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

Stay tuned!

I'll be back in the next couple days!

Meantime ... enjoy a post from the past on exercises you should be doing ...

http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2010/06/exercises-you-should-be-doing.html

Yoga Paparazzi

It's nice to see gossip with great intentions!

Found a super positive alternative to celebrity drama in my Inbox the other day from Yoga Paparazzi, an e-newsletter with the tagline, "Good News about Good People doing Good Things." Pictured are the founders, Moses, Zeina and Bella.

YES! I love it!! Spread the love energy ... our world sure needs it right now.

Crammed with a recipe, a joke, plenty of spotlights on yoga happenings and profiles of well, good people doing good things, Yoga Paparazzi is a great way to get a dose of good mojo.

Read the latest issue here:

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Yoga-Paparazzi-Magazine--Issue-1.html?soid=1101048613584&aid=6alYRwtBDH8

(image from: yoga paparazzi issue 1)

Paleo

Perhaps no diet concept is as entrenched in history as The Paleo Diet.

Based on the principle that we should eat a diet of unprocessed foods just like Hunter/Gatherers did, The Paleo Diet consists of eating protein, nuts, fruits and veggies. Foods like corn, wheat, dairy and beans that were developed as agriculture developed, are forbidden.

The "bible" for this diet is Robb Wolf's "The Paleo Solution," which was provided for me by the publisher. An engaging, fast read, Wolf's research and logic makes a lot of sense. Basically a "lower" carb diet of unprocessed foods, most people will respond positively and with weight/fat loss by making the changes Wolf suggests.

Wolf also includes a workout plan consisting of mult-joint, functional movements that amp up the effectiveness of the food.

I often prescribe a modified Paleo Diet to clients who tell me they work out and eat a certain way, but aren't getting results. After a week of Paleo-like eating, they are thrilled.

The book also includes some really delicious, easy recipes.

And like all diets, The Paleo Solution has inspired a cook book!

Tuttle Publishing also sent me a copy of "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Fragoso, a trainer at Robb Wolf's gym.

This large, full color book is more than a cook book, it's a fantastic "how to" for those who want to really embrace the Paleo lifestyle. This book has quickly become my favorite, inspiring new meals and reinvigorating my passion to eat healthfully.

While Wolf's book is filled with tons of research and science, "Everyday Paleo" is an easy read that really gets to the heart of how to eat and live a Paleo lifestyle, even extending it to your entire family.

This book is more than just a cookbook filled with delicious recipes that even a kitchen novice could execute, "Everyday Paleo" also includes a workout schedule with illustrated exercises, shopping list and meal calendars. It's really everything you need to kick start a Paleo lifestyle eating and fitness plan.

I highly recommend this book - especially to those who need to cook for more than just themselves. The recipes and strategies Fragoso details make Paleo palatable for everyone!

Learn more here:
http://everydaypaleo.com
http://robbwolf.com/

(image from: everydaypaleo.com)

LaloFit

I had to remind you of this great workout DVD from Lalo Fuentes that I reviewed back in June 2010:
http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lalofit.html

I just did this DVD for the first time in a while and it kicked my butt!

A thorough warm up (that will feel like a workout itself) is followed by supersets of compound exercises that will leave you swimming in sweat. This challenging routine is followed by an almost nine minute stretch that truly cools you down.

I'll be adding back into my DVD rotation regularly!

Learn more and purchase LaloFit DVD's here:
http://lalofitness.com/

(image from lalofitness.com)

Super Bowl Workout

Put on your favorite Black Eyed Peas CD and turn out this interval cardio workout inspired by the Super Bowl! GO PACK!

Perform each exercise for one minute. Complete one to three sets, depending on how tough you are.

1. Field Goal Kicks: Kick your right leg across your body toward the extended left arm. Then kick your left leg across your body toward the extended right arm. Repeat, alternating sides for the minute.

2. High Knees

3. Freestyle touch down dance: work it your own way, as if you scored a TD for the minute.

4. Butt Kicks - yup - one minute.

5. Three Point Stance. Start standing straight up, legs together, arms by your sides. Jump legs apart, push hips and glutes back to bend knees and touch ground with your right hand. Jump legs back together to come back to standing. Repeat touching ground with left hand. Alternate for the minute. (See picture for correct body position.)

6. Wide Football runs: Stand with legs wider than hips, squat down a bit and moving feet as quickly as possible, run in place. Keep going for a minute.

7. Burpee: any style of burpee you like for one minute

8. Narrow Football runs: Same as wide football runs, but keep feet close together for one minute.

9. Tackle drop downs: Run in place for four counts, then drop to the ground flat on your belly, immediately use hands and feet to push yourself back up to standing. Repeat for the whole minute.

