Coming Soon... P90X3

Yes - the rumors are true - P90X3 will be here in less than one month! (December 10th!!!) And you guessed it... it's already on my Christmas List!! Here's some more information about the program (if you missed either of my first two updates, click here: Part 1 and Part 2):

Types of Workouts: I mentioned before that there are 20 different workouts. These will include workouts like: MMX, Agility, Accelerator, Decelerator, Mobility, Isometrics, Plyometrics, Warrior, and many more!

Can I get an effective workout in only 30 minutes? “Science is showing that the vast majority of results come from the workout from the first 30 minutes anyway, so I talk a little bit less…”
- Tony Horton

At a recent conference, Tony Horton said "P90X was never designed for people who wanted to lose 100 pounds... P90X3, however, is designed for people who want to lose a lot of weight"

As I mentioned before - customers who order through their coach will receive a FREE GIFT: If you order through my TeamBeachbody Website by December 31, you'll receive a free 1-on-1 leg workout DVD AND a P90X3 hat.

This program is projected to sell-out (and be on backorder), and there will not be a pre-order (like there was with P90X2), so sign up HERE to receive a reminder from me when it is released!

I'll be doing P90X3 as part of my on-line fitness accountability groups starting January 1, 2014, so if you want in the group, please let me know now so I can save you a spot! Email me at coachrachelmcmichael@gmail.com with the subject line "P90X3 January Challenge Group"

 

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon... P90X3!

Yes - the rumors are true - P90X3 will be here December 10th (It's already on my Christmas List)... here's some more information about the program:

Number of Workouts: There will be 20 different workouts - yes - you heard correctly 20! Variety is the spice of life, and Tony Horton is going to make sure that you do not get bored during these 90 days!

Phases: The workout program will be broken up into 3 different blocks: the adaptive phase, resistance phase, and explosive power phase

Schedules: There will be 4 different schedules included with the program:
1. Classic - Go through the program in a classic all-around fashion. Think of this as the "jack of all trades" schedule.
2. Lean - This is for those who are looking to mainly lose fat.
3. Doubles- This is for the extreme athletes who insist on a full hour of daily training (2 workouts per day)
4. Mass - This is for the men and women that want to gain muscle mass. This is new to the P90X family, and should be great for those who are looking to add the "real beef"!

As I mentioned before - customers who order through their coach will receive a FREE GIFT: If you order through my TeamBeachbody Website by December 31, you'll receive a free 1-on-1 leg workout DVD AND a P90X3 hat.

This program is projected to sell-out (and be on backorder), and there will not be a pre-order (like there was with P90X2), so sign up HERE to receive a reminder from me when it is released!

I'll be doing P90X3 as part of my on-line fitness accountability groups starting January 1, 2014, so if you want in the group, please let me know now so I can save you a spot! Email me at coachrachelmcmichael@gmail.com with the subject line "P90X3 January Challenge Group"

 

 

 

 

 

Coming Soon... P90X3!

Yes - the rumors are true! I was on a call last week with one of the cast members of the new P90X3 DVD series, and it is going to be AWESOME!  Here are a few of the details:

Release date: December 10th
Length: The workout will be 30-minutes a day, 5 days a week.
It is NOT a graduate program like P90X2 was - there's even a modifier for every move!
Free Gift: If you order through my TeamBeachbody Website by December 31, you'll also receive a free 1-on-1 leg workout DVD and a P90X3 hat.

This program is projected to sell-out (and be on backorder), and there will not be a pre-order (like there was with P90X2), so sign up HERE to receive a reminder from me when it is released!

I'll be doing P90X3 as part of my on-line fitness accountability groups starting January 1, 2014, so if you want in the group, please let me know now so I can save you a spot! Email me at coachrachelmcmichael@gmail.com with the subject line "P90X3 January Challenge Group"


 

My Fitness: TurboJam Workout Review

Turbo Jam: I love these workouts. 

Update: I’m currently going through Turbo Jam again at almost 6 months pregnant.  (This is NOT a pregnancy workout – it is intense – and you should definitely talk to your doctor before beginning any intense workout. I do the modified versions of the workout and was already in good shape prior to beginning this series.)

