Exhale Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity Review (and CUPCAKES!)

Black Forest Cupcakes: Got an order for a dozen cupcakes for a friends co-workers bday. She ordered bday girls favorite black forest cake with simple decorations. So this is what I came up with. Black forest cupcakes, black cherry mousse filling, dipped in chocolate ganache, topped with cherry buttercream, choco sprinkles & a choco dipped cherry. I had extra batter so I made some mini-cupcakes and gave her some as a "thank you for your order." Will post those pics later.  ( Custom cakes by Lindsey Lu. Phoenix custom cakes. Specialty Cakes Phoenix. Arizona custom specialty cakes. Specialty cupcakes phoenix. Custom cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes. )

Today's Tip: Diet Food: Sweet Peppers
Peppers are a great weight-loss food since all varieties contain capsaicin, a natural metabolism booster, says Lisa C. Cohn, a registered dietitian and owner of Park Avenue Nutrition in New York. Add them into salsa or eat them fresh, roasted, or stuffed to reap their better-body benefits. Read more on Self

Today's Review: Exhale Core Fusion Cardio: Pure Intensity
Elisabeth Halfpapp & Fred DeVito, 2011 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This dvd contains five 10 minute segments led by either Elisabeth or Fred in a cute brick & hardwood studio. There are three background exercises one of which provides modifications. You will need light dumbbells for some of the segments and a mat. The segments get progressively more challenging and there is a cooldown/stretch section as well. The dvd allows you can select a segment or play all.

Power Sweat: Led by Fred. This is a rhythmic yoga inspired stretching and flowing movement segment. Great as a warmup or cooldown or for a quick 10 minute rejuvenation. Exercises include: down dog, side bend, plank, calf raises, & sun salutations.

Cardio Flow: Led by Elisabeth: This section is faster paced and includes flowing yoga and some power yoga moves utilizing light hand weights. Exercises include: plank, plenty of Mt. climbers, side plank to push up combo, down dog w/ knee pulls, pulsing and isolation warrior variations with weighted preacher curls, upright rows, and chest squeezes.

Power Flow: Led by Fred. This section builds in intensity to increase your body heat and includes more intense versions of the previous sections exercises. Exercises include: lots of Mt. climbers, a weighted punch series, balance tri kickbacks, & a balance glute pinch with upper back fly.

Power Sweat: led by Elisabeth. This section is meant to get your heat pumping & blood flowing even more than the previous sections. Exercises include: pulsing pliets w/ weighted arm movements, fast knee pulls, lots of Mt. climbers, a pulsing side lunge series, & a squat w/ a side & rear glute extension.

Cardio Curl: Led by Fred: This is an active floor core section. Exercises include: static C hold, bicycle variation, toe drops, a hundred variation, & oblique twists. A lot of the work doesnt support the  neck, but easy to modify.

The dvd also contains a stretch segment. I would rate this dvd a low intermediate workout but appropriate for most fitness levels. Great for days when you want a stimulating but not taxing workout. Great as add-ons or strung together for a longer workout. Both Elisabeth & Fred are great leads, mellow personalities that really fit this style of workout. They both provide excellent form pointers throughout. I received this dvd to review.

Today's LOLz: