Poise Picks: Best Fitness DVDs of 2009!

I get asked several times a month which fitness DVDs I recommend for clients to workout at home to when they’re not in the studio with me. And let’s face it, the winter weather isn’t exactly motivating when it comes to getting outside or even to the gym some days. But allow me to bust that excuse and give you my list of favorite workout DVDs in 2009!

Psst! Forward this as a “hint” to those you know who are extreme procrastinators and probably haven’t gotten your Christmas present yet. It’s the gift that truly does keep on giving!

The Biggest Loser: Last Chance Workout ($10) - Jillian Michaels and past Biggest Loser contestants take you through three workouts that focus on maximizing the body's fat-burning capabilities. If you loved the fast pace of Jillian's 30 Day Shred (Which I love! Check it out if you haven’t already.), this DVD won't disappoint. Equal emphasis placed on strength and cardio.

Personal Training with Jackie: Power Circuit Training ($10) - Celeb trainer Jackie Warner usually gets $400 per hour for a circuit training session — save yourself some bucks and buy this DVD instead. There are five different circuit training workouts that differ in total workout time and areas of the body targeted.

Jari Love: Get Extremely Ripped ($15) - The title pretty much says it all. An hour-long DVD full of squats, lunges, overhead presses, and biceps curls. Be warned: all your muscles will be aching after this one. Woohoo!

Shiva Rea: Daily Energy — Vinyasa Flow Yoga ($20) - Practicing yoga to this DVD, it becomes clear why Shiva Rea is considered one of the top Vinyasa yoga instructors. Her latest DVD contains seven 20-minute sessions, which encourages time on the mat every day. Practices range from grounding and relaxing to uplifting and energetic. Perfect for all your different moods (I’m not judging, just empathizing).

Harley Pasternak's 5-Factor Fitness DVD and Journal ($35) - Harley is the guy behind giving Lady Gaga her killer abs (which she does have, it’s just hard to notice because of her insane bird-lady hats), and he shares the same moves in this workout DVD. A total 5-week program that focuses on diet and exercise, which uses Harley's 5-Factor program. As the weeks go on, the intensity of the workouts do too.

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism ($12) - Another all over body sculpting circuit workout led by hardcore trainer Jillian Michaels. Quick movements and high rep counts make this a challenging workout geared towards the more advanced.

Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds Ultimate Collection ($14) - When it comes to the walking workout, Leslie Sansone is queen. This is a great collection for someone getting started with a fitness regimen or who wants a gentler approach. Leslie also incorporates floor mat routines, weights, and stretches to her walking workouts to maximize results.

Christmas Espresso Crinkles

*WARNING!* These cookies are dangerous! They were so delectable I have to say they didn’t last long at Poise Headquarters. These are fantastic as a Christmas brunch treat or a Sunday morning send-off for weekend company. But I bet’cha can’t eat just one!

Tip: Lightly coat your hands with flour to make rolling the dough into balls easier. The dough freezes well – just freeze after step 1, thaw in the refrigerator, then proceed with step 2. The powdered sugar coating gives these treats a pretty cracked finish. Serve with coffee to “echo” the espresso.

Ingredients

4.5 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)

1 ¼ cups powdered sugar, divided

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa

1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

5 ¼ teaspoons canola oil

1 ½ ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 teaspoon instant espresso granules

¾ cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large egg whites

Preparation
1. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, ¾ cup powdered sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk. Combine oil and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat; cook until chocolate melts, stirring constantly. Add espresso granules to pan; stir until blended. Remove from heat. Pour chocolate mixture into a large bowl; cool 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, syrup, and vanilla. Add egg whites, stirring with a whisk. Add flour mixture to egg mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Cover; chill at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

3. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Dredge balls in remaining ½ cup powdered sugar; place balls 2 inches apart on 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes or until tops are cracked and almost set. Cool cookies on pan 2 minutes or until set; remove from pan. Cool cookies on a wire rack. Yield: 2 dozen.

Nutritionals per serving (makes 24): 98 calories; 2g fat; 1.2g protein; 19.5g carb; 0.6g fiber; 0mg chol; 0.7mg iron; 47mg sodium; 21mg calcium.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Cooking Light, 2003

Meet the Trainer

Crystal is a certified personal trainer through the National Sports and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has a passion for
helping others live a healthy lifestyle and coaching them to push their limits beyond what they think they are capable of.

Visit my website for more hip tips at

www.poisefitness.net

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