Body Gospel

Body Gospel

If you’re a Christian and a person of faith, you know that as it says in the Bible, “faith without works is dead”.  If you want to lose weight, you can’t just hope and pray that the pounds disappear.  You’ve got to get moving!  Regardless of your faith, it takes initiative to get things done and Body Gospel is a DVD workout program that aims to inspire you to achieve your weight-loss goals through regular aerobic workout sessions.  It may not be, as the product claims a “breakthrough concept” but here’s a look to see if it might inspire you to reach your goals.

What is Body Gospel?

As mentioned, Body Gospel is a guided DVD workout program.  Each workout session is led by fitness celebrity Donna Richardson Joyner, who is well-known for her “faith-based” workout routines.  What this all boils down to is that you are doing basic aerobics while listening to contemporary Christian gospel music.  The program claims to be different than other DVD workout programs in that it is “faith-based” (set to Christian pop music and each session starts with a prayer) and is less dance-based.

More specifically the package includes the following DVD-led workouts:

• “Body Revival” cardio workout
• “Power and Praise” interval training workout with resistance bands
• “Gospel Glory” cardio workout
• “Strength and Spirit” strength and cardio workout
• “Core Revelation” core workout
• “Stretch in the Spirit” stretch and flexibility routine

The 6 DVD programs also come along with a 30-day calendar, nutrition guide, resistance bands, and some inspirational quotes.  As a “bonus” you also get a 20-minute workout CD, 3-day intensive workout routine, and a “live” DVD of a Body Gospel routine filmed with a gospel choir.

How much does Body Gospel cost?

The program is listed at $80 plus $15 shipping.  This is a lower price than many of the other products from the same company.

Body Gospel Conclusion

Donna Richardson Joyner is certainly a very enthusiastic and charismatic person, which may be a lot of the reason why many people enjoy the program.  It is also fair to say that there are not a lot of programs out there that incorporate specifically Christian music into the workouts.  This may be motivational for some and somewhat “gimmicky” or even “cheesy” for others.  This is not to put down the faith aspect of the program, but only the style choices of the workouts.

As for what really matters – cost and effectiveness, it is unclear that Donna’s workout program itself is really the best way to lose weight.  It incorporates some very basic aerobic moves but ultimately isn’t all that intense.  Certainly if you follow the program faithfully you should see some results, but for $95 we think it is relying too much on the fact that it is Christian to sell itself.

Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer

Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer

Having trouble spending the time necessary to get fit?  It’s a common problem for many dieters and clearly an issue for those trying to continue a workout routine through those “crazy days”.  According to Tony Horton, famous fitness guru from P90X, “no matter how busy you are, you can always find the time to squeeze in one of my 10 minute workouts.”

What is Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer?

Tony Horton has designed a program that is designed to work your entire body in 10 minutes and that with regular use is supposed to provide significant weight-loss.  The program includes DVD workouts as follows:

• Total Body 10 minute workout
• Cardio workout
• Lower Body workout
• Yoga Flex – stretch routine

The DVD is accompanied by a rubber resistance belt, a workout calendar, a program guide and some information on easy, healthy eating.

This is a pretty simple package and has at least some basis for being considered as a legitimate program for weight loss, but most of it appears to be “fluff”. Certainly you have to consider that it takes some research to develop a program that is effective in 10 minutes, but there may be some extras here that only are trying to justify the price tag.

How much does Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer cost?

This DVD program and supplement package has quite the price of $80 plus $13 shipping.

Tony Horton’s 10 Minute Trainer Conclusion

We’ve looked closely at a number of the before/after photos included in the promo video and it is clear that they are photoshopped.  Now, this isn’t explicitly lying as there are some real photos included and clearly some people have experienced great results, but it is unlikely that most people following the routine will experience anything similar.  The concept is attractive and “easy” sounding, but for $80 plus shipping, it simply isn’t worth it.

Turbo Fire

Turbo Fire

If you’re looking to get out some “wiggles” and maybe do a little dancing and shaking while getting fit, Chalene Johnson has a workout program for you – Turbo Fire.  Clearly meant to be intense (dig the name) this is produced by company behind such workout routines as Insanity and P90X.

What is Turbo Fire?

