I was first introduced to the first Zumba Fitness game by my sister, who purchased the PS3 version.  She let me try it out and I loved it.  I had been eyeing it on Amazon ever since it had first been released, wondering if I would like it but unable to spend the $40 it cost without trying it first.  I probably never would have bought it without trying it, so I can thank my sister for that.  :)

So anyway, I purchased the Wii version for myself and I really really love it.  It’s made exercising fun again!  In fact, you’re not thinking about the exercising aspect at all (which is probably what finally killed my interest with other Wii fitness games) – you’re too busy trying to keep up with the dance steps.

I was surprised at how much I liked it because… well… I can’t dance.  At least, I didn’t think I could dance.  I’ve never really tried.  The closest I came to dancing was taking figure skating lessons when I was a kid.  And that’s different.  There’s really no music or rhythm involved.  What I didn’t realize is that you can learn to dance – learn to have rhythm – practice being a little bit more coordinated than usual.  I’m not saying that I look awesome when I dance and that I do all the steps perfectly, but I do well enough that I am having fun and feeling like I’m getting it.  And that’s the point!

The fact that I’m getting some great cardio exercise in while I’m doing is just a plus.  ;-)

I’m going to say now that I’ve tried both Zumba Fitness 1 and 2 and I LOVE the first game and don’t love the second.  I was excited about the second – I actually was chosen by House Party to review and share it with my friends.  It just wasn’t as fun as the first game for me, though.  Disappointing, to say the least.  But I’m getting ahead of myself. So here’s a quick comparison of the two games:

ZF1: There are nine different styles of dance introduced in the 30+ routines including Reggaeton, Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Hip-Hop, Mambo, Rumba, Flamenco, and Calypso.  It doesn’t say in the product description, but there is also some belly dancing that is actually the cool down.  It’s kind of a combination of belly dancing and stretching.

ZF2: There are a lot more dance styles in this one, which almost feels overwhelming.  I don’t think I like that so many styles are intermingled in the routines.

ZF1: The “Learn the Steps” isn’t really the best – it goes waaay too fast for you to actually catch on to the steps before it moves on.  But I figured out that the best way to do that is start it, put the Wii Mote DOWN so that it doesn’t register any movement, and then repeat the steps till you have it and move the Wii Mote so that it’ll move on to the next stage of that step.

ZF2: Learning the steps was SO much easier in this game.  I really felt like I had the steps down and appreciated that you are able to control the instructor’s speed – you can speed him up or slow him down.  You can move through the steps with your arrow buttons, too.  I don’t think they had enough tutorials for me to feel confident jumping into their routines, though.

ZF1: The dance routines are separated by classes: beginner, intermediate, and expert segments.  There are two different sets of routines under each class with four or five routines in each one.  You can also do single routines and choose your favorites.  You can’t create custom routines in groups.

ZF2: The dance routines are separated in the same way – by classes or single routines.  You can also create custom classes for yourself.

ZF1: Gameplay. Your instructor is a backlit guy or girl.  They cue you every now and again so that you know what is coming up, turn red when you are falling out of rhythm and turn green when you are in rhythm, and encourage you throughout the dance.  I like the encouragement and the fact that it’s not a 3D model you’re following.  It kind of helps me stay focused and feels more like I’m looking at a reflection (I wish) than following an instructor. I found it easy to follow the routines after a couple of times playing – it’s basically memorizing series of steps, and it does get easier after awhile because many of the steps are similar to what you’ve learned in the beginner routines.

ZF2: Gameplay.  There are three different 3D graphic instructors based on real dancers (that I had never heard of, oops).  You can customize your instructor by changing clothing.  The cueing is better than on Zumba Fitness 1, so that’s nice.  For some reason, though, I found these routines harder to follow – many times because I didn’t like the steps.  It was partially because I wasn’t a fan of the dance styles thrown in – I’ll explain more about that next.  I also didn’t like that there is an intro to each routine.  The instructor is surrounded by crowds that are applauding and making a lot of noise, and he/she does a little “I’m so cool, clap more for me” thing to get people whooping and hollering.  I was just annoyed by that.  Overall, I thought all the routines were more “showy” and missed the layout of ZF1.

