Although my stomach rumbled I quickly opened the box like a kid at Christmas, inside was a total body transformation guide. Right I said resolutely, this will be my Bible for the next two weeks; I will eat, sleep and think Zumba. To get me started the guide contained training tips, a stretch guide, a fat loss programme and much more. The pack also contained 4 DVDs and two big green batons that could have been mistaken for a couple of grown-up baby rattles.

The 4 DVDs were enticingly labelled……

• Basics and 20 minute express (20 mins..no sweat..well actually hopefully so!)
• Cardio party (I love a party….party on!)
• Sculpt and tone (my body is a temple, my body is a temple)
• Live! And flat abs (Flat Abs? I want rippling Abs)

The packs not only came in English but also Dutch, Spanish, French and Italian. I quickly chose the English version, languages was never my forte, let’s hope Zumba is!

So let’s get to it….Pre party process included making sure that my flat was empty, I closed all the curtains and dimmed the lights, I wasn’t sure how bad I was going to be at this and I didn’t want any witnesses (however I did phone my Mum and ask her to call and check on me in an hour or 2! I’ve not done that since college)

Basics and 20 minute express

I was wondering how on earth I was going to cope with the quick moves and the fast music but the DVD took me through each step and the basics of them, very slowly. Some might argue too slowly but at least it was thorough, I was confident within minutes. The steps were simplified and really easy to manage. I can now declare I’m an expert in the ‘booty circle’ and the ‘diamond step.’

The DVD started with an introduction to the creator of Zumba which gave it a great personal touch. The presenters went through the routines enough times to get the hang of them. There were also handy hints throughout the DVD such as, ‘the higher your hands, the more calories you burn’ which I considered helpful and informative. I was aware how ridiculous I looked, I hadn’t taken dance lessons since I was 10 years old but I didn’t care, I was enjoying myself.

The steps were introduced which helped associate moves with their name. Marching between steps was encouraged which was a great way to keep moving whilst slowing the heart rate- at some points it was needed!

The 20 minute DVD was broken down into four sets of five minutes and concentrated on different dances which gave the workout variety and kept it interesting.

Cardio party

The cardio party took the workout to another level. There’s an option which enables you to play the workout with or without the rhythm refreshers. I was impressed with the rhythm refresher as it served as a little reminder in case the steps became tricky. There was an option to return to the workout at any time so this did not interfere with the programme. At times the steps got a little too quick for me, so this was helpful and gave me extra confidence that I was doing it correctly. The presenters mentioned the names of the steps as they performed them which helped become familiar with the lingo. There were small breaks in between themes such as Salsa, Cumbia and American Mix (which was my particular favourite). American mix was similar to line dancing and was so good I almost searched for my Dolly Parton wig. The cardio party incorporated all the steps we had learnt in the initial basics video. It was actually motivating to see what I had learned in such a short period of time; educational as well eh? Who’d of thought!

As there were separate sections of the workout new steps were introduced throughout the 3 hours of the DVD so it didn’t feel repetitive in the slightest and it was surprisingly tiring. I always thought these DVDs were the glamorous way to keep fit, the only way you could exercise in the comfort of your own home with a burger in one hand and a dumbbell in the other without getting any funny looks. How wrong was I? Halfway though I felt as if I’d run a marathon. The presenter simplified the movements so it seemed less daunting during the fast paced sections of the workout. He used hypothetical situations such as ‘move like you’re drying yourself with a towel.’ Saying that out loud seems bizarre now but it seemed completely appropriate at the time. The constant hip rolling made it look more complicated than it actually was. The cardio work out was very high energy, you never stop moving so if you’re looking for an easy ride I’d stick with the 20 minute express, or not bother at all.

Sculpt and tone

The sculpt and tone was a medium workout. The toning sticks (maracas, in my book) made the workout different and as they made a sound when moved, they helped to identify if you were moving your arms correctly. They were a great addition and gave some variation to the workout after completing the cardio party.

Evidently I’m enjoying myself:

Become a Zumba instructor

I was intrigued by the ‘become a Zumba instructor’ option but I was a little disappointed when it just directed me to a website.  I’m not sure I’m practiced enough to visit that website yet (I’ll stick to www.iwantoneofthose.com instead)

Results

I could definitely feel myself getting fitter in the sense I was less out of breath after only a couple of days of using the DVDs daily. It’s also made me more motivated to do more and sit less – sounds cliché but it’s true. After a week it definitely became easier to move; dance steps almost became second nature. I felt I was becoming fitter although I think it would need to be practiced for longer to get real physical results. At least it was fun, I find going to the gym each day seems to get so boring and tedious. I am now able to move for longer time periods and I’m not out of breathe after walking to the office vending machine (not for chocolate, obviously!) It’s something that I will continue to practice at home and I would even contemplate going to a class to see the difference, especially as I feel I know the moves and the steps that go with them.