Chalene Johnson’s Turbo Fire is a 12 week program that rotates you through 12 different workouts 6 days a week.  The DVD workout routines include:

• Get Fired Up
• Fire 30 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• HIIT 15 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• Fire 55 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class
• Core 20 Class/Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• Fire 45 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• HIIT 20 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• Fire 45 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class
• HIIT 25 Class/Stretch 10 Class
• Sculpt 30 Class/Tone 30 Class
• Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class

This program, like pretty much all of the longer-term workout plans from this company, is priced at $120 plus $13 shipping and handling.  This is fairly steep though it does cover a 12 week course.

Turbo Fire Conclusion

Focusing purely on the content of the 12 workouts, this should be a fairly good fat-loss program for those with less time on their hands.  The music is a little cheezy and out-dated, but that’s not too big of a concern.  The main concern here is value. The “extras” included in the package are nice, though not really worth a whole lot as you can find that sort of info online for free.  The program does offer a 30-day money back guarantee but this doesn’t give you too much time and you’ll still be paying around $20 to ship it back and forth.

Ultimately, this is one of the better workout programs out there but it is a little over-priced and your money might be better spent on a short-term gym membership or a high-quality supplement.

Insanity with Shaun T

Insanity with Shaun T

If you’re familiar with fitness guru Shaun T, you may not have been too impressed by his “Hip Hop Abs” program, but here he is again with a much more “insane” 60-day workout routine that is meant to transform your physique into “the hardest body you’ve ever had.”

What is Insanity with Shaun T?

This program is self-described as “probably the hardest workout ever put on DVD” and warns that it requires a lot of will-power to do.  This is definitely believable as the program asks you to exercise at your maximum capacity in every routine. The DVD workout regimen includes the following programs:

• FitnessTest
• Plyometric Cardio Circuit
• Cardio Power and Resistance
• Cardio Recovery and Max Recovery
• Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs
• Cardio Abs
• Core Cardio and Balance
• Max Interval Circuit
• Max Interval Plyo
• Max Cardio Conditioning and Cardio Abs

Included with the DVD programs are a fitness guide, nutrition guide and a workout calendar.

How much does Insanity with Shaun T cost?

This program is priced at $120 not including shipping costs.  This is the same price as the trendy P90X routine, which plans workouts over a period of 90 days instead of 60.  In general, this product is predictably over-priced, but at least offers a comprehensive system.

Insanity with Shaun T Conclusion

The main issue we’ve seen with Insanity is that it demands a lot of serious personal motivation to make it work.  That is, if you’re struggling to get yourself working out regularly and need a scheduled workout to get you on track, this one might just overwhelm you.  It is true that for most people if they just do their best to work out for an hour a day they will see results, but to really reap the benefits of this program you have to be already conditioned to pushing yourself hard.  For this reason we think this program is asking a little too much and not offering a realistic strategy for most people out there.

Brazil Butt Lift

Brazil Butt Lift

For those of us familiar with the famous images of Brazilian girls on the beach with their tight buns displayed in the even-more-famous Brazilian thongs, the idea of getting a Brazilian butt sounds fantastic (for women or for a man, though in different contexts).  Can this program get you looking more Brazilian from behind?

What is the Brazil Butt Lift?

Brazil Butt Lift is a workout program brought to you by Brazilian fitness coach Leandro Carvalho and produced by Extreme Fitness Results, a company that markets a number of different DVD workout programs.  The program claims that Leandro draws on his “expertise and knowledge of Brazilian Samba, classic ballet, traditional cardio exercises and a whole host of secret maneuvers” to change the way your behind sits.  The package includes:

• “Booty Basics” Intro Video
• 5 Workouts on 3 DVDs
• Booty Makeover Guide with Booty Blueprint & customizable workout calendars
• Fat Burning Food Guide
• 6-Day Supermodel Slimdown plan
• Triangle Training Workout Cards
• Booty Resistance Band
• Measurement Tracker Card and Tape Measure
• Booty Test Pencil

How much does Brazil Butt Lift cost?

The package sells for $60 plus about $8 in shipping.  This is about average given the number of DVD’s and for a specialty product.

Brazil Butt Lift Conclusion

Given Leandro Carvalho’s expertise, which is reflected in his training of super model Alessandra Ambrosio, it is safe to say this is one of the more credible workout routines in terms of the credentials of the trainer at least.  This may be a good option if you’ve already gotten a good amount of fat off of your body and are just looking to tone and firm up the musculature of your bum, but it isn’t necessarily the best program in terms of sheer fat-loss potential.  Good product though.