Originally, this was my third Beachbody workout to try.  If you order from their website, you’ll receive six DVDs, sculpting gloves, flash cards, on-line support, a guide book, a meal plan, and other informational brochures. The DVD currently retails for $59.85 on the Beachbody website.  How it works: there are two suggested rotations – one for beginners and one for advanced.  During pregnancy, I use the beginner calendar.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced, the calendar recommends working out 4-5 times per week.  The calendar rotates between the five main DVDs:

1. Learn & Burn (30 minutes) – a 10-minute guide through the “Elite 11” (most commonly used) moves followed by a 20-minute workout. The great thing about this is that for people who usually struggle with step aerobics or dance-type moves can spend time learning the basic moves that she uses throughout the rest of the DVDs.
2. Turbo Sculpt (40 minutes) – this DVD targets all of your problem areas and will really sculpt your muscles… you’ll wake up sore the next day.
3. 20-Minute Workout (20 minutes) – a quick, full-body workout
4. Cardio Party (45 minutes) – high intensity, mostly low-impact, combines dance and kickboxing for a really great sweat
5. Ab Jam (20 minutes) – includes a standing ab routine

All of the DVDs have the countdown at the bottom of the screen and Chalene is accompanied by both men and women (though these workouts do seem to be more geared toward females).

Things I liked about Chalene: she is super-friendly, upbeat, and positive throughout the workouts.  I found her to be motivational, but she also pushes and encourages.  I appreciate her focus on form, especially with the Learn portion of the DVD, which eliminates possible joint pain from incorrectly performing the exercise.  The dance-party music is great... it's modern and the high energy beat gives me energy while I'm working out.  I love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan, and that Beachbody offers on-line support and a coach. For what you are getting, I find the price to be more than reasonable.  I also love that the DVDs are rotational, so you’re not doing the same workout every day.  Plus - the workouts are fun, and I actually look forward to doing them every day.  The things I don’t care for: None.  Honestly, these workouts are great.  I highly recommend them to anyone.

My Fitness: CrossFit Review

Crossfit: Crossfit is a fitness regimen that is designed to optimize fitness by changing up the daily workouts (muscle confusion).  It uses a combination of weight lifting, plyo, cardio, medicine balls, kettle bells, etc.  Most Crossfit gyms charge about $150/month and have classes that are offered several times a day.  You can also Google the WOD (workout of the day) to do on your own, if you have the equipment.

Things I liked about Crossfit: When I lived in Austin, I joined a Crossfit gym.  The workouts were challenging and I did tone up.  I enjoy working out live with a group of people – I find it motivating.  The instructors were encouraging and focused on form.  The things that weren't for me: The price - $150 per month is expensive. There was very little nutritional training, and many of the gyms are located in non-air-conditioned warehouses (not great when you’re working out in the Texas summer heat).  With all of the other great fitness options out there, I don’t think I’ll be rejoining Crossfit; however, I've known lots of other people who had great results with the program.

My Fitness: Jay Johnson's Bootcamp Review

Jay Johnson’s Bootcamp (Live Workout Boot Camp).  These are not a DVD or a book but are live classes that take place in Texas (Dallas & Austin Regions).  The bootcamp is a 4-week camp with 3 classes per location per week.  You will have a “home” location but can attend any of the locations during the 4-week period.  The workouts are phenomenal and are never the same.  Come expecting a military-style fit test the first day (timed run, abs, and pushups).  You’ll then compare this to your final test at the end of the course, and I guarantee you’ll see results.  Each class begins with a run  followed by various exercises (cardiovascular, speed and endurance, partner resistance, strength training with log drills, dumbbells, barbells, tractor tires, fire hose, fitness games, sandbag relays, SUV push, scavenger hunts, stretcher races, group challenges, wheelbarrow races, kickboxing, medicine ball drills, plyometrics, box drills, obstacle course, guerilla drills, grass drills, and 20 versions of the military standard push-up and sit up).  The first 4-week session costs $225 and returning participants pay only $100. 

