Cal Pozo is a fitness instructor, choreographer, director and producer of best selling exercise videos. He was born in 1946 in Cuba and moved to the US in 1960. Though he has been dancing since his early teens Cal made sure education was a priority, attending both Bowling Green University in Ohio and New York University in New York City. After college, while living in New York City, Cal became a dancer in Broadway musicals, including a revival of the original musical West Side Story, which also starred Patrick Swayze. It was during this show, in the late 1970s, when Cal suffered a serious hip injury. This ironic twist of fate was to be Cal’s springboard for launching into the fitness and exercise video industry.

Before suffering his debilitating hip injury, Pozo had been a serious dancer with no interest in the exercise and fitness instructional video industry. After suffering through the injury and subsequent rehabilitation, his doctors advised his dancing career was very likely finished. Refusing to accept such a diagnosis, Cal decided to take over on his own rehabilitation program and mixed various dancing and exercise disciplines into a system all his own. Successful completion of his own style of rehabilitation program, which included an approximately forty pound weight gain and loss, started Cal on his path to fitness stardom.

The Beginning

Cal Pozo started his career in the fitness industry with a book which was completed shortly after his hip injury rehabilitation and was called “Bunnetics – How to Reshape Your Buns” (Doubleday – 1982). This book began a tour of daytime talk shows including Oprah Winfrey’s first talk show and the Phil Donahue show. Such appearances on the daytime talk show circuit launched a number of contracts to write instructional fitness books. Along with the book contracts, Cal was also offered a contract to host instructional dance videos. “Cal Pozo’s Learn to Dance in Minutes” was published by Parade Video in 1989 and was wildly popular. His exercise videos and DVDs have been purchased by approximately 50 million people over the years.

The Instructor

Cal, as a certified fitness instructor, uses his dance and exercise training to teach others how to effectively get in shape and stay in shape. When Pozo made his first entrance into the fitness and dance video world, exercise instructional videos on VHS cost upwards of $80 dollars and were difficult to find. Today’s modern digital world has provided a method, through DVDs, to make exercise and fitness more affordable for everyone. The average exercise or dance instruction DVD costs $15 to $20 dollars and can be ordered from the comfort of your own home.

Cal Pozo has been producing and hosting dance instruction and exercise videos for the past 25 years, even beginning his own production company. Cal’s directing and production credits include more than 300 videos which often feature fitness celebrities such as Denise Austin and model Heidi Klum. Pozo’s fitness videos have also garnered awards such as the HBO Spirit Award and the Parent’s Choice Award.

In addition to videos featuring exercise and television stars, Cal also produces videos featuring the instructors from the hit television series “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Biggest Loser”. The “Dancing with the Stars” videos features the instructors from the show along with a cast of dancers performing workout sets based on a variety of dance styles, including the Samba, the Merengue and the Mambo. “The Biggest Loser” videos feature Bob Harper, the shows trainer, and are completely unrehearsed, being filmed at the same time the class is learning the workout routines.

Fitness Products

Cal Pozo, along with being a video choreographer and producer, is an accomplished author. His instructional books include, “Bunnetics”, “The Back Book”, “Twenty Days to a Trimmer Torso” along with major contributions to the books “Dancing with the Stars – The Book” and “Let’s Dance – A Beginner’s Guide to Ballroom Dancing”.

Cal’s video offerings, through his production company, FitVid Productions, includes programs such as “Partner Dancing 101”, a three DVD series of basic dance steps for those with little to no knowledge of classical social dancing, and the DanceFit DVD series. The DanceFit DVD series feature two separate cardio workouts and one sculpting workout DVD for those who want to get in shape and stay in shape. This video series focuses Latin and Retro dances and Salsa dancing.

Additional instructional materials include the book, “Let’s Dance”, which features 260 pages of instructional directions and photos that include all of the traditional ballroom dances. To make learning the social dance steps easier, the book set includes an accompanying DVD with a tutorial for each chapter in the book.

Why Dancing works for Fitness

Obesity is one of the most often cited causes for heart disease, diabetes and early death in adults. Today there is also an ever growing problem with childhood and teenage obesity. While ballroom dancing may not be the coolest or most interesting form of exercise available for a teenager, more modern, club style, dances can attract younger generations to get their bodies moving. Sedentary and a stressed out lifestyle can often be cited for the cause of many cases of obesity. Working any type of motion into a daily routine can greatly improve health and provide weight loss and fitness benefits to all ages.

With the prevalence of video games in today’s society, it is easy for children and teenagers, even adults, to sit in front of the television and ignore the need to exercise. While some products, such as the Wii Fit, can get people up and moving, traditional and modern dancing can provide even more benefits. Most forms of dancing use the whole body in motion, toning the muscles and providing excellent cardio exercise to improve heart and lung function.

There is a very good reason dancing works as part of a complete fitness routine. Many people have a hard time maintaining an exercise program simply because they become disinterested with the gym cardio routines. Boredom is often the most cited reason for dropping or relaxing an exercise routine. Keeping the interest of the person trying to lose weight or get in shape is difficult for any aerobics program. Many gym programs add music to their routines, but few are dedicated specifically to teaching dance.

Cardio fitness has long been known as essential to any workout routine. Cardio based exercise raises the heart rate, increases oxygen consumption and greatly increases caloric burning energy. Increased lung function provides better muscle tone, allows deeper oxygen saturation of the blood stream and can improve sleep habits, eating habits and even existing medical conditions. Most people looking to lose weight may not think of dancing as a first option for keeping interest in their exercise program.

There have been studies conducted that found that Salsa dancing could greatly improve someone’s cardiovascular fitness levels. One study found even less energetic ballroom dances increase the number of active steps a person takes during a day. Modern medical recommendations advise 10,000 steps per day is the minimum required to maintain healthy fitness levels in an average adult. To be realistic, there are just not that many adults, especially senior citizens, who are going to be in motion enough during any given day to total 10,000 steps per day.

Although 10,000 steps per day may seem like an impossible number to obtain, a minimum of 2,000 steps can greatly improve one’s aerobic exercise and cardiovascular health. Even senior citizens can benefit from ballroom dancing, which is less strenuous than some of the more modern dances such as the Tango or Merengue. Salsa dancing, the focus of many of the studies was found, one specifically included 11 pairs of dancing partners, found the maximum heart rate increased between 58 and 75 percent. The same study found oxygen consumption, both measured during typical Salsa dancing lessons, was increased between 41 and 56 percent. The author of this particular study, Gian Pietro Emerenziani of the University of Studies in Rome, Italy, stated, “With this form of dance, you are clearly getting a workout. All three types of Salsa in our study, practiced frequently, will have a positive impact on health and fitness.”

One other benefit to using dance instructional videos as part of a more comprehensive exercise program, is they can be used in the privacy of the home. No trips to the gym with many others in the same club, which can often be embarrassing for someone who is overweight or struggling with their diet. Even the partners dancing programs can be used by an individual to gain that extra measure of fitness to assist in losing weight.

Continuing Fitness

Cal Pozo is not one to rest of his past accomplishments. He keeps up with current dance and fitness trends, recently choreographing and producing the video, “Dirty Dancing – The Official Dance Workout”. The video featured dance moves inspired by the original movie which are performed to the original sound track. Within the past year, Cal has hosted a new series of instructional videos to teach ballroom dancing called, “Partner Dancing 101”.

Cal Pozo still lives in New York City, where he heads his production company, FitVid Productions. He is still hands on with his company, choreographing, directing and producing exercise videos. Not only does he spend his time in New York, he can also be found at sound stages in Los Angeles and in South Miami Beach, where he can frequently be found practicing Yoga with his 92 year old mother. If there is any need for proof that exercise and dancing are a good part of a healthy lifestyle, Cal Pozo, and his mother, are good examples.

Andrea Ambandos may not be a household name, but if you have any fitness videos laying around, she’s probably on the credits of at least one of them. Staying behind the scenes, Ambandos has directed and produced many popular workout video series, including “Crunch”, “Yoga Zone”, and the ever popular 10 Minute Solution”. These videos have been on shelves for over 10 years, and they’re still selling strong in retail stores across the nation. Andrea’s staying power in the fitness industry has to say something about how effective her methods are.

Fitness videos are growing more and more popular these days as people have less time to hit the gym and would rather stay in the comfort of their own homes to work out. Instead of driving to the gym, grab a bottle of water and a few free weights and get moving in front of the TV! And the only thing better than a home fitness video is an effective home fitness video. And those are the kinds of videos that Ambandos lends her fitness expertise to. She focuses on making workouts fun for the viewers by creating great, enthusiastic methods for toning muscles and losing fat, easy for viewers by going slowly and clearly teaching moves and methods, and cheap for consumers because this one time fee of less than 20 dollars is cheaper than a monthly gym membership!

