Home Workout DVDs!
We all know about Insanity, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and P90X (we also know how expensive they are and how they might not be right for you), but here are some more fantastic at-home workout DVDs! All under $30, too!
Denise Austin Body Makeover Mix
It’s no secret we love Denise Austin, and this DVD reinforces why. Her simple instructions and cheerful attitude help each of the three 15-minute routines zip by. She focuses on one area of the body per session—upper body, lower body or ab & core conditioning—so I can target a trouble zone (ahem, thighs) or get a great full-body workout.
The Studio by Ellen Barrett: Fat Burning Fusion
This one instantly became a favorite of mine after the first play. Barrett’s no-frills video combines Pilates, calisthenics and simple ballet moves. Even though I wasn’t jumping around or sweating up a storm, by the end of this routine, my body ached all over—in a good way. Barrett’s routine brought me back to my childhood days of dance class: fun activity and exercise. Win-win!
Weight Loss Cardio Kick with Violet Zaki
The two 20-minute high-energy kickboxing routines combined with other cardio moves eliminate boredom in this program. When I felt particularly ambitious, I did both together for one calorie-blasting 40-minute workout; I chose one or the other when I only had 20 minutes to spare in the morning. Make sure to do this in a spacious room, because the amount of kicking, punching and movement, as I unfortunately discovered, is not tailored to tiny spaces.
Physique 57: Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout
I’ve always wanted to try out the trendy fitness classes at Physique 57 in NYC, but they run a pretty penny. Now, the infamous Physique 57 technique (certain muscles are targeted, overloaded to point of fatigue and then stretched for relief) is available to all in this 30-minute workout. It was just enough to make me realize why people are obsessed with the classes and left me—especially my glutes—sore the next day.
Shiva Rea: Daily Energy—Vinyasa Flow Yoga
I love this DVD because it’s basically the equivalent of seven DVDs in one—offering seven different 20-minute yoga practices to mix and match. I liked the freedom of being able to do a different one each day or combine two when I wanted to do a longer session. The flows range from slow-paced for relaxation to more intense for an energizing practice.
Core Fusion: Pilates Plus
One of the main reasons I don’t do Pilates very often is that, for me, it gets too boring after a while. Enter this DVD. Made up of five 10-minute workouts, it kept me engaged because I was able to change up the routine often, or, if I only had a few minutes available, I could still squeeze in a workout with just one of the programs. I just might be a Pilates convert after all.
Dancing with the Stars: Dance Body Tone
If watching DWTS inspired you to get grooving, you should definitely try this DVD for a guided shape-up. Although I suggest shutting your curtains and banishing anyone else from the house while you shake it, learning the routines kept me focused and by the end, I was sweating and laughing (at myself). Skimpy sequined outfits and B-list celebs not required.
Christine Felstead’s Yoga for Runners: The Essentials
Contrary to what many people think, running and yoga practice go hand in hand. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but quickly became hooked on the easy moves and calm instruction that show you how to tailor a yoga practice to benefit your running. I recommend it as a necessity for any runners looking to get a leg up on the competition.
Personal Training with Jackie: Power Circuit Training
Anyone who watched Jackie Warner on Bravo’s Work Out knows she takes a tough-love approach to fitness. And, clearly, if you’ve checked out her abs lately, it works. She shares her signature circuit-training workout in this high-energy DVD that gives the option of four different 15-minute workouts or one 40-minute total body circuit, and left me feeling like I just had an up-close-and-personal training session with the exercise guru.
From here