Things I liked about Jay’s Bootcamp: working out live with a group of people is motivational.  The instructors are encouraging and the workouts are military style. I saw incredible results and was always sore the next morning.  The things that weren't for me: The first-time cost is expensive; the returning rate is much more reasonable, but still significantly more expensive than a gym membership. If you travel or have vacation plans, then I have trouble rationalizing the cost.  The classes are workout based with very little nutritional discussion.  The coaches would definitely stay and answer questions, but the emphasis was on the workouts and not nutrition.   Overall, I do recommend the classes (they will shred you back into shape quickly) if you can afford it and you plan to be in-town the entire 4 weeks.

My Fitness: Jillian Michaels: Making the Cut Review

Jillian Michaels: Making the Cut (Book).  This is not a DVD, but rather a book filled with Jillian’s nutritional advice and a workout program for the gym.  It is by far my favorite Jillian Michaels product and the one where I saw the most results.  You’ll have to have a gym membership to do the workouts, and they’ll take you at least an hour, but they are legit. 

Things I liked about the book: it offers much more detailed advice and information as compared with the DVDs. It’s reasonably priced (about $25 + tax) and the workouts yielded amazing results.  My husband (fiance at the time) really noticed a big change in the way that I looked while I was following this program. Things that weren't for me: I tend to push myself harder when I am working out with a DVD/coach.  The instructions for several of the moves are confusing and I had to search the internet for exactly how they were supposed to be done.  I didn’t want to take the book to the gym, so I would type out the workouts and take them with me.  Overall, if you are self-motivated and can push yourself hard, I would recommend this book.

My Fitness: Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism Review

Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism: Similar to 30-Day Shred, This DVD is based on Jillian’s 3-2-1 method.  This DVD has seven 6-minute circuits.  The total routine (including warm-up and cool-down) takes about 50 minutes.

Things I liked about this DVD: The routine is challenging... you definitely feel the burn the next day, and it is reasonably priced (about $11 + tax).  I like Jillian's style, and I believe her 3-2-1 method works well.  Things that weren't for me: This DVD is one workout that you can break down into seven shorter workouts.  There are no levels and no progression.  If you get this DVD, you’re going to need to supplement it with something else to prevent boredom.  The “health tips” in the bonus section are cheesy and lead into an Oral-B commercial.  The DVD also doesn’t come with any type of real nutrition information/meal plan or on-line support.  Jillian only uses females in her videos which doesn’t bother me, but there’s no way I could convince my husband to try this workout. I would probably recommend this DVD as something to supplement other workout programs, but if you're looking for a 30-day workout program, it wouldn't be my first choice.

My Fitness: Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred Review

Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred: Jillian bases her DVD workouts on the 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute abs.  The strength circuits are usually one-minute moves that incorporate both upper and lower body strength training (e.g. lunges with bicep curls) followed by 30 seconds of a single focus move (e.g. chest press).  The cardio is good as well (30 second intervals of jump rope, jumping jacks, running in place, etc).  The abs are a mix of on-the-floor moves. The total routine (including warm-up and cool-down) takes about 25 minutes, and there are three different levels. 

The things I like about Jillian: Her routines are tough and great if you don’t have a lot of time to workout, and you will see results.  I saw great results.  I also find her to be motivational - just when I was feeling like I couldn't do another bicep curl or lunge, she'd say something encouraging and I'd push through.  Also, the DVD is very reasonably priced (about $15 + tax). The things that weren't for me: At first, I liked doing the same routine every day... by the end of the week, I felt like I had mastered the routine and was ready for the next level.  However, once I had mastered all three weeks, I still had one week left, which left me wishing for more variety. I mixed it up by using another one of her DVDs every-other-day to prevent boredom. The DVD also doesn’t come with any type of nutrition information/meal plan or on-line support (which is why it is so inexpensive). Jillian only uses females in her videos which doesn’t bother me, but there’s no way I could convince my husband to try these workouts.  Overall, I would recommend this DVD for the great price and solid workout.

My Fitness: Power90 Review

Power 90: This was my first Beachbody workout to try. I purchased it a LONG time ago (before P90X was released).  I noticed on-line that it has been updated a little bit since I used it, so I’ll let you know my thoughts and give you the full details (including the updates that have been made). If you order from the Beachbody website, you’ll receive a ton of great materials, including six workouts, a meal plan, a fat-burn express plan, a fitness guide, a resistance band, a workout calendar, a tape measure, a bonus DVD, on-line support, and other informational brochures. The DVD currently retails for $59.85 + tax on the Beachbody website. 

