Slideboards are a great way to activate a wide range of muscles in a unique and no-impact way. Traditionally you think of the lateral motion used by ice skaters and hockey players but as you can see in the video below, slideboards are great for doing regular lunges forward and back, side lunges and the lateral slides.

Slide board workouts are very efficient as they engage large muscle groups and your core at the same time – you can burn around 225 calories in a single 20 minute workout.

If you don’t want to actually get a full slide board system you can purchase Valslides and use them on regular carpeted surfaces as well as tile or linoleum. Valslides come in a travel bag making them perfect for workouts anywhere and when you are limited on space – even in your hotel room.

Both slide board training and its more portable option, the Valslide, are excellent tools for mixing up your workouts and developing long, lean muscles.

Enter Kettleworx.

Kettleworx is a series of DVD workouts using kettlebells – a weighted ball with a handle that has been around for years but has made a resurgence recently due to the efficiency of the workout. Kettlebell training uses more muscles at once which revs up your body’s fat burning capacity.

About one month ago I started the 6-Week Kettleworx DVD program – all I need is a kettlebell (I started with a 5lb. one and will move up to a 10 lb. kettlebell in January), some floor space and 20 minutes, 3 times a week. And while I found 3 times a week was all I could handle at first, I have learned to love the additional 10 minute Fast Burn video workouts and have fun adding them in as I have the time.

WEEK 1 – I just had to try it.

The first week I started with the 5lb. kettlebell and the Cardio Week 1 workout. I made it through the workout with relative ease – I really liked the fact that the workout is NO IMPACT – but certainly worked up a sweat. About two hours after doing the workout I began to really feel it! And the next morning my legs were seriously sore. However, the soreness went away pretty quickly and after the third workout I didn’t really feel as sore.

I gave myself a day of rest and then did the Resistance Week 1 workout. The focus of this workout is toning your muscles all over and getting stronger. Another rest day and then the Core Week 1 workout – this one focuses on your center – your abs, back and trunk. I have to say I love all the core and ab exercises and am already noticing a difference in the muscle tone on my stomach.

Week 2 – Coming back for more.

In week 2 I did the Resistance on Monday, Fast Burn Abs on Tuesday (it is only 10 minutes and works your stomach like you would not believe), Cardio on Wednesday, rested Thursday and did Resistance on Friday.

Week 3 – Starting to see results.

By the third week of workouts with Kettleworx, I was able to notice my jeans felt much looser! Woo hoo! Five more pounds are gone, my clothes are looser and I am loving the Kettleworx workouts. Each workout is different, easy to follow and leave you feeling as if you have accomplished something!!

Week 4 – I can finally do pushups again.

Did you know that one of the favorite workout tools of choice for the team at The Biggest Loser tv show is kettlebells? They know its benefits – no impact, high efficiency and it helps build strength. I can attest to the additional strength I have acquired. Four weeks ago I could barely eek out a single “girly” pushup. Last night I was able to do 15 real pushups – not girly ones either.

Week 5, 6 and beyond

I am far from reaching my goal at this point, but I will say, the Kettleworx workout is the first workout plan that has been able to keep my interest for more than a week in a LONG time. The workouts are all different – no getting bored. The instructor, Ryan, has a great dry sense of humor and encouraging presence – its like having your own personal trainer. AND the biggest motivator for me to continue the program is the results – I can see the results and can’t wait to watch the transformation continue over the next few months.

Watch this video on the Kettleworx workout – then give it a try! If this super busy, forty something Mom of three can do it, SO CAN YOU!

PS – Use the coupon code KWSAVE to get 10% off your order. Your body will love you for it!!

Disclaimer: Always consult a physician before starting a new fitness program. Also, I was given the Kettleworx DVD set to review, however, I purchased my own kettlebell and my opinions of the program are not influenced by me receiving the DVD to review. This truly is the most complete, efficient and fun workout program I have found yet!