Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: 60 Minute Cardio

The Other Day: LOL a friend posted this on facebook...I must have been like 7 or 8...funny stuff....but look, I won 2 trophies...Im sure at that age everyone won 2 trophies though...Still, though I have TWO trophies ;)


Today's Tip: Fatty Acids Overview
A nutrient is considered essential if you need it for good health, but you need to get it from the diet because your body cannot synthesize it. Essential nutrients for humans include vitamins, minerals, certain amino acids from proteins and two specific kinds of fats, or fatty acids. Many foods are sources of essential fats, and you can easily meet your requirements if you know which foods to choose. Read more on Live Strong

Today's Review: 360 Miracle 60 Minute Cardio Mindy Mylrea, 2011 **** (4 of 5 stars)

Mindy leads this 60 min cardio workout alone in a living room set w/ a gorgeous ocean view in the background. The dvd offers warmup, cardio kick, cardio dance, cardio sport, and cooldown. Mindy offers modification options for many of the exercises. You will not need any equipment for this workout.

Cardio Dance: More of an old school hi-lo than true dance IMO- which I liked. Lots of fun! Exercises include: mambo- cha cha, V step, scoop up, hops, kicks, cardio lunges, and finishes with some microburst versions of the previous exercises.

Cardio Kick: Cardio kickboxing with some aerobic transitions. Exercises include: punch & kick combos, V step, shuffle & punch, knee pulls, speed bags, lunge hops, skiing, and jacks. Easy to follow but not boring.

Cardio Sport: This section is all microbursts- 4 minutes of work followed by 2 minutes of active rest. The "work" segments are broken down into 20 seconds "on" and 10 seconds rest. Exercises include: kick to floor touch, out out in in, knee hops, skater, jacks, and tire run.

I would rate this an intermediate workout. The sport section was shorter but a bit more intense than the others. You could easily adapt this workout to fit any fitness level. Mindy is a great lead and her cuing & form pointers were very good. Very versatile dvd- use it in whole or easy to break up for shorter w/o's. I received this dvd to review.

Today's LOLz:

Interview with Barry's Bootcamp's Barry Jay (& Coca-Cola Cupcakes!)

Coke Cupcakes: Had this cake order last week for a co-worker who LOVES coke & LOVES bears so I thought it very appropriate. Coke flavored cupcakes & buttercream, fondant bear & decor, gummy cola bottles. I was happy with  my little bear. I ALMOST didnt make him- but am so glad I did as the bday girl was ecstatic over him :)

Today's Tip: Essential Fatty Acids DHA and EPA Your body can only convert a limited amount of alpha-linolenic acid into DHA and EPA, which are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and your risk for heart disease and cardiac death may decrease if you include DHA and EPA in your diet, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Fatty fish and shellfish are sources of DHA and EPA. Get two servings of fatty fish or shellfish per week to meet recommendations in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read more on Live Strong. 

Today's Interview: As I'm sure many of you know I am a HUGE fan of Barry's Bootcamp and have had great success with his Fat Blaster workouts! So needless to say I was thrilled to have the opportunity to "interview" him for a Two Belles Fitness post. I really like his inspiring responses so I wanted to share them here :) as well

Belles: We LOVED your 5 Day Academy & BBC Fat Blaster. Do you have any new dvds on the horizon?

Barry: Not right now but would definitely love to do more. I've always wanted to do one for kids. I love kids and thinks its important to help them find their way with exercise and nutrition young...

Belles: Many of us are familiar with you from your workouts, but for those that aren’t, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you found yourself involved in fitness?

Barry: Sure. I think probably the most surprising thing is that I'm quiet outside of bootcamp. I love being at home with my 3 dogs just writing... hanging with friends, nothing big or splashy. I'm almost never out and about at the popular hang outs... whatever they are these days.