Here are just a few titles that Andrea is involved in:

• 10 Minute Solution: Kickbox Bootcamp
• Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
• Fat Burning Workout For Dummies
• The Firm – Supercharged Scultping
• Pussycat Dolls Workout
• Hula Workout: Weight Loss
• 20 Minute Yoga Makeover: Sculpt Buns and Thighs

“10 Minute Solution”

One of the most popular series that Andrea directs and produces is called “10 Minute Solution”. The “10 Minute Solution” series is a great, affordable way to shape up during a busy schedule. If you don’t have the time to drop everything and work out, doing a few 10 minute sessions throughout the day can boost your health and your confidence. You can even do a few sets in a row for a full-blown workout session! These videos focus on losing fat with simple (but fun) cardio moves and sculpting with a number of different exercises.

The diversity in this set of videos is amazing. If you prefer cardio, pick up the “Fat Blasting Dance Mix” and enjoy learning fun dance moves to trim those pounds of fat. If you prefer a tougher approach, “Kickbox Bootcamp” gives you cardio while strengthening and leaning out your muscles. Kickboxing is a great full-body workout, and Ambandos helps beginners learn how to use this great exercise to their advantage.”

Another popular “10 Minute Solution” video is “Pilates Perfect Body”. Tons of celebrities have sworn that Pilates is what gives them their great figure, which is why this video is so excellent. Under the direction of Ambandos, you can easily learn several different Pilates exercises and begin your journey to a great, lean body with a strong core. Don’t have money for expensive, first-rate Pilates classes? Don’t worry! This video costs $15 and you have your own personal trainer in your living room for as long as you want.

Along with the “10 Minute Solution” videos, Andrea Ambandos is behind some great collaboration with Jillian Michaels on workout DVDs. These include the “30 Day Shred” and “Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism”. These are both high energy workouts, but the steps are easy to learn and follow under Ambandos’ direction. Learning how to be healthy and get more effective exercise is easier than ever with these videos.

Dance Workouts

If you’re more of a dancing type, Ambandos has also done a few dance workout DVDs, including ones featuring Julianne Hough and the Pussycat Dolls. These are completely unique workout videos. The Julianne Hough video features ballroom cardio. Who knew you could get a cardio workout by learning how to ballroom dance? Not only are you getting great exercise, you’re also having fun learning a new skill that isn’t the cookie-cutter workout. Are you getting bored doing all those jumping jacks yet? Give the ballroom cardio video a try.

The Pussycat Dolls video features exactly what you’d expect – hip hop choreography and dance techniques. The choreographer of the Dolls, Robin Antin, hosts the video under the direction of Ambandos, and leads viewers through a exercise program designed to tone and burn fat fast. You’ll also be working out to some of your favorite Pussycat Dolls hits! Instead of grumbling after 10 minutes of work, you won’t want to stop.

Ambandos is also the director of the short series “Hula Workout”. If you don’t know anything about hula dancing, go pick up the beginner video to learn how while getting a decent workout! If you want to focus on losing weight, there’s a specific video for that, too. It combines the art of hula dancing with a great aerobic exercise routine. After practicing with these videos, you’ll be able to show your skills to your friends and family, and you’ll have a great appreciation for the skill that this beautiful dance takes to master! Not only is it fun, but its effective and totally worth the money.

Yoga Workouts

If yoga is more your thing, or even if you’re just a beginner wanting to learn, Ambandos’ yoga workouts are fine ways to get in shape. She directs several different series, including “Yoga Zone” and “20 Minute Yoga Makeover”. Yoga is a great way to release stress, build posture, flexibility, and even strength. Even though it may seem like the “trendy” workout with its wide celebrity acceptance, yoga has been in practice for more than 5,000 years. If people have been enjoying its benefits that long, it can hardly be called a trend.

Ambandos works with Sara Ivanhoe on the a few “20 Minute Yoga Makeover” videos. The “20 Minute Yoga Makeover: Weight Loss” DVD is designed to improve flexibility and strength while getting you to break a sweat and burn calories and lose that stubborn weight. This video is safe for beginners and all the poses are excellently presented so they’re easy to learn. If you’re worried about yoga not doing much for your physical appearance, try this video. It has helped many a figure.

Another 20 Minute Yoga Makeover includes “Power Beauty Sweat”, which is along the same lines and also features Sara Ivanhoe. Be prepared to sweat a bit in this workout! Sweat is the body’s way of eliminating old toxins and chemicals it doesn’t want in the body, so it is great for you to sweat. The workout routine in the video offers great yoga benefits, and will help you to boost your energy level, make you glow, burn calories, and even improve digestion.

The 20 Minute Yoga Makeover series has many more videos to offer, such as “Flat Abs” and “Sculpted Buns & Thighs”. If you’re looking for specific areas to work on rather than a general workout, grabbing these videos would be of benefit to you. They are also easy to follow along with and fun to do, just like every Andrea Ambandos fitness video.

If you’re more of an intermediate or advanced yoga practitioner, the “Quick Fix: Power Yoga Workout” is a great video you can follow along with in just 10 minutes a day. However, you can still try it if you’re a beginner since it has variations on each pose. The video is broken up into 3 segments of 10 minutes each, so you can do each separately or all together depending on your time limitations and workout goals! Another great video directed by behind-the-scenes fitness superstar Andrea Ambandos.

Helpful, Fun, and Easy

Andrea has also directed great videos like the “Quick Fix” series that cover everything from Hip Hop dancing to exercises focusing on toning and strengthening your abs, the “Prevention” series that cover fighting cellulite and getting a flat stomach, and the “Crunch” series that goes from kickboxing to crunches and everything in between. Her videos have a lot of variety to them, so you’re surely to find something just right for you and your schedule.

There are many fitness videos out there to choose from. If you’re confused or skeptical about which direction to take, you can trust the directing expertise of Ambandos. Whether you like yoga, dancing, pilates, or just plain aerobics, there is an Ambandos video out there for it. Her videos are easy to follow (perfect for beginners) and fun to learn. Instead of dreading workout sessions, you won’t be able to wait until the next one! The videos don’t make it seem like you’re doing a workout but just as if you’re having fun advancing your health and body.

All in all, Ambandos videos focus on having fun while working out, and keeping the workout short and simple when you’re pressed for time. If you only have 15 minutes at a time to exercise, it is easy to pop in one of these fitness DVDs and fly right through a fun and exciting workout. You may even want to stay for longer!

As you can see, Andrea Ambandos has had a huge impact on the industry of video fitness. Since you can learn basic to complex workouts with never having to leave your home, it is a popular choice for many of the busiest people. The videos directed by Ambandos are fun and helpful, and you’ll never be without your own personal trainer again. Even though Ambandos works behind the scenes, her effect on modern fitness has been great.

Bob Harper is a generally known as a fitness guru and is most famous for his appearances on the television show, Biggest Loser, a reality television show where contestants compete to lose the most weight in a given period of time. In addition to Biggest Loser, Bob Harper is a celebrity trainer with clients like Ben Stiller, Selma Blair and Gwyneth Paltrow. As something of a celebrity himself, his sexual orientation and dating status has become a point of interest for many people. Mr. Harper is a proponent for a training regime known as the “Function Training Method” which he developed while working as a trainer in Los Angles.

Personal History

Bob Harper was born on August 18th, 1965 in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Harper was apparently not active in high school athletics. After graduating from high school, he attended university in Clarkesville, Tennessee at Austin Peay State University. Following his time at college, he received a fitness instructor’s certification from the American Fitness Training of Athletics association as well as from the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. Mr. Harper worked extensively in Los Angles, where he began instructing several celebrities, initially Jennifer Jason Leigh. Through this connection he was eventually selected to become a judge and cast member for Biggest Loser. After reaching a degree of fame from this program, he went on to produce fitness related materials including books and DVDs.

In addition to his appearances, speaking dates, and writing duties, Mr. Harper still teaches regular classes in Los Angeles and works as a yoga instructor. His client list is a mixture of high profile celebrities, with many of whom he’s maintained a long relationship, as well as regular individuals who have signed up for his classes.

In his personal life, Mr. Harper is naturally very physically active. He claims to be an active snowboarder, as well as a tennis enthusiast. His other fitness-related activities include cycling, running and swimming. Outside of fitness, he is known to be an avid photographer.

Fame

Bob Harper was originally a celebrity personal trainer working in Los Angles. His stable of clients included several popular actors and actresses. With the popularity of the Biggest Loser television program, he’s become a legitimate celebrity in his own right.

Bob Harper is best known for his presence on the Biggest Loser program. He joined the cast of trainers in 2004, during the show’s first season. Biggest Loser is a reality television program based around helping overweight and obese individuals become physically fit and lose weight. The program started in 2004 and has run for a total of nine seasons, and Mr. Harper has been a fitness instructor in all nine seasons. In addition to his appearance on the show’s American version, Mr. Harper participated in two season of the Australian version of the show, once in 2006 and again in 2008.

