are on the market these days. But with so many to choose from, how do you know what’s good and what’s whack? We try them out so you can find your true workout DVD BFF!

Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack

Between all of her different projects, I don’t know when Jillian Michaels sleeps, but I do know one thing: God bless her for putting out so many good workout DVDs. If you left me alone on a deserted island with only her DVDs, a TV and a DVD player, I’m pretty sure I’d be in ridiculous shape. And Jillian Michaels’ 6 Week Six-Pack would certainly be my go-to core workout.

Set up similar to the 30 Day Shred DVD, you get an easier Level One 35-minute workout (the DVD says 30 minutes, but it’s really closer to 35) and a darn near impossible Level Two workout of the same length. In both levels, after a short—and intense warm-up (only Jillian does high-knees to begin a workout)—you get straight into a brutal circuit of functional core exercises and high-intensity cardio moves. From mountain climbers to spider planks to plyometrics to jack knifes to side plank back-leg kicks (the soreness these caused me was incredible), you work hard. In Level One, you go through the circuit first slowly, then again at a much faster pace for a killer workout. And in Level Two? You take what you did in Level One and add more intensity with weights, jumping and new torturous positions. And you power through the circuit even faster than in Level One. Again, brutal.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★1/2

Best for: Jillian really gets what getting a six-pack is about: burning calories, shedding fat and developing overall core strength. And this DVD does all that and more.

Dancin’ Abs by Jazzercise

I know that Jazzercise can provide a good workout in person, but in DVD form? Believe it or not, this is our first time reviewing a Jazzercise workout DVD! About time, I know. And this DVD was no let-down. Sure, it’s not quite as fun or exciting as being in a real class with real people and loud, pumping music (personally, my fave part), but it’s a great one to add in your dance workout DVD rotation. Just like the live classes, the moves are fun and timed to specific songs, you get your heart rate up, and the DVD just has that jazz-hands aerobics feel. Which I’m totally a sucker for.

You get two workouts in the DVD: a full 60-minute class and an express 30-minute workout (which is a collaboration of songs from the full hour workout). Both have a warm-up and a cool down and feature choreographed dance moves that work the core, along with specific standing ab work. You may think that because there are no crunches or mat work that you’re not working the core, but you’d be mistaken. I can personally vouch that the moves really work your abs because I did this DVD the day after Jillian’s and holy goodness was I sore, thereby feeling every single ab contraction.

The cuing in this DVD is fabulous with instructors Shanna and Young pumping you up, showing modifications and giving excellent alignment cues. The hour-long workout was a bit long and got a little boring in my opinion, but the 30-minute workout was—as Goldilocks says—just right. And the hip-hop song that you pump your fists and pop your chest to at the end of both workouts? SO. FUN.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★1/2

Best for: If you like Jazzercise, Zumba or other dance-based workouts, this is your perfect core workout DVD!

Gorgeous Core with Suzanne Bowen

I love the name of this core DVD. There’s no mention of fat or six-pack or thinness—just that you’re going to get your core gorgeous. Dahling. With six different quick segments, you get a little bit of everything in this DVD from Pilates to traditional core work to challenging plank series. You even get some leg and butt toning to go along with it.

Instructor Suzanne starts it off pretty easy in the 12-minute sections of Lean, Long & Strong, and Class Abwork with Pilates moves that all have modifications for beginners. Then she takes it up a notch in the segment Sleek Physique that is a solid 12-minutes of planks, T-stands, side planks and other variations on this get-you-shakin’ move (my fave section!). Metabolism Bootcamp is the most cardio of the segments with 12-minutes of squats, mountain climbers and standing balance work to engage the core (my second fave section). Then to round out the DVD there’s the shorter 5- to 7-minute segments of ABsolute Challenge! and Total Core Fast Blast that are a nice quick mix of Pilates (think V-sits and single-leg stretches) and traditional abs.

Suzanne is quite likable in the DVD and cues form beautifully, although I have to say that I was expecting this DVD to be more traditional strength than it was. This is definitely a more Pilates and dance-based workout reminiscent of these DVDs we just reviewed!

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★1/2

Best for: If you’re a Pilates fan and are looking for a quick workout that focuses on the entire core, Suzanne is your gal!

