Kettlebody by Brook, Disc 1: Cardio Kettlebell review
By: Lindsey Lu, Fitness for the Rest of Us

This is a 30 minute cardio kettlebell routine led by Brook in a nice open studio w/ cute lime green curtains in the background. Brook works out w/ 2 backgrounders and provides power or lower impact modifications for many of the exercises. You will only need a kettlebell for this workout (I used a 10# dumbbell).

Exercises include: halo, squat & OH press, side lunge & squat w/ woodchop, walking lunges w/ a pass through, suit case squats w/ a hop, kettlebell swings, 1 arm swings, squat-hop-Mt. climber combo, kettlebell swing & outer thigh raise, swing & travel pliet, etc.

I would rate this a solid to high intermediate workout that has almost NO impact- love that as my knees cant always take a high impact workout but I love high intensity! The pace of this workout is great and it really moves right along. I like the 25 minute time frame- it makes this nonstop workout totally do-able, great as a stand alone or to add on to other workouts. I love Brook- great cuing, great form & pointers, great energy. Will be looking out for more from her!!!! You could easily heavy up and use this as a strength workout- very versatile. I received this dvd to review.

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/05/giveaway-kettlebody-by-brook-three-disc.html

Kettlebody by Brook, Disc 3: Bell Body Sculpt review
Review By: Lindsey Lu, Fitness For the Rest of Us

This is a 28 minute kettlebell strength routine led by Brook in a nice open studio w/ cute lime green curtains in the background. Brook works out w/ 2 backgrounders. Brook offers modifications or variations on many of the exercises. You will only need a kettlebell for this workout (I used a variety of dumbbells 10-25#’s). The dvd includes a cooldown chapter (same c/d on the cardio dvd) and a chapter on safety & techniques.

Brook provides lots of tempo changes to keep your muslces guessing and the time flying. The pace is just right-not rushed but no time is wasted. This workout really targets on the upper body & core but also includes a set of squats & deadlifts that work the lower body.

Exercises include: You begin with a nice squat series, and then move into deadlifts, single leg deadlifts, pushups, plank row, side plank with a KB raise, static runners lunge & row, upright rows, back fly, French press, bi curl variations, and concludes with core work: full body extensions, static bike holds, weighted sit ups, 1/2 roll up, and a crunch series.

I would rate this a solid intermediate kettlebell strength workout. I will admit I am not a huge kettlebell fan but I actually LOVED this one- this is most definitely the best kettlebell workout I have done; not one swing, accomplishes a lot in only 30 minutes, great cuing, unique functional exercises, and the strength work really got my heart rate up! I really like Brooks instruction style and demeanor. I received this dvd to review.

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/05/kettlebody-by-brook-bell-body-sculpt.html

Kettlebody by Brook, Disc 2: Yogaburn Review
By: Lindsey Lu, Fitness for the Rest of Us

This is a 30 minute power yoga routine that is part of the 3 dvd set “Kettlebody by Brook.” Brook leads in a nice open studio w/ cute lime green curtains in the background. Brook works out w/ 2 backgrounders, both providing various levels of modifications and Brook performing the intermediate level. You wont need any equipment for this workout. Brook does a fantastic job of incorporating yoga inspired strength and cardio bursts into this power yoga workout. This is tied w/ Jillians Yoga Meltdown as my most fav yoga workouts!!!!! Quick moving but not rushed.

Exercises include: walking chair, tricep pushups, down dog, up dog, squat jacks, static runners lunge knee pull, Mt. climber hops, 3 legged dog, 1 leg pushups, chataranga, warrior C w/ a balance knee pull, plank knee pulls, and finishes w/ a nice core section. Time goes by quickly & I found this to be a very unique yoga routine.

I would rate this a solid to high intermediate yoga workout but follow a mod to get a more or less intense workout. I love love love that Brook fuses strength & cardio exercises into this power yoga routine. The routine flows superbly well and the pace is just right! Making this unique, effective, and fun for the yogi and non-yogi alike!