10. Sprint in place to finish off for one minute.

Be sure to drink a big glass of water and stretch when you're finished!

(image from: posters.ws)

Week in Review Jan 31 to Feb 4, 2010

It's great to be back! Here's what you missed this week!

A skin care product that delivers: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence.html

Start the day with quinoa: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/yummo-huevos-rancheros.html

Blingtastic ideas for Valentine's Day: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/trio-jewelry.html

A dose of inner beauty for the weekend in the new On the Inside Friday: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com/2011/02/Look Damn Good - On the Inside Friday


(image from: atriojewelry.com)

Boxing/Kickboxing

Sore does not even begin to describe the muscles that I never even knew existed before I entered a boxing gym last Thursday.
My man and I toughed out three days in a row of Kickboxing and boxing classes at a real deal boxing gym. Needless to say, we took much needed rest on Sunday, but still are feeling as though we were run over by a semi and then backed up and rolled over again!
I'm not talking Turbo Kick or Tae Bo - which are awesome in their own right.
I mean sweaty, tough as nails, no frills boxing and kickboxing conditioning like jump roping, shadow boxing, plyometrics, agility drills, heavy bag, punching drills with a coach, major core work and even having a partner punch me in the gut while doing sit ups. My glutes and shoulders are screaming from deep within! My abs hurt when I laugh.
I love it.
As sore as we are, the exhilaration of these workouts is incomparable. The empowerment of punching and kicking, finding balance and strength, having to listen and make kinesthetic connections ... keeps us coming back for more.
Don't worry about equipment, most gyms have wraps and gloves you can borrow your first couple times, but from there - to minimize the yuck factor of sticking your hands into someone else's sweat, you'll want to invest in at least wraps.
Find a boxing/kickboxing near you: http://boxinggyms.com/
(photo from: illustrationsof.com)

The Blog is Back!

Start looking damn good again, cuz the blog with a polished finger on the pulse of beauty, fashion, fitness and nutrition trends is back!

Please note the new URL:: http://lookdamngood.blogspot.com

FitOrbit!

Now you personal train with me no matter where YOU are!

Check out: http://fitorbit.com/trainers/LindsayB

Boot Camp Workout

Be your own drill Sargent!
Try this work out outdoors at your local park!

Warm Up:
10 - 15 minutes laps around trees, parking lot ... distinguish a small loop to run.
Incorporate: jogging, jogging with punching forward and upwards, skipping, backwards jogging and dynamic stretches.

Circuit 3x:
Walking Lunges: 20 reps each leg
Box jumps onto picnic bench, tree stump or playground steps: 10 reps
Skater Jumps side to side: 20 reps each leg
Repeater Bench Step Ups: 20 on Right leg, 20 on left leg
Bench Dips: 20 reps
Planks or knee ins with feet on playground swing: hold plank for 30 seconds, 10 reps knee ins

Stretch for 15 min.

Rock it!

Say YES

A couple of weeks ago, I finally saw the Jim Carrey movie, "Yes Man."

In the flick, Jim Carrey's character is a man stuck in his own cycle of negativity; a dead end job, no desire to socialize and no girlfriend.

He runs into an old buddy who introduces him to a self help program that entails saying "yes" to every opportunity.

Hysterics ensue as saying "yes" leads to a bevvy of absurdities and ultimately, positive changes in his life.

Why not try incorporating a little "Yes Man" into your life?

Maybe when your group exercise instructor demonstrates a new body weight exercise, instead of thinking to yourself that you can't possibly do it, just say, "Yes!" And give it a go!

Perhaps you are out to dinner with friends at an Ethiopian restaurant and a strange dish is placed in the middle of the table fro everyone to eat with their hands. Say, "OK! I'm down to try it!"

That new fashion trend?? Just wear it!

Don't limit yourself with self inflicted boundaries. Instead open yourself up to a whole new world of saying, "YES!"

Within reason of course ...

(image from: bigstockphoto.com)

Week in Review June 28 to July 2, 2010

A DVD that personal trains you: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/lalofit.html

A taste of LA street food: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frutas.html

Self Tanner that smells great AND contains NO parabens: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/hempz-touch-of-summer.html

More great workout wear: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/hardtail-forever.html

Breakfast with spuds: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/07/sweet-potato-pancake.html

HardTail Forever

On my last trip to Los Angeles, I stopped into the HardTail store on the Santa Monica Promenade.

Completely in heaven, I dug into their sale section. I'd never tried on their line before and let me tell you, I now know why they have a cult following.

I picked up two pairs of fold over shorts and two criss-cross in the back sports bras.

The fabric is amazingly soft, the cuts incredibly flattering and most importantly the garments are completely functional.