FIT BOTTOMED LINE: IF YOU LIKE JILLIAN’S NO-HOLDS-BAR STYLE, GET HER SIX WEEK 6-PACK DVD. IF DANCING IS MORE YOUR STYLE, TRY JAZZERCISE TO WORK THE MIDDLE. PILATES DEVOTEE? SUZANNE HAS YOU COVERED!

Do you do workouts specifically to strengthen your core? Tell us about it! —Jenn

Credit: lululemon athletica

To continue on our fit journey of giving you the best workout DVD recommendations possible (see the best beginner, intermediate and advanced workout DVDs here!), behold the below top 10 list of the best mind/body DVDs we’ve ever reviewed. With a nice mix of yoga, Pilates and some dance-y type meditation stuff, we guarantee that you can’t go wrong with these titles!

Top 10 Mind/Body Workout DVDs

1. intenSati: Great Body, Great Life: A fab mix of dance, positive affirmations and yoga, this unique workout DVD delivers results and makes you feel really good!

2. Physique 57: The workout standby of Kelly Ripa, this Pilates- and dance-inspired DVD is TOUGH. We guarantee you’ll feel the focused burn!

3. Bob Harpers’ Yoga for the Warrior: Oh, Bob! He can really do no wrong in our eyes, but this yoga DVD—being totally objective—is an amazing 60-minute feel-good routine. If you haven’t discovered your love for Bob yet, we guarantee you will after this DVD.

4. Exhale’s Core Fusion Body Sculpt: Known best for its bootylicious cover, this yoga and Pilates DVD delivers serious burn and serious results.

5. Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves: We all want a strong core and sexy curves, right? Well we loved this mind/body DVD for its charm, effectiveness and uniqueness. Not to mention that Marisa Tomei is down to earth and cute as a button in it!

6. Andrea Metcalf’s Keeping Fit Series: While the Pilates DVD in this series is just one disc of three, it was awesome enough to leave a lasting—and sore—impression. With solid instruction and moves to challenge, it’s fit perfection!

7. The Biggest Loser Workout: Weight Loss Yoga: The second Bob Harper-lead yoga DVD on this list, we just had to include this one for its unique use of weights that turn normal power yoga into full resistance training!

8. Element: Yoga for Weight Loss: One of the reasons we love mind/body workouts is because they really focus on quieting the mind and getting in touch with yourself and your emotions. And this beautiful and soothing yoga DVD does just that with a relaxing and powerful 50-minute routine.

9. Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Meltdown: This yoga DVD isn’t for the faint of heart. Like most of Jillian Michaels’ workouts, it’s an intense level-one and level-two workout (hooray for progression!) that challenges with lots of planks, standing poses—and the yoga-elite crow pose.

10. Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners: With beautiful scenery and a nice mix of cardio and matwork, this workout DVD is a solid introduction to Pilates!

What’s your favorite yoga or Pilates DVD? Tell us about it! —Jenn

Best known in these parts as the brand of workout DVDs with booties that make you go…DANG!, today we’re reviewing two of Core Fusion‘s latest workout DVD titles: Lean & Toned and Energy Flow Yoga. Which one is best for you? Read our head-to-head review and comment to try one!

Lean & Toned

It’s amazing how each Core Fusion DVD I’ve tried has me going “oooh,” “ahhh,” and “Holy ish balls, that hurts!” And Lean & Toned was no different. Broken up into five 10-minute segments, a few of the workouts really weren’t as difficult as I anticipated, while one memorable segment was pretty impossible and seemed to last forever (despite the fact that they were all 10 minutes).

Upper Body Tone & Stretch was a nice mix of push-ups, planks and a little dumbbell work for the upper body. Thighs Tone & Stretch was very much like a Barre-type workout with lots of pliés, deep squats (always a burn-like-hell move) and leg lifts while you lightly hold on to a chair for support. Gluteal Tone & Stretch was a mix of ballet moves and split-leg yoga poses that seriously had inflexible me grunting. (A modification tip for those like me: Use a chair or a wall for support when the instructor Elisabeth Halfpapp goes all bendy on you.) The Pretzel Core & Toner was a unique ab segment that had good ideas but fell a little flat. The twisting moves were pretty complicated and didn’t translate as well to a DVD as they would in a live class.

