Thank you for your amazing response to my Bing: Friends Matter video! It was so exciting to film this! Â I want to write a post at some point about the filming process. I am still finding an excuse in every conversation I have with people to work the video in, and this counts in online conversations too, but I can’t say I’m sorry because this is almost as exciting as Hurricane Irene giving me a reason to stay inside for two full days eating homemade tacos.
OK back to regularly scheduled blogging.
It is no secret that I love the Core Fusion Cardio class at exhale spa. It is not only one of my favorite classes, but one of three classes in the world I don’t think I could ever give up.
So when I was asked to attend a rehearsal section of the making of the Core Fusion Cardio – Pure Intensity DVD, I was so excited. I wanted to go to the actual filming but I had to work. The rehearsal was so much fun though! You never really think about the coordination and revision that goes into creating the actual DVD that you work out to. I saw lots of changes and compromises. My favorite part was when Core Fusion co-founders Fred and Elisabeth, and three of my Core Fusion teachers had to stay in the curl position for a VERY long time because they didn’t realize how long that section originally was. As their student who they torture with this position, it was nice to see them get a nice little taste of their own medicine. <evil laugh>
[See the struggle?]
Knowing what exactly went into creating this DVD, I was more excited than usual to receive my copy for free to review earlier this summer. And once my roommate moved out and I took over her former bedroom as my new office/living room/exercise room I was finally able to work out in the comfort (but not air conditioning) of my home.
[A behind the scenes look of how Core Fusion Cardio – Pure Intensity was made. See Fred & Lis in the mirror.]
The DVD is divided into six 10-minute segments. While you technically can do each segment on its own, I wouldn’t advise it unless you were really strapped for time. Core Fusion Cardio is meant to be done as one full-length class, and you will get the most benefits and best workout (and most sweat) if you opt to play it continuously without intros.
Section 1: Energy Moves
This is a dynamic stretching warm-up. Don’t skip this part — the stretches are specifically designed to help loosen up the muscles you will be using during the exercises.
Section 2: Cardio Flow
Your workout starts to heat up here as you learn the mountain climbers (plank runs), Cardio Sun Salutation, do some twisty planks and mix side planks with push-ups. You also pick up your weights and combine pulsing yoga poses in Warrior I and Warrior II with upper-body strength exercises like bicep curls, lat pulldowns and more. This section sets the stage for the rest of the workout. This is where it all begins!
[Core Fusion teacher Barbara guiding Lis, Micaela, Tammy and Catherine on their bicep curls in Warrior II]
Section 3: Power Flow
This is the meat of the class, and the exact reason I LOVE Core Fusion Cardio so very much. The step-back lunges combined with upper body weight work is killer! You’ll also do a punching sequence and lunges — all with the weights — in addition to Warrior III glute work and tricep kickbacks. Did I mention that mountain climbers are interspersed between these all?
[Rehearsing the punching segment – One of my favorites!]
[Barbara instructing Fred and Lis on their step-back lunges]
Section 4: Power Sweat
It is funny to me to hear the names of each section, because in class it is just one long sequence. In this section the pulsing is in a wide second position while doing bicep curls and arm raises before doing kind of a “running man” move by lunging and moving your arms with the weights. More mountain climbers, of course, and the “speed skater” exercise — signifying the end of the madness — which looks exactly like it sounds. This combines tricep and glute work. You’ll end with 64 mountain climbers in a row, a plank, and a much needed child’s pose.
[This looks like the Running Man. 1991 anyone?]
Speed Skater:
[There are weight in their hands. Good stuff.]
Section 5: Cardio Curl
After the nonstop intensity of Core Fusion Cardio, getting on the floor for the curl is actually a relief! If you’ve done Core Fusion DVDs before, you are familiar with the curl — but this time you use weights. And it is a great sequence. Just push through it, the worst is already behind you!
[If you don’t get your leg as straight as Lis’s, you fail. Just kidding.]
Section 6: Bonus Stretch
This section feels SO good. Again, these stretches are specifically chosen because of the muscles you work in this DVD. Do this section. You will enjoy winding down to the stretches that your body needs.