Cool down

The cool down was slow movements, the lights were dimmed and it was actually quite relaxing. Breathing control was encouraged and it was a great end to the workout, it rounded the DVD off fantastically.

Overall

Overall I think this is a great product, however to be perfectly honest I thought it was a little cheesy at times (or maybe I’m just miserable in my old age). The bright lights on the set made it look somewhat out-dated but the content of the DVD and the organisation was fantastic, it did the job. I think it would be great to learn with friends as it’s fun, enjoyable and easy. What’s great about the presenters is they are so enthusiastic, it does rub off on you. They constantly encourage you to listen to the music to ensure your rhythm is right, they count you into your steps to ensure your timing is correct, as well as the obligatory ‘very good,’ ‘keep going’ as a motivational attempt. The males in the video didn’t look out of place therefore I think it’s great for both sexes, depending on how open minded your other half is! Overall, I would say this DVD is a great way to have fun and dance away the pounds. It’s a mix between dance and aerobics and I must say, I liked the mix.

So what does Zumba score?

Ease of use: 4/5

Value for Money: 5/5

Best bits: Sculpt and tone

Worst bits: The basics

Would you recommend to a friend?: Yes. I would love to do it with a friend as well.

Click here to buy Zumba from IWOOT

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/10528769.html

Need to get back into the swing of things this year?

Spring cleaning, drinking less or giving to charity. What was your New Year’s resolution? If you’re anything like the rest of us it will include all of these, along with the most popular New Year’s resolution  - to shed the pounds and fight the fat.

The question is; is it one of those fads that will last all of 2 weeks? The takeaway menus tend to creep out again, chocolate and biscuits lurk in every nook and cranny. Even your favourite restaurants seem to have mouth watering offers.

This year we are determined to find one thing that we will actually stick at, something that won’t get packed back in the loft with the tree and tinsel. Something that would make you want to get up off the sofa, swap them slippers for trainers and get us rocking like Rocky (whilst singing the eye of the tiger, obviously)!

Want to “move fast and have fun” this January?

The popularity of Zumba Fitness has become a worldwide phenomenon, it’s just jumped up and slapped us in the face. Zumba seemed to come from nowhere and now is arguably the most renowned fitness program, enabling millions of fans worldwide to say Hola to living the Latino life; for at least  30 mins each day.

If you’ve heard all the hype but wanted to know, ‘does it really work?’ or ‘is it as fun as everyone says it is?’, we’ll give you an honest account of what we really think. We’ll measure the progress and see if this Zumba lark really works!

So why is Zumba so good? Here’s the Science bit…

You may have heard a lot about Zumba, but did you know it was only created in the 1990s? According to our big, purple Spanish dictionary Zumba translates to “move fast and have fun.” Inspired by Latin dance, it targets areas such as the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and the heart (so pretty much every part of the body then) places we may not have felt since October and the onslaught of office dos?!

Let’s say Hola to Olivia

A member of the IWOOT team kindly stepped up (or nipped out on the brew round) and was volunteered to be our guinea pig. We weren’t sure how she would respond to being termed any kind of pig but we hope that at the end of this process she will feel less Miss Piggy and more like Olivia the fit, fun dancing Queen from Brazil (ahem via Blackpool).

So, let us get introduced to Olivia IWOOT, a slightly loopy member of the team, and let’s get started on the challenge… 

Olivia is long, tall and slim, despite largely eating what she wants, when she wants! She is now reaching the tender age of 22 and starting to notice the effects of adults having no playgrounds to tear around. Although she doesn’t mind exercising (when she really, really has to) she would prefer to reintroduce some fun rather than peddling for 3 miles on the spot in the gym (where the scenery has been known to become monotonous).

Olivia seems the perfect candidate to trial Zumba Fitness, the 20 minute express routine.  Currently she knows more about chorizo and cervezas than tempo and tambourines but she will report her progress, the pros and cons of Zumba Fitness, and whether or not it leads to a total body transformation! Hedge your bets, notify the relevant emergency departments and let the challenge commence!

Come back frequently for an honest review of how she is getting on (along with photographic evidence) plus if you are the voice of experience we want to hear from you. Have you tried Zumba? Did it leave you full of zest or merely zzzzz?

Visit IWOOT to feast your eyes on our awesome range of fitness gadgets.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/offers/get-fit.list

Here at IWOOT, we offer an amazing range CEWE PHOTOBOOKS, wall art,  posters, greeting cards,  calendars, photo gifts and prints all of which you can completely personalise. This makes them perfect Christmas gifts to recapture and share your favourite memories- or to ensure a certain somebody re-lives that ‘ground- please swallow me up’ moment, everyday! With this in mind photo gifts can be given as an ideal Christmas gift in both a genuine or light hearted way.

