This is my official review on Flavia’s Full-Body-Licious fitness program.

I purchased Flavia’s program in June because I liked the fact that it is specifically designed for women (There are plenty of fitness programs presumably meant for both sexes, but I think they are usually targeted for men rather than women).

The other reason for getting the program is Flavia’s well-sculpted but feminine body (the kind I wouldn’t mind having myself) and likeable personality. (I hope likeable is a real word….).

Like the name says, Flavia’s program is a full-body fitness program that consists of five weekly workouts. Each workout lasts about an hour, and you can either do the workouts in the gym using gym equipment (probably easier) or you can do them at home. If you do the program at home, you need at least the following equipment:

1.    resistance band (with handles)
2.    set of dumbbells
3.    an exercise ball
4.    piece of sturdy furniture you can step up on.

Flavia’s Full-Body-Licious Program – An Inside Peek

I made a short desktop video to show you what you get if you purchase Flavia’s program. There are a couple of short peeks into actual workouts.

My Experience with Flavia’s Program

Time for the pros and cons!

I did like Flavia’s program, but there was one thing that made it frustrating: my fitness level just wasn’t high enough. Even though I tried my best and modified the program to suit my level, I got tired of struggling with the workouts.

Eventually I called it quits and decided to get back to the program after my fitness level has improved– that’s probably after I’ve reached my 10 military push ups goal. :-)

What I did like about Flavia’s program is that it’s well-rounded: it exercises every body part and you’re unlikely to get bored because each workout is different. Also, there were plenty of new movements I haven’t seen anywhere else. My favorite was the “dumbbell curtsy” aka Reverse Lunge Cross with DB Raise.

* Also,I love the fact that even though Flavia’s program is designed for women in mind it doesn’t mean it’s some easy peasy program for folks who just want to lie on the  floor and take it easy. *

In a nutshell:  Do you want a kick-butt workout that gives you a well-sculpted but feminine body? Click here to get Flavia’s program.

Best Wishes,

Originally, I was going to look for new walking shoes, but when I arrived at the store I couldn’t resist the temptation to try on some toning shoes. I picked the best three brands to discuss here.

I don’t “believe” in toning shoes, if believing means toning shoes are supposed to help you burn more calories than you otherwise would (it’s just a clever marketing trick).

What probably happens, is that toning shoes help recruit different leg muscles than what you usually use.  If you use them long enough, you might even end up toning your butt, thigh and calf muscles. (My muscles have definitely toned up since I started walking regularly 5 months ago).

Reebok Easytone Reenew Toner

My first pick is Reebok’s Easytone Reenew toning shoes. They look like standard walking shoes until you check the soles. The soles come with three air-filled pads that are supposed to make walking with them simulate walking on an unstable surface.

I was surprised at how comfortable the shoes felt and how well they supported my feet. The shoes look quite stylish too, especially the black and silver pair: I could see myself wearing them for work. The only minus was a clunking sound they make on hard floors.

Ryka Reform Toning Shoes For Women

As soon as I put Ryka Reform shoes on my feet and walked around in them, I knew they were a perfect fit. My feet are flat, narrow at the heel but wide at the forefoot, so it’s often difficult for me to find shoes that fit well. This pair of Ryka shoes fit my feet like gloves and still gave enough support for my arches. They were very comfortable to walk in, like I wasn’t wearing shoes at all.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Ryka brand, Ryka is a Finnish brand that designs fitness and sporting shoes exclusively for women. Compared with the other two brands, Ryka’s Reform toning shoes are bulky – they remind me of the original masai barefoot shoes with a thick heel and rounded forefoot.

If one could marry a pair shoes, I’d have married the Rykas then and there. :-)

New Balance’s True Balance Toning Shoes

Wearing the New Balance toning shoes felt a bit odd at first, because they force you to walk in an upright position and they have a very “springy” feel to them. Compared with the Rykas,  the toe box is narrow.

On the plus side, the New Balance’s Toning shoes were definitely the most stylish of the three brands. I especially liked the fresh and vibrant colors.

My Verdict

If it was possible, I would cross-breed the Rykas (for fit and comfort) with the New Balance shoes (for style). Because it’s not , the Ryka Reform toning shoes were my number one choice.

Overall, I was positively surprised by the toning shoes I tried. I think they were all very comfortable and fit for walking. If you’re looking for comfortable walking shoes, take a look at the toning shoes too.

[alert] Click here to check Amazon offers on Ryka Reform shoes[/alert]

Best,