How it works: there are two sets of DVDs – Level 1-2 and Level 3-4.  Each day alternates a different workout (e.g. Day 1 is Cardio, Day 2 is circuit (weights), Day 3 is Cardio, etc) for 45 days, then you move up to the next level. The goal is to work out six times a week with one day rest. None of the exercises on the workouts are impossible, but since I purchased this at a point in my life where I hadn’t been active in quite some time, I must say I struggled for the first week or so.  Within a week, I was amazed at the progress I had made.

The DVDs included are:

1. Sculpt Circuit 1–2 (30 minutes): Easy moves that work to tone, firm, and strengthen your entire body.
2. Sweat Cardio 1–2 (35 minutes): Cardio moves, kickboxing, pilates, etc.
3. Sculpt Circuit 3–4 (40 minutes): A level up from the easier moves in the first circuit.
4. Sweat Cardio 3–4 (40 minutes): A level up from the intensity in the first cardio (accelerated cardio).
5. Ab Ripper 100 & 200 (5 minutes each): Two challenging ab routines that will leave you sore.
6. Fat Burning Express workout (35 minutes): This is the bonus DVD. I occasionally used it instead of the Cardio on weeks where I was getting “bored”.

As I’ve mentioned before, Tony Horton is one of my favorite Beachbody coaches.  He is motivational and he teaches you proper form while performing the exercises.  He is so personable on the DVDs, you’ll be sad when you finish the 90 days. I highly recommend these prior to P90X for individuals who are just getting back into a fitness routine (though you could start with P90X).  These workouts are geared toward men and women.  I was not in "good enough" shape when I purchased these and ended up doing Slim-in-6 first, then Power 90. With the combination of the two, I lost all of the weight I had put on as part of the destructive eating habits I described in my "Undereating & Overeating" blog.

Things I liked about Power 90: Tony is a super-star! I also love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan, and that Beachbody offers on-line support and a coach. For what you are getting, I find the price to be more than reasonable. Things that weren't for me: While I like that the DVDs rotate each day, I do get a little restless after the first month and ready for a change. To help combat this, I mixed it up with the additional Cardio workout. Overall, I would highly recommend these DVDs as I saw great results.

My Fitness: Slim in 6 Review

Slim in 6: It’s been a while since I’ve done Slim in 6. In fact, I ordered them so long ago that I have the VHS tapes.  This was my second Beachbody workout to try. If you order from the Beachbody website, you’ll receive six DVDs, resistance bands, a workout calendar, eating plan, a six-day jump-start diet, and other informational brochures.  The DVD set currently retails for $39.90 + tax (on sale!) on the Beachbody website. How it works: the suggested rotation is to do Start it Up (30 minutes) the first week, then progress to Ramp it Up (50 minutes) for two weeks and conclude with Burn it Up (50 minutes) for three weeks.  The set also includes a bonus 10-minute abs workout and 15-minute stretching workout, as well as an additional Cardio Core workout.   I highly recommend following the meal plan and taking the supplements to receive the best results. 

If you're looking to lose weight and tone up (lean muscles), then this is a great workout.  The tapes combine aerobic and resistance training (typical exercises include lunges, squats, crunches, etc) and Debbie is accompanied by a male and female exerciser (though these workouts seem to be more geared toward females). I appreciated the clock and segment timer, as they motivated me to keep going.

Things I liked about Debbie: she is super-friendly, upbeat, and positive throughout the workouts.  I found her to be motivational. I love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan, and that Beachbody offers on-line support and a coach. For what you are getting, I find the price to be more than reasonable. The things that weren't for me: Similar to what I said in my 30-day shred review, I get bored during the last three weeks performing the same workout over and over again. To help alleviate this, I mixed it up with the additional Cardio workout. Overall, I would highly recommend these DVDs as I saw great results.

My Fitness: P90X2 Review

P90X2: I didn’t think it was possible, but these workouts are even more intense than the original P90X.  This was my sixth Beachbody workout to try.  If you order the base pack from the website, you’ll receive twelve DVDs, an intro video, a comprehensive nutrition plan, detailed fitness guide, workout calendar, on-line support, and other informational brochures.  The DVD set currently retails for $119.85 + tax on the Beachbody website.  How it works: there are three phases – Phase 1: Foundation (3-5 weeks), Phase 2: Strength (3-6 weeks) and Phase 3:  Performance (3-4 weeks).

