Friday - Ellen Barrett's Fat Burning Fusion

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

Although today was "scheduled' to be cardio - I wasn't really up for it - mentally or physically. I did do a lot of cardio earlier in the week, and it is TOM, so perhaps that is why. My knees are a little sore, too. I wonder if it is too much repetitive movement - running, walking and biking are all very repetitive - so I think I'm gonna half to force myself into an "every other day" cardio routine. I have been trying to do more b/c I have still been eating more (still leftover holiday stuff - plus it is hard to get out of the "habit" of eating certain things....need to re-adjust - I did bring in a "supply" of snacks for work - it is challenging since there isn't a lot of good produce around during the winter!).

ANYWAY, I went with a virgin for me that I received in a trade - Ellen Barrett's Fat Burning Fusion - and it really fit the bill for today. If you have or have seen Ellen's Slo Robics (on Fit TV) or her Crunch Fat Burning workout - this one is quite similar to those. It is a fusion of yoga, ballet, standing Pilates, and light aerobics - all done in a very elegant manner w/ good instruction and motivation. It is very fluid and Ellen's passion for this type of workout really shines through. If you're expecting to sweat buckets, this isn't the workout for you. But if you're looking for a lighter low impact cardio routine that doesn't take up much space (the space of an exercise mat is all you need) and which also tones your core and legs - this is a nice workout. Some of the exercises were very good leg toning exercises and you do work your core throughout by maintaining good posture and alignment as well as by

doing standing Pilates exercises. There is also one set of push-ups at the end for arms, but you will work your arms a bit throughout by holding them steady in various positions. I expect I'll have some DOMS in my legs from this one. (which is good!)

Ellen leads two backgrounders through this routine - one shows more modified versions of the exercises. It is about 45 minutes or so, so a good one if you don't have a ton of time, either. I really liked this one - but I am a huge Ellen fan. Now I just have to get her Slim Sculpt and my "studio" set will be complete!

I have her Slo Robics and the other one she did for Fit TV on my DV-R!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Donna