The Core Fusion Cardio Pure Intensity DVD is like a crunched up version of the live class. But the important part is,the DVD IS just like the live class that I love so much. The class I find one of the best workouts I have ever done in my life. One of the only classes I refuse to miss. So while no DVD can compare to a live class, this is pretty close and an incredible option for at home or travel. I highly recommend you try it yourself. You will sweat, and you will get stronger. The DVD costs just $13.49 on Amazon and yes, that is my affiliate link. A great price considering a single live class can cost up to $35.
Or, you can win a copy right here.
First, a preview:
Want a free copy of what I think is the best workout DVD I’ve ever done?Â
Core Fusion Cardio – Pure Intensity Giveaway
1. For one entry, leave a comment telling me the best workout DVD YOU have ever tried. I want to know what’s good now that I have a small exercise room for myself!
2. For a bonus entry, tweet: Win a free #CoreFusion Cardio – Pure Intensity DVD from @dysterious http://bit.ly/pdJpJE
I will announce the random winner next week. Good luck!
Veronica Kelly-Cash
August 30, 2011 at 7:30 am (13 years ago)Video that started it all for me – Cindy Crawford with Radu. It was the first one where I realized I could work out at home. Fast forward 20 years & my fave is CF Boot Camp.
Missy Maintains
August 30, 2011 at 7:42 am (13 years ago)I’m not entering but I love all the live photos from rehearsal! So cool to see these! I love this DVD and was so happy to have it as an option during the hurricane.
Cameo
August 30, 2011 at 7:48 am (13 years ago)Well, you already are familiar with my fave DVD – Core Fusion Lean & Toned. However, one you might not have tried, Seane Corn’s Yoga Vinyasa Flow. Very good! There is a breath section that is all breathing and no word, so you just follow along the video (you would do this once you have the sequence down). I like.
I can’t believe they didn’t invite ME to the filming! Haha. I kid. But, not really.
Midge 700
August 30, 2011 at 7:49 am (13 years ago)I love Cathe Friedrich’s Four Day Split. It combines cardio with heavy weight work. Her moves aren’t gimmicky and she makes you feel comfortable using heavy weights. I also love that she includes a bunch of preset workouts with each DVD so it’s like getting a month worth of workout options.
David Foucault
August 30, 2011 at 7:58 am (13 years ago)I have only tried one cardio DVD and loved it. It is the Biggest loser cardio.
Stacey
August 30, 2011 at 8:00 am (13 years ago)I know you’re not a big bar method fan, but one of my favorites is the bar method dancers body dvd because it is like taking an advanced class. I also love the windsor pilates total body conditioning dvd!
Adina Z
August 30, 2011 at 8:00 am (13 years ago)I love the crunch videos. Specifically, cardio sculpt. Quick, easy, and with just enough oomph to tone me up in a hurry.
Meghan
August 30, 2011 at 8:30 am (13 years ago)I love Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Athletes – sweat and stretch all in one!
Heather
August 30, 2011 at 8:30 am (13 years ago)I love the Amy Bento Kettlebell DVD! Since winter is coming a new DVD would work well!!!
Brandi
August 30, 2011 at 8:39 am (13 years ago)This looks intense! I dont workout with dvds often but the one I’ve done most often is the Tone It Up dvd. It made strength/weight training bearable for me.
catie w
August 30, 2011 at 8:41 am (13 years ago)LOVE READING YOUR REVIEWS! My favorite thing todo is to not focus on one dvd, rather choose segments and mx and match. My fav dvd of all time is core fusion energy flow… hands down…. I love having core fusion energy flow parties with all my friends in the common room of our dorm. Therefore I know I (anD all my other friends) would benefit tremendously from this dvd. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
Britney
August 30, 2011 at 8:42 am (13 years ago)I love Core Fusion but I can’t afford to go to classes on a regular basis. I’d love a copy of this DVD!
I really like the YogaWorks BodySlim as a yoga workout. Sometime’s its available for free on OnDemand. 🙂
Ashley
August 30, 2011 at 8:42 am (13 years ago)I tweeted!
Jenn @ Lean Body Pilates
August 30, 2011 at 8:53 am (13 years ago)Honestly, the last workout DVD I did (and only one I own) was Wndsor Pilates. I did it all the time in college. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to start a new collection… 🙂
diana@mymarblerye
August 30, 2011 at 8:53 am (13 years ago)best work out dvd? Honestly Jillian’s no more trouble zones still gets me each time!
diana@mymarblerye
August 30, 2011 at 8:53 am (13 years ago)Just tweeted!
