I thought since I have done A LOT of different programs and I mention them on here I would start doing a little review about some of them for y’all.( I will also try to include where you could purchase them if I know that information.)  It will be a work in progress for awhile so hang in there and keep checking backI!

Chalean Extreme (available through Beach Body)     – Weights

It has 6 DVDs + an audio CD.

1. Burn Basics, Band Basics and Healthy Eats & Kitchen Makeover – these just tell about the program, demo how to use bands/tubing instead of weights and help out with kitchen/food tips
2. Burn Circuit 1,2,3 – During this phase you use a weight that you can perform  10-12 reps of each exercise.  The exercises work  upper and lower body at the same time.     Burn Circuit 1 – 36 min – abs, chest, upper back                                                           Burn Circuit 2 – 38min – biceps, triceps, back                                                               Burn Circuit 3 – 32 min – shoulders, calves, deltoids
3. Push Circuit 1,2,3 – During this phase use a weight that you can perform 6-8 reps of each exercise.  These exercises only work one muscle group at a time.                       Push Circuit 1 – 33 min – biceps, lower body, triceps                                                   Push Circuit 2 – 35 min – shoulders, lower body, deltoids                                           Push Circuit 3 – 35 min – lower body, back, chest
4. Lean Circuit 1,2,3 – During this phase you will perform 12 reps of each exercise and will be coming upper, lower and core for most of the moves.                                       Lean Circuit 1 – 44 min – biceps, triceps                                                                    Lean Circuit 2 – 39 min – deltoids, back                                                                  Lean Circuit 3 – 39 min – shoulders, chest
5. Burn It Off – 27 min – Intervals                                                                               Recharge – 21 min – Yoga inspired stretching                                                           Bonus: Fat Blaster (from Turbo Jam) – 30 min
6. Burn Intervals – 42 min – This alternates cardio moves and toning with light weights     Ab Burner – 10:30 min – abs and core                                                                       Extreme Abs – 16:30 min – abs and core

This is a program I am currently doing.  I followed the guide the first time I did it but this time I’m not since I’m not adding in the extra days.(from DVDs 5 & 6) I just try to lift at least 3x/week and then I will do each phase for at least 4 weeks. I love how much this program pushes me to lift heavier weights than I used to even attempt.

Chalean is always so much fun to work-out with!!  She has MANY great tips and ways to make sure that you get the most out of every move. I highly recommend this program!!!

This was the first pilates work-out that I actually enjoyed.  I have had this DVD for about 8 years and it is always a good choice when I need a recovery day or when I’m injured and can’t do any of the hard core work-outs that I prefer.

Ellen Barrett is the instructor.  She makes it very easy to understand the moves and preform them correctly.  It is set up like a real class and one of the other people demonstrate modifications for most of the moves.  She also continually reminds you to inhale and exhale since that is such a big part of pilates.

The DVD is broken down into 4 – 10 minute sections.  You can do any or all.

Belly:  10 minutes of core work.  This section does a good job of hitting all of your abdominal muscles in a short time.  None of the moves are super difficult but it is still a nice ab work-out.

Butt:  10 minutes of glute work.  Again, a nice range of exercises that will give you a short, quick work-out!

Thighs:  10 minutes.  The exercise in this section are great for both the inner and outer thigh areas.  The variety of the exercises are good.

Bonus:  10 minutes total body.  This section is really great when you are time-crunched and just want a little toning.  There are ab moves, butt exercises, and thigh toners all mixed in.

Overall I really enjoy this DVD.  It is far more geared to toning than stretching and I like that! This is not a work-out that will get your heart rate up or cause you to sweat so if you are like me that sometimes makes it hard to consider it a true “work-out” but it is a nice change of pace!