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/05/kettlebody-by-brook-power-yoga-review.html

Cardiopump Fusion Review
By: Lindsey Lu, Fitness for the Rest of Us

This is a cardio and strength workout that includes a yoga style w/u & c/d. The workout includes: kickboxing, bootcamp, kettlebells, sports drills and more- hence the “fusion” in the title. The dvd is 66 minutes long- but chaptered very well so you can do it in its entirety, just the cardio, one or more of the strength segments, etc. You will need kettlebell(s) or dumbbell(s) for the workout. Brook works out in a lovely white w/ bright green accented set w/ 2 backgrounders- showing beginner and advanced modifications with Brook doing intermediate.

The Power Yoga Warmup (11 minutes) is a faster moving power yoga routine with some plyos to get your body warm. And the Relaxation Bliss cooldown/ stretch (12 minutes) is a relaxing yoga style stretch.

Cardiopump Fusion: (22 min). LOVED this section. Brook keeps it really interesting by including kickboxing, sports drills, and bootcamp moves. All the moves are easy to follow along to and she really includes some unique moves. Exercises include: skater, knee pulls, leaping runners lunge, floor touches, tire run, burpees, hitch kicks, punch & kick combos, and more. Worked up a GREAT sweat!

Cardio Kettlebell: (12 minutes) Brook uses a 15 lb bell in this lower body focused kettlebell workout. She also includes some upper body work and you are guaranteed to work up an awesome sweat. Moves include: swing variations & handoffs, squat w/ OH press, hi pull, upright rows touching your bell to the ground, low lunges, squat jummps, Mt. climber squats, squat -dead lift -toss combo, etc. Time flew by and I really enjoyed the work in this section.

Kettlebell Crank: (11 minutes) This is a total body toning & cardio workout. Brook uses a 10 lb bell (I used a 10 or 15 # dumbbell). The moves are progressive & include: halo- oblique chop, side lunge- wood chop, squat w/ a snatch, dip w/ OH press, pliet swings, dip- side lunge- gun slinger (bicep), and travelling swings. This section is a nonstop (fun) sweatfest. Loved it!

I would rate this workout (done following Brook) as high intermediate, but you can easily follow a mod to get an easier or an advanced workout. I followed the advanced and I was dripping sweat by the end. Super unique workout with a great combination of moves. Brook is an awesome instructor- LOVED her energy, you can tell she is really enjoying herself right along with you, great cuing, and form pointers. The reason I really loved this w/o was because while being nice & challenging there is NO dread- Brook provides the perfect number of reps precisely sequenced to work you hard but with no dread. I received this dvd from Brook to review for this giveaway (who may just be a new favorite instructor).

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/03/brook-benten-cardio-pump-fusion-review.html

Cardiopump Fusion Review
By: Maria Garofalo McCauley, Huff & Buff

Cardiopump Fusion, with a total running time of 75 minutes, is a non-stop workout designed to give you maximum results with a fusion of workouts from a variety of disciplines. In this workout you will find kettlebells, yoga, kickboxing and plyometrics as well as bootcamp and sports drills. Led by instructor Brook Benten, Cardiopump Fusion is an intense workout that will challenge even the most advanced exerciser. Brook is joined in the workout by two background exercisers, one of which shows easier modifications to the exercises while the other shows a more advanced modification. Brook sticks with something in between. For the workout you will need a kettlebell, for the kettlebell workouts, and an exercise mat, for the yoga inspired warm-up.

Cardiopump Fusion consists of a Warm-Up, Fusion, Fusion Final Breakdown, Cardio Kettlebell, Kettlebell Crank and Cool Down. Each of these can be selected from the main menu, along with a Play All option. Also available on the DVD is an Introduction chapter where Brook covers the basics of kettlebell training as well as what to expect in the other workouts. The workout is extremely versatile; it is well-chaptered so you can mix and match any of the segments as well as play the workout in its entirety depending on your fitness level or time available to exercise.

