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We're always on the lookout for new fitness DVDs that are fun, challenging, and easy to fit into a busy day. So when R.I.P.P.E.D.: Total Body Challenge promised us a calorie-torching, full-body interval workout in less than 50 minutes, we had to take it through a test run. Interval-style training always drives away our workout boredom—and it delivers serious results to boot—so we couldn't wait to give this program a try! To find out if R.I.P.P.E.D. really delivers (and whether it's right for you), keep reading. What They Say (from the DVD Cover) "R.I.P.P.E.D. stands for resistance, intervals, power, plyometrics, endurance, and diet and nutrition. Together, they make for a calorie-scorching, fat-torching program that never lets you plateau. "Each segment focuses on one of the R.I.P.P.E.D. principles and features modifications and a tutorial demonstrating proper form and technique. You'll get your heart pumping; target your upper body; strengthen your core, back, legs, and glutes; improve your agility, coordination, and speed; and build up your endurance with martial-arts-inspired moves. Driven by an original music score, this is a complete toning, strengthening, and cardiovascular workout for the whole body. Whether you're a fitness buff or beginner, you can achieve lasting results with R.I.P.P.E.D.: Total Body Challenge." You can check out this YouTube preview of what to expect below: What We Say R.I.P.P.E.D.: Total Body Challenge delivers an excellent full-body workout in a short amount of time. With over 25 years of combined fitness experience, certified trainers Terry and Tina Shorter (they're married!) lead you through a serious workout spread out over five sections (Resistance, Interval, Power, Plyometrics and Endurance). Each section is only 5-10 minutes long, and you can either play the entire workout from front to back (48 minutes total), or just do one or two sections for a quick fitness burst if you're short on time. The only equipment you need for the entire workout is one set of dumbbells. Although the sections are short, they are intense! The athletic intervals and plyometrics in particular will definitely have you breaking a sweat. Not to worry, though: There are modifications for all of the intense moves, so you can work up to the more difficult variations at your own pace. Don't skip the breakdown of some of the more technical and/or complicated moves at the start of each section. Both instructors are very helpful and encouraging, and seeing the moves beforehand will help you get a safer and more effective workout. (Be warned that the jumping and plyometric-style training might be tough on your joints, so proceed with caution or modify if you have knee issues.) We also appreciate that the instructors repeat the moves in a sequence throughout each section, so you are able to pick up on them fairly quickly. Although some of the sections do have some pretty fast choreography, we think we'd be able to get it down after doing the workout a couple more times. The moves themselves are constantly changing, and they truly do work your whole body. From basic squats and biceps curls, to heart-pumping plyometric jumps, to Capoeira-inspired martial arts moves, the routines are fresh, fun and challenging. Every section offers something a little different! Finally, if you've been exercising at home for awhile, you probably know from experience that the instructor can really make or break a fitness DVD. Luckily, we really like the instructors of this program! They are both clear and encouraging throughout the workout and give excellent cueing. Plus, you can tell they're having a blast, which is contagious. Sometimes they'll break up a tough interval by telling you to do a "freestyle" move of your choice, and they joke around with each other and their fitness partners throughout the workout. It's nice to see them having a good time, and it helps us to not take ourselves too seriously during the hard parts. The upbeat and motivating music in the background is also a refreshing change from some of the more boring or "canned"-sounding fitness DVD soundtracks. Bottom Line If you're looking to take your workout intensity up a notch, or just want to try something new to kick-start your motivation, we'd definitely recommend R.I.P.P.E.D.: Total Body Challenge. The fast pace, wide variety of exercises and encouraging instructors will have us coming back again and again! R.I.P.P.E.D.: Total Body Challenge is available from amazon.com, and for the month of May, ALL Acacia fitness DVDs are on sale. Save up to 50%! |
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