In addition to his part in the Biggest Loser, Mr. Harper has appeared on a number of other television programs, mostly relating to his role as a fitness advisor. These include six episodes of the Ellen Degeneres program, both the Tyra Banks Show and the Today Show, as well as a cameo on Days of Our Lives. He’s also a regular target for reality television recap shows like the Soup and Best Week Ever. Other television appearances include news programs, most notably “Larry King Live” and “CNN Today” as well as the entertainment news programs “Entertainment Tonight” and “Inside Edition.”

While his television appearances have been the primary vehicle for his fame, he has also been involved in a number of different fitness related products. This includes his book Are You Ready!: Take Charge, Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Change Your Life Forever, and a number of fitness DVDs produced under the Biggest Loser brand.

After his success with Biggest Loser and its related media and his own bestselling book, Mr. Harper has been in increasing demand as a trainer and motivational speaker. His appearances range from lectures and speeches to group training events, and his work has taken him to a number of countries in Europe, North America and Asia.

Fitness Philosophy

Bob Harper’s approach to fitness is based on a holistic approach to both exercise, diet and psychology. He terms this approach the “Function Training Method.” This training philosophy was developed during the ten years he spent working as a Hollywood personal trainer. The Function Training Method is characterized by both a physical fitness component and a mental component similar to a number of self help techniques. Special care is taken to address both portions of the regime in an attempt to adjust habits and behavior patterns to address fitness problems.

The physical element of the exercise system is based around a comprehensive nutritional and exercise method that adjust body shape by controlling caloric intake and food types. It is based on a number of preexisting exercise platforms that combine diet and exercise to address weight and health issues. A great deal of the mechanics of the program are derived from exercise methods with a significant amount of scientific backing and approved by the American Fitness Training of Athletics association and Aerobic and Fitness Association of America. In short they are a combination of several techniques proven to be effective for fitness and weight loss.

The most novel element of his fitness regime is the integration of fitness into daily life. Rather than pursue exercise elements in a manner distinct from regular life, the Function Training Method advises an approach that combines exercise and daily life together. Practically this means small, discrete exercise activities that take between 20 minutes to an hour to perform.

The psychological component of the fitness program is designed to focus on the root causes for poor health habits. These are often habits or psychological conditions which lead to self-defeating behaviors like overeating or the like. Rather than focus exclusively on what not to do, the Functional Training Method provides several example of good behavior to replace negative thought patterns, destructive behaviors and self-reinforcing psychological problems. These include a variety of self-confidence boosting behaviors and tips.

The dietary component of Mr. Harper’s system is based around a full dietary adjustment. Low calorie and high nutrition foods are outlined, along with cooking techniques designed to maximize their value. His book included a number of tips to help deal with dietary issues, focusing on how to deal with eating outside of the home, sample recipes and over 20 sample menus. A central conceit of the dietary plan is the ‘eat more’ diet, a staple of Mr. Harper’s work on Biggest Loser. Essentially it suggests that eating a larger number of smaller meals over the course of the day will increase the dieter’s metabolism. An increased metabolism will lead to a healthy and sustainable weight loss plan.

Effectiveness of the Function Training Method

The Function Training Method is apparently a fairly effective method to improve health and fitness for normal people. The dietary information is within scientific guidelines for healthy eating, especially considering the exotic nature of several competing weight loss diets. Unlike the low-carb or low-calorie diets, the Eat More approach is effectively a restricted-calorie diet coupled with exercise. The novel component of smaller meals has been supported by some research as being closer to the type of eating habits that prehistoric man engaged in, as well as an effective control over blood sugar levels over the course of a day. By monitoring and controlling these levels, larger hunger ‘attacks’ will be prevented, thus reducing overeating. There have been no signs of any health problems cause by this diet.

The exercise component of the Function Training Method is similarly uncontroversial. It focuses on natural exercises using free weights, resistance training and the like rather than exercise machines. There is no particular emphasis on any single fitness component, though cardiovascular and strength training are highlighted as significant elements to proper health. A more esoteric component of the methods advocated by Bob Harper is yoga.

Yoga is a 5,000 year old philosophical tradition that was originally developed as a healing technique in premedical times. The advent of modern yoga in the West is fairly recent, dating to the 19th century. Most of the religious components of yoga have been stripped from modern fitness yoga, which is billed as a flexibility, strength and general health practice. Mr. Harper’s advocacy of yoga stems from its holistic nature, coupling psychological and spiritual components to a physical activity and incorporating elements of this synthesis into the Functional Training Method. By incorporating yoga into his system, Mr. Harper intends to address some of the psychological root causes that can cause behaviors that adversely affect personal health.

The efficacy of yoga has been studied in some depth, though there are no conclusive studies suggesting its benefits versus other health systems like Pilate’s. Most research suggest that yoga is effective for treating some types of back pain, improving posture and increasing the flexibility and lubrication of joints and ligaments.

The Function Training Method combines several established and proven health methods into a holistic fitness approach that seems effective. More novel than its individual components, Bob Harper’s introduction of a matrix of healthy activity, especially the psychological and personal elements that lead to poor health, is the root of the system’s effectiveness.

Related Controversies

No one in the public eye can escape a degree of controversy, and Bob Harper is no exception to this general rule. The controversial elements of Bob Harper’s fame have generally come in both professional and private categories, with the former centering on the portrayal of weight loss in The Biggest Loser and the latter on his private life and sexuality. Though not a particularly divisive figure, Mr. Harper does have a rather favorable public opinion as a result of his generally amiable nature and sympathetic performances on Biggest Loser, and some of this controversy is most likely a combination of professional spite and the tendency for a popular figure to attract negative attention.

The professional issues with Bob Harper are generally split along two general lines of reasoning. The first is the mildly derivative nature of the Function Training Method, which he developed. The argument goes that there is very little new in the training method and that Harper is benefiting off of a set of techniques he didn’t develop. As mentioned above this is most likely a factor of Mr. Harper’s fame rather than a serious critique of the training techniques he advocates. The primary selling point of the Function Training Method is the holistic nature of its implementation, with the unification of a large number of well supported and researched health practices under a single plan. The popularity of the Function Training Method is closely related to the personal charisma and visibility of its proponent, so claims suggesting Harper is benefiting from others work unfairly are most likely unfounded.

The second criticism relates to his participation with the Biggest Loser program, which many dietitians and health professionals believe may be raising unrealistic expectations for individuals attempting to improve their own health. Most commonly, these objections relate to the rapid rate of weight loss and especially restrictive diet. Due to the production constraints of the show and the desire to increase viewer excitement, the regime the contestants are put through is significantly more intense than most recommended by dietitians. Some even go so far as to call it a dangerous system, mitigated only by the presence of extensive support staff and observers. To be fair, most of these criticisms have been aimed at the ‘red’ team, which uses a boot camp style of training, but some criticism for the blue team has also been voiced.

Additional criticisms of the show and its approach to weight loss have been raised as well. As the contestants are literally working 24 hours a day at losing weight in an extremely supervised situation, the results they’ve received have been greater than what regular individuals can expect to achieve. As a result, some have argued that the show has increased the difficulty in maintaining a realistic weight loss program and deterred individuals from continuing to exercise and diet when they cannot match the results seen on Biggest Loser.

Bob Harper has replied to these comments by pointing out the safety constraints on the show, the differing nature of his personal exercise program and approach on the show and the motivational power of the program. The connected media, especially the DVD exercise programs which he hosts, have also been effective in helping individuals lose body weight and maintain their new physiques. Additional criticisms of the ‘eat more’ approach to hunger control have been raised, especially its effectiveness for individuals with metabolic issues, but the more extensive coverage of the diet offered in Mr. Harper’s book has mitigated those criticisms.

There have also been a number of other criticisms of the show, which reputedly pushed contestants past safe limits in order to provide entertaining television. Several minor scandals, mostly dealing with former contestants and their inability to maintain their weight loss have been aired, though Mr. Harper has never been implicated in any of them.

The relatively minor criticisms of Mr. Harper’s professional reputation are joined by a series of personal controversies, generally centering around his relationships and sexual orientation. Much of the controversy over this point stems from Mr. Harper’s personal mannerism, which some consider to be stereotypically effeminate. His single status has also raised people’s curiosity, with a large number of web searches on the search term ‘bob harper’ leading to questions regarding his marital status. Google lists ‘bob harper married’ and ‘bob harper girlfriend’ as the two most searched terms relating to his name. Mr. Harper has not publicly addressed his sexual orientation, either to confirm or deny his status as a potential homosexual, leading some to assume that he is, in fact, gay.