You can start the day with a hot mug of coffee with  a funny pic of yourself-splattered all over it, carry your favourite family photo in the shape of a bag or do your planning on a calendar featuring that amazing holiday, a different image every month.  You can even plaster your best angry face or a pointy finger all over your beloved stationary to ensure it never mysteriously disappears ever again!

What’s more we are offering buy one get one HALF PRICE on all photo gifts until 4th December 2011, just enter discount code MYPRESENT at the checkout.  What are you waiting for? Click here

It’s the ideal gift solution, specially personalised to the recipient to make it even more awesome!

CEWE PHOTOBOOKS

CEWE PHOTOBOOKS are the latest version of the photo album, an awesome gift for friends or family to tell a visual story of your adventures. You could kill two birds with one stone (please note, we do not endorse killing birds) and get two Christmas gifts in the bag with our latest CEWE PHOTOBOOK offer.  Buy one get one HALF PRICE on all PHOTOBOOKS with discount code MEMORY, this offer ends 15th December 2011.

So if you’re having the annual struggle of finding something out of the ordinary for your favourite person get on board with IWOOT photo gifts. The ideal solution to ensure your gift is displayed proudly and not left in a dusty corner this Christmas.

Greeting cards

Don’t get us wrong Christmas is our FAVORITE time of year but aren’t you bored of the same old Christmas cards? It’s usually St Chris squeezing down the chimney or our old mate Frosty standing proud in the snow. This year it’s time for a change! Get your greeting cards in all shapes and sizes and ensure your Crimbo card makes it to the very front of the mantelpiece.

Posters and canvases

So, you’ve had your snaps printed and the best one framed but it just doesn’t have the impact you had originally hoped. Send it over to IWOOT and we will ensure your best pic takes centre stage, get it printed on canvas or in poster format to guarantee nobody misses it.

Late night shopping (after working solidly since 9am) usually consists of circling the car park for 30 minutes, like an eagle to its pray. It’s then time for the desperate dash to the shopping centre, narrowly missing a torrential downpour. Then, into the sea of consumers all frantically rushing around, laden with heavy bags and usually screaming children.

Whilst prams crash into your ankles and ‘All I want for Christmas’ is played for the 17,485th time all you can possibly think of is a cup of tea, your slippers and the comfort of your own home… 

Luckily for you, IWOOT is here to offer you a warm and peaceful alternative to Christmas shopping this year. We have loads of pre Crimbo bargains such as our 3 gifts for £20 offer and under £20 list meaning you don’t have to wait for the Christmas sales to get an awesome buy.

We’ve made it easier and more convenient to do your Christmas shopping, our Christmas shop is now LIVE.

Check it out here: http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/seo/christmas.list 

Here at the IWOOT Christmas shop you will find gifts for him, gifts for her and gifts for kids we also have the most wanted for Christmas, secret Santa and  stocking fillers.

Here at IWOOT we have laid it out on a plate for you and what’s more we offer FREE UK delivery!

Visit IWOOT for everything you need this Christmas.

  Str-app yourself in for the new awesome app toyz range, the must have toys this Christmas available at www.iwantoneofthose.com

 The App Blaster, The App Wheel, The App Copter and The App Racer follow on from the mobile phone app phenomenon we have seen in recent years. The App Toyz provide an interactive gaming experience that brings FREE apps to life.

 So we know our opinion – they are truly awesome! But what does the press say…?

The App blaster

The App blaster is the world’s first interactive gun for gaming! This is a gun which houses the iPod/iPhone in your viewfinder, giving you the best in viewing and gaming experience. Using the camera on your device you can turn your bedroom, lounge, office or local park into a frontline battlefield protecting your surroundings of oncoming aliens, just simply shoot the aliens using the gun’s two triggers and tilt the gun back to reload. Keep a sharp look out, they could be behind you!

The App Wheel 

You can use the App Wheel along with any driving app to deliver the most realistic driving experience EVER! Ever thought you were a racing driver? Prove your skills in any racing game currently on iTunes. Plug the phone into the AppWheel and feel as if you were at the wheel. Don’t forget to indicate.

 The AppCopter 

The AppCopter – a gyro stabilised 3 channel helicopter controlled using your iPhone or iPod Touch. Together with a unique ergonomic peripheral you will be able to turn this into the most intuitive remote control ever!

 The AppRacer

App-tastic racing…The AppRacer is an ‘off road buggy’ style car that works together with the unique ergonomic peripheral (as used with the AppCopter) and turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into an awesome remote control car.

 ……………………………………………………………………….

Apps for the AppToyz can be downloaded free from an iPhone or and iPod Touch app store today. The interactive toys are individually priced, the App Blaster is priced at £19.99, The App Wheel is £9.99, the App Copter is £59.99 and the App Racer is £54.99.

