Bar Method Dancer's Body

The Bar Method delivers again with a super sweaty, upper body sculpting, thigh shaking, butt squeezing, ab carving, muscle elongating workout led by super ripped instructor, Marnie Alton.

I was sent The Bar Method Dancer's Body Advanced Workout along with the Beginner's Workout I reviewed last week.

This DVD takes it to the next level.

Marnie Alton is a fantastically inspiring instructor who obviously walks the walk and displays the results. I always find instructors with an enviable physique really push me to do more working out at home. Plus, the rest of class looks amazing and shows modifications throughout.

Constructed of the typical Bar Method series working from the warmup all the way to the stretch, this workout is sure to challenge even the most advanced barre practitioners.

No fancy music or set, just 62 minutes of detailed instruction and non-stop shaky burn!

Learn more and purchase The Bar Method DVD's here: http://thebarmethod.com/

(image from: barmethod.com)

The Bar Method Beginner's Workout

As a huge fan of "barre" workouts, I was very excited to hear about The Bar Method's new DVD releases.

I was sent a copy of The Bar Method Beginner's Workout and was excited to give it a go!

Even as an experienced exerciser and advanced barre workout practitioner, sometimes going back to the basics can be a really effective way to hone technique and really focus on muscle activation.

And by the soreness in my muscles the day after doing this DVD - I can tell you that barre fans of any level with benefit from this video.

At 37 minutes, this DVD is the perfect length for a quickie workout, or to add some interval cardio afterward to.

Led my Burbank Bar Method Studio owner, Joey Decker, the workout covers the entire body with a quick warmup, an arm series, a thigh series, seat series, abs and bridging with stretching interspersed throughout the workout - a Bar Method Trademark.

As originators in the group barre class trend, The Bar Method videos - especially those led by founder, Burr Leonard are a must for any collection. The DVD's are the most technical of any I tried and are deceptively effective.

Learn more and purchase Barre Method DVD's here: http://barmethod.com

Ruah Mind Body Movement

I stumbled upon Ruah Mind Body Movement while researching LucyPro Ambassador Suzanne Bowen.

After admiring her phenomenal assets in the new Lucy Perfect Core ads, I discovered Suzanne owns a "barre" studio and co-created Ruah Mind Body Movement with Leah Sarago. Leah has her own set of admirable curves and resume credits.

Ruah Mind Body Movement fuses the best of pilates, Lotte Berk, yoga, cardio and body sculpting into a fluid, creative, fun workout. If you want a long, lean, firm, sculpted physique - Ruah is for you.

I was drawn to the method because my grandmother used to tell me I was full of "Ruach." (She said it with the Yiddish ccchhhhhhuuuhhhhh.) Ruah means "spirit" in Hebrew and what a perfect moniker for a fitness modality created by two women obviously full of excellent mojo.

Ruah generously sent me both DVDs in the series: "Release" and "Warrior"

I experienced "Release" first. There is an adorable introduction by the two ladies, explaining Suzanne being pregnant in the video - apparently she found out she was expecting during pre-production, so she is showing in the video. They give an excellent disclaimer stating that this is not a pre-natal workout, but because Suzanne was in such great shape before her pregancy, it is ok for her to demonstrate modifications. I found this absolutely endearing and motivating to women who are either pregnant or want to get pregnant ... STAY ACTIVE whether with child or not!

The "Release" workout is a great balance of 15 minutes of Lower Body/Cardio movements like chair pose and lunge variations, but that are dynamic and flow with breath and movement.
The next segment is a 25 minute two part floor workout that consists of upper body work - again using moves like planks and push ups that flow and an ab section that uses pilates "c" curve movements.
The final segment is a 10 minute stretch and relaxation.

The "Release" DVD is great place to start for beginners, to learn the movements and to enjoy a lovely, mellow - yet energizing addition to your current fitness regime to add new rotations and movments that will surprise your muscles.

I then tackled, "Warrior." "Warrior" definitely takes Ruah up a notch.
The DVD begins with a 25 minute standing lower body sequence that is sure to have you sore in places you may not have realized even existed. Variations on squats, lunges and plies are fused with upper body movements and done at a quick pace, providing both cardiovascular and muscular work. The leg sequence is repeated twice, so you have double the chance to work hard and change your body!
Next is a 13 minute upper body and core floor series. Planks and push ups work your entire body, but emphasize a strong, flat tummy and supportive lower back.
The DVD concludes with an excellent stretch and relaxation segment that mainly focuses on the hips. This segment alone is a standout and would be beneficial to practice daily.

Give Ruah a try if you are looking for a fresh, creative, energizing addition to your fitness program. The instruction is top notch with Suzanne and Leah performing the workout to a comforting voice over detailing the movements. Do the workout three to four times a week combined with a good nutrition program for optimal results or add it in once or twice a week to your current program to shake things up.

You can learn more and purchase Ruah Mind Body Movement DVDs here:
http://ruahmovement.com

(image from: ruahmovement.com)

Revolution Fitness Santa Monica, CA

My trip to Los Angeles ended with lots of sweat, plenty of burn and enough residual soreness to "fix" this workout junkie.

I made my way to beautiful Montana Ave in Santa Monica, California on a perfect, sunny Saturday for two fitness classes at Revolution Fitness.

Found free parking (who knew that still existed in LA?) and walked around the corner to the studio, tucked away in a quaint courtyard. http://www.revolutionfitness.net/

Greeted by Danielle, a truly adorable nutrition student - all my questions were thoroughly answered with enthusiasm and a smile.

First up was a 9a Spin class with Joseph. As the 8am class finished, I peered into the huge, sweaty studio lined with fogged up mirrors to watch the 50 riders exit the class. Yes - 50 riders. The place was packed with people wanting to breathe heavy and get sweaty. My kind of place.
i got situated on my bike and was checked by an assistant to make sure I ok for my first class there - very classy.
The other 49 riders and Joseph poured in and before you knew it, the sound of pedals cranking and beats blasting filled the space.
Joseph proceeded to give an inspirational ride full of climbs and sprints set to a wonderful mix of club tunes. Joseph's style was an articulate, obviously seasoned combo of physical coaching and spiritual awareness. Mind body on the bike, baby!

Thoroughly drenched, I made my way to my second class - CoreBarre with Dana. Situated in a tiny corner studio, 10 lovely ladies were squeezed in ready to lengthen, strengthen and stretch.
Dana was not only amazingly competent, knowledgeable and tough, but posses a physiqe worth striving for. Tiny, lithe, sinewy and lean, she instructed and demonstrated the grueling workout with poise, expertise and contageous enthusiasm.

Revolution Fitness does boutique fitness totally right. No nonsense, classic workouts taught by competent, inpsiring teachers.
They also offer TRX and Indorow classes.
Check their schedule here: http://www.revolutionfitness.net/ and get one of the best fitness experiences out there.

(picture from revolutionfitness.net)