ZF1 & ZF2: I’m going to address dance style and sensuality now.  I personally don’t like the overly sensual dancing and won’t follow some of the things the instructor does like wiggle her hips or body in a suggestive way.  It just isn’t me!  This wasn’t a problem in the first one because it felt more like I think it should be – dance aerobics with some different dance styles and steps to learn.  The second one I feel the focus shifted.  There are definitely more sensual moves in the routines, though…. probably due to the added dance types.  So that’s a big part of the reason why I didn’t like the second one. If you don’t mind that, then you might really like ZF2!  :)

Here’s a video I created demonstrating Zumba Fitness 2:

Final Thoughts: As I said above, the whole atmosphere of the first game is just more innocent fun, and I found the routines easier to follow than those in Zumba Fitness 2.  There were a couple of things in the second game that I really didn’t like, the worst being that I wasn’t comfortable doing some of the moves, and that there was a longish intro to each dance routine that I didn’t want to wait through.  I decided to pass the second game on to a friend and stick with the first game myself. If you can possibly try this one for yourself before buying, I know it would be very helpful! If you can’t, then watch my demo video above and get an idea of what you’ll be doing if you buy it.

That all explained, Zumba Fitness 1 is HIGHLY recommended by me – go buy it now!  :)  It is just so much fun exercising in this way – it seriously doesn’t feel like work at all.  It’s a nice break from focusing on trying to do certain exercises that will work out your problem areas, etc.  You’re exercising everything in these dance routines.  I literally wake up every morning and can’t wait to do this!  So if you have a Wii, Playstation 3, or Xbox 360, you must try this.  :)

View the Zumba Fitness 1 Trailer here.

Have you played either of these games?  I would love to know what you thought!

If you haven’t heard about KettleWorx yet, you are SO missing out.

If you have heard about KettleWorx but haven’t tried the program yet, you are SO missing out!  ;-)

And I’m not just saying this, folks.  I am LOVING this set of fitness DVDs.  And I have a whole list of reasons WHY I love it and think you should order it right now, but first I want to tell you a little bit…

About KettleWorx

The KettleWorx fitness program features exercises that center around a uniquely shaped weight with a handle called a KettleBell.

There are 10 DVDs featuring over 200 exercises in the KettleWorx fitness program.  It also comes with a healthy eating guide and introduction DVD.

What makes KettleWorx special and a great program is that their six-week challenge only requires 20 minutes of exercise three times a week!  And it’s effective!

My Experience With KettleWorx

When I first received the program, I was a little intimidated by it all.  I had asked for a 10-pound KettleBell and it felt… heavy.  lol  You can also get 5-pound, 15-pound, 20-pound weights.  I recommend starting with the 5-pound weight – you can always work your way up to the 10-pound weight.  I think anything bigger than 10 pounds is for men – I certainly don’t feel I’ll ever need anything heavier than the 10-pounder!

Anyway, like I said, I was intimidated right at first.  I mean, have you seen the dude on the cover of these DVDs?  Look at his muscles!  This must be an intense workout.  But when I finally (about a week after receiving them) broke into the DVDs and watched the Introduction video, I found myself getting excited about it.  These exercises looked doable!

Workout Day One

So where to start?  I flipped through the rest of the DVDs  – I had Resistance, Core, Cardio, Fast Fat Burn, and Fast Abs.  I looked for something telling me exactly what I should start with, but there really isn’t any strict regime to follow except that you exercise for 20 minutes three times a week.  So I started with KettleWorx Core - and I am telling you, at the end of those 20 minutes I felt good.  The next day?  I felt SORE.  I mean really sore.  ;-)  It was a very good sore, though.  I was like, “Hey, if I’m this sore after one twenty-minute session, that is AWESOME.”  Because it really didn’t feel like “too much”.  You know, the too much that makes you never want to go back to a workout again because you don’t want to go through that agony again.  Call me a wimp, but I have given fitness DVDs away for this reason.  Poor unsuspecting victims…

Workout Day Two

I began with a different DVD on this day.  Cardio.  I was feeling better from Workout Day One but still feeling a little sore.  I was ready to go, though.  Cardio was a little more intense, and I didn’t make it through all of the exercises, BUT I did make it through the DVD and just joined in when I could.  It was still very effective.