The shorts don't ride up or slip down, whether I am running or practicing yoga. The sports bras shape by goodies and display some lovely, non-offensive cleavage.

If you haven't already been wooed by the HardTail ads in Yoga Journal magazine, let my testimonial guide you to their clothing.

Learn more here: http://hardtailforever.com

LaloFit

I discovered Lalo Fuentes while browsing the Yogavive (those popped apple chips I wrote about here: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/yogavive-chips.html )featured athletes.

I promptly went to his website and was intrigued. I wrote the company requesting copies of his DVD's: "LaloFit Volume 1 & 2. They graciously sent me a copy of Volume 2, since Volume 1 is almost sold out.

After doing the hour long Volume 2 workout ... I know why!

Lalo Fuentes has produced a fabulous DVD that feels like having a personal trainer in your living room. Lalo has really captured the essence of what it feels like to be trained one on one in DVD format. He achieves this with a visual rep countdown in the upper right hand corner of the screen and a dual count down timer on the bottom that keeps track of how much total time has elapsed and how much time remains in the interval.

The work out consists of cardio/strength segments separated by thirty second breaks. The breaks are a highlight of the DVD, not only because the rest is well deserved, but motivational phrases flash on the screen such as< "Visualize the end result," "Build Confidence," and "I'm ready - are you?" SEEING these phrases was almost more powerful than hearing them. I loved this feature!

The exercises are challenging, from tons of push up variations, compound lower body movements and plyometrics. My favorite exercise is one I'd never seen before, the "bicep rotations."

Lalo incorporates his "freeze technique" throughout the video, which entails "freezing" for a moment at the top or bottom of a rep to connect mind and body.

Lalo's mellow cues are done in voice over, which allows the viewer to see Lalo REALLY doing the workout. It's nice to see him sweat and struggle ... just like I was!

The DVD includes a Spanish language option, a bonus music video and additional 15 minute workout.

The only equipment you need is a set of light weights (even Lalo is using 5's) and a mat.

I highly suggest adding these DVD's into your workout rotation. The workout is challenging,fun and effective.

Learn more and purchase LaloFit DVD's here: http://lalofitness.com/

(image from: lalofitness.com)

Week in Review June 21 to 25, 2010

Crystalized citrus, who knew? http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/true-lemon.html

Organic street fruit in LA : http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-heart-fruit-cart_22.html

Think yourself into looking and feeling damn good: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/confidence.html

Add some weight to your walk: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/walking-with-hand-weights.html

Post workout fashionista bargains: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/american-apocolypse.html

Walking with Hand Weights

Alright all you, "heavy lifting is the only way change your body" people.

Get ready to start screaming.

I believe that all weight lifting techniques, including many, many reps of little to no weight, have merit. Different body types respond to different types of training. And perhaps the best approach, is a multi-disciplinary, varied one!

That being said, I used to be dead set against walking with hand weights. I felt it compromised the joints - and in some people, it may.

However, if you are relatively fit, especially in the "core," then walking with hand weights may be a viable progression for you. The dumbbells add extra "weight" which results in more calorie burn and if you work your arms in multi-planar movements can tone and shape stubborn arms.

Try using a set of one or two pound dumbbells to work various arm movements while you are walking. Here are some ideas:

1. Pump arms bent 90 degrees back and forth
2. Straight arm lifts - with arms hanging straight at sides lift one or both arms straight up toward the ears as your shoulder allows.
3. Bent or straight arm lateral raise
4. Drum beats - use the weights like drum sticks and beat to a rhythm for "air drumming"
5. Triceps kick backs

Try adding dumbbell walking into your routine on non-consecutive days for great
results!

Purchase light dumbbells from: http://amazon.com

(image from amazon.com)

Confidence

I am about to reveal the number one secret to looking and feeling damn good.

You can't buy it online, shop for it at exlusive retailers or find it at your nearest Wal-Mart.

It is something that a lucky few are just born with and others work to cultivate.

Sometimes you have to fake it until it becomes integrated into your being.

It's about playing up your strengths and embracing your flaws.

Know what makes you special, what makes you - YOU.

So what is this magic key to the entire point of this blog?

Confidence.

Get some. Work at it. Force yourself to hold your head high and be a force of nature.

Challenge: Shift your mindset 180 degrees about a negative body image or emotional issue for three days. See and feel the difference.

Be condident - to look and feel damn good!

(image from: istockphoto.com)

Week in Review June 14 to 18, 2010

Be macro like Madonna: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/mayumis-kitchen-madonna-macrobiotic.html

Popped Fuji Chips: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/yogavive-chips.html

Get clean for a cause: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/peace-soap.html

Frozen Yogurt truths: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/frozen-yogurt.html

Add to your home gym: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/06/ultimate-body-press.html