Then there’s Flat/Round Back Tone & Stretch, the mother of all segments. For this one, you sit up against a flat wall or door (small apartment residents beware), then you’re “supposed” to lift your feet off the floor. Sounds easy enough, but seriously, go try it. Like now. It’s HARD. Once—or if—you get your feet up off the floor, Fred DeVito instructs you to cross your ankles, bicycle your feet in and out, and all other kinds of craziness. I’m sure with practice I’d improve, but the movement doesn’t feel natural in the least, and I’m afraid that for newbies with very little core strength, it could really jack up their backs. And nobody likes a jacked-up back.

What I really loved about the segments though is that they all had an element of grace to them. Even someone like me who isn’t the most stretchy or graceful felt a touch elegant with all the chair-holding and toe-pointing. I also really liked that each segment had a short stretch component at the end. The stretches were long enough to feel a difference, but not so long that you got bored.

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

Overall: ★★★1/2

Best for: Intermediate or advanced exercisers looking to add grace, increase flexibility and impress their friends with wall-sitting leg lifts.

Energy Flow Yoga

As I’m just getting back into exercise at three months postpartum, I was a little nervous about trying Core Fusion Yoga: Energy Flow. Core Fusion has nearly killed me in the past with its difficulty, so I was more than prepared to take breaks and even sit out if needed. But I was pleasantly surprised; it was more flowy than some of their other challenging workouts, and even though my body was shaking after I did it, I never thought I was going to die.

The DVD is broken up into five segments of about 10 minutes each. I planned to do them as I had time, but because the baby took a rare nap of more than five minutes in a row, I just kept going (hence the shakiness).

As is always the case in the Core Fusion series, the instruction is great. Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp alternate instructing the segments, and their direction is spot-on. They give great modifications for the less bendy (or out of shape) of us, so even those new to yoga can enjoy the DVD. Newbies to yoga may have to watch and learn first, though, as the segments assume you already know basic yoga poses.

A quick breakdown of the elements: The Energy Flow segment is the most basic, with twists, cat/cow, down dog, lunges and planks. It’ll get you warm—perfect for a pre-workout warm-up or a morning session. Both of the Sun Salutations segments got me toasty. With push-ups, chairs with pulses and pulsing lunges, you’ll feel the burn but also get some practice with balance. Chi Gong & Hip Opener Stretches will have your thighs on fire with some serious pulsing pliés and standing splits, but it also has some nice seated twists and leg stretches. The Core & Gluteal segment has you lift your entire body off the ground with the assistance of blocks. Or not. It was the more “You’ve got to be kidding me” segment of the DVD. It wasn’t all impossible though: Leg lifts that work the butt were challenging for the core, butt and balance, and the core segment was reminiscent of their typical ab work, just not as long.

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

Overall: ★★★★

Best for: Intermediate yogis who likes a well-instructed challenge.

Core Fusion impresses us yet again! —Jenn & Erin

Want to try Core Fusion Yoga: Energy Flow or Lean & Toned? Comment for a chance to win! U.S. residents only, please. The winner will be notified by email!

Don’t let the sweet smile fool you. Andrea Metcalf’s Keeping Fit series tore me UP! At the beginner of each workout, she tells those in their 40s, 50s and 60s that these workouts will keep them fit, strong and healthy. I shouldn’t have assumed that meant easy. I’m in my late 20s, and I found myself dripping sweat pretty early on. Both the 50-minute strength and cardio workouts will torture you; you just pick which poison you’re in for.

Strength

There are a couple of things you should have in order to do this workout effectively: Light weights, a mat and choreography talent. I ain’t gonna lie; I have no coordination whatsoever, so me trying to do the warm-up was pretty entertaining. (There’s a reason I was the mascot and not the cheerleader during my high school years.) It’s amazing I can chew gum and walk at the same time. I couldn’t for the life of me keep up with the fast-paced moves. I screwed up lots of them just trying to remember where my arms were going when my legs were bending.  She mentions a lot of old ballet…I never took ballet, which could possibly explain why I almost crashed into my entertainment system trying one of the dip-it-low moves. For the main workout, you’ll need a mat and light weights. Don’t be a hero. Stay with 5-pound weights or less. Heck, you don’t even have to use weights! Your arms will still feel the burn.

