A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a piece of software called FitnessBliss Bells, and wanted me to review it and share my opinion.
FitnessBliss Bells is part of the FitnessBliss suite of software - FitnessBliss (for fitness enthusiasts), FitnessBliss Pro (for Personal Trainers), FitnessBliss Bow (for Bowflex users), FitnessBliss Cross (for CrossBow users) and FitnessBliss Bells (dumbbell exercises).
FitnessBliss Bells, as stated above, is specifically tailored for dumbbell exercises - and no, it does not do the exercises for you. In a nutshell, FitnessBliss Bells (let’s call it FBB for short, shall we?) is a piece of software that helps you to come up with your dumbbell workout routine based on your preferences, such as:
- your goals
- desired muscle group to exercise for the day
- availability of workout equipment
and then print out a fully illustrated copy of your personalised routine. The printed sheets have detailed instructions to execute the exercise, useful tips to execute them, and a reminder of the muscles being targeted for every workout. Besides the obvious dumbbell weight training exercises, the software also allows you to include in your routine your choice of cardio workouts and dynamic/static stretches for before and after your workout. FBB also has a progress log that you can use to track your progress as time goes by - progress is an excellent motivator as it allows you to measure real progress - it should be part of every effective workout routine. Or, if you like, you could also choose from a number of pre-configured workout routines to add some variety to your own routine.
FBB is ideal for those who prefer the variety of dumbbells, and even those who own a home gym, or the majority of you who have a pair of dumbbells lying around at home. In my opinion, FBB would be pretty helpful to those who are inclined to learn/grasp things better visually, and to those who are new to working out with dumbbells.
There are 3 different ways that people tend to learn from - some learn through experience/kinesthetic methods (trying out the exercise for themselves), some people learn effectively by listening to step-by-step instructions, and then there are those who learn more effectively visually. FitnessBliss Bells is something that would prove more useful to those who are more inclined to learn visually.
Honestly, I don’t think that a seasoned fitness pro would be the kind of person using such a tool. In my opinion, FBB can prove to be really useful during one’s early stages of weight training - helping to increase the variety of exercises performed and also helping to create a more structured workout routine.
Just like the amount of detail and care that has gone into authoring the software, the website too has a detailed explanation on all of the features I’ve mentioned, and much MORE. Also, there is a fully functional demo available for download for FREE at the site, so you’ve got no excuse NOT to try it - you’ve got nothing to lose.
Look around your gym anytime, and you’ll notice that the dumbbell racks are always much less of a favourite among gym goers - and people tend to stick to machines and barbells. Thought there’s nothing wrong there, you should know that exercising with dumbbells has its many benefits as well (improved balance/coordination, greater recruitment of stabilizing muscles, greater variety, etc). And if you’re wondering what I’m wondering… well, YES, it IS possible to get a complete body workout just with dumbbells alone.
If you’re serious about making fitness part of your lifestyle, investing in a set of decent dumbbells can also be a cost effective way of building a decent home gym that will cater to your needs.
Above all - don’t forget that an excellent piece of software or a shiny pair of dumbbells alone will not get your body well toned and in great shape - you will need to adhere to your program, have the discipline to weight train and do your cardio workouts regularly, and eat a healthy and balanced diet. That.. is the ultimate key to experience results.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Has anyone ever watched the exercise program on Discovery Home & Health that runns every morning? They’ve got some serious muscle toning workout regiment to be followed at home, and quite easy too.
anomie101: Don’t know about the others … but I’ve never watched it. In fact.. I can’t remember when was the last I ever watched anything on TV. That’s sad.
Btw, how have you been? You’re in Australia now right?
Ive been good :). Thanks for asking! I’m back for summer hols until the end of Feb.
How’s it going with your job seeking?
anomie101: That’s a long break! My job seeking? No progress.. but that’s simply because I haven’t really been spending much time looking for anything too.
Been preoccupied with the workload i presume? :) That’s alright..one step at a time.
Shazly Khan who wrote that article during the fasting month, apparently, he works at FF Manulife. I never noticed..
You know you should write about instructors who aren’t fit or enthusiastic enough to teach a GX class. Has some bad experience with a few lately.
anomie101: Yeah, work’s been killing me - it’s so annoying how the end of the year can sometimes be the busiest!
As for Shazly, yes, he does work at FF Manulife. I chose not to reveal that prominently on the writeup. He’s usually there in the mornings only. How did you come to know? Been to Manulife lately?
GX glasses have never been a part of my routine… so I have no first hand experience in seeing what you have mentioned, but then again, I’m not surprised that it happens. If you were to ask me, being a group instructor (or personal trainer as well) involves genuine passion - one can’t do it just for the sake of having a job, cos they’ll eventually burn out. The job of a GX instructor is also very demanding and requires that they themselves practice what they preach and live a healthy lifestyle, otherwise.. it will slowly start to show, like you have noticed.
Perhaps you’d like to share more about your experience? Anyone else out there got things to share?
I can’t write to save my own life, but I’ll definitely consider it because I’m pretty sure this is a very generic problem, faced by serious members who attend classes with great expectations, only to be disappointed halfway through by inexperienced, inconsiderate instructors.
I was actually a home member at Manulife for nearly two years. Only recently, I decided to upgrade my membership to Passport so I can hop around. But as a matter of convenience, I go to Manulife more often than any other club as it is the closest to where I’m staying.
I know you do too and I KNOW you know what I look like :P
So if you ever see me there, you know what to do. LOL.
anomie101: :P
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