Ariel
August 30, 2011 at 8:56 am (13 years ago)I haven’t done too many workout videos – I’m more of a free weights kind of girl – but I do love to feel the burn while doing the Core Fusion Thighs and Glutes DVD!
Krissie J
August 30, 2011 at 9:00 am (13 years ago)This is an old one, but I love the Shape Your Abs DVD from Shape magazine. There are 4 different ab routines each totaling 5 min and the moves are easy to do in tight spaces. 🙂
Krissie J
August 30, 2011 at 9:00 am (13 years ago)Tweeted!
Jennie
August 30, 2011 at 9:01 am (13 years ago)Hi Dori! As much as I love Core Fusion, one of my favorite workout dvds is Jillian Michaels’ No More Trouble Zones… it’s a great classic total body workout. Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway. I’m dying to try this dvd!
Beth
August 30, 2011 at 9:10 am (13 years ago)I love love love all of the Insanity DVDs. Month two was a big struggle for me, but they got better as I progressed (and when I finished the program, man was I glad to start month 1 over again!). I’m such a sucker for Shaun T 😉
melissa
August 30, 2011 at 9:41 am (13 years ago)That’s a great question, I love 30 day shred for it’s quick intensity. I am also a big fan of the physique collection.
Jamie
August 30, 2011 at 9:47 am (13 years ago)I like most Cathe vids, Pyramid upper and Pyramid lower are a good combination if you only want to get a few DVDs.
katie
August 30, 2011 at 10:18 am (13 years ago)i’m still a fan of the 30 day shred. kicks my ass every time, and in such a short period of time. speaking of, i need to start doing it again.
Katherine
August 30, 2011 at 10:24 am (13 years ago)My very first workout DVD was Richard Simmons’ Sweatin’ to the Oldies. I used to work out with my mom in our basement after school. Every once in a while I still find myself missing the sweatbands and neon.
Nowadays, my favorites are the Physique57 classic full workout and Core Fusion Long and Lean DVD! No sweatbands, but still amazing 🙂
Handsome Stranger
August 30, 2011 at 10:24 am (13 years ago)Forget the DVD. Tell me more about these homemade tacos!!
Laura
August 30, 2011 at 10:49 am (13 years ago)Thanks for the review. Due to hurricane Irene and being stuck at home for a couple of days I ended up trying out barre3 on exercise tv (free on demand). Her instructions were cleared and I got a good workout. I have to say that I’m more of a live class person.
Mallory
August 30, 2011 at 10:53 am (13 years ago)So it has been so long since I did a workout with my tv that it was actually not a DVD but a video! Paula Abdul’s cardio dance workout! I used to torment my family by doing this in the living room when I was younger!
Erin
August 30, 2011 at 11:09 am (13 years ago)30 Day Shred always whips my butt. This DVD looks great!
j.
August 30, 2011 at 11:11 am (13 years ago)i want to win! i haven’t done a ton of home workout dvds but i’ve always been a fan of the 30 day shred!
Jolene
August 30, 2011 at 11:16 am (13 years ago)Wow, that is SO cool that you got to go to the filming! Love the pictures and the descriptions of each! ALL of the CF DVDs I have are always so fun to do for the first time, but I love pilates plus the best, I think. I never thought I’d even say it, but the first time I did it, I loved how great my core felt after! Super toughie!
DD
August 30, 2011 at 11:18 am (13 years ago)Love the Core Fusion Cardio Pure Intensity DVD. Actually, I love all CF DVDs, and I really envy all of you who have Exhale Spas in your area. I own all of the CF DVDs, and I just ordered the CF Power Sculpt, which is available on the Acacia website exclusively (that’s the same thing they did with CF Cardio DVD–they release it first). And, thanks again Dori because you led me to Core Fusion. One day I’m going to go on a CF retreat, but for now it’s the DVDs and YogaVibes clases, which are awesome too.
@RachelStoll
August 30, 2011 at 11:19 am (13 years ago)Best workout video I’ve ever tried? Probably my mom’s Jane Fondas back in the day 😉
Jess
August 30, 2011 at 11:23 am (13 years ago)SO fun that you got to attend a rehearsal, must have been so neat to get behind the scenes with Fred and Elisabeth!! Love that. Lucky duck 😉
I have to say, this sounds fun and killer, exactly something I’d take with me when I travel for work or something, or am strapped and can’t get to a live class. It would rank up their in intensity with one of the many other Core Fusion DVDs I’ve done at home,they’re all great, for very different reasons! <3
Lauren
August 30, 2011 at 11:35 am (13 years ago)i’m a jillian michaels fan. no more trouble zones is ridiculous.
Elina (Healthy and Sane)
August 30, 2011 at 11:43 am (13 years ago)I don’t have a lot of room in my living room so I rarely do workout dvds. The best (and only?) I’ve ever done numerous times was Jillian Michael’s 30 day shred. It wasn’t even that special but I actually stuck to it for 30 days so I saw results!
Elina (Healthy and Sane)
August 30, 2011 at 11:44 am (13 years ago)I tweeted 🙂
PS – Check out my giveaway if you’re interested!
Lauren
August 30, 2011 at 11:51 am (13 years ago)I think the best workout DVD I have ever used is the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. There are 3 separate workouts on the DVD and you are supposed to master level 1 and then move on to 2 and then 3. Each workout is 20 minutes and you really feel the burn and get a good sweat. This workout is great if you are short on time. If you have more then 20 minutes try 2 different levels. This is hands down the best DVD I have gotten and I as well as friends have used it countless times.
Julie (A Case of the Runs)
August 30, 2011 at 11:55 am (13 years ago)So far, I work out the Jillian Michael’s DVDs. If I had my own place (soon, I hope!), I’d use workout videos way more often…
Mac
August 30, 2011 at 12:21 pm (13 years ago)Aww I would love to start my own fitness video library! Currently I just rent videos from the library so I can try various things out. One of my favorite is Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. I know it’s not a cardio one, but it is a great strength builder! It has various levels you can do and even the first level is challenging!
Mac
August 30, 2011 at 12:23 pm (13 years ago)I tweeted your giveaway! @wealths_health
Christina
August 30, 2011 at 12:27 pm (13 years ago)To be honest I’m a big fan of any cardio or core geared DVD that’s not longer than 30 minutes. When I’m home I like to do other stuff than exercising….sometimes 🙂 30 min is just enough to get a good sweat session in and still do what I need to do.
alanna
August 30, 2011 at 12:37 pm (13 years ago)I’m a workout DVD virgin. But I’ve heard such great things about Core Fusion – too bad I can’t afford the classes!
Katie
August 30, 2011 at 12:57 pm (13 years ago)I love classes, but I’m not a huge workout
DVD person. That being said, I have done a few of them. By far my favs are Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred an Tone It Up’s One Day Fat Blast. Both are amazing for travel as they require little equipment (just weights), both kick your butt, AND both can be fit in as a crunch when you dont have a lot of time to workout. I like getting the most of my workout in as little time as possible, and both of these DVDs achieve just that. 🙂
megan
August 30, 2011 at 1:38 pm (13 years ago)I have a lot of workout DVDs, and right now I am hooked on Core Fusion and Bar Methods dvds. But, the granddaddy of all workout DVD’s is The Firm Volume 1, with Susan Harris. Combines it all – cardio, weights, and a killer floorwork session. Plus a great 80’s flashback! 🙂
Megan
August 30, 2011 at 1:58 pm (13 years ago)I’ve never been a huge exercise video person, I love the correction of class. That said I did used to love my Disney Mousercise videos from the 80s. 😉
I love reading these recommendations and should give some a try.
Megan
August 30, 2011 at 1:58 pm (13 years ago)I tweeted the giveaway.
Mel
August 30, 2011 at 2:45 pm (13 years ago)I learned about Core Fusion from your Month-Long Challenge and I love the Body Sculpt video! This one looks so intense and fantastic. Lately I’ve been just taking classes at the gym because I struggle at getting myself off the couch to pop in a video.
mel
August 30, 2011 at 2:52 pm (13 years ago)#tweeted
Melissa
August 30, 2011 at 3:14 pm (13 years ago)I kinda hate the P90X videos – they tend to get a bit repetitive and annoying, but damn. They kick my butt into shape! (So it’s a love/hate relationship!)