Though his sexual orientation has no bearing on his ability as a personal trainer, it may impact his marketability as a successful speaker and professional motivator, which may be a motivation for his reticence to comment on the subject. Though Mr. Harper has commented on a religious element to his life, saying “I love being a personal trainer…it’s hearing God’s calling for me,” he has steadfastly avoided commented on his sexual preferences.

Additionally, several former contestants have hinted at his status as a gay man, most notably Phillip and Amy Parham who were Blue team contestants on the sixth season of the show, implied that Mr. Harper was homosexual when they responded to questions regarding Mr. Harper’s marital status. Other contestants have mentioned their preference for Mr. Harper to ‘do the interior design’ for their homes as well as several other traits typically associated with gay men. Unsourced comments on several Internet sites have also pointed to Mr. Harper’s homosexuality, saying “he’s been out for years now.” It is worth noting that none of the contestants ever explicit said that Mr. Harper was gay, nor has he commented, making the whole controversy one of gossip and hearsay rather than anything conclusive.

Jillian Michaels was born on February 24, 1974 in Los Angeles, California to Jo Ann McKarus. Her mother, who works as a psychotherapist, was blessed with being naturally thin and was always devoted to the well being of her daughter Jillian and her two siblings: George and Lauren. Her father, who was a personal injury lawyer, struggled with weight issues his entire life. Despite the fact that her parents were in the midst of a divorce, Jillian’s father made it a point to visit with his daughter. Unfortunately, his visits with her were not in her best interest physically. In an interview with Ladies’ Home Journal, Jillian recalls numerous visits with her dad when they would have nothing to say to each other so they would turn to food. She has been quoted as saying that she bonded with her father over food and that they only way her father knew how to relate to her was via food–mostly junk food! This unhealthy father – daughter bonding began to catch up with Jillian and at 14 years of age, she tipped the scales at an alarming 175 pounds! It was evident that she would follow in her father’s footsteps and struggle with obesity.

However, her mother began to notice her daughter’s unhealthy weight gain and immediately enrolled her in a martial arts class. It was this class that changed her life and made her into the fitness guru that she is today. Under the instruction of Robert David Margolin, Jillian turned her life around. She reached and maintained a healthy weight and thus began her love affair with fitness. After 17 years of martial arts training, she holds a black belt in both Muay Thai and Akarui-Do. She is a true success story — transforming herself from the fat girl to the fit girl.

Upon graduating from high school at the tender age of 17, Jillian put her passion for fitness to work and became a personal trainer. Unfortunately, the income was not steady and she was forced to put her love of personal training on hold and find a job that could pay the bills. She took a job as a bartender while attending the California State University, Northridge (at 17, she worked illegally with a fake ID) and after graduation she took a job as a talent agent at ICM — which was the biggest talent agency in Hollywood. This was a job that she absolutely hated!! During this time, Jillian was able to obtain two personal training certificates. One from the National Exercise and Sports Training Association (NESTA) and the other from The American Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She obtained both of these in 1993. It was only a few years later that Jillian was able to put her passion to work for her as she began to work as a personal trainer and eventually opened her very own gym, Sky Sport and Spa, with Jackie Warner. It seemed as though her once rocky childhood was over and things were looking bright for Jillian. Then in 2004, her life changed for forever.

JILLIAN MICHAEL’S FAST FACT BIO BLAST:

• Born: February 24, 1974
• Childhood Home: Tarzana, California
• Mother: Jo Ann McKarus
• Father: Name Unknown — Jillian is currently estranged from him
• Siblings: George (younger)
• Lauren (younger half sister)
• Height: 5′2”
• Weight: 115 – 120 pounds
• Eye Color: Green
• Hair Color: Brown
• College Attended: California State University, Northridge
• Car Owned: Ferrari
• Pets: Chihuahua named Baxter
• 2 horses named Buzz and Mike
• Best Friend: Vanessa Marcil
• Favorite Place: Home
• Favorite Food: Chocolate and Peanut Butter
• Favorite Drink: Coke Zero
• Favorite Song: “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
• Favorite Accesory: IPod
• Favorite Celebrity: Hilary Clinton
• Favorite TV Show: Six Feet Under
• Favorite Movie: Thelma and Louise
• Favorite Saying: Drink It!

A HEALTHY CAREER:

In 2004, Jillian Michaels exploded into the lives of millions of people as the tough as nails fitness trainer for the black team on NBC’s hit reality show, The Biggest Loser. However, after only 2 seasons, Jillian made the choice to leave The Biggest Loser. Millions of shocked Americans could only ask why? NBC released a statement that Jillian chose to leave to pursue other opportunities. Jillian, on the other hand, is adamant that she left because she didn’t like how the show portrayed her. She claims that the show made her seem like a crazy lady who did nothing but scream. Admittedly, she does push the contestants to the edge, but she is not heartless and she felt as though the show didn’t portray this side of her personality. Furthermore, she didn’t agree with the editing and the dramatization of the show.

During her one year hiatus from The Biggest Loser, Jillian joined the cast of the Australian version of The Biggest Loser and began to branch out into DVD’s and books. Season Four of The Biggest Loser saw the return of Jillian Michaels. Currently, Jillian is preparing for Season 9 of The Biggest Loser and is casting for her new reality show, “Losing It With Jillian.”

Reality Television Star:

• 2004 – 2006 “The Biggest Loser” Black Team Trainer
• 2007 “The Biggest Loser” Australia
• 2007 Released her first book
• 2008 – Present “The Biggest Loser” Black Team Trainer
• 2010 “Losing it with Jillian” A brand new reality show featuring Jillian Michaels. Currently in the casting stage, this show features Jillian moving in with families who need help to get back on track. With the help of celebrity chef, Curtis Stone, Jillian will move in and help the entire family learn to eat healthier, exercise properly and be healthy in every other aspect of their lives. It is set to air in the Fall of 2010.

Radio Talk Show Host:

KFI AM 640 in Los Angeles is the home to the weekly two hour long Jillian Michaels fitness talk show in which she discusses health, diet, and other health related topics. In addition, she will take calls from listeners, answer questions and help them in their journey to weight loss.

THE JILLIAN BRAND:

Jillian Michaels has had an extremely successful career in both physical fitness and in the public eye. Starting as an unknown trainer on a reality TV show whose future was uncertain at best, she has become a household name and an inspiration to millions. As a reality TV star, a New York Times best selling author, a radio talk show host, and entrepreneur Jillian is truly on top of the world. However, with the start of a new year, it seems as though she still has many surprises up her sleeve for her loyal fans. Let’s take a look at the variety of products and services that the Jillian Michaels brand has to offer…

New York Times Best Selling Author:

Having written and collaborated on several books, Jillian herself is an author of 6 books in total and a NY Times best selling author of two books.

1. Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You. This was the first book written by Jillian and the hardcover edition went on sale on April 10, 2007.
2. Making the Cut: The 30-Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You. This book was so popular that it was re-released on January 22, 2008 as an ebook and in paperback format.
3. Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body. Released on April 7, 2009 in hardcover and eBook formats. It is set to be re-released on March 23, 2010 as an Abridged Audiobook Download and a Abridged CD.
4. Jillian Michaels Hot Bod in a Box: Kick Butt with 50 Exercises from TV’s Toughest Trainer. Also released on April 7, 2009, this is a non-traditional book. Rather, it is a deck of cards filled with energetic and challenging exercises.
5. The Master your Metabolism Cookbook. Will go on sale April 27, 2010.
6. The Master your Metablism Calorie Counter. Will also go on sale April 27, 2010.

In addition to writing these particular books, she has had a hand in writing many “Biggest Loser” weight loss, exercise, and cookbooks.

Video Games:

In 2009 Jillian Michaels teamed up with Majesco Entertainment Company to star in Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for the Nintendo Wii. This game allows players to choose from four different types of workouts: (1) weight loss, (2) intervals, (3) hill climb, and (4) strength training. In addition, players will be able to choose the intensity and the duration of the workout. Of course this was widely popular and the follow-up, Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010, will be released in 2010.

DVD’s:

With so many DVD’s to discuss, Jillian has definitely taken the home workout video to a new level. Here are some of her most popular DVD’s:

1. “30 Day Shred” — This was one of her first DVD’s and has gotten a lot of positive reviews from men and women alike
2. “No More Trouble Zones”
3. “Banish Fat Boost Metabolism”
4. “Yoga Meltdown” — This is her newest DVD that is set to be released on February 26, 2010. It can be pre-ordered from the official Jillian Michaels store or Amazon.com.

Weight Loss Products:

In addition to the success of her books and DVD’s, Jillian has a full line of weight loss products such as the Triple Process Total Body Detox & Cleanse Plus Probiotic Replenishment and the QuickStart Rapid Weight Loss System. Also, in June of 2008, she launched her very own home delivery meal plan.