This is a great workout DVD for someone who doesn’t need mental bullying to get them moving. Your muscles will burn, but Andrea’s so calm and delightful you’ll forget she’s just made you lunge, squat and bark out expletives.

Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★★
Music: ★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Best for: New exercisers who like a slow, yet tough full-body workout using traditional moves.

Cardio

You think I would have learned my lesson and not laughed after doing the first DVD, but laugh I did at the beginning of this workout. Cried I did at the end of this workout. I read the lineup (warm up, two step chug, sumo squat attack, boxing, Hollywood dance, box beat stomp, etc.) and decided it sounded interesting, but then she started a bunch of Jazzercisestuff and my fear dropped. (Big mistake!) While it’s cheesy Jazzercise moves, it still has the ability to kick your butt, especially when she starts the boxing kicks and jabs. I decided Andrea is an alien because she never sweat, never stopped smiling and did everything with perfect ease. It’s just unnatural.

If you’re new to working out, this  DVD can really do some good according to my boyfriend, Mr. Trainer, who decided to jump in and join the workout fun. You will sweat. Your heart rate will go up. While that’s all groovy and important, I fell in love with her when her inner gangster came out. Her shout-outs and Andrea-isms are adorable. She’ll let you know she’s got your back. She’ll ask you how low you can go and tell you when you can tap that. (Oh, snap!)

Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★★
Music: ★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★

Best for: New exercisers who would rather shake it instead of run.

Pilates

You’ll need a mat, a band, a towel and a prayer for your lower body in order to do the Pilates DVD.  I don’t mean to intimidate with the prayer talk. If you happen to be a pear-shaped lady like myself,  you need some heavy duty workouts and that’s exactly what this DVD can do. Because of that, this was my favorite DVD of the series. I love Pilates, and her style didn’t disappoint. Pilates is all about  simple movements that rock your body in complex ways. This DVD is no different. Mr. Trainer had to rest at points. His breathing grew heavy, and he complained that it was killing his hamstrings. This made my mean little heart a bit happy. Pilates isn’t easier for those muscly-inclined. It takes practice and control. Therefore everyone new comes to the mat with the same challenges. It’s also a great butt workout, which makes this FBG swoon. She gives great modifications that offer your body the challenges it needs, as well as ample time to get the moves down before she switches to something else. Score for the choreographically challenged like myself!

Instruction: ★★★★★
Long-Term Likeability:★★★★★
Music: ★★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★

Best for: New to moderate Pilates exercisers who are looking to improve their flexibility, strengthen their core and build muscle.

I’m kind of in love with this series, which surprised the heck out of me. She’s cheesy. She makes the hard stuff look easy (which made me curse her out a couple of times), but she’s smart. She combines all the right moves that I’ve come to respect over the years, and I felt like I had gotten the kind of workout I can only usually find when I attend a gym class session. I dig that I now have the flexibility to sweat at home just as hard as I sweat when pushed by a trainer and a group of people. —Tish

It’s interesting that so many celebrities are coming out with workout DVDs these days. It’s kind of like getting an inside peek on exactly how they get—and stay—so fit. Granted, they have more hours of the day to dedicate to looking good because their day jobs depend on it, but it’s fun nonetheless. Plus, since they’re not playing a role in the DVD, you get a peek at what they’re “really” like. Well, except for our first DVD review that features a reality TV star…

Regardless, today’s workout DVD head-to-head pits Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel up against “Mona Lisa Vito” Marisa Tomei to see who wins the title of Best Celebrity Workout DVD. Game on, ladies!

Body by Bethenny

I could never really get into The Real Housewives of New York, but the Orange County version has long been a guilty pleasure, and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t caught a couple of episodes from New Jersey, bizarro as they may be (that Danielle sure does have the crazy eyes). Despite this, I know who Bethenny Frankel is, and I’m familiar with her SkinnyGirl books and outlook on fitness, so I was curious to try her new workout DVD, Body by Bethenny.

First off, let me say that the DVD set was one of the coolest I’ve seen for a workout DVD. Very posh, yet flowy and open. It was like the giant living room you’ve always wanted to do yoga and drink Mai tais in (not at the same time, of course). Thankfully in the DVD, you get a 40-minute yoga session to fulfill that need. You have to do the drinks on your own.