I found fitness back in the 80's and loved it. guess just living in LA it was hard to not see it all around me. I worked in entertainment public relations and management, working with Roseanne, Bill Cosby, Lou Rawls, Dionne Warwick - I managed Chaka Khan for two years...it was another life. I got fired. I went to work on a temp assignment for Weho city hall (lets just say I type fast) and when that was over the Mayor referred me to a friend of his who had a fitness studio. I needed a job and loved fitness and working behind the desk I was told I could take classes for free. Sold! As soon as I started working there was taking like 17 classes a week... you might say I was addicted. Then one day working there, an instructor didn't show up and the manager sent me in to teach. I was HOOKED!! That class became mine - then other instructors quit and in three weeks I had 27 classes a week - and in two years only missed 2!! my biz partner John and Rachel Mumford were students in my classes... when that place closed suddenly (by now I'm working at the weather channel AND instructing) John said we should open a place together - he had the $$$, Rachel was over the actress thing and wanted something she could sink her teeth into and I would be the main dude instructor. I was scared but it was too good to turn down... John was (is) one of the smartest people I knew and Rachel is the most driven and knows so much about presentation!! I knew dumbbells! :-) We were the perfect triangle and we knew it. We actually opened in the same place that fitness studio closed. so you can say I own the desk I used to work behind, thanks to John and Rachel. Pretty amazing!!

Along the way this pretty cool kid came along; had more on the ball than anyone I had really ever seen - he was on FIRE. He started working there, then instructing at bootcamp and long story short we are all partners now, its Joey Gonzalez and without him we would not be in NYC right now - which is pretty amazing!!

Belles: You mention giving up sugar in your dvds, what advice can you offer those of us that would love to give up sugar but dont know where to start?

Barry: It was SO HARD!! I tried and failed many times. I seriously had to take it one day at a time. I just made sure that I had plenty of the foods I could eat around....and got the crap out of the house. It was one of the best things I ever did for myself. Sugar is a drug and eating sugar makes us want more sugar. I gave up dairy as well which also helped. Dairy can make you crave sugar. Go figure. If you're able to have a cheat meal a week that includes sugar and the rest of the time you're fine - more power to ya. I had to give it up and I lost about 15 lbs just from giving up sugar - results kept me going strong.

Belles: How did giving up sugar benefit you?


Barry:weight loss
no crashes
more natural energy
ate better foods instead
not "depending" on it was freedom

Belles: There are many known benefits to exercising beyond aesthetics, what is your number one motivator to continue exercising?

Barry: Aside from health - number one benefit is positive thinking! Working out helps us over come our negative thoughts. No, its not the cure but it helps a lot. I have seen people workout and then stop and get depressed. There's a direct connection between mind and body - one that should be honored. I think it also helps keep us on track with the rest of our decisions in life. maybe we just quit smoking or we are eating better because we are working out - if we stop working out we may start throwing those other things out the window of "who cares" - also working out gives us energy! the less we do, the less we wanna do. working out gets our bodies wanting to live our lives more energetically!!

Belles: How has fitness helped you become the person you are today?

Barry: Seriously - it saved my life. When I first started working out I was a drug addicted kid who over dosed many times - one time I made it home and wasn't sure how. I was 120 lbs and gaunt!! I gave up EVERYTHING (cigarettes, drugs, drinking, not eating) and joined a gym. I drank weight gain drinks and started eating regular meals! The transformation was incredible and those who knew me couldn't believe their eyes. Aside from that fitness has given me a way to help others which has helped me not only stay in shape but feel purposeful in this life. it's changed me because I have seen people age without grace and honestly - I feel like a kid! I love being in shape at my age (48) and knowing I can stay this way and appreciate the one body God gave me - taking care of it so I can be enjoying life at 80!!

Belles: I also meant to ask about your BBC Gym. If you want to include any info about it: what can you share with us about your gym Barry's Bootcamp?

Barry: Treadmills, weights, resistance bands, great energizing music - creating a fun hard working environment where people can get the best workout in the world! I want them to feel like they have a personal trainer - I know them. I'm there to help. I help with food. I love seeing bootcampers become friends. its that kind of place. you come in there dry and leave soaking wet. as I say to them 'the wetter the better' every day is a different body part - every week that body part is approached a slightly different way - we keep you on your toes and truth they keep me on my toes because I want them to have the best workout in the world and I work hard to bring it to them.