Business Owner:

As previously mentioned, Jillian is co-owner of the famous and successful Sky Sport and Spa, with Jackie Warner. Both Jackie and Jillian share a similar philosophy of helping people physically and psychologically by stressing the importance of fitness, nutrition, and behavioral changes.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

In addition to being uber-successful, Jillian has also received recognition from many organizations for the work that she does both on and off the television. Jillian has received the following:

• The United States Sports Academy’s Dwight David Eisenhower Fitness Award winner for 2010.
• America’s Healthiest Body 2009
• Number 84 on the AskMen.com Top 99 Women

JILLIAN ON A PERSONAL LEVEL:

It is no wonder that Jillian is the new, hottest thing in the fitness world but what is she really like? This is a very difficult question to answer as she is a very private woman and likes to keep her personal life, well, personal. It has been reported that she is currently dating Henry Cavill and that she is also dating long time BFF, Vanessa Marcil. Rumors have been spreading like wildfire that Jillian is either a lesbian or bisexual. However, none of these statements have been confirmed…or denied. Jillian did, however, in an interview with Ladies’ Home Journal make this statement: “Let’s just say I believe in healthy love. If I fall in love with a woman, that’s awesome. If I fall in love with a man, that’s awesome.”

First comes love, and then comes children. According to reports, Jillian doesn’t have any children yet but she does have a plan. In fact, she has even chosen her baby’s daddy — her very own co-trainer on The Biggest Loser: Bob Harper!

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Even though everyone may not be a fan of Jillian Michaels she does have these words of advice for everyone:

1. Get educated. She urges everyone to learn a new lifestyle, not just a new diet. Like she told Ladies’ Home Journal: “You can lose weight a hundred different ways, but if you want to keep it off you have to do something you can maintain for the rest of your life.”
2. Treat the real problem. Jillian is well known for saying that “Weight gain is a manifestation of other issues, not the problem itself.” Therefore, every single person should get to the root of their problems and not be afraid to ask for help.
3. Put Yourself first. This is especially true for women who tend to put their own needs behind everyone else’s.

SOURCES:

• http://jillianmichaels.hollywood.com/bio.php
• http://www.lhj.com/style/covers/jillian-michaels/
• http://www.jillianmichaels.com/meet-jillian/bio-about.aspx

Suzanne Deason has lived, breathed, and taught yoga for 35 years. Her popular yoga videos have garnered the attention of budding and serious yoga practitioners. She is best known for pioneering the yoga weight-loss movement, which gained popularity in the mid 1990’s and seems to be here to stay. Suzanne’s calm manner, straightforward teaching style, and innovative thinking have made her an invaluable instructor to those seeking professional yoga guidance.

Roots in Yoga

Suzanne began practicing yoga at the age of nine. A friend showed her a life-changing yoga position that brought about a feeling of such peace and contentment that it that inspired a passion in her for yoga. She never gave it up; yoga has become her life’s work. Her classical training is founded in the lyengar tradition. B.K.S. Lyengar developed a form of yoga firmly rooted in the eight limbs of yoga that focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit. The lyengar tradition incorporates props to assist in various yoga postures. Suzanne often uses resistance bands or balance balls to aid in workouts, though much of her routines are performed with just a yoga mat, comfortable clothes, and bare feet.

Rise to Fame

Suzanne taught yoga for many years before she achieve any sort of fame or national acclaim. She opened a studio in Marin County, California, and in 1994 released two well-received yoga instruction videos: Foundations of Yoga Level 1 and Foundations of Yoga Level 2. She didn’t become a household name until 2000 when she released Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss. Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss has become a “yoga DVD hit,” and quite possibly the standard in Yoga weight-loss DVDs. Though yoga has been practiced for years as a way to relieve stress and daily aches and pains, Suzanne helped to prove that yoga can be used as a means to shed unwanted pounds and to gain self control and awareness through postures in order to live a healthy lifestyle. This past decade, more and more people have turned to yoga as a method of weight loss.

Yoga and Weight Loss

Suzanne Deason’s interest in incorporating yoga into weight loss regimes began when she witnessed the pain obesity was causing in the lives of those she loved. Suzanne believes that obesity harms every aspect of a person’s life; their body as well as their mind and spirit. Because yoga taps into the inner conscious, she found that it was a surprisingly motivating way to change thought patterns in overweight people so that they could consciously make better decisions regarding what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Suzanne uses yoga to encourage people to take responsibility for the welfare of their minds and bodies. She insists that because yoga and pilates feel good while you are performing each pose, that immediate beneficial sensation motivates people to return to yoga again and again. Because overweight people don’t feel food about their bodies, involving them in a workout routine that feels good right away is especially beneficial. Yoga feels great, like candy or chips, but is actually an extremely healthy habit. Suzanne hopes people who feel bad about their excess pounds will replace unhealthy habits with twenty to thirty minutes of yoga each day. Helping people overcome weight loss through yoga has become her main mission as a yoga instructor.

Suzanne focuses on the popular Vinyasa yoga, a form of yoga that focuses on breathing and connecting one yoga posture to the next. It is often referred to as “flow” yoga and can be a more rigorous yoga workout. Moving quickly from one posture to the next while concentrating on breathing can cause a person to break out into a sweat. Unlike Ashtanga yoga, there are no predetermined series of postures and the practitioner can create specific workouts using a variety of poses.

The focus of her popular video, Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss, is about bringing awareness to the body’s needs in order to promote a desire to feel and maintain health and proper weight. The DVD has four different workout levels so it is suited for beginners as well as more practiced students. Suzanne insists that when the mind has determined that the body feels healthy, a person will make better choices about diet, which will benefit them in the long-term and help them to maintain a healthy weight. The mind-body connection is strongly emphasized in her teachings.

Criticism of Deason’s Ideas

Suzanne’s greatest critics are those who believe that her promotion of yoga as a formidable method for weight loss is misleading. Shedding pounds, they insist, is only achieved through vigorous workouts that burn calories. While yoga and Pilates do build muscle, which does burn calories, it is not enough for substantial weight loss. Yoga, they say, does not provide results and is not a substitute for intense cardio workouts.

While Suzanne does not deny that exercise is the best way to lose weight, she insists that addressing a mind-body connection to weight loss is an imperative step towards losing and keeping weight off. In fact, she argues that exercise alone is not enough; Suzanne teaches that yoga and cardio exercise can be a symbiotic relationship that promotes long-lasting weight loss. Focusing on the rudimentary components of cardio exercise can prove discouraging and even boring. Yoga, she insists, stimulates that mind so that the practitioner does not get bored, which makes a person prone to quit working out altogether.

“If losing weight was just a matter of burning more calories than those consumed, we wouldn’t have an obesity problem,” she states on yogamates.com. She describes practicing yoga as a means to setting yourself up for success. Making your body feel food and stimulating the mind conditions both body and mind to desire to feel good and to be healthy. When we feel this way, she insists, we make better choices about what we eat and the way we live our lives. Those who are not conscientious and regular practitioners of yoga will not receive the weight-loss benefits that come from practicing yoga.

The Yoga Weight-Loss Movement

Suzanne pioneered the yoga weight-loss movement. There are now a plethora of books and videos that encourage yoga practitioners to practice yoga as a means toward weight loss. There is a Yoga Weight-loss Workout for Dummies book and green tea that is marketed as yogi slim-life tea. The popular television program “The Biggest Loser” has even come out with a Boot Camp and Weight Loss Yoga DVD set. Teachers like Maggie Rhoades, whose popular video Yoga for Weight Loss for Beginners is a bestseller on Amazon.com, are strongly influenced by Suzanne.

Suzanne’s philosophy regarding yoga and weight loss has indeed taken the fitness world by storm: many yoga studios and local gyms now offer yoga weight loss classes. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna praise yoga for its weight-loss powers. In fact, a 2005 a National Cancer Institute study performed by yogi and medical researcher Alan Kristal determined that yoga does in fact support weight loss and can help people keep from gaining weight.

Suzanne Deason’s Credits

Suzanne has released 19 workout videos and on book since 1994. Her most recent video is 5 Day Fit Yoga, released in 2009. 5 Day fit focuses on a series of both physically demanding seated and standing postures that make the body feel recharged and energized. Suzanne is affiliated with Gaiam, Inc. a “lifestyle” company that also boasts instructors like Rodney Lee, Patricia Walden, and Mariel Hemingway. The company promotes and sells a natural, healthy, and fit lifestyle. They sell fitness products and promote alternative healthcare and a sustainable economy.