The yoga session is good for 40 minutes of beginner’s yoga—sun salutations, warrior poses, tree pose, nothing crazy. Well, except Bethenny, but I’m getting ahead of myself. The DVD also features a 10-minute sculpting segment that is a solid and quick upper-body workout for beginners, and a 5-minute Booty Bonus session that consists of a few moves that you can do anywhere.

Certified personal trainer and yogi Kristin McGee does much of the instructing, and she does a pretty good job of cuing the moves and explaining proper form, even when Ms. Frankel chimes in with rather, ahem, interesting remarks. “Boobs to thigh” comes to mind. As does, “I can touch easier than you because of my boobs,” and maybe my personal favorite “You don’t have boobs like me.” See a theme?

Nothing is overly intense in any of the segments, and if you’ve been working out regularly for a few months, you probably won’t break much of a sweat. Beginners though? It’s good stuff. And all boobie snarkiness aside, I really did like the yoga.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★

Overall: ★★★

Best for: Bethenny Frankel fans who are just starting out on their workout journeys! (Note: If she annoys you at all, I highly recommend forgoing this purchase. Trust me.)

Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves

I have loved Marisa Tomei ever since My Cousin Vinny. ”Oh yeah, you blend.” Seriously a classic. And, over the years, Ms. Tomei has always seemed kinda tall and graceful to me—flexible yet goofy and normal. A little hippity-dippity, sure, but there’s wrong with that. When we were told that she had a workout DVD— Marisa Tomei: Core & Curves—coming out, the FBGs’ collective ears perked up. And we were not disappointed.

The DVD pairs Marisa with her fitness trainer, Key Son, for an entire 60-minutes of working out, broken down into Body Definition (20 minutes), Best Legs Workout (15 minutes), and Quick 10 (10 minutes). It looks like it was shot in an older urban yoga studio (just a guess), and the lighting is soft and warm, so it’s kinda relaxing and refreshing right from the get-go. Before each segment Marisa runs you through a quick warm-up on her own and takes you through a few stretches for a cool down after the workout.

The moves in all of the workouts aren’t ground-breaking but they’re definitely unique and very focused. There’s some trotting involved in parts (yes, trotting), skipping and baby lunges. The DVD comes with a small green toning band that you put around your ankles to make all of the moves more challenging and give them some resistance. Overall, it’s like a mix of Pilates and highly targeted, physical therapy-type moves (although maybe that’s just because I’ve been doing some of Key Son’s lateral walks with resistance for my running injury rehab). All of the workouts and moves get you to feel the burn some, but like Body By Bethenny, you won’t get your heart rate too high or get sweaty (for me, a good workout equals a little bit of sweat). However, at the end of the Body Definition section you will be AMAZED at what Marisa’s abs can do. She’s like the Energizer Bunny!

What I probably like most about the DVD though is its good instruction by Key Son, plus helpful yet non-interfering comments from Marisa. It’s almost like you are working out with a trainer and a good friend. Marisa wears a pair of regular-looking shorts (like cut-off sweat pants), a normal tank-top and her hair is a bit of a mess. WHICH IS SO REFRESHING! After all, you’re working out, not in a beauty pageant. So, obviously, big points there for me.

FBG Rating (Out of 5):

Instruction: ★★★★
Long-Term Likeability: ★★★★
Music: ★★★
Fun Factor: ★★★★
Meets Expectations: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

Best for: Beginners looking for something more than or different from Pilates. Also good for intermediate exercisers looking to increase their grace, flexibility and core strength!

FIT BOTTOMED LINE: SO WHO WINS THE HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION? I GIVE THIS ONE TO MARISA TOMEI, ALTHOUGH BOTH ARE PRETTY GOOD PICKS FOR BEGINNERS OR THOSE LOOKING TO SWITCH THINGS UP, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE A BRAVO TV FAN.

But don’t take our word for it! Leave us a comment in the next week and you could win one of these two workout DVDs! U.S. residents only, please. All winners will be randomly selected and contacted directly by email, so keep an eye on that email! —Jenn

It’s time for another round-up here on FBG! Today we’re taking a gander at some workout DVD titles that are a tad risqué, meaning they either blatantly market themselves as making you sexier or they inadvertently have moves that we think will make you sexy. Read on for who reigns supreme in the sexy DVD category!

Physique 57

We first learned about the Physique 57 workout when Kelly Ripa raved about it (and made Anderson Cooper try it) and credited her uber-fit body to it. So naturally, when we found out they had DVDs, we had to request review copies to try! And try we did. I put the 57-minute (clever, right?) Full Body workout to the test, and it kicked my ass. The workout  includes a bunch of Pilates and dance moves with some fun beats and a lively instructor. The entire DVD is very professional, and the moves are effective.

This is one of those DVDs that I could do over and over again, albeit on mute as the instructor kinda-sorta annoyed me by about minute 40. However, the unique and challenging moves are worth it. I aspire to doing this workout all the way through and not being sore the next day. (I guarantee Anderson Cooper was sore the next day!)

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

Overall: ★★★★1/2

Best for: Those who dream of looking like Kelly Ripa.

Susan Hyatt’s Rockstar Workout

I laughed when I got this DVD. I had never heard of Susan Hyatt, and here she was on the cover claiming to be a rockstar and a rather boobalicious one at that. BUT, I was so surprised by this DVD. I really liked it! Sure the production quality was pretty low, but Susan is totally fun and she leads you through a no-fuss easy-to-follow but challenging bootcamp-style workout. The DVD has a great menu with fun options to learn more about Susan (she has an interesting back story of going from high-pressure dieter to balanced chick) and to customize your workout.

Plus, throughout the workout, you get both Susan’s cues and these fun little bits of info and tips that pop-up on the screen, a la VHI Pop-Up Videos. And during the workout you get to jam out to Susan’s music, which is kinda girl-rock-poppy. I dug it. And the boobs weren’t nearly as distracting as I thought they’d be.

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

Overall: ★★★★

Best for: Those who like a no-frills but effective workout and girlie music.

S Factor 1: The Beginning

Hands down, this one was the sexiest of the DVDs. You learn how to crawl, grind and strip in the name of fitness. No, seriously, you do. This is the beginning of a series of S Factor series, so in the DVD you learn the main moves, including how to gracefully strip-down (pretty fascinating stuff, really). And that’s about it.

There’s not much cardio and not a whole lot of traditional strength, but there is some serious writhing—which is great for the core. At one point, the instructor Sheila even has you spank yourself playfully. I guess it’s all in good fun (and fitness), but really I’d rather run or…have sex. Just saying.

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

Overall: ★★★

Best for: Those more interested in working on their horizontal tango moves than their overall fitness.

FIT BOTTOM LINE: If you want to get better in the sack, go with the S Factor. If no-frills fun is the name of your game, go with Susan. And if you want to look like Kelly Ripa, go with Physique 57.

And there you have it! If you’d like to try any of the above DVDs, leave a comment within the next week, and we’ll pick three readers to win. All winners will be notified by email. U.S. residents only pretty please! —Jenn

Disclosure: All DVDs were provided by their respective manufacturer, but in no way is this post or our review of products sponsored, influenced or paid for by any company. We tell it like it is!

Goodness, do these exhale Core Fusion people know how to get the fittest rears for their DVD covers or what? With a rump like that on the cover, and after experiencing the challenge that was Core Fusion Body Sculpt last year (also with bootylicious cover), I had to find out what I had to do to get glutes like that. I think it’s a combination of Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes and good genetics.

All of the Core Fusion series DVDs I’ve tried follow the same premise: five mix-and-match 10-minute workouts. I love this format because I can throw it in for 10 or 20 minutes of kick-butt toning after a run. Plus, each segment fits in a quickie warm-up and stretch, so you never have to jump right in with cold muscles.

The overall vibe—from the set to the moves themselves—are all very Zen-like and emphasize the mind-body connection. With elements of Pilates and yoga, the moves seem really simple, but you are guaranteed a deep burn before you even hit the 5-minute mark.

