Since College I, no different than a lot of people I am sure, have put on a couple of extra pounds. Now with winter around the corner (sniff . . . sniff) it is only easier to add a couple more. Tired Mom Tésa and myself have been trying to do a better job of eating healthier and working out. The results while slow and steady, haven’t been quite where we want them, but neither has the effort. It’s just difficult with jobs and kids, it’s a common excuse, but it’s important to make an effort and make a commitment to yourself.
Recently, the 2 Tired household was introduced to the Bender Ball and the Melt It Off Program. Over the last 2 weeks, we have had the opportunity to use both products, and my favorite part of them both is that you have the option of completing any of the included programs (which all kicked my butt) or just pulling out either piece of equipment and doing a couple of quick reps of either situps, stretches, or other workouts that you can turn into a quick workout while the kids are playing or keeping busy on their own.
The Bender Ball focuses on Core Training developed by master trainer Leslee Bender.
It’s an effective method that based on your current ability can be easily adjusted for beginners and increase the intensity as you become the workout warrior you are looking for. In appearance, the Bender Ball looks pretty approachable, it’s smaller than a beach ball, and upon first glance, I was thinking, what can this thing do? When you use the Bender Ball properly, it gives you a high intensity workout that you can really feel and the added extension it creates really concentrates on your core muscles.
In my opinion, its best to combine the Bender Ball experience with the Melt It Off Program, a program created by Mitch Gaylord, and Olympic Gold Medalist.
It’s a series of workouts that are formed around using a medicine ball. I never realized there were so many things you could do with a medicine ball!
There are 4 workouts that come with the Melt It Off Program, Cardio Burn, Sizzlin’ Abs, High Calorie Melt, and Melt in 10. The videos went by faster than I would have thought, and it was a fun aerobic work out. The program also offered plenty of tips for the novice user and different intensity levels as well.
The Melt It Off Program is more than just 4 exercise videos, it also comes with a simple to follow 3 day Kick Start program which guides and tells you exactly what to eat to start off on the right foot. It also included a pretty comprehensive guide and use schedule for the videos, and in addition it includes a Journal for you to note your feelings and opinions and chart your progress.
Any program is easier to follow when you write down your notes, goals, visions and beliefs. In my opinion, it’s the best way to hold yourself accountable, which is important because we all need to do a better job of making any type of exercise part of our lifestyle. The Melt It Off Program allows you to get a great start and keep it going.
We have had these products for the last couple of weeks, and I would love to say that this is my after pic:
(While those abs may look familiar they are not mine – they come courtesy of The Situation)
All joking aside, I have noticed a difference in how I feel and I have some extra room in my jeans around my waist, so I am off to a good start. Thanks to the Bender Ball and Melt It Off, I have started my New Year’s Resolution a little early!
What about you? How do you squeeze a work out into your hectic day?
Thanks for the thorough review. My DH is trying to loose weight and merely eating differently will not do it. I’ll be sharing this with him – maybe we can do it together!