Suzanne’s popularity has been attributed to her calm demeanor and her insistence that anyone, regardless of age or weight, can enjoy the practice of yoga. She attributes people’s continued success with weight loss to their focus on individual causes of weight gain instead of a focus on just the symptoms. Those who have studied with Deason agree that practicing yoga motivates them to eat healthy and do cardio exercise in order to maintain their healthy body. Her philosophy of recognizing the connection of mind and body health has revitalized the yoga culture and industry.

The videos Suzanne has released are mostly about yoga though she has released a Pilates for Weight Loss video Balance Ball Exercise videos. Today, she is in high demand, teaching private yoga and group yoga at retreats in places like Hawaii, California, and her home state of Texas. In addition to providing yoga lessons for weight loss, she has created unique classes that incorporate poses to help with ailments like back pain and menopausal symptoms. She also focuses on teaching yoga as a means to relieve stress and to truly enjoy learning how to take care of one’s mental and physical well-being. Suzanne’s private life remains just that, but her seemingly non-existent life outside of the yoga world may be attributed to her commitment to her work. She currently lives in Summerwood near Lake Houston, where she has friends and family.

Suzanne Deason Filmography

• 5 Day Fit Yoga 2009
• Yoga for Stress Relief 2006
• Yoga for Stress Relief 2005
• 30 Minute Quick Start Yoga for Weight Loss 2005
• Balance Ball for Weight Loss 2004
• A.M. Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss 2002
• Balance Ball: Beginners Workout 2002
• Maintenance Yoga for Weight Loss 2002
• Yoga Conditioning For Women 2002
• Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss 2001
• Yoga Remedies for Balance 2001
• Balance Ball: Fitness for Upper Body 2000
• Balance Ball: Fitness for the Lower Body 2000
• Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss 2000
• Living Yoga: Lower Body Yoga for Beginners 1999
• Stress Relief Yoga for Beginners 1998
• Foundations of Yoga, Level 2 1994
• Foundations of Yoga, Level 1 1994

Many of her videos are available for rent on Youtube.

Books by Suzanne Deason

Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss: Safe, Natural Methods to Help Achieve and Maintain Your Ideal Weight

Affectionately known as “America’s Fitness Expert”, 5’4” wonder Denise Austin combines a positive attitude, high energy, cute looks and an astute mind to convince us that keeping fit can be lots of fun. As a result, for more than 25 years Denise Austin has been a well-known fitness expert to millions of fitness enthusiasts who have used her extensive list of products and services to get fit and stay that way.

Her commercial success as a fitness expert deserves a closer look. Therefore, here is a biography about Denise Austin that will introduce readers to Denise Austin and her fitness empire. It includes information about her early life, how she got interested in fitness, and her rise to national prominence. It also includes information about her fitness philosophy, her products and services, and who stands to gain the most from using her fitness products and services.

What was her early life like?

Denise Austin’s early life was very pleasant. She was born Denise Katnich February 13, 1957 in San Pedro, California. Her childhood was filled with fun and laughter. It was so much fun that she got to do many things those most young girls enjoy doing. One of those fun things she got to do was take part in gymnastics classes. She started taking gymnastics classes at the age of 12. According to her official website, Austin was so good at gymnastics that she earned an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Arizona. After transferring to the University of California (Long Beach), Austin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education in 1979.

When and how did Denise Austin get herself interested in fitness?

Denise Austin’s journey with fitness and well-being began in earnest while attending the University of California (Long Beach) in the late 1970’s. While taking physical education courses, Austin became especially interested in how the study of exercise physiology could help people achieve better fitness. This came about by studying how to take advantage of a muscle’s natural range of motion to create exercises that allow people to safely exercise all of the major muscle groups in the body. This study sparked Austin’s interest enough in fitness to make it her life’s work.

How did Denise Austin get her start in the fitness industry?

After graduating from college, Denise Austin began her career in the fitness industry in the early 1980’s as an aerobics instructor in Los Angeles. Her sparkly personality, good looks and high-energy classes quickly made Denise a favorite with beginners and experts alike. In fact, Denise’s sparkly personality and high-energy were so infectious that she soon caught the eye of legendary pioneer fitness instructor Jack LaLanne in 1981. As we will see, Denise Austin’s time with Jack LaLanne would propel Denise Austin into the national limelight and start an amazing career that has lasted until this day.

How did Denise Austin propel herself into the national spotlight?

Denise Austin’s national career began in 1981 when pioneer television fitness star Jack LaLanne tapped Denise to co-host his nationally syndicated TV program The Jack LaLanne Show. Her appearances on the Jack LaLanne Show were so well-received that KABC tapped her to host her own show. This spawned appearances on NBC’s Today as Today’s fitness expert. From 1984-1988, Austin demonstrated to Today’s viewers who ordinarily shun exercise that exercising is fun and worthwhile. This made her very popular with Today’s viewers around the country. It also spawned other TV appearances on such nationally syndicated programs as the Larry King Show. Furthermore, these appearances on the Today show made her so popular that she began producing her famous line of home exercise products and multi-media fitness programs that are designed to help people lose weight and stay fit safely and effectively in the privacy of their own homes.

What is Denise Austin’s fitness philosophy?

Fans of Denise Austin’s fitness philosophy describe her philosophy as sane, straightforward and easy to use. This is true because Denise Austin promotes a diet and exercise regime that allows people to continue to lead a normal lifestyle while making simple changes that can make a huge difference. For example, she stresses a diet that allows people to eat what they want while stressing portion control. In addition, she also stresses to her followers that a sensible exercise program that exercises all of the major muscle groups efficiently achieves better results than other exercise programs.
Finally, she also believes that a completely customizable fitness program is the best way to achieve results for most people. This is true because every person’s fitness needs are different. As a result, Denise Austin promotes a philosophy that says each person’s fitness goals are different enough that they deserve an individualized solution to best meet each person’s unique needs.

What types of fitness products and fitness programs does Denise Austin offer?

For over 25 years, Denise Austin has offered a comprehensive multi-media line of products and fitness programs that have promoted her straightforward fitness philosophy. As a result, her products and fitness programs are designed to help people of all fitness levels develop and maintain a fit lifestyle. These products and programs have many functions. For example, Denise Austin’s DVD’s are designed to help people lose weight, develop a healthy diet and develop healthy muscle mass. On the other hand, Denise Austin’s books are designed to help people develop healthy lifestyle choices, lose weight and learn techniques that help people maintain their health at any age. Furthermore, Denise Austin’s online programs are designed to help people stay motivated, develop a healthy diet and learn exercise techniques that trim and tone the body.

Here is a brief list of some of Denise Austin’s most popular fitness products and fitness programs along with a brief review what they are designed to do to help people to loose weight, gain muscle tone and otherwise stay fit.

Selected books

Denise’s Daily Dozen (Center Street Publishing, 2010)
Denise’s Daily Dozen is Denise Austin’s latest book. It features a practical program that emphasizes a stress-free approach to losing weight, maintain a healthy diet and toning one’s body using each day of the week as a “theme.” From Monday’s “fat burning day” to Sunday’s “recharge and rejuvenate” programs, Denise’s Daily Dozen offers fitness enthusiasts of all levels of fitness ideas that can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Denise Austin Workout Tips: (The) Fit and Fabulous After 40 Book (Broadway Books, 2001)
Denise Austin’s “Fit and Fabulous after 40 Book” gives fitness enthusiasts aged 40 and over the techniques and motivation needed to keep fit. Using scientific research to back up her claims, Denise Austin offers a diet and exercise regime that uses yoga, Pilate-based exercises and a specially created diet to help over 40 stay fit and look fabulous.

Pilates for Every Body (Rodale Books, 2003)
Denise Austin’s Pilates for Every Body promises to help fitness enthusiasts “stand a full inch taller, lose inches at the waist and thighs” while feeling more energetic than other in just 21 days! Using nothing but Pilate- based exercises, Austin creates a fitness program that can help most anyone strengthen, tone and extend one’s body safely and effectively.

Selected DVD’s

“Body Makeover Mix” (2009)
Denise Austin’s “Body Makeover Mix” features three body toning workouts that are designed to firm the muscles of the upper body, create lean muscle mass in the lower body and tighten abs. Results can be seen in as little as one month with a proper diet and dedication to the program’s philosophy.

“3 Week Boot Camp” (2009)
Denise Austin’s “3 Week Boot Camp” is an intense exercise and diet program that helps motivated fitness enthusiasts trim their waists, add lean muscle mass and improve their cardiovascular fitness.

“Denise Austin: Hit the Spot-10 Five Minute Target Toners” (2007)
Using knowledge about exercise kinesiology, Denise Austin creates a series of 10 groups of exercises that hit every major muscle group. These exercises are designed to shape a leaner, stronger and healthier body by letting people combine the groups into a customizable exercise program.