The names of each segment seem a little odd until you find out that they really mean exactly what they say. Turned Out Thigh, for instance, involves a series of standing exercises using a chair for balance. With your thighs turned out, and heels together and up, you do pliés until your thighs burn (my quads were sore for two days). Parallel Thigh involves a similar squatting sequence holding the chair for balance, except your legs are together. The Standing Gluteal Toner tortures you with leg lifts to target your buns, and the Kneeling Gluteal Toner segment has you on your knees holding a chair for balance while lifting your bent leg behind you.

In the Pretzel segment, you’re on the floor with your legs twisted like—you guessed it—a pretzel. Getting your back knee off the ground in this position is a challenge—a challenge that works not only your butt but also your waist. This was my least favorite segment, which pretty much guarantees that it was super effective.

If I were to watch these videos without trying them, I would think they would be a cinch—they just don’t look that hard. But it’s amazing that such simple moves with such a limited range of motion can be SO INTENSE. I found this entire workout to be a little hard on the knees with all of the deep bending and pretzeling, but the instructors give variations so that even those with weak knees still get a good workout.

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

Fit Bottom line: I still love Core Fusion Body Sculpt best, but if you’re looking to really firm up the tush, this Pilates and yoga-inspired strength workout will wow you with its intensity. —Erin

Want to fire up your glutes? Comment below or email us at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com by next Thursday for a chance to win a copy of Core Fusion: Thighs & Glutes! (U.S. residents only, please!)

Want a firm rear NOW? Buy Thighs & Glutes at Amazon!

I love hybrid words. Fantabulous is one of my faves, as is ginormous. But combining Pilates and boxing to get Piloxing? Well, I just had to find out if the workout was as strange as the combo-word. Plus, I had a hard time imagining just how this workout would go down; I envisioned doing the dreaded Pilates Hundred while punching my dog. But I didn’t quite envision dripping with enormous amounts of sweat, which is actually what happened.

Viveca Jensen is the Swedish phenom being the Piloxing fitness craze. (It seems that a top requirement to making a workout DVD these days is having an accent—after being fit, of course.) The light ½- or 1-pound weighted gloves add to the challenge of the workout, not to mention increase the bad-ass factor. The gloves are sold separately, but I do highly recommend them, as they do increase the arm-sculpting power of the workout.

The 62-minute workout starts with a basic warm-up that combines a lot of reaching and squatting, plus some hip flexor and hamstring stretches to get the whole body warm. After the warm-up, the boxing begins. The workout basically alternates between your basic cardio boxing, and Pilates-inspired toning and strength portions. Basic punches, jabs, uppercuts and quick foot work get your heart pumping, and you actively recover with both upper- and lower-body toning moves such as leg lifts, squats, bicep curls, and balance and core work. You also combine the two disciplines at times, such as leg lifts with speed bags and punches.

A bit of mat work is included at the end in which modified push-ups are combined with leg lifts targeting the rear—definitely a challenge at this point in the workout. Ab work is also included, with highlights including the old faithful Pilates Hundred and twisting punches. Fortunately, my pug came out of the entire punch-fest unscathed.

While you can select different segments of this lengthy workout, there is no customizable menu to mix and match the sections to create a workout that fits your time constraints. Although that’s a drawback, I still thought this was a really well-rounded DVD. You get cardio, strength, balance and core work, plus it’s a fun new twist on the tried-and-true boxing workout. I also liked that it had the feel of a class you would attend, especially with the enthusiasm of the other participants of the video.

My only real beefs with the DVD was that the “formation” of the participants wasn’t always symmetrical, I think because of both camera angles and the talent themselves. It drove me a little nutty but wasn’t a deal breaker. Also, some of them wear shoes and some don’t. I get that it’s Pilates, which can be a barefoot activity, but with some of the hip thrusting and pivoting inherent to boxing, I didn’t risk going shoeless, even on carpet. Viveca’s alignment cues were good, but she was occasionally hard to follow as she counts in sets and sometimes ends before you think you’re done. Again, not a deal breaker for me.

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

Fit Bottom line: If you get bored with regular Pilates or have ever wanted to ramp up a Pilates routine with cardio, this fun video is for you. —Erin

Dying to try out Piloxing yourself? We’re happy to help! Comment below or email us at contact@fitbottomedgirls.com by July 9 for a chance to win a copy of the DVD and a set of the weighted gloves! U.S. residents only, pretty please!

Want some weighted gloves to ramp up your next DVD? Check them out on Amazon!