10 Minute Solution: Belly, Butt & Thigh Blasters!
(Anchor Bay)
2009
What is it?
Five 10-minute ab and lower body workouts, using a “sculpting loop” resistance band. Jessica Smith instructs.
Who is it for?
Advanced beginning through intermediate exercisers. Getting used to the loop takes a little practice. You will also need a mat for one sequence.
What to expect:
I’m all for nifty little workout tools, and the latest group of 10 Minute Solution DVDs have each included some sort of small contraption to enhance their quickie workouts. I’ve enjoyed just about all of them, but this particular thingamajig took some getting used to. The problem is, it doesn’t just fit on your hips like a belt or slip over your hands like a glove, nor is it something you’re holding, like a regular resistance band. The sculpting loop is a circular resistance band that goes around your calves, your thighs or your forearms, and it’s supposed to stay there while you’re moving. And of course it doesn’t stay very well the first few times you try this DVD. Once you’ve learned how much resistance you need (i.e., how far your legs need to be apart) to keep the loop from falling or hiking up too far, however, you get a fun, effective workout that targets your butt, your thighs or your abs (or a combination thereof). And the truth is, most of the time, if the band moves a little, it’s not that big of a deal. It even falls to instructor Jessica Smith’s ankles during the “Lower Body Makeover” routine, and she’s not fazed by it… so why should you be?
Once you are accustomed to the whims of the sculpting loop, you’ll find that “Better Booty Camp” and “Strong & Slim Thighs” give you a great lower body burn, and “Trim & Toned Tummy” does the same for your abs. The final two workouts, “Lower Body Makeover” and “Belly Flab Fighter” are more cardio-based, but nicely intense nonetheless, especially “Lower Body Makeover.” Smith uses the loop in ways that amp up the effort on the muscles used, whether you’re targeting your glutes, your hamstrings or your rectus abdominus. The novelty of the moves is also a plus. Intermediates will be able to do all five segments and feel like they got in a good workout; advanced beginners may find a couple of segments are enough for them. In any case, if the loop puts you off at first, do persist. After a while you’ll realize the loop is not the boss of you, and you’ll take over control of the workout.
To Order 10 Minute Solution: Belly, Butt & Thigh Blasters!
Other exercise DVDs you may like:
