5/03/2010

Realizing the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: Choose format-CD ($69.95) Review

Eckhart Tolle takes a simple concept that we have all heard... live in the "now", not the past or future... but presents it in Audio in a compelling, life-changing way... somehow precisely defining and explaining every aspect but doing so in a zen-like, simple yet deeply complex way.I was introduced to this by a psychologist friend of mine and it has blessed my life.I have been able to access pure feelings I have not had since childhood.Tolle has a unique and thorough way of explaining things in English that is remarkable for a non-native speaker.A truly brilliant man who has considered every aspect.The only negative for me is that later parts of the presentation get into somewhat personal global philosophies that are not for everyone.The gist and true gems are presented in the first half and can be of value to anyone.

V. Granquist

Product Description


Perhaps you can recall a time when you felt more alive than at any other momentwhen you had a sudden recognition of beauty, a feeling of deep contentment, and a sense of connection with life greater than you had ever thought possible. And then, this fleeting moment was gone.

What if you could recapture that remarkable opening, and make it a consistent way of living in the world? Throughout Europe and North America, a man named Eckhart Tolle has emerged as a teacher with the unique ability to draw us into the awakened state he calls presence. With Realizing the Power of Now: An In-Depth Retreat with Eckhart Tolle, you have an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless dimensiona place within us that always is and ever will be beyond the turmoil of life, a world of calm beyond words, of joy that has no opposite.

Return to PresenceAgain and Again A walk in nature. A personal crisis. A moment of laughter. These can all serve as portals that take us to the depth and wonder of the Now. But how do we access these portals so that we dwell in presence more and more often? With Tolles guidance, you will discover many simple ways to leave behind the chaos and suffering of the mind-made world, and enter this state of serenity and grace. On Realizing the Power of Now, Eckhart will show you how to go beyond the endless stream of thoughts, and simply allow whatever is happening to occur ... use sense perceptions and your inner body to find a ...

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CIA 2804: Athletic Step Jam (2008) with Sharon Twombly Review

Let me begin by saying that you have to be somewhat to completely fit to do this (otherwise you'll find it frustrating - although it will give you something to work towards).Sharon is a terrific instructor - you learn basic pattern that you can always stick with or return to, and then adds things like direction change and slides etc.
After a warmup, there is a step routine for about 60 minutes and that is followed by aerobic/toning interval training (using a stability ball).The choreography is not too challenging (although if you already have two left feet you'll be in trouble) and the pace is fast.I find that this is really geared for advanced exercisers and while I'm reasonably fit, it is still a challenge to get through all in one go for the first couple of times.
Sharon is friendly and motivating and this workout is fun.I really enjoy it and have done it a couple of times and feel good afterwards.I think you'll like it a lot if you are a step fan and if you are fit.You will burn calories for sure and have fun doing it.I highly recommend this.

Product Description
"Athletic Step Jam? is a powerhouse cardio step workout that uses 32-64 count choreography with an athletic flair. This workout demands maximum cardio output throughout the workout. The workout features high and low impact versions of the choreography throughout the entire workout, encouraging exercisers of all fitness levels to join in the fun. This DVD includes a BONUS Stability Ball Workout for quick and effective cardio/strengthening of the entire body. AS WITH ALL CIA DVDs, THIS DVD HAS MULTIPLE PRE-MIXES WHICH UTILIZE DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF THE CHOREOGRAPHY TO BETTER TAILOR THE WORKOUT TO MEET INDIVIDUAL FITNESS GOALS.

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Giant Xtra Vertical Knee Raise Review

I spent a couple hours shopping around for a dip/pull up station.I knew I wanted one that is comfortable and the yukon station definitely is that.The leg raise station and chair back is well made and comfortable.I also read about certain stations where the pull up bar was positioned too close to the bar that holds up the leg raise chair back.This is not the case for the yukon station.I feel comfortable doing pull ups and even rocking my legs backwards/forwards while using it.By far the best station on the market in my mind.

Product Description
This extra heavy duty machine allows you to do work many body parts!

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Super-Hex Dumbbell 20 lb Review

Dumbbells came quickly with a reasonable shipping cost. I ordered a pair, one is 100% sturdy and the second one does a little shift where the weight meets the "handle" but it's not so severe that I plan on doing anything about it. Overall, good purchase and vendor.



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5/02/2010

Gaiam Walking Fit Kit Review

My mom says she loves it and uses it all the time!