Denise Austin’s online training program

Denise Austin’s online training program lets people create a customized diet and exercise program to lose weight, have more energy and look great. According to her website, Denise Austin draws on her 30 years of experience in the fields of health, nutrition and fitness to help you achieve all of your fitness goals. The program also includes 15 different interactive tools and Denise’s inimitable positive attitude to help people reach their fitness goals.

How well do Denise Austin’s fitness products & services actually help people reach their fitness goals?

Many people who would like to purchase Denise Austin’s fitness products and services wonder if they help people reach their fitness goals. For over 25 years, Denise Austin’s fitness products and services have helped many thousands of people reach their fitness goals. As a result, it is a good bet that Denise Austin’s products & services have indeed helped people reach their fitness goals.

Denise Austin’s fitness products and services seem to work because they combine a sensible diet and exercise program with an individualized approach to create a regime that can help people achieve their fitness goals. They also seem to work because the regimes are broken down into simple steps that allow people to follow the fitness plan at their own pace. This enables people to break down more complicated fitness goals into simpler goals that can be achieved more quickly. As a result, people who need a structured, sensible way to lose weight and stay fit could benefit from using Denise Austin’s fitness products and services.

Furthermore, most people who achieve their fitness goals with Denise Austin’s fitness products and services tend to be people who are beginning to intermediate fitness students. This is the case because many of the exercise and diet programs that Denise Austin offers tend to stress the fundamentals of dieting and exercising that teaches people the skills they need to become fit and stay fit. As a result, people who are just starting to learn about staying fit tend to get the most out of Denise Austin’s fitness products and services.

Born on February 14, 1962 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Leslie developed a passion for health and fitness in her early twenties while in college. She joined a workshop for group fitness instructors with her cousin as a way to help pay for college. Leslie discovered that she loved the energy and motion of moving to the music and thought working as a group fitness instructor would be enjoyable.

Leslie was surprised at the strongly supportive reception her indoor walking class for a local church group had received and even more surprised at how many students requested videotaped copies of her training sessions. Those requests gave Leslie the idea to visit with a video producer who she contracted with to begin filming home work out videos.

Leslie began recording her Walk at Home program for the mass market. The program became a hit because it appealed to the non-gym crowd. Based on Leslie’s belief that “Staying fit shouldn’t be expensive or intimidating”, her program addressed the concerns of average folks. Concerns about gym membership costs, feeling self conscious about being in a gym, lack of child care, commute to the gym, etc. were addressed by the Walk at Home program. Program participants don’t have to pay a monthly fee, drive anywhere, track down a baby sitter, and can exercise completely alone in the comfort of their own homes. Folks with average incomes and busy lifestyles no longer had an excuse not to exercise when Leslie’s videos came along. Her videos invited a whole new kind of fitness enthusiast into the fitness industry. Her videos can be used as a workout routine to greet the morning or to wrap up the day. The flexibility allowed with her program is one of the major benefits.

Leslie’s Walk at Home program is a system of walking in place that allows program participants to walk up to six miles per session without leaving the area in front their television or computer screen. The Walk at Home program offers varying degrees of difficulty from a gentle pace to a power walk. The Walk at Home program is advertised as incorporating walking speeds equivalent to the pace of a ten minute mile. This means that most people who use Leslie’s walking program are able to perform their weekly recommended amount of exercise with one tape or DVD in their own living rooms.

The Walk at Home program is successful in allowing program participants to reach their goals in a number of different ways. The program gets people off of their couches and makes them move with entertaining walking moves and upbeat music. It has been proven that any activity in a sedentary life is better than no activity. The Walk at Home program allows users to walk up to six miles a day (or more if they rewind the tape) in the comfort of their own homes. No special equipment or clothes are required. This is also a great solution for people who want to work out on a budget or who have wanted a good enouh reason to cancel their gym memberships to save some money every month.

Another benefit of Leslie’s in home programs is that they don’t just have to be used in the home. Her videos and DVDs are a mobile solution to personal fitness. For all of the working adults who are constantly on the road living hotel room to hotel room, Leslie lets travelers take her with them to be used anywhere a television or computer are available.

Some people may be satisfied at just using Leslie’s system as a backup work out system, for those times when time constraints or bad weather don’t allow their usual program. The Walk at Home program is a safe alternative to running at night or in times of inclement weather.

Walk at Home programs are also good group activities for businesses, schools, hospitals, and families. Any group of people can get together and enjoy a walking work out with Leslie.

With Leslie’s system there is no machine to purchase or to wait in line for. Compared to the cost of a personal treadmill, Leslie’s system is by far the more financially responsible and easily transportable choice. No instruction manual is needed and her program is ready to use right out of the box. There is nothing to assemble and the user won’t find any extra pieces at the bottom of the box. The user of the program also has the option of listening to the supplied sound track or setting the routine to mute and following along with his or her own choice of music playing.

Another product of the Walk at Home franchise is “Multi-Muscle Walking”. Multi-Muscle Walking is walking that utilizes all muscles of the body in different motions and directions. It has long been argued by various fitness experts that walking offers the least amount of impact on the human body when compared with other activities. Walking is far easier on the joints and bones than running and in many cases may even prove helpful in increasing the life of our joints. Multi-Muscle Walking is a program that allows a low intensity and joint friendly work out to be completed at a faster and more involved pace than slower programs.

Leslie believes that the famous philosopher Hippocrates was right when he said that “Walking is man’s best medicine.” She has made it her mission in life to spread her knowledge of the health and fitness benefits of walking. Too many people believe that exercise has to incorporate pain or discomfort in order to be effective. Leslie has shown the world that this is not the case and wants everyone to know that walking will not only help people lose weight but it will help ward off illnesses associated with inactivity and obesity. Unlike many other programs on the market, Leslie’s Walk at Home program is safe for users of all ages. Imagine being able to keep the entire family fit and healthy at the same time. The family would not just be able to exercise together but they would be able to bond and catch up with each other. This program is beneficial to men, women, and children who would benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

As part of her Walk at Home program Leslie lists thirteen benefits of walking typically achieved in the first six weeks of using the program which she calls “The Payoff”. Those thirteen benefits are:

1. Drop 15 pounds of fat.
2. Gain five pounds of muscle.
3. Look and feel fabulous.
4. Burn an extra 200 calories a day.
5. Lower risk of heart disease.
6. Lower risk of stroke.
7. Lower blood pressure.
8. Lower cholesterol.
9. Raise “good” cholesterol.
10. Lower risk of diabetes.
11. Lower risk of early death.
12. More looks of attraction from the significant other.
13. Love and support from family and friends.

While this program is no fad diet these above listed benefits look like they would be perfect for the person who wants to drop a few pounds for a wedding or business function coming up. The program allows people to make positive changes to their bodies and lifestyles at a healthy pace. Other diets want people to starve themselves or eat only one type of food. With Leslie’s program no changes have to be made to lifestyle or diet right away. Just start using the program and do everything else like normal. Once you see the benefits of the program you will make yourself want to learn more about how to keep improving your health and your image.

Leslie Sansone is certified by six industry respected fitness organizations to include the American College of Sports Medicine. Her in home walking program is consistently one of the highest selling walking programs on QVC. Year after year her videos are rated as the number one selling fitness videos by Video Scan. Leslie continually contributes to Woman’s Day magazine with columns which discuss the benefits of walking. It is estimated that the Walk at Home brand markets more than 50 videos and accessories.

Any skeptics who think that in house walking programs are just a fad, think again. Leslie’s programs have been on the market for almost a quarter of a century. The Walk at Home program is no fad, it is a respected fitness routine that is here to stay.

The Walk at Home program can be used as a person’s exclusive workout routine or it can be used as a gateway to more intense work out activities. It can be used to change a person’s mind about personal health. Leslie’s program proves to people everywhere that working out does not have to be a chore and that it can be fun and entertaining.

Leslie has said herself that she would rather have a conversation with the person frustrated with their fitness program because they can’t seem to see results than the health enthusiast who wants to discuss the next fad. This just goes to show how supportive Leslie is of those who want to be healthy but who constantly encounter road blocks on the road to success. She is a health expert for the everyday person.

Leslie should be able to pride herself as being a pioneer in the home work out industry. She was able to take a fast paced activity and incorporate low intensity physical activity that appealed to every generation because of its ease of use and easy accessibility.

Leslie is also the owner of a gym called Studio Fitness in the same town she was born in, New Castle, Pennsylvania. She continues to spread her message of health through her tapes and classes.

As an international weight loss phenomenon and self-help guru, Paul McKenna has created a legion of fans who he has helped lose weight through simple, almost common sense ideas mixed with elements of hypnotherapy. In the past fifteen years, his career went from just a small passion to a multi-million dollar success story.