Every Workout Day After

I continued the challenge doing just 20 minutes of whatever I wanted three times a week.  Core is one of my favorites because it hits my stomach and thighs so well.  The Fast Ab Workout is awesome as well.  I started seeing a difference in the way my body looked right away, and started feeling stronger, too!

Since I started about four months ago, I’ve worked out with KettleWorx off and on and really love what it does for me!  I don’t really have any before and after pictures for you yet because I haven’t been as consistent as I would like due to some health issues and moving; however, now that summer is here I have plans to do the six-week challenge again.  I want to be able to wear a bathing suit and not feel uncomfortable, and I know for a fact that this will help me.  When I start up with the challenge in a couple of weeks, I’ll update via Twitter and let you know how it’s going.  :)  If you would like to follow along, my Twitter ID is @kindred_spirit.

What I Love About the Program:

• It’s effectiveness in strengthening and toning
• The fact that I don’t get bored with the program (so many different exercises and DVDs)
• The trainer isn’t annoying at all!  He’s very genuine – you can tell he believes in this program 100%
• You can target your “problem area” but most of the exercises really work to tone and strengthen your entire body at once
• You only have to work out three times a week for 20 minutes a day!  I really love that.  ;-)
• Oh, and it’s perfect for working out with a friend!

What Some People Might Not Love

The only thing I can think of that might bother some is how fast it moves from one individual exercise to another.  One minute you’ll be sitting on the floor, and the next he’ll be up and you’ll be scrambling to follow.  Some people could have trouble with that and it would be a pain to have to pause it in between while you get into position (or catch your breath, lol).  Still, even if you weren’t able to do all of the exercises in trying to keep up, you would still be getting a terrific workout.  I haven’t had trouble keeping up myself, but it has been a challenge!

The other thing is the size and weight of the 10-pound bell… when I’m lying on the ground with that bell over my head, I wonder what kind of brain damage I would have if I dropped it on my head – LOL.  And I make sure my daughter is either in her highchair or in bed (somewhere far away) before I work out.  There is a lot of swinging that weight around and you wouldn’t want to hit anyone with it.  Or a pet.  But as long as you’re safe, it’s totally worth doing!

Questions?  Read the KettleWorx FAQ.

KettleWorx in the News

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad I discovered KettleWorx!  This is a DVD program that I’ll be using often in the future without a doubt.  I would recommend it without hesitation!

Buy it!

Check out the KettleWorx Package Deals at the KettleWorx website and see what Amazon.com has to offer as well!

Thanks to KettleWorx, one of you will win a KettleWorx Ultra Package (Valued at $100) with a 5- or 10-pound weight (your choice)! Giveaway closed!

{Prize} KettleWorx Ultra Package (Valued at $100!)
{Eligibility} Open to residents of the United States and Canada

{Mandatory Entry }  Complete the two steps below for your main entry:

1. Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (sidebar on the right).
2. Go to the KettleWorx FAQ, then come back here and tell me in a comment something you learned there!

Optional Extra Entries – Get 1 extra entry for each unless otherwise noted:
(Leave a separate comment for each extra entry!)

• Tell me in a comment who in your family would use this program and why!
• Follow KettleWorx on Twitter.
• For 2 extra entries: “Like” the KettleWorx Facebook Page.
• For 3 extra entries: “Like” my NEW Kindred Spirit Mommy Facebook Page
• Tweet this giveaway (daily tweets available!) (50-follower minimum)
  You can use this sample tweet: Enter to win the @KettleWorx Ultra #Fitness Package (Value: $100!) from @kindred_spirit  http://bit.ly/d6RDZA #giveaway
  
• Stumble/Digg/Facebook, or share this post in some other way (email, etc) (1 extra each)
• Add my button to your sidebar (make sure it links to kindredspiritmommy.com!)
• Subscribe to my blog by feed reader and/or Subscribe to my blog by email (1 extra each)
• Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit)

• +5 extra entries: Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Giveaway will be closed on June 4, 2010 at midnight PST and winner notified by email and posted on this website (either in this post or in a new winner’s announcement post).  Winner will then have 48 hours to reply to my email or I will have to re-draw another winner.  Good luck, everyone!

I received the KettleWorx Ultra 10 so that I could share my thoughts on it with you! All opinions expressed are my own.