For more information about Barry Jay and Barry's Bootcamp visit:
The Barry's Bootcamp website
Barry's Bootcamp on Facebook
Barry's Bootcamp on Twitter

Today's LOLz:

 ( Custom cakes by Lindsey Lu. Phoenix custom cakes. Specialty Cakes Phoenix. Arizona custom specialty cakes. Specialty cupcakes phoenix. Custom cupcakes  Phoenix wedding cakes. )

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Review: Upper Body Workout Disc 2 Review

Mini-Cupcakes: These are the mini-cupcakes I made with the extra batter from last weeks cupcake order (black forest cake, dipped in black cherry mousse & ganache, topped w/ a bit of cherry buttercream). I gave them to the gal that ordered as a "thank you". Which I felt kinda bad cuz shes watching her weight too. She did the 24 Day Challenge with me and lost over 8 lbs- woot! But I wanted to thank her for her order, had extra cupcakes, and honestly didnt want the damned things at my house LOL (cuz you know I love me some cake).... ( 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 Bargains: Please head over to Win, Lose, or Blog and enter our Tropical Traditions giveaway. NO entries!!!! I feel bad for our awesome sponsor. I LOVE all things Tropical Traditions so I know the winner will love their prize!


Today's Tip: Diet Food: Plums 
Full of phytochemicals, plums are light in calories but heavy on flavor. And they also make a great dessert! Indulge without ruining your diet with this recipe for Alsatian plum cakes. Read more on Self

Today's Review: Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle: 30 Minute Upper Body Workout (Disc 2)
Mindy Mylrea, 2011 ***** (4.5 of 5 stars)

This dvd contains two 30 minute upper body workouts- one advanced & one betginner. Both feature the same exercises but the beginner workout includes more instruction, backgrounder modifications, and Mindy offers level options for alternative intensities. The set is awesome- a nice living room with a huge picture window looking out into the ocean (gorgeous). Mindy works out alone in the advanced and with 3 backgrounders of various fitness levels in the beginner. You will only need your figure 8 tubing for this workout.

The workouts are structured that you work at 70% intensity for 40 seconds, 60% for 30 seconds, and then 90% for 20 seconds. Each of these intensity "bursts" have a short rest period in between. This is a very well rounded upper body routine. Mindy does a great job of hitting all the UB muscles and working them to fatigue or failure. I like the band- it is a good resistance and Mindy does a great job at upping the ante with each "burst."

Exercises include: chest fly w/ isolation squats, kneeling to standing bicep curls (to up the intensity), progressive pushups, tri kicbacks & OH tri press, lat raise, tricep pushups, lat pull down, and includes a warmup & cooldown. She hits all the muscle groups & includes some static lower body work as well.

I rate the beginner dvd good for all levels- its slower moving and contains more options than the advanced workout. The advanced workout worked my muscles to fatigue or failure- and I would rate it a high intermediate workout. This is a very enjoyable workout. I really like Mindy and the sequencing of the work. Great cuing and great for travel or space limitations. I received this dvd to review.

Today's LOLz:

Two Belles Giveaway: LaReine Chabut Books & Exercise Ball!

I am a HUGE fan of LaReine Chabut from the original Firm Classic Volume 5. Well LaReine has been a busy lady since then! She is the author of many books including two that are up for giveaway here- keep reading! Her IN STYLE interview came out in August and is all about core strength! She also has a new book she did with the editor of IN STYLE called MOMOVER-so keep an eye out for those!!!! And she teaches her Lose That Baby Fat workout (from the Chelsea Lately show- you can view here) to Celebrity moms and all types of moms!

LaReine Chabut is a best selling author & television personality whose latest gig is hosting MSN’s Focus on Feeling Better where she is seen daily taking on America one person at a time. Her multiple best selling titles include; Exercise Balls For Dummies (May 25, 2005), Lose That Baby Fat! (M. Evans, April, 2006), Stretching For Dummies (February, 2007), and Core Strength For Dummies(January, 2009).  LaReine was recently voted “Top Ten Most Fit Moms Online” and in addition is the leading fitness expert for Fit Pregnancy magazine. She is most recognized as the lead instructor of The Firm, a series of popular workout videos that have sold over three million copies worldwide.

Visit Two Belles Fitness for your chance to win:

Lose That Baby Fat book
Exercise Balls For Dummies book
an exercise ball!

