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!