This is another DVD from the Crunch series of workouts.  I like the fact that even though it is Pilates, I still feel like I get a decent workout.

The workout is led by Ellen Barrett and she really does a nice job explaining, cuing and keeping everyone motivated!!

One of the things that I really like about this workout is you use dumbbells!!  One of the ladies doesn’t use any to show the modifications.  The others use really light weights (I think 2-3 pounds).  I like to use 5 pound DBs when I do this program.

Most of this workout is done standing – about 35 minutes.  The first 12 minutes is a nice warm-up and light cardio. Then there is about 20 minutes of standing cardio based Pilates using the weights.  (I love this part!!)  Finally, there is a 10 minute floor section – mostly abdominal pilates moves and some stretches.

This is a great workout when you have less than an hour (45 minutes!!) and don’t want anything high impact.

Turbo Fire might be one of my all time favorite work-out programs!!!  I have gone through the whole program as prescribed but now I just pick one of the DVDs to use on days that I want to “hang-out” with Chalean Johnson.

Chalean is the instructor on all of these workouts and she is FUN!!  She is high-energy and constantly keeping everyone motivated.  She will say things like, “You’re not tired. I saved you the best spot in the house. Every minute or so ask yourself if you can go harder.”

All of the workouts are done in a class setting.  Chalean and 2 others are up on stage facing the class.  One of the others on the stage is always Ally and she shows the modifications (if you want to keep the workout low impact but still high intensity).  The other person on the stage varies – sometimes it is Chalean’s sister, her friend (Monica who has triplets), or just another of her Turbo Fire friends.

The set came with 11 DVDs (12 different workouts) and 2 different bands – one with handles and one loop band.

There are 4 additional DVDs that you can get with 5 more workouts.

DVD 1 – Get Fired Up (I’ve never watched this.  I think it is just an overview of the program and a chance to meet some of the participants.)

DVD 2 – Fire 30/Stretch 10

DVD 3 – HIIT 15/Stretch 10

DVD 4 – Fire 55EZ/Stretch 10

DVD 5 – Core 20/Stretch 40/Stretch 10   The core class uses the band below for both standing and floor core work.

DVD 6 – Fire 45/Stretch 10

DVD 7 – HIIT 20/Stretch 10

DVD 8 – Fire 45EZ/ Stretch 10

DVD 9 – HIIT 25/Stretch 10

DVD 10 – Sculpt 30/Tone 30  Both of these workouts make use of the bands for toning and sculpting.DVD 11 – Stretch 40/Stretch 10

Add-on DVD 1 – Fire 60/Stretch 10

Add-on DVD 2 – HIIT 30/Stretch 10

Add-on DVD 3 – Upper 20/Lower 20/Stretch 10      The upper 20 makes use of

and the Lower 20 uses

Add-on DVD 4 – Abs 10/Stretch 10

The Fire classes are cardio classes that last the # of minutes they are.  (Fire 30 = 30 minutes.) Don’t be fooled by the EZ – that does NOT stand for easy!!  The HIIT classes are high intensity interval training classes.  Even the HIIT 30 goes quickly.  Most of the HIIT classes are a 1:1 as far as high intensity: recovery.  The toning and sculpting classes (including the upper & lower classes) are all geared to toning with bands instead of weights.  The resistance is pretty intense – especially during some of the lower 20 moves!!!  Core 20 & Ab10 both focus on the entire core.

I’ve done the 10 minute stretching but (sadly) never the entire 40 minute stretch.

Any time we travel, I pack this set.  I can pack the set and both bands without losing too much valuable luggage space!  And, all of these programs can be done even in a hotel room!

I can’t say enough about how much I love this program.  It is a little pricey – but if you break it down by individual workout, it really isn’t bad.  It is a BeachBody program.

This is a Pilates workout that I like to do on days when I want to do something but nothing hard-core.

It is a Crunch Fitness DVD.Ellen Barrett is the instructor and she has a nice easy style for leading the workout.

This workout is 2 sections:  a standing (cardio-based pilates) section which is about 30 minutes and a mat pilates section that is about 15 minutes.  No equipment is required unless you want a mat for the floor work.

Even during the standing segment, Ellen tells you when to inhale and exhale since breathing is an essential component of pilates (well, life, too!).

There is a modifier for any moves that might be a little more difficult – I think she really only modifies a few of the mat moves.

I think this is a program that anyone (regardless of current fitness level) could successfully complete.

I like having this program to fall back on when I need to move but not jump, run or lift!

This is a short and quick work-out but it is one you will definitely feel.  It is all core – upper abs, lower abs and obliques.

Leslie Bender  developed this training method and she takes you through the work-out.  It is easy to follow and she has someone who shows modifications if necessary.  Adding the “Bender ball” really does change up how the exercises feel.

The work-out moves quickly and is all core.  There really isn’t a true warm-up or cool down but I’m not sure there needs to be.  Each section (upper abs, lower abs, obliques) is about 5 minutes and the whole thing only takes just over 16 minutes.

Leslie does keep it moving so there isn’t wasted time.  I like that you spend almost the entire time truly working your core!

I enjoy mixing up my routines and this is a great one to throw in from time-to-time.

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!!!