Product Description
Power walking meets its match with Gaiam's Walking Fit Kit. This motivating three-dimensional workout helps builds cardio fitness, total-body strength, and flexibility. Set includes three 20-minute workouts on VHS using included soft-grip hand weights and fitness strap; walking cues and multi-tempo music tracks on 60-minute audio CD.

About Gaiam
Gaiam was created as a lifestyle company with the vision that, given a choice, people would choose a lifestyle that is healthy and life enhancing, for themselves, their families and the Earth. The Gaiam lifestyle is a vote for individual health as well as the future sustainability of the Earth's resources. Gaiam strives to provide customers with alternatives to traditional products by offering natural, eco-friendly or healthy versions that compare with the style, quality and price of conventional products.

Gaiam's goal is to become the trusted source and unifying brand for Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) participants. They understand that the opportunity to affect people's lives with information and products is both a privilege and a responsibility. Gaiam believes in the concept of Conscious Commerce, the practice of making purchasing decisions based on personal values and beliefs. It takes into consideration all the aspects of our lives and the impact we have upon the planet. Research indicates this concept appeals to approximately 50 million people in the U.S. alone. Gaiam's strategy in delivering the distinctive quality for which they are known is to partner with experts in health/wellness, eco-living and personal development to develop proprietary products that meet our customers' needs with meaningful solutions.

The name GAIAM is a fusion of the words Gaia (the name of Mother Earth from the Minoan civilization in ancient Crete), and I am reminds us that we are all interconnected with the Earth, the air and water, and very much a part of this living system that sustains us all.

What's in the Box?
60-minute VHS video with workouts, two 3-pound hand weights, fitness strap, 60-minute audio CD



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Goaler One 8' Slideboard with Medium Booties - Roll-up Review

I like slideboards.I enjoy the exercise, it gets my heart rate up better than an exercise bike, and slideboards can roll up for easy storage, very important since I live in a small condo.The Goaler One slideboard has only one thing going for it: the bumpers are very solid and securely lock into the sliding surface.They are hard though.I put on some strips of foam on the inside edge to cushion the shock, and that helped a bit.

The sliding surface requires some furniture polish.I used spray Pledge.It's very squeaky.I could never get rid of the horrid sound.Some polishes made it worse than others.But no matter what I did, this was never a quiet board.The included booties made the squeaking 10 times worse.I used an older, flimsier pair from another slideboard for a quieter exercise.

The bumpers fit into holes pre-cut into the surface.There's a hole on each side and one in the center.There's something like 3 sets of holes on each end making this slideboard fairly adjustable.If you attach the bumpers at the far ends, this design means that you are sliding over several center holes.You can seen the wear on your carpet where your feet go side back and forth over the carpet.Perhaps using a cheap carpet runner under the board would have solved this issue.

After less than 6 months of semi-regular use, the sliding surface around the inner most holes began to crack.I guess it's not for use on regular household carpet. Too much cushion underneath and the surface bends, and your foot catches the edge of the hole, and eventually it cracks.

Too bad, it had a fairly promising design.I could overlook the noise, but the cracking surface makes this unusable.I gave this two stars because it might be just fine on a hard flat surface - something I don't have in my condo.

Product Description
A lightweight roll-up slide board.Benefits/Use:Lateral training can improve power, change of direction, balance, agility, speed, flexibility and endurance.Specifications:Standard Slide Board: 8'long 20" Wide Use on either hard or carpeted surfaces.

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Body Solid Pro Club Line SDC2000G2 Dual Cable Column with Dual 235-Pound Weight Stacks Review

This unit is very heavy gauge metal and extremely durable.It is comparable to professional Gym equipment.Assembly was a bit tedious, as the directions were a bit lacking.Just diagrams to go by.Assembly took 2 people about 4 hours but was well worth it.This is a excellent cable column for the price.

Product Description
Pro Club Dual Cable Column In only a 3 ft x 4 ft area, you can perform an unlimited amount of exercises that will sculpt your body into statuesque form, safely and quickly. Dual 235 Lb. weight stacks offer a resistance range fit for beginners and professional athletes alike. With a simple pop pin adjustment, the vertically adjustable pulleys can be set for over 100 exercises at a level that is comfortable for any size user. When it comes to stability and durability, Body Solid can not be beat with heavy gauge 2" x 4" mainframe construction and aircraft quality cables and pulleys.

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