Paul McKenna was born on the 8th of November, 1963 in the North London borough of Enfield, Middlesex. From a young age, McKenna had an interest in radio, idolizing Kenny Everett, a popular radio personality and comedian. The dream of being on radio pushed McKenna to wear he is today from being a DJ, to experimenting with hypnotism for entertainment, to trying to solve addictions with the use of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Career and Move to Fitness:

Paul McKenna started his long stint in radio with in-store Radio Topshop. He moved on to perform on Radio Jackie, South West London’s first pirate radio station. This was during the station’s 24 hour a day broadcasting period which started in 1983. That same year, McKenna became a DJ for Radio Caroline, moving on to DJ for Chiltern Radio for four years, then Capitol Radio for two. During his years with Capitol Radio, McKenna developed his interest in hypnotism after being influenced by a hypnotist guest on his show and performed several small-scale hypnotism shows. He built his way up to large audiences by first performing for small groups of close friends, eventually building up to performing Sunday nights at the Duke of York’s Theatre which was under the ownership of his employer, Capital Radio, at the time.

After two years working for the BBC’s Radio One from 1990 to 1992, Paul McKenna quit radio to move on to television and pursue his passion for hypnotism. He started this transition with The Hypnotic World of Paul McKenna which was broadcasted on ITV1 and peaked with 12 million viewers. This show lasted from 1993 to 1995. He finished his doctoral degree with LaSalle University of Louisiana in 1996 after two years of study which falsely claimed to be an accredited university. Two years after working on The Hypnotic World of Paul McKenna, in 1997, he created Paul McKenna’s Paranormal World, then Hyp the Streets two years later. Up until the early 2000s, McKenna’s routine was mostly comedic, but once he established Paul McKenna Training, he started focusing on positivity and persuasion using hypnosis to improve performance in business and help people lose weight effectively.

In 2004, McKenna received his first accredited doctoral degree from International Mangement Centres Associated, a business school accredited by the BAC (British Accreditation Council). His thesis, “The Effects of Fixed Action Patterns and Nero-Linguistic Programming in Determining Outcomes in Human Behavior”, runs with the same theme of his later television appearances and self-help books.

I Can Make You Thin (2005), Instant Confidence (2006), Quit Smoking Today Without Gaining Weight (2007), and I Can Make You Rich (2007) are among Paul McKenna’s most popular self-help books. His popularity gained momentum, earning him a £23 million contract to create a series on the Discovery Channel focusing on self-help. Later that year, I Can Make You Thin, the most famous of McKenna’s works aired on The Learning Channel, bringing his message of self-help through “brain programming” to a wider audience.

What Does He Sell:

Paul McKenna offers a book, DVD, and audiobook for several perceived shortcomings of insecure audiences. He promises easy solutions that go to the root of the problem which is the way a person thinks. This strategy is not just used in helping people to quit smoking, become less introverted, and lose weight, Paul McKenna has a range of materials to help one cure insomnia, agrophobia, the fear of flying, dogs, heights, needles, public speaking, water, and the dentist. Prolific doesn’t come close to describing the speed at which this hypnotist and self-help guru churns out material. He has a series of audiobooks for overcoming lifelong phobias, nine different books on losing weight, becoming a more confident person, becoming rich, quitting smoking, curing insomnia, and mending a broken heart. His most famous works are I Can Make You Thin, the explanation of his weight loss plan, and the I Can Make You Thin 90 Day Success Journal which is meant to guide the reader through the weight loss plan effectively in three months.

As well as offering reading materials, McKenna has recorded an I Can Make You Thin 6 DVD set which is meant to act similar to a private session only the privileged few are capable of receiving. It features techniques not featured on McKenna’s US and UK television shows and includes a bonus CD to be played at night, while the listener is asleep, that suggests weight loss strategies. McKenna also has an I Can Make You Thin 5 CD System for a lower price, and sells bundles of his Quit Smoking Today, I Can Make You Thin, and I Can Make You Confident Systems on CD.

McKenna claims that the reason obesity is so prevalent in The United States of America is that the country has only focused on dieting for decades instead of real solutions. His weight loss plan is as far from a diet as one can think of. In fact, it is just common sense. Some might criticize this approach for being too obvious but it has become counterintuitive in American culture to eat all types of foods, including sweets, and not bother to count calories. Entire food groups have been shunned by dieters in recent years, despite the possible health risks because it helps them lose weight temporarily and this is the message Paul McKenna tries to convey to his audience.

He claims that most people come off of a diet then gain the weight back and more because they’re binge eating and this only happens because of the starvation methods used in most diets. A delightful aspect of this weight loss method is that there are no set promises such as losing 5 pounds a week or losing so many dress sizes before summer. It is more about teaching oneself control and developing a normal relationship with food. McKenna makes it clear that thinking of a food as sinful is preposterous and only makes a dieter crave that food more and more.

What is Involved:

Many have reported success from these media, especially his weight loss program which outlines 4 golden rules:

1. When you are hungry, eat.
2. Eat what you want and not what you think you should eat.
3. Eat consciously and enjoy every mouthful.
4. When you are full, stop eating.

1. Food is supposed to act as nutrition and not some perverse, instant gratification tool for an emotional eater. McKenna suggests that his followers try to gauge their desire for food and try to stay in tune with the body and whether or not it needs food. He is against starvation methods because they encourage binge eating and never solve the root of the problem, leaving a dieter on their own once the program ends,

2. The idea of eating any type of food seems out of the ordinary with all the modern science humanity has employed to study what foods to eat to lose weight, but it is exactly the opposite. People shouldn’t see some foods as wrong and others as right and should never omit entire food groups just to lose weight because those programs never stay. It’s impossible for an omnivore to ignore nutrients forever because cravings have a purpose. If dieters feel deprived in any way, they might reward themselves with an “evil” food later on, then feel terrible about themselves afterwards. McKenna’s approach is meant to help people lose weight and feel good about it in every aspect so there are no bad foods and good foods. Just too much and too little.

3. When eating, the dieter must think about every bite of food, considering the entire time whether or not he is full. This is to control the clear the plate mentality obese people tend to have. The dieter is not suppose to be stuffed or bloated after a meal but just full. McKenna suggests that this way, people will eat slower, become more tuned in to what their bodies are telling them, and figure out when enough is enough.

4. The compulsion to finish everything is the main problem that must be put back in control by the dieter. They must be able to discern hunger from mental cravings and be able to stop once full. Probably the hardest part but the most obvious to losing weight, McKenna claims he has several tricks up his sleeve to make this final rule easier to follow.

In his I Can Make You Thin series, McKenna tells audience members to think about a moment they would normally succumb to cravings then tap acupuncture points on the body (middle of the left eyebrow, below the right eye, and the wrist) while thinking about a specific craving. This is intended to help reduce the imagined craving. He also tries to make people associate cravings for foods they find hard to resist with things they find repulsive, like associating chocolate with hairy baked beans for one of the audience members of his show.

Celebrity Affirmation:

The man seems to have all the answers to life. While it may be off-putting at first, many people, including celebrities, have sung the praises of Paul McKenna’s Neuro-Linguistic Programming methods.

Comedian and TV talk show host, Ellen Degeneres praises Paul McKenna for helping her quit smoking, a habit she developed as a teenager, and she invited him on her show in 2009 to demonstrate the strategy used in helping her quit her addictions. McKenna sat with Ellen and told her to think of four different times she wanted to quit smoking, then had her associate her least favorite foods and barber shop trimmings with the taste of smoking a cigarette. He told her to consider herself a non-smoker who tells anybody offering her a cigarette that she doesn’t smoke. After the hypnosis session, Ellen was asked if she’d like a cigarette. A calm Degeneres said, “No.” She has quit smoking cold turkey since using McKenna’s strategy, joining the ranks of several celebrities who have used his self-help products and private hypnosis sessions to overcome addiction.

Courtney Love, the former drug addict and grunge rock musician also reported using McKenna’s system to help lose the weight she had gained after rehabilitation. While she may have lost the weight, McKenna failed in giving her a seemingly healthy relationship with food. Friends and family of the artist claim she has lost too much weight and they now fear for her health, proving any weight loss method, when put in the wrong hands can still create trouble.

Controversy:

Rumors have been cycling about Paul McKenna’s doctoral degree controversy in which it was discovered that LaSalle University lied about being an accredited university. McKenna won a libel suit against the Daily Mirror in 2006 for claiming that his only degree was not accredited and therefore a ploy to defraud the public. This was two years after McKenna received his doctoral degree from IMCA, but public misconception has still not been weeded out completely.

Weight loss hypnotherapy is not for everyone though there are many success stories affiliated with Paul McKenna’s self-help series. Not everyone can lose weight as serious addiction is difficult to overcome. His system involves good advice that a family doctor would provide but with a little extra flare. Since it isn’t a fad diet and discourages unhealthy habits, it is definitely worth a try for someone trying to lose weight and sustain a healthy lifestyle.