Review: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

I really love Jillian Michaels. She really has a handle on what it means to be a healthy but balanced woman. I love every DVD of her's that I have purchased, and the Banish Fat and Boost Metabolism DVD delivers again.The video is structured in her signature circuit style. There are 7 circuits, a warm up, and cool down. Each circuit is 5 minutes long: 5 exercises, each for 30 seconds, and then repeats the same 5 exercises.

The moves can best be described as a mix of kick-boxing, classic cardio moves (butt-kicks, high knees running, burpees, etc), and power/jump moves. I did a few kick-boxing classes back in the day, and I loved them. This video definitely satisfies when I have a craving to punch, kick, and sweat out my crappy day at work. Its also great for getting in a great cardio sessions and a total body workout.

I don't think it has the same toning benefits as "No More Trouble Zones" or the "30 Day Shred" because it does not use hand weights or incorporate other strength moves. I certainly break into an all over sweat in the second circuit and I am dripping with sweat but the end of the video. My fiance always comments that it looks like a really tough workout, as he leisurely turns the page of his latest book, that skinny bastard.

Catch a glimpse of some of the workout in this montage video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy3m3uyUZ7E&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo.google.com%2Fvideosearch%3Fq%3D%2522banish%2520fat%2520boost%2520metabolism%2522%26oe%3Dutf-8%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial%26client%3Dfir&feature=player_embedded#t=83

C25K Week 3

I started Week 3 this week. It was much more challenging than Week's 1 or 2, but still doable. There are no moments that I feel like quitting, but I am certainly not running as much as I am jogging. Right now, it isn't about my pace; it is about completing the program.

I am by no means someone that takes to running naturally, and that is why I would recommend this program to anyone, but there are certainly some things that can make the experience more enjoyable.

My very first day of running I got runner's toe (a build up of fluid or blood under the toenail, which can cause the nail to fall off). The toe is healing, but it sure looks ugly. Here are a few things I should have done to avoid this injury:
-Get fitted for running shoes
-Wear socks that aren't too thick or thin
-Make sure your toenails are neatly trimmed

Some other lessons that I learned by doing:
-Map your run ahead of time at http://www.mapmyrun.com/
-Download a nifty podcast for the C25K program for every week at http://www.c25k.com/
-Buy yourself some running clothes- they don't have to be expensive (I bought mine at Walmart and Sport's Authority). Running pants/shorts will prevent your pants from falling down as you run (a big problem for me). I specifically like the spandex kind with the drawstring for extra staying power.
-Don't be so self conscious! I probably can't convince you of this without you actually trying for yourself, but you aren't running for other people- you are running for yourself, so forget about everyone else and do your thing!

Happy trails!

C25K Day 1

I kept my word: I bought the necessary tools, plotted my running route, downloading a nifty podcast of techno beats with cues for the switch from running to walking (Thanks Julia!), and I ran.

It was comical! My pants were falling down during every running interval so I'd spend the walking intervals rolling them up. I can say something positive though: I did it!

My first impression of the program's first and second weeks is that they are challenging, not discouraging.