Hip Hop Abs

Hip Hop Abs

Of the many diet/excercise programs out there, few associate themselves with a kind of music.  Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with the hip hop videos featuring dancers with shredded abs dancing around proudly.  Regardless of whether you like hip hop, a workout plan that might help you get those abs is attractive, but for those who love hip hop this program claims to be the ultimate entertaining way to flatten that tummy.

What is Hip Hop Abs?

Hip Hop Abs, developed by fitness “celebrity” Shaun T (notice the quotations around “celebrity” – we hadn’t really heard of him either), is a DVD workout program that features a total of 113 minutes of guided hip hop dancing/workouts.  The program is designed to promote general weight loss, but specifically focusing on the abs.  Shaun T claims to have lost 50 pounds on his own program.

What does Hip Hop Abs include?

The package includes the following DVD programs:

• “Flat Abs” (13 min.)
• “Fat Burning Cardio” (30 min.)
• “Ab Sculpt” (25 min.)
• “Total Body Burn” (45 min.)

These DVD programs go along with a supplementary Nutrition Guide, 30-day Workout Calendar, measurement card and measuring tape, as well as a few sampler workout videos (which we assume the company is just trying to get rid of).

How much does Hip Hop Abs cost?

Fitting with the typically “over-priced and flashy” culture of hip-hop, this package is yours for three payments of $20 plus a total of about $13 in shipping costs.

Hip Hop Abs Conclusion

Certainly there is something to be said for making fitness and weight-loss “fun, though we were hard pressed to really consider this package anything short of a rip-off.  For the mere 113 minutes of programming, it is difficult to imagine carrying along a program like this for an entire month.  It is likely that you would see some great results from following the program, but not for the price.  We don’t recommend this program.  Sorry, Shaun T.

eDiets Glycemic Impact Diet

eDiets Glycemic Impact Diet

The Glycemic Impact Diet looks at the whole picture to achieve the right nutritional balance. eDiets will deliver meals that contain a low Glycemic impact, unrefined, complex carbohydrates with lean protein and healthy fats.

The Glycemic Impact Plan allows you to limit simple sugars while increasing fiber intake to help achieve stable blood sugars and avoid hunger. This plan can also help you stay energetic even when you’re reducing calories to lose weight.

The Glycemic Impact Plan provides 40% of calories from mostly low Glycemic impact carbohydrates. Another 30% of calories come from lean protein, including fish, chicken and occasionally lean beef and pork, with vegetarian options including soy protein; tofu and textured vegetable protein. The approximately 30% of remaining calories are from healthy fats including nuts, fatty fish, avocado and olive oil.

Is the Glycemic Impact Diet Risky?

The Glycemic Impact meal plan is a generally healthy meal plan. If you have additional specific dietary or medical needs, you may wish to review your plan with a healthcare provider.

Glycemic Impact Diet Meal Plan Summary

• You crave sugar and sweets.
• You have mood swings and/or irritability.
• You’ve been feeling low on energy.

• You prefer eating fewer meals and snacks each day.
• You want fast food choices on your plan.

Glycemic Impact Diet Conclusion

This is a very popular diet. I don’t know if it is Europe’s hottest diet. I don’t know what it is. What I do know is that a lot of people are losing weight on this diet.

Joy Bauer Diet

Who is Joy Bauer?

Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN, has built one of the largest nutrition centers in the country. Located in Manhattan and Westchester, N.Y., Joy Bauer Nutrition provides counseling to both adults and children dealing with a variety of nutritional concerns.

Recognized as a leading nutrition authority, Joy has a clientele that includes high-profile professionals, celebrity actors, fashion models, and Olympic athletes. She is the nutrition/health expert for the Today show and has been featured in numerous publications including the New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Self, Prevention, Vogue, Allure, Cosmopolitan, People, US Weekly, Parenting, Parents, Family Circle, Biography, and Seventeen.

What is the Joy Bauer Diet?

Bistro MD Gourmet

What is the Bistro MD Gourmet Diet?