Cardiopump Fusion begins with a ten-minute yoga derived warm-up. The warm-up serves to get the body warm and ready. It is yoga inspired with a vinyasa flow that includes upward dogs, downward dogs, push-ups, chair pose and lunges. Next up in the workout is Fusion, a twenty minute, no equipment necessary, cardio workout. This workout consists of four unique aerobic routines: sports drills, kickboxing and plyometrics, bootcamp and cardio kickboxing. Each of the routines is built individually and then combined in the six minute Fusion Final Breakdown. The final two workouts are kettlebell workouts. Cardio Kettlebell is lower body focused with traditional kettlebell exercises such as squats, basic swings, one-arm swings, alternating swings and deadlifts. Though it is only twelve minutes, Brook manages to thoroughly fatigue the lower body and keep the heart rate elevated. Kettlebell Crank is an advanced kettlebell workout. At eleven minutes, the workout is much more choreographed and uses the kettlebell with quick transitions in the workout. While you will still see many of the same exercises in this workout, Brook also includes halos, woodchops, side lunges, rear lunges and snatches. Cardiopump Fusion concludes with a ten minute cool down and stretch.

Cardiopump Fusion is an excellent mix of fun and intense workout styles that keeps the heart rate pumping, muscles on fire and energy level up. Brook Benten is an engaging lead, has a great personality and is extremely motivating. She cues well throughout the workout and shares plenty of tips and form pointers. She encourages the exerciser to work at his/her own pace, listen to their body and progress to the more advanced or full workout when ready. To learn more about Brook Benten, her other workouts and future projects, visit her website Cardiopump Fitness. You can also find Brook on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

http://www.huffandbuff.com/2011/02/16/cardiopump-fusion-giveaway/

Cardiopump Fusion Review
Denise Ruble, Video Fitness

This 65 minute total body blast combines the intensity of sports drills, plyometrics, bootcamp based moves and kickboxing to amp up the calorie burn. You’ll also experience power yoga, relaxing yoga (in the warmup/cooldown) and kettlebell “mini workouts”. The workout is chaptered nicely where you can choose to all the segments for one powerful workout or choose to do any segment you want (based on your time or needs).

The workout begins simple. The yoga is performed more quickly to prepare the body for any of the 3 more vigorous cardio segments. Brook has 2 background exercisers to assist her: Rachel, showing beginner modifications and Marilee, who bumps up the intensity throughout.

Cardiopump Fusion: Here you’ll need no equipment. Side steps with a lateral bound begin. Knee strikes add on. Plyo lunges follow. You’ll repeat this several times to each side. The next combo starts with a double step left and right. Add on a hook punch at the end, finishing with series of alternating hooks. Second pass through, repeat same combo but sub jabs for hooks. Basic squats with block and leap. Squat into burpees with vertical leap finishes this combo. Repeat this combo several times. Bootcamp combination is next. Power V-steps begin. Floor taps to tempo follow. Triple step into slow split lunges. Again, repeat the sequence for several rounds. Combo 4 is cardio kickboxing. Beginning with 3 shuffles right, 3 left–you’ll then change it to a “duck” on the return. Add 3 jabs and a cross (attack & retreat) to that move. Follow it with a right kick front, left kick back with optional hitch kick. Repeat this leading to left. Now
flow through this combination, right lead then left. Brook then puts together combinations 1-4 several times for a final blast!

Cardio Kettlebell: Lower Body Blast
(medium sized bell suggested)
Kettlebell swings with variations are included. (the deep squatting motion really getting into the muscles of the lower body effectively) You’ll see lunges and lunge switches (mountain climbers). Squats and stiff legged dead lifts are also shown. The combo’s never stop–the movement is continous to keep the heartrate up (and the fat burning)!

Kettlebell Crank: Full Body Conditioning
(light sized bell suggested)
This includes more advanced moves such as wood chops and snatches. Brook recommends trying this workout without any equipment to learn the moves properly before adding in the kettlebell. Halo’s with wood chops start the workout. Wood chops with lunge variations target the obliques. Overhead presses/clean & presses work shoulders. You’ll also see various swings, including Russian. This workout also moves continously, exerting more energy in a short time. (and the use of the large muscle groups of the lower body burn more calories!) Gunslinger targets the biceps.

The cooldown is yoga derived and is slower, more relaxing than the warmup. You’ll fully stretch the muscles you’ve worked with longer holds now that the body is warm from the workout. Great stretches!

