Best and Worst Purchases of 2012

isebelleg44 · 12-26-12, 09:37 AM

I was going to wait and start this thread, but it is always one of my favorites so I couldn't wait.

Best Purchase in a long time:

Ultimate Yogi- I took advantage of the amazing Deep Discount deal and am so glad I did. I have never felt this way about yoga and I am determined to do the 108 days. It might take me all year, but I am going to do it! I put this set as one of my best all time purchases! (an idea for another thread)

On to the rest of my list...

Best:

Cathe Crosstrain & To the Max - Fun music and versatile dvd.
Delta Fit - I really liked these workouts, length, moves and BJ Gaddour is a hoot!
Kettlebell Kickboxing - Yes she talks too much, music is nonexistent, but there are some great moves here and you can't beat the length!
Horizontal Conditioning - I have Volumes 1-3 and traded for three of the 101s. I am not going to lie, these are dread inducing for me but I feel so accomplished when I am done. Sorta of how I used to feel with Insanity workouts.

Jury is Out:

Les Mills Combat- I have enjoyed the 3 workouts I have done, but am so disappointed in the music volume and the gloves. I know I will use these on a regular basis, but it wasn't the home run that I had hoped for.

Disappointments:

KCM Plateau Buster and Cardio Quickfix- I love Kelly, but these workouts were meh.

P90X2- I liked the first phase, but was disappointed in set since the original P90X is one my all time best purchases. Hopefully I will revisit these, but will probably have to do some major modifying for phase 2.

Lucky Star · 12-26-12, 09:58 AM

I have lots I could add to both lists, but for now will just list my #1 home run:

~ Jari's Weights & Abs routine from Ex. Ripped Lean Machine. I've raved about it before, but it singlehandedly revived my excitement for weights, for Jari and for the "body pump" style of training. And being only 30 minutes long means it's a *no dread, no excuses* workout for me.

iheartsts · 12-26-12, 10:04 AM

I' ve been in a workout slump this year, but I' d have to say the best are:

Ultimate Yogi - bought it earlier this year and just recently started it. I' m totally motivated to complete it. Consistent yoga workouts are what really help get me centered and always seem to be what helps me lose a few of those stubborn pounds.

Addiction Fitness Heavy Bag Workouts - I' d been wanting these for awhile and I' m soooo happy I finally got them! So much fun, and these workouts are responsible for getting me back on the "wanting to exercise" track. I actually look forward to doing these.

Worst...none....

macska · 12-26-12, 10:13 AM

The good. To me the biggest unexpected positive surprise was Lisa Balash's Kettlebell Bombshell Advanced DVD. This is the most underrated kettlebell DVD of the year. Picking a heavy enough kettlebell those workouts are awesome. Also, the description of different moves are very much on target. I think the cover is misleading, it is not a "girly" but a tough kettlebell workout.

The bad. P90X 2 was a little disappointment, too many toys, too complicated, but I love Tony anyway.

Pat58 · 12-26-12, 10:17 AM

Best - two live workshops with Ravi and Ana; Yin classes at my local studio; additions to my Ravi and Ana video collection; a Yin/philosophy immersion in an art gallery. Also a temporary YogaGlo subscription (suspended during Christmas and home heating oil seasons).

Like but not love - Kelly's Plateau Buster and Cardio Express. I need to try both again, they might move up higher on my like-o-meter.

Worst - Tai Cheng. Sent it back. That was a huge disappointment. Beach Body had the potential to put out a fabulous mind/body fitness program led by a world class martial arts and kettlebell instructor, and it failed on all levels. Dull, boring, repetitive, and ultimately ineffective.

dela · 12-26-12, 10:42 AM

Best:
Body Beast!
Les Mills Pump + the Cardio Combat DVD
Kettlebell Kickboxing
Tapout XT - Not into these right now, but LOVED them at the time
DeltaFit
Sarah's Essentrics - her 2 new dvds (Stretch & Strength and Class 2012)
Les Mills Body Combat set, my only complaint is the music level

Disappointments:
KCM Plateau Buster - I could not get past the music in the first segment.

Jury still out - but leaning to NO:
ButiFit - This just may be too far out of my comfort zone.

BurstFit - I never received it! Still working on getting them, but the clips are not thrilling me.

KCM Cardio Quick Fix - I only tried one workout, and it worked out well as a recovery dvd, but I can't see doing it normally. It was like an extended warm up to be honest.

Michael O. System of Sleek, I'm just not gelling with these. But this might be because of my workout "mood" lately, and will revisit later next year.