It’s not everyday that a competition comes along giving you the chance to win over 2,000 of the coolest gadgets and gifts in time for Christmas. But that is exactly what’s happening on www.iwantoneofthose.com. We’re seriously going to give one lucky person one of everything on our site.

All you have to do to be in with a chance of being that lucky person is to text AWESOME to 84383. Texts cost £1 but your third entry is FREE.

This is definitely going to be the most awesome competition this Christmas. Who else gives you the chance to win 2 new iPad 2’s, a PS3 (320GB), an Xbox 360 (250GB), a Nintendo 3DS, a Seajet and a £4,500 Villain chair. Oh and enough experience days to enjoy one every weekend for the next year, plus tens of thousands of pounds worth of other prizes. You can see a full list of prizes over at http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/articles/win/prize-list.list.

Just think what you’d be able to do with all those prizes. You could give everyone you know a truly awesome Christmas gift. You could keep them all to yourself and have one heck of a year playing with all the new gadgets and gizmos. Or you could stick a chunk of it on eBay and get enough money for a deposit on a house – this prize is seriously that BIG.

To see the full list of terms and conditions visit www.iwantoneofthose.com/win

One lucky entrant can win one of each product in this list worth an amazing £85,000.

So, it’s that time of year, our favourite time of year! No, not Christmas, just yet but its Chocolate week! Each year chocolate week is celebrated 10-16 October and involves seven whole days of indulging in your favourite chocolate- guilt free. Did you know: one plain milk chocolate bar contains more protein than a banana? We hope to see all bananas’ being banished from lunch boxes all week (not recommended by your doctor!)

Here at IWOOT we are self-confessed chocoholics, we’re giving away FREE (yes, free) chocolate shots with every purchase over £40, just enter CHOCSHOT at the checkout, valid until 31st October 2011 or whilst stocks last.

Especially made for us by Rococo Chocolates in London and packed as a set of twelve in a lovely box, Choc Shots are the ultimate finish to any evening and drinking almost any liqueur out of them is utterly dreamy.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/gifts/gifts/chocolate-and-sweets.list

Chocolate Week has been voted the nation’s favourite themed week, and with heavenly chocolate experiences happening across the country it’s no wonder!

To help celebrate the release of Just Dance 3 – which sees the massively popular Nintendo Wii series appear on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 for the first time – we are offering one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Katy Perry perform live in concert in Cardiff later this month. The ‘California Dreams’ tour hits Cardiff International Arena on October 19th. Just Dance 3 (which features Katy’s hit song ‘California Gurls’) is due for release on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii on October 11th.

To be in with a shot at winning this pair of tickets, simply answer the following question…

Who is Katy Perry married to?

-Russell Grant

-Nicholas Lyndhurst

-Russell Brand

To enter the competition please leave your answers in the comments box below.

Competition closes October 2011.

Avoid unexpected charges with Free UK Delivery!

How frustrating is it when you have carefully handpicked an item, studied it thoroughly, entered every detail you have and then when you arrive at the checkout…delivery costs more than your order? We know everyone loves a freebie so we now deliver all our quirky, crazy and unconventional items FREE! 

Last minute gift then pick Next Day delivery!

Whether you’re too excited to wait or in a rush to meet a birthday deadline, our next day delivery has you protected against impatient and excitable buyers or slightly last minute or just in time givers. Choose next day delivery for only £3.95 to guarantee you see the stuff you really, really want as soon as possible.

Pay with PayPal

It’s now even easier and stress free to buy online with IWOOT, you can now pay with PayPal for a seamless transaction. Easy peasey lemon squeezy!

Want gift giving all wrapped up then choose our gift wrapping service!

We have gift giving all wrapped up now you can now send your gift directly to the lucky recipient, lusciously wrapped and eagerly awaiting to be ripped open.  Armed with Sticky tape, the gift-wrapping fairies at IWOOT towers are primed and ready to go! We know the score, love buying presents, hate wrapping them up. Whether you’re sending a gift to someone extra special or simply too busy to do it yourself, send it laced with IWOOT’s tender love and care for only £3.49.  

Pets come in all shapes and sizes, from cute and fluffy to damn right scruffy, here at IWOOT we love them all the same. Pets are always there to give us a helping hand through a hard day, give us a giggle or a snuggle. Check out our pet gifts to please your pets…Click here for pet gifts.

Stuff for your pets…

Frolicat Bolt                          Cat Play Houses                  Dog IQ Test

As we are a nation of pet lovers we thought it’s time to show how much we love our pets…and the reasons why. Send us pictures of your pets. We want to see funny, cute, creative, weird and wonderful pictures of your pets.

Here are a few of our favourites…Can you do better?

Add your comments and post your pictures below! (If you have any trouble, email Olivia.olsson@thehutgroup.com) Who’s got the best pet…?

Spot the difference

Still searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow…?

Peeping Tom

Hitchin’ a ride

Make yourselves comfy…