The Bistro MD Gourmet Diet is a diet plan that was developed a medical doctor who specializes in weight management. The developer, Dr. Cederquist, has over 10 years of clinical experience in the field of weight management.

The Bistro MD Diet Plan includes unique meals and snacks as well as a weekly information program that will break down for you the science behind losing weight. All of these meals are ordered online and delivered to your doorstep.

The meals are fully cooked, portion-controlled and perfectly balanced. The Bistro MD chefs have created great tasting food while working under Dr. Cederquist’s tight nutritional guidance. I like to equate it to what you see on the Biggest Loser. One of the key reasons why they lose weight is because they maintain a strict controlled diet.

How much weight will I lose by eating the Bistro M.D. meals?

Bistro MD has helped thousands of people shed unwanted pounds. The amount of weight you lose depends on many factors: your age, activity level, amount of exercise, medical conditions and present weight. In general, our members lose from two to three pounds per week.

How many daily calories is the Full Plan?

The Bistro M.D. Plan provides an average of 1,200 calories per day for the full plan (3 meals and 2 snacks per day).
There is some very important information to keep in mind while looking at this number:

The calories come from lean protein and complex carbohydrates which are essential for your body to function properly, feel full and balance its chemistry so you can lose the weight. Some programs focus on calories only, but very often they are “empty calories”: simple carbohydrates and fat which do your body a major disservice

We say an AVERAGE, and this is a very important part, as we medically prove that if you stick to a strict 1200 calorie/day diet everyday of the week, your body gets used to that making it harder and harder each week to lose weight. With the slight increase and decrease of calories on a day-to-day basis your body and metabolism do not have the chance to get used to one set point. Thus, in turn the weight comes off easier and in the end it is easier to maintain your weight.

Though, even if you are getting the same amount of food every day, we are changing calories intake every day for you, ranging between 1,100 and 1,400 per day.

Bistro MD Sample Menu

So, what kind of food can you expect to get with Bistro MD? Well you have a huge variety of choices and everything is customizable. There are omelettes and waffles, french dips, sirloin burritos, and grilled salmon. There are tons of more options. I was getting hungry just looking at the menu!

How Much is Bistro MD?

Bistro MD has a few options to choose from. You can get meals delivered 5 or 7 days a week with or without snacks. The prices range from $129-$179 per week. That isn’t terribly expensive. If you go for the 7 day without snacks you are spending around $7.61 per meal. The meals are nutritious and portioned. Is it spendy? Sure it is. But it gives you consistency in your caloric intake.

Bistro MD Conclusion

I like the idea of having balanced, controlled meals delivered to my door. If I am a busy person, this is extremely convenient – but you are paying for that convenience. Could you spend less than $7 for a nutritious meal and prepare it yourself? Sure, but then you are missing out on the portion control aspect of the plan. If you want to learn more about this diet, you can do so here.

If you have tried the Bistro MD Diet, please share your experience with others!

SparkPeople

What is SparkPeople.com?

SparkPeople is a health and weight-loss website that teaches users how to help people transition from a diet to a permanent healthy lifestyle. The site has many cool features including personalized online tools, engaging proprietary content and a pretty active community of users.

I have never heard of SparkPeople, or the Spark Diet per se, but what I was able to find out is that the website, Sparkpeople.com, published a New Times Best Selling diet book called “The Spark: The 28-Day Breakthrough Plan for Losing Weight, Getting Fit, and Transforming Your Life”.

This book has helped readers understand the connection between weight loss, fitness, better health and lifelong goal achievement. You’ll learn:

* How to increase YOUR odds of success with the 27 proven secrets of success used by thousands of successful SparkPeople members and 100-pound losers
* A 28-day program that distills the best of SparkPeople’s tips and advice into a simple, fun, easy to follow program–all new and available only in this book!
* A special workout program created by Coach Nicole, featuring SparkPeople’s 10-minute exercise solution to help you fit in 10 minutes a day!
* Delicious SparkDiet meal plans and a mix-and-match meal system that lets you eat more delicious foods that keep you satisfied while losing weight
* The Spark’s special formula–a breakthrough combination of strategies that will lead to the end of dieting, lasting weight loss and better health
* The Spark is for you, whether you’re just starting out or are ready to take your program to a whole new level!

If that sounds a little ’salesy’ (sales-ish?) it is because I pulled it directly from their website.

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