Ever heard of a ventilated bra that really works?  Well, you’re about to!

So what exactly is a ventilated bra?

It’s basically allowing your er… chest area… to breathe – it means no more misery on hot days and no more discomfort while working out!  I’ll bet you’re dying to know how it works, so I’ll tell you.  ;-)

Breeze Comfort bras work with Ventipad technology.  There are perforations through the padding in each bra, allowing moisture and air to flow throughout the chest area.  It works with low, medium, or high intensity activity, and keeps you from getting too warm or sweaty.  Nice, huh?  Even better, you don’t feel or see any of the perforations – the bras are smooth and very comfortable!

Breeze comfort carries regular bras, push-up bras, sports bras, and sports tops.  All of them have this great Ventipad technology!

My Review:

Breeze Comfort sent me the BASIC Perforated Push-Up Bra and the Burgundy/Black Yin Yang Sports Bra so that I could try them out and share my thoughts with you!

I loved the style of this Yin Yang Sports Bra the minute I laid eyes on it online.  It has great coverage and is cute to boot!  When I received it, I immediately tried it on and was delighted to see that it looked great on even me!  ;-)  I love the style -it kind of takes attention away from any flaws you might have.  That is a huge pro for this bra.

As for performance, I am very happy with this bra.  It is super comfortable, supportive, and keeps you cool during workouts or sporting activities.  This particular sports bra is made especially for low-to-medium intensity workouts like yoga or pilates.

You can buy this sports bra for $39.99 in burgundy/black (shown above), pink/black, and silver/black.

My Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5 hearts)  Go buy one now!  :-)

Before discovering Breeze Comfort, I don’t think I had ever tried a push-up bra and actually liked it.  Generally, they’re too tight on me and are so uncomfortable I hardly wear them.  I thought they were all like that!  Until I was sent the black BASIC Perforated Push-Up Bra, that is.  Seriously, it is just as comfortable as a regular bra, even though it is underwire – I even forget I’m wearing it (which is a good thing, believe me).  It is invisible under clothing, and the size I chose is perfect for me!  I’ve had bad experiences with ordering clothing online, so I’m really pleased at that.  :-)

This bra features a tag-free back, double-banded adjustable shoulder straps, and three-row hook and eye closure in the back.  And, of course, the Ventipad technology.  And let me tell you, I just took a very long walk in the hot sun – carrying a two-year-old! – and it has done everything it claims to do.  I’m ventilated, I tell you!  lol

The pushup bra and the regular padded bra come in sizes 32A – 38D and can be purchased for $27.99 for the push-up (in black, nude, white, and powder pink) and $24.99 for the regular (in the same colors).

My Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥ (5/5 hearts)  Go buy one now!

Final Thoughts

I’m loving Breeze Comfort and happily recommend them to you!  Even if the bras weren’t ventilated, I think they are very comfortable and worth buying.  But that Ventipad technology is an added plus that should make you head over there now and order!

Or… you can enter to win one below.  :-)

{Prize} Breeze Comfort is going to send one of you your choice of a regular padded bra or a push-up bra!
{Eligibility} US only.

{Mandatory Entry } Go to Breeze Comfort and look around, then come back here and tell me what else besides the products named in this review you would like to own!

Optional Extra Entries – Get 1 extra entry for each:
(Leave a separate comment for each extra entry!)

• Follow Breeze Comfort on Twitter (@breezecomfort)
• Follow Breeze Comfort on Facebook
• Tweet this giveaway (daily tweets available!) (50-follower minimum)
  
• Stumble/Digg/Facebook, or share in some other way (email, etc) (1 extra each)
• Add my button to your sidebar (make sure it links to kindredspiritmommy.com!)
• Become a Kindred Spirit Mommy Facebook Fan
• Follow my blog, Subscribe to my blog by feed reader, and/or Subscribe to my blog by email (1 extra each)
• Follow me on Twitter (@kindred_spirit)

Giveaway will be closed on March 27, 2010 at midnight PST and winner notified by email and posted on this website – good luck, everyone!

I would like to thank Breeze Comfort for sending me the products reviewed above so that I could share my thoughts on them with you!  This review is 100% my own opinion and experience with the products, and was not edited or reviewed by anyone.