Happy Birthday to ME & Ellen Barret Skinny Sculpt Review

This Weekend: I went shopping to celebrate my recent weight loss! Yay! I got this cool handkerchief shirt that I love! And then I went to the outlet-esque mall near us and used a couple groupons, coupons, and a giftcard and only spend $50 total (including the groupon purchase)! I got a pair of capris, a tank top, a cardigan, a pair of shorts, flip flops, a super awesome Peanuts T-shirt that says "Girls Love Muscles", 6 Bath & Body Works products, mints, a polo shirt, a Hello Kitty water bottle, & a pair of undies! Seriously thats a SCORE and a half!

And today is my official birthday but we celebrated the 2 past Saturdays: with a trip to the circus LOL yes really. It was actually really really cool! I'll post pics later in the week. We had fun. Then we also celebrated at the Sauza House Party/ Mustache party too so I am celebrated out.

Today's Bargains: Enter to win Holly Perkins Exercise TV Fitness 360 dvd AND New Balance socks on Two Belles Fitness. 

Today's Tip: Mix it Up When Your workout is no longer challenging

Walking a 15-minute mile, for example, becomes easier as time goes on. If your workouts aren’t challenging you anymore, it can be helpful to wear a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate will change over time as you become more fit. By using a heart rate monitor, you’ll know to change up or intensify your routine, and ensure that you’re working within your target heart rate zone. Challenging your body improves your fitness level and can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you become stronger and work toward your goals. Read more on Gaiam.

Today's Review: Skinny Sculpt
Ellen Barrett, 2010

Ellen leads this 45 min toning workout in a open white room w/ 2 background exercises, one shows modifications. The dvd is nicely chaptered. You will need a set of light dumbbells for this workout. This workout contains a balance of strength and flexibility work done standing and on the floor.

The first 30 minutes of this workout is done standing with light dumbbells. Ellen leads you through exercises such as: pliets with big arm movements (star arms, punch across, inhale arms), side mambo w/ a rhomboid pinch, side toe taps with big arm movements, travel pliets, warrior lunges w/ bi curls, etc. The standing portion has a very flowing, energizing feel.

The remaining 15 minutes is lower body & core floor work. Exercises include: V pulls, V rows, V side raise, bridge variations, long leg beats, scissor drops, knee drops adding in a side kick, and leg wipers.

I would rate this a low intermediate workout. A great w/o to do in whole on "light" strength days or to break up to add on to other strength workouts. Ellen is a fantastic instructor who provides great cuing and has a wonderful demeanor. I put this w/o in the ballet/ barre/ low weight category. Good to add in our routines from time to time to keep our bodies guessing. I received this dvd to review.

Today's LOLz: courtesy of my DH. He sends these to me when he sees ones he knows I'll enjoy.