I'll have to count my new Ilaria's next year in the 2013 thread, I won't have time to get to all of them.

laurajhawk · 12-26-12, 10:45 AM

Another vote for Ultimate Yogi as the Best. That was my year-opening rotation and was terrific, and I'll continue to get use from the DVDs.

As I was finishing that rotation, I bought several yoga DVDs that I've barely used at all - Sadie Nardini, Kathryn Budig, Tara Styles. They're not *bad* - but with my studio membership (another Best candidate), I just am not using full-length yoga DVDs very much, and when I do I go back to my tried & true ones - Travis and Eoin, mostly.

nubiennelady · 12-26-12, 11:27 AM

Best - Gym Membership (mine offers MMA classes in addition to Zumba, Spinning, Etc) and is open 24 hours.

Worst - Exerspy (expensive, antiquated food tracking software, need to shell out extra $$ to see immediate readings)

Sue B · 12-26-12, 11:43 AM

Best:
Celebrity Trainers NYC
Cathe Turbo Barre
Fitbit Ultra
Hip Hop Dance Experience for Kinect
Kinect Sports Ultimate Collection
Mike Donavanik's Extreme Burn
Disco Abs Bodies on Fire, led by Jen Galardi
Summer gym membership

Worst:
Adidas micoach for Kinect - worst interface ever, much too complicated

daisyfit · 12-26-12, 12:44 PM

Best
Ultimate Yogi
ultimate yogi short and sweet
Cathe Crossfire
Cathe To the Max
All of Leah Sarago's DVDs
CAthe's Turbobarre

Worst
Tai Cheng- I found the set so uninspiring and have only managed to do one of the workouts twice. Very disappointing.

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12-26-12, 09:37 AM
isebelleg44 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Massachusetts	Best and Worst Purchases of 2012 I was going to wait and start this thread, but it is always one of my favorites so I couldn't wait. Best Purchase in a long time: Ultimate Yogi- I took advantage of the amazing Deep Discount deal and am so glad I did. I have never felt this way about yoga and I am determined to do the 108 days. It might take me all year, but I am going to do it! I put this set as one of my best all time purchases! (an idea for another thread) On to the rest of my list... Best: Cathe Crosstrain & To the Max - Fun music and versatile dvd. Delta Fit - I really liked these workouts, length, moves and BJ Gaddour is a hoot! Kettlebell Kickboxing - Yes she talks too much, music is nonexistent, but there are some great moves here and you can't beat the length! Horizontal Conditioning - I have Volumes 1-3 and traded for three of the 101s. I am not going to lie, these are dread inducing for me but I feel so accomplished when I am done. Sorta of how I used to feel with Insanity workouts. Jury is Out: Les Mills Combat- I have enjoyed the 3 workouts I have done, but am so disappointed in the music volume and the gloves. I know I will use these on a regular basis, but it wasn't the home run that I had hoped for. Disappointments: KCM Plateau Buster and Cardio Quickfix- I love Kelly, but these workouts were meh. P90X2- I liked the first phase, but was disappointed in set since the original P90X is one my all time best purchases. Hopefully I will revisit these, but will probably have to do some major modifying for phase 2. __________________ The first wealth is health – Emerson Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. ~Attributed to both T.H. Thompson and John Watson

12-26-12, 09:58 AM
Lucky Star VF Supporter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: A helluva town	I have lots I could add to both lists, but for now will just list my #1 home run: ~ Jari's Weights & Abs routine from Ex. Ripped Lean Machine. I've raved about it before, but it singlehandedly revived my excitement for weights, for Jari and for the "body pump" style of training. And being only 30 minutes long means it's a no dread, no excuses workout for me. __________________ ~ Gina ~ "Remain cheerful, for nothing destructive can pierce through the solid wall of cheerfulness." ~Sri Chinmoy "We are so fortunate that we get to exercise!" ~Erin O'Brien

12-26-12, 10:04 AM
iheartsts Join Date: May 2009	I' ve been in a workout slump this year, but I' d have to say the best are: Ultimate Yogi - bought it earlier this year and just recently started it. I' m totally motivated to complete it. Consistent yoga workouts are what really help get me centered and always seem to be what helps me lose a few of those stubborn pounds. Addiction Fitness Heavy Bag Workouts - I' d been wanting these for awhile and I' m soooo happy I finally got them! So much fun, and these workouts are responsible for getting me back on the "wanting to exercise" track. I actually look forward to doing these. Worst...none.... __________________ Denise