Kettlebell: Butts & Guts Review
By: Lindsey Lu, Fitness for the Rest of Us

This all kettlebell workout is led by Brook in a cute gym set with 2 backgrounders, one shows modifications for most moves. You will need a 10-20 lb kettlebell for this workout. The dvd is chaptered very well & has good music. You will work up a great sweat while really targeting your buns!

Kettlebell Butts & Guts: (37 min) This is a heart pumping kettlebell workout. The kettlebell strength work in this provides a great cardio w/o w/ no impact or straight “cardio” work. Exercises include: swing variations, squat w/ an overhead push or toss, low runners lunge, gunslinger, pick up suitcase (weight), pliet w/ upright row, deadlifts, side lunges & dips while looping the bell around your legs, etc.

Fast-Track Express Kettlebell Butts & Guts: (16 min) This is condensed footage from the main workout (above) for days when you’re short on time.

Fast-Track Kettlebell Abs: (8 min) This is a floor ab/ core section that uses your kettlebell. Exercises includes: Russain twists, V sit variations, sit ups, leg extensions, oblique crunches, double leg extensions. Brook uses the kettlebell to enhance all these moves.

I am not a kettlebell pro so I used a 10 or 15 # dumbbell and it worked just fine. I really like that I can burn a ton of calories in a strength workout w/ no straight “cardio” moves and how functional kettlebell work is! This dvd has a ton of variety and can be combined in so many ways depending on your time/ energy level for the day. Brook is a fantastic lead- I adore her personality, great cuing, fun workouts. I can’t wait for more from her!

http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/02/brook-benten-kettlebell-butts-guts.html

KETTLEBELL: BUTTS & GUTS REVIEW
By: Maria Garofalo McCauley, Huff & Buff

Butts and Guts, with a total running time of 65 minutes is a non-stop kettlebell workout that will test your strength, endurance and cardio capacity. Led by instructor Brook Benten, Butts and Guts is an intense workout that will challenge even the most advanced exerciser. Brook is joined in the workout by two background exercisers, one of which shows easier modifications to the exercises while the other shows a more advanced modification. Brook sticks with something in between. For the workout you will need one kettlebell, for women a 10-20 pound kettlebell is recommended while men are encouraged to use a 15-30 kettlebell. You will need to determine the weight that is right for you based on your fitness level.

Butts and Guts consists of a Warm-up, Butts and Guts workout, Fast Track Express Butts and Guts, Fast Track Express Kettlebell Abs and a Cool-down. Each of these can be selected from the main menu, along with a Play All option. Also available on the DVD is an Introduction, Safety and Technique chapter where Brook goes over the basics of kettlebell training, proper form and execution of the exercises. The main Butts and Guts workout is approximately forty-five minutes while the Express workout is fifteen minutes and the Kettlebell Abs clocks in at around ten minutes.

Butts and Guts begins with a brief warm-up using the kettlebell but can be done without. The mainstay of the workout, and most kettlebell workouts, is the swing. Brook seamlessly transitions from double-arm swings, to one arm swings to alternating swings, effectively keeping the heart rate elevated. The workout also includes squats, deadlifts and a tough lunge sequence all done using the kettlebell. Many of the lower body moves also integrate upright rows or bent over rows so as not to neglect the upper body. The ten minute abdominal workout uses the kettlebell as a resistance tool and includes exercises that target the entire core. Butts and Guts also includes a short, efficient express workout for when you are short on time. Here you will find swings, lunges, burpees, upright rows and rows with side and rear lunges. It may be short and quick but it gets the job done!

Butts and Guts is a tough, non-stop kettlebell workout that keeps your heart rate elevated and your muscles on fire. Brook Benten is an engaging lead, has a pleasant disposition and is extremely motivating. She cues well throughout the workout and shares plenty of tips and form pointers. She encourages the exerciser to work at his/her own pace and to take breaks or rests as needed – advice I heeded a few times throughout the workout. To learn more about Brook Benten, her other workouts and future projects, visit her website Cardiopump Fitness. You can also find Brook on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

http://www.huffandbuff.com/2011/01/17/brook-benten-butts-guts-giveaway/