The DVDs for P90X2 include:

1. X2 CORE (60 minutes) – This is the main core workout for P90X2. 
2. PLYOCIDE (60 minutes) – Another explosive plyo workout.
3. X2 RECOVERY + MOBILITY (60 minutes) – This DVD includes foam rolling and recovery.
4. X2 TOTAL BODY (65 minutes) – This DVD focuses on instability and resistance training
5. X2 YOGA (70 minutes) – This is shorter than the P90X yoga but is still difficult.
6. X2 BALANCE + POWER (65 minutes) – Core balance and power training.
7. CHEST + BACK + BALANCE (60 minutes) – Strength and balance training using unstable platforms.
8. X2 SHOULDERS + ARMS (55 minutes) – Shoulders and Arms strength training.
9. BASE + BACK (55 minutes) – Pull-up and Plyo moves to sculpt your base and back.
10. P.A.P. LOWER (65 minutes) - A revolutionary sports training technique that helps translate fitness into pro-level performance.
11. P.A.P. UPPER (55 minutes) - Destroyingly difficult yet seemingly straightforward moves.
12. X2 AB RIPPER (20 minutes) Another solid ab-ripping workout.

All of the DVDs have the countdown at the bottom, which I appreciate.  Tony is again accompanied by both men and women, and they are real people who have gone through the program and seen great results. Tony is still a fantastic instructor – I love his jokes and find him to be encouraging and motivational. I really push myself during these workouts.  The workouts are geared toward men and women. 

Things I liked about Tony: Like I said above – he is a GREAT coach. One of my favorites.  I like his style and appreciate his focus on form, which eliminates possible injuries.  I love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan and on-line support and a coach. These DVDs cost a lot of money, but they provide 90 days of workouts, nutrition, and fitness advice.  For what you are getting, I find the price to be reasonable (about the same as a gym membership, but with a personal trainer named Tony).  I also love that the DVDs are rotational, so you’re not doing the same workout every day.  The things that weren't for me: These DVDs are really difficult.  If you aren’t already in shape, I wouldn’t recommend them for you.  Definitely try P90X first, then use this as your next workout to see continued, improved results.

My Fitness: Insanity Workout Review

Insanity: Wow! That’s the only way to describe Shaun T’s INSANE workouts.  I love them, I hate them, and I am sore when I finish, but the results are AMAZING!  This was my fifth Beachbody workout to try. If you order from their website, you’ll receive ten DVDs, a nutrition plan, fitness guide, workout calendar, on-line support, and other informational brochures. The DVD currently retails for $119.85 + tax on the Beachbody website. 

This is all floor exercises using your body weight with lots of plyometric and isometric exercises, cardio and core exercise that will work you -- hard. The exercises come fast and furious with a good mix of cardio and strength building (e.g. squat type exercises and push-up type exercises).

 

It's broken into two four week segments with a "recovery" (I use that term loosely...) week in-between. The warm-up itself is a workout. The first four weeks are two rounds of three sets of a series of exercises. In the second four weeks you'll find some of the same warm-up exercises from the first four weeks, and the program itself moves to three rounds of three different sets of exercises.

There are 10 DVDs total:

1. Dig Deeper & Fit Test (30 minutes): This fit test is a workout in itself.
2. Plyometric Cardio Circuit (42 minutes): This DVD is intervals of intense lower-body plyo and cardio.  Be prepared to sweat!
3. Cardio Power & Resistance (40 minutes): This DVD combines strength-training and power moves.
4. Cardio Recovery (33 minutes): This is the “easy” DVD you’ll do once a week, but it’s still intense.
5. Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs (55 minutes): This is a nonstop cardio workout
6. Core Cardio & Balance (37 minutes): This is one of the “recovery” DVDs.  It’s a definite break from the first five but still tough.
7. Max Interval Circuit & Fit Test (86 minutes): This is an interval circuit that's more intense than anything you've ever done before.
8. Max Interval Plyo (55 minutes): Push your legs 'til they beg for mercy with power and plyo
9. Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs (65 minutes): This is an extreme cardio workout.
10. Max Recovery (47 minutes): This is another “recovery” DVD but is filled with intense moves and stretches.