Lose That Baby Fat!
Bouncing Back the First Year After Having a Baby, a Mom-Friendly Fitness Program

In this book LeReine lets us in on the secrets of how celebrity moms bounce back into shape quickly after pregnancy. LaReine Chabut takes a sensible approach to post-pregnancy exercise and keeps it all mom friendly in this well written and expertly sequenced book. She provides a fitness program for new moms -celebrity or not who want to get their bodies back! After LaReines own pregnancy she wrote this book, which tackles post-baby fitness reasonably. Chabut counters the usual excuses for not working out and offers lots of options. Her workout regimen begins with walking and stretching, then progresses to exercises for abs, arms and chest, glutes, shoulders and upper back, and legs. A few programs are offered, such as circuit training and weight training. Exercises are illustrated with black and white photos, and a stability ball is used for many of the routines

Exercise Balls For Dummies

Exercise balls are a must have for any exerciser! This book is great to get you started on the ball, or to check your form if youre a seasoned ball exerciser and teaches you how to build strength and increase your flexibility, Tone and shape your entire body at home with ease! Want to get a great-looking body using affordable equipment? Packed with step-by-step photos and crystal-clear instructions, this friendly guide shows you how to use an exercise ball in your workout, as well as incorporate it into Pilates, weight training, stretching, and aerobics routines. You'll also see how to add other gear to get even more from your workout.

Discover how to Select and maintain equipment, Work every major muscle group, Improve your core stability, Enhance your balance and coordination, Alter your workout for pregnancy and other special circumstances.

And to compliment the package- your very own exercise ball!!!!!

Want to win BOTH books and the ball? Enter on Two Belles Fitness!

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Mindy Mylrea 360 Miracle Set Intro

I have been lucky enough to review Mindy Mylrea's new 360 Miracle set! I am super excited about the set and I'm really enjoying the workouts! Stay tuned for complete reviews of all the 360 Miracle dvds here on Fitness For the Rest of Us. Click my "Miracle 360" tab above to see them all.

360 Miracle is a complete set- including everything you need to get in shape, have fun, and burn burn burn those calories! 360 Miracle features 6-minutes of microburst exercise, which clinical studies have shown to be just as effective as 30 minutes of traditional aerobic exercise. You'll do your 6-minutes 6 times a week and you're on your way to a 360 Miracle! You won't need any extra equipment for these workouts! Grab your figure 8 tubing and get moving!

360 Miracle includes: 

• 24 six minute workouts (12 on each dvd- 2 dvds)


• Six 30 minute workouts (2 on each dvd- 3 dvds)


• One 60 minute workout dvd


• Three "Take 3 Method" comprehensive eating strategy dvds


• Sturdy figure 8 exercise band


• Complete easy to follow meal plan, including tons of options, recipes, and shopping lists, & more


• Laminated Rotation Calendar

The dvds included in the set are:

• 24 six minute workouts on 2 dvds (12 per dvd). These workouts feature the Microburst Method and pack a punch in only 6 minutes!


• Two 30 minute upper body workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.


• Two 30 minute lower body workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.


• Two 30 minute core workouts utilizing the figure 8 tubing. The disc contains a beginner & an advanced version of the workout featuring the same basic moves in both routines.


• One 60 minute cardio workout dvd


• Three "Take 3 Method" comprehensive eating strategy dvds. Take 3 is an exclusive method taught by Mindy that will empower you to make your own healthy and balanced eating decisions. With the Take 3 method, you'll never need to struggle with food again.

For more information about the 360 Miracle and Mindy Mylrea visit:

360 Miracle Website

Mindy Mylrea on Facebook

Kare~N~Herbs Review: Energy Kare

Kare~N~Herbs has have been distributing and manufacturing four Adaptogen based herbal supplements since 1994 in the United States. They purchase only the highest standard of herbs from various farmers overseas. Their adaptogenic herbs, Rhodiola rosea, Acanthopanax senticosus, Schizandra chinensis, and Withania Somnifera, are natural plants whose properties have been proven effective in helping our brains and bodies adapt to and resist physical, environmental and chemical stress. These herbs increase our resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety, and fatigue. The ingridients in their products Kold Kare, Energy Kare, Tranquility Kare, and Kare-N-Liver help the body counter adverse physical and chemical stressors by raising nonspecific resistance towards such stress and giving you the ability to adapt naturally with no harmful side effects. These herbs are Fast Acting- Non-Toxic and Normalizing. These products shield the body against stress, against the ravages of time and diseases. These herbs release our own innate resources of energy, vitality and strength.

We LOVE that Kare~N~Herbs cultivation is carried out with special attention to pesticide free and pollution free growth. The methods employed in the collection and drying of the herbs are such that they do not reduce or destroy the active principles, ensuring lasting quality.



Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare:
The Belles had the pleasure of reviewing Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare which contains Rhodiola rosea-which is a natural herb long used in traditional folk medicine in China, Siberia, and the Ukraine. It has been clinically proven to ward off fatigue and increase mental and physical performance! We love Energy Kare before our workouts! I am a morning exerciser but I am NOT a morning person. I stick with my morning workouts because I know they most likely wont happen after I get off work. But some mornings (ok many mornings) I am just exhausted- those are the days I absolutely love Kare~N~Herbs Energy Kare!

Energy Kare is an all-natural herbal dietary supplement that will get you mentally and physically ready to tackle the workout and your busy day! Energy Kare is taken by athletes before competition, students before exams and on a daily basis by active families. Unlike caffeine, Energy Kare is all natural and known to...

• Stimulate the cells in your body to maximize performance


• Regulate the body's demand for energy (increasing energy supply when needed)


• Improve physical strength and stamina


• Boost mental alertness/capacity


• Take effect within an hour

Check out the Kare~N~Herbs specials for some awesome value bundles!

For More information please visit:

The Kare~N~Herbs website
Kare~N~Herbs on Facebook
Kare~N~Herbs on Twitter


And be sure to check out the Kare~N~Herbs Facebook page to enter their drawing for FREE Kare~N~Herbs PRODUCTS!!!!!

Two Belles Giveaway: Paul Katami's Burn & Build TWO WINNERS!

It's no secret that both Belles are huge fans of Paul Katami's workouts! So you know we were thrilled with the opportunity to host a review & giveaway on Two Belles Fitness for his new Burn & Build dvd. Check out Maria-Belles review below and enter to win your very own copy on Two Belles Fitness (TWO WINNERS!)

Burn and Build Details and Review

Burn and Build, just released in 2011, is the latest workout from renowned fitness trainer Paul Katami. Burn and Build delivers a total body workout that will test your cardiovascular capacity and muscular endurance. With over two hours of calorie-burning footage, the workout is made up of blocks that incorporate drills, cardio and strength using a kettlebell, or dumbbell, and a tall step. In addition to the main workout, Burn and Build includes a bonus abdominal workout and Paul's clinic, a twenty-five minute tutorial which gets you familiar with not only using the kettlebell but also incorporating the high step.

Burn and Build is an advanced workout designed to burn calories, build endurance, sculpt muscles and take your fitness ability to the level. Paul Katami leads the workout and is joined by three background exercisers. A modifier is present in the workout to not only demonstrate dumbbell substitution, if you do not have a kettlebell, but to also show easier modifications of some of the more challenging exercises. For the workout you will need a kettlebell or dumbbell, a high step and, depending on your workout surface, an exercise mat. From the main menu you have the option to select an Introduction, the Bonus Abdominal workout, the Clinic or the Burn and Build workout. You can then choose to play the workout, play the workout without music or use the chapter menu to select a specific chapter.

Burn and Build begins with a thorough warm-up designed to gradually raise the heart rate, wake up the body and get the muscles ready. the warm-up consists of three exercises repeated for three rounds, adding power and intensity to the second and third rounds. The warm-up finishes off with kettlebell work incorporating the high step to prepare you for the main workout. Once the warm-up is complete, the rest of the workout is built around seven blocks of timed drills. The exercises within each drill are performed for sixty seconds and each block is approximately seven minutes long. Each of the blocks contains a specific focus from cardio to drills, planks to windmills, combos to grinds. In the workout you will see traditional exercises like swings and goblet squats but also moves like high pulls while stepping on and off the high step. The workout concludes with a well-deserved cool down and stretch segment.

Burn and Build is an intense kettlebell circuit workout that adds a bi-level element with the use of a high step. builds Each of the blocks will challenge your endurance and cardio capacity throughout the workout. Paul Katami is an excellent instructor, with a great on-screen presence. He is professional, knowledgeable, shows great form and offers sound form pointers. He does a great job cuing the workout and demonstrating the move before the interval begins. Paul is also an encouraging instructor offering motivation and support when you need it the most. He stresses the importance of form, focusing on quality over quantity and encourages you to take breaks and work at your own pace.

With twenty years of experience, Paul Katami has been providing fitness know-how to Hollywood’s hottest gyms. He is also the creator of A.S.A.P Fitness workouts and a featured instructor on ExerciseTV. Paul is also a Kettlebell Master Instructor through Kettlebell Concepts. To learn more about Paul Katami, visit his website Katami Fitness. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. His workouts are available through his site and Collage Video.

Head on over to Two Belles Fitness and enter to win your very own copy of Paul Katami's Burn & Build!

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.