12-26-12, 10:13 AM
macska VF Supporter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NJ	The good. To me the biggest unexpected positive surprise was Lisa Balash's Kettlebell Bombshell Advanced DVD. This is the most underrated kettlebell DVD of the year. Picking a heavy enough kettlebell those workouts are awesome. Also, the description of different moves are very much on target. I think the cover is misleading, it is not a "girly" but a tough kettlebell workout. The bad. P90X 2 was a little disappointment, too many toys, too complicated, but I love Tony anyway. __________________ 12 marathons 2 ultra marathons (50k) PR: Mohawk-Hudson Marathon 3hr 40min "You finish when you are done not when you are tired." David Goggins

12-26-12, 10:17 AM
Pat58 VF Supporter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Connecticut	Best - two live workshops with Ravi and Ana; Yin classes at my local studio; additions to my Ravi and Ana video collection; a Yin/philosophy immersion in an art gallery. Also a temporary YogaGlo subscription (suspended during Christmas and home heating oil seasons). Like but not love - Kelly's Plateau Buster and Cardio Express. I need to try both again, they might move up higher on my like-o-meter. Worst - Tai Cheng. Sent it back. That was a huge disappointment. Beach Body had the potential to put out a fabulous mind/body fitness program led by a world class martial arts and kettlebell instructor, and it failed on all levels. Dull, boring, repetitive, and ultimately ineffective.

12-26-12, 10:42 AM
dela Join Date: Aug 2010	Best: Body Beast! Les Mills Pump + the Cardio Combat DVD Kettlebell Kickboxing Tapout XT - Not into these right now, but LOVED them at the time DeltaFit Sarah's Essentrics - her 2 new dvds (Stretch & Strength and Class 2012) Les Mills Body Combat set, my only complaint is the music level Disappointments: KCM Plateau Buster - I could not get past the music in the first segment. Jury still out - but leaning to NO: ButiFit - This just may be too far out of my comfort zone. BurstFit - I never received it! Still working on getting them, but the clips are not thrilling me. KCM Cardio Quick Fix - I only tried one workout, and it worked out well as a recovery dvd, but I can't see doing it normally. It was like an extended warm up to be honest. Michael O. System of Sleek, I'm just not gelling with these. But this might be because of my workout "mood" lately, and will revisit later next year. I'll have to count my new Ilaria's next year in the 2013 thread, I won't have time to get to all of them.

12-26-12, 10:45 AM
laurajhawk Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado	Another vote for Ultimate Yogi as the Best. That was my year-opening rotation and was terrific, and I'll continue to get use from the DVDs. As I was finishing that rotation, I bought several yoga DVDs that I've barely used at all - Sadie Nardini, Kathryn Budig, Tara Styles. They're not bad - but with my studio membership (another Best candidate), I just am not using full-length yoga DVDs very much, and when I do I go back to my tried & true ones - Travis and Eoin, mostly. __________________ - Laura "Don't say 'I can't' ... say 'I presently suck at this thing.'" - Matt Meese, BYU Divine Comedy

12-26-12, 11:27 AM
nubiennelady Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southern California	Best - Gym Membership (mine offers MMA classes in addition to Zumba, Spinning, Etc) and is open 24 hours. Worst - Exerspy (expensive, antiquated food tracking software, need to shell out extra $$ to see immediate readings) __________________ P90X Grad Couch-to-5K Grad 10/17/09 No investigation. No right to speak. -Confucius

12-26-12, 11:43 AM
Sue B VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Maryland	Best: Celebrity Trainers NYC Cathe Turbo Barre Fitbit Ultra Hip Hop Dance Experience for Kinect Kinect Sports Ultimate Collection Mike Donavanik's Extreme Burn Disco Abs Bodies on Fire, led by Jen Galardi Summer gym membership Worst: Adidas micoach for Kinect - worst interface ever, much too complicated __________________ Move your body often, sometimes hard. Every bit counts. Drop Two Sizes, Fit Body Blueprint, STRONG Eat. Lift. Thrive. and Revamp grad DISCLOSURE: I have a professional relationship with a seller or producer of fitness videos or products. For details, please see my profile.

12-26-12, 12:44 PM
daisyfit Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ireland	Best Ultimate Yogi ultimate yogi short and sweet Cathe Crossfire Cathe To the Max All of Leah Sarago's DVDs CAthe's Turbobarre Worst Tai Cheng- I found the set so uninspiring and have only managed to do one of the workouts twice. Very disappointing.