Things I liked about Shaun T: His workouts are intense and motivational. He’s tough but encouraging and I find myself pushing harder at his instruction.  I love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan, and that Beachbody offers on-line support and a coach.  These workouts are definitely not for the faint at heart and are great for men or women.  It’s definitely pricey, but the workouts are some of the most intense in the market.  I think they are worth the price.  The things that weren't for me: This DVD set is pretty much impossible for people with joint issues - especially knees.  Avoid it if you fall into that category.  Otherwise – plan on sweating a LOT and seeing major results with Insanity!

My Fitness: P90X Workout Review

P90X: These workouts are intense, but I saw some of my best results on P90X.  I followed the workout regimen and meal plan exactly the first time, and literally everyone around me noticed.

This was my fourth Beachbody workout to try.  If you order the base pack from the website, you’ll receive twelve DVDs, an intro video, a comprehensive nutrition plan, detailed fitness guide, workout calendar, on-line support, and other informational brochures.  The DVD set currently retails for $119.85 + tax on the Beachbody website.  How it works: there are three suggested rotations – Lean, Classic, and Doubles.  I’ve done Lean and Classic with similar results.

No matter which routine you select, you’ll workout six times a week, rotating between the DVDs:

1. Chest & Back (55 minutes): Strength training workout, requires weights or bands, pushup bar, pull-up bar, and chair.
2. Plyometrics (60 minutes): I really enjoy this workout – you’ll need a stool or chair and mat, but the explosive cardio and jumping burns calories and builds muscle.
3. Shoulders & Arms: Strength training workout, requires weights or bands and a chair.
4. Yoga X (95 minutes): This workout is LONG.  You’ll need a mat and possibly a yoga block. It combines strength, balance, flexibility, and breath work to enhance your physique and calm your mind.
5. Legs & Back (60 minutes): Strength training workout, requires weights or bands, a wall, pull-up bar or bands, and a chair
6.  Kenpo X (60 minutes): My favorite DVD! This is an intense cardio workout with punching and kicking for endurance, balance, and coordination.
7. X Stretch (60 minutes): Stretching is so important when you’re working out this hard.  I love the stretch workout.  You’ll need a mat and possibly yoga blocks.
8. Core Synergistics (60 minutes): Another favorite of mine. You’ll need a mat and weights or bands for this core workout that combines moves from some of the other workouts.
9. Chest, Shoulders, & Triceps (55 minutes): Strength training workout, requires weights or bands, push-up bar, and chair.
10. Back & Biceps (50 minutes): Strength training workout, requires weights or bands, pull-up bar or bands, and chair.
11. Cardio X (45 minutes): Another workout that I really enjoyed.  You’ll need a stool or chair and  a mat. This is A fun, low-impact cardio routine (the Lean segment uses this instead of Plyo)
12. Ab Ripper X (20 minutes): You’ll need a mat for this intense ab routine.  It took me weeks before I could do all 300+ ab reps

All of the DVDs have the countdown at the bottom, which I appreciate.  Tony is accompanied by both men and women, and they are real people who have gone through the program and seen great results. Tony is a fantastic instructor – I love his jokes and find him to be encouraging and motivational. I really push myself during these workouts.  The workouts are geared toward men and women.  In fact, my brother and I did the workouts together a few years back with great results.

Things I liked about Tony: Like I said above – he is a GREAT coach.  One of my favorites.  I like his style and appreciate his focus on form, which eliminates possible injuries.  I love that the workouts come with a nutritional guide/meal plan.  I followed this religiously the first time I did the program with fantastic results. I also highly recommend the recovery drink and other supplements. I also like that Beachbody offers on-line support and a coach. These DVDs cost a lot of money, but they provide 90 days of workouts, nutrition, and fitness advice.  For what you are getting, I find the price to be reasonable (about the same as a gym membership, but with a personal trainer named Tony).  I also love that the DVDs are rotational, so you’re not doing the same workout every day.  The things that weren't for me: None.  Honestly. These workouts are great.  I highly recommend them to anyone.