Which at home exercise DVDs do you use?

I'm trying to diversify my workout routines and I don't have a gym membership so I've found at home DVDs are best for toning with a little splash of cardio. I have a few 10 Minute Solutions which I like to use when in a crunch or to supplement, but I recently got into the Jillian Michaels craze.

I have 6 week 6 pack, which I've been using 3 days per week for about 2 weeks with not a lot of visible results, but I still feel tired and sweaty afterwards so I'll continue. I also just bought Ripped in 30 which I'm excited to start. I was reading reviews comparing 30 Day Shred and Ripped in 30 and decided on the later because it focused more on toning. Plus I heard 30 Day Sherd is bad for your knees and as I runner I abuse my legs enough.

Which DVDs have you tried? What are the pros and cons of each workout, and have you found them to be successful or do accomplish what they advertise?

I started my at home workout routine back in February at 286lbs. I began with the Beachbody 10 Minute Trainer dvd's. While each workout (cardio, abs, lower body, total body) are only 10 minutes, you are encouraged to do 30 minutes a day along with diet.

After 30 days of putting in anywhere between 10-20 minutes a day following the routine that comes with the DVD (and watching calories), I dropped 20lbs.  The workouts are performed at a moderate pace but in rapid succession with no breaks.  Here 6 months later and 30lbs lighter, I still use these dvd's multiple times a week.

DVD#2: Purchased the Chris Powell, Extreme Maker Weight Loss DVD at Walmart for $10 back in June.  There are 3 levels with #3 being the most intense.  At this point in my fitness journey I found levels #1 and #2 too easy but #3 while low impact does work up a sweat and provides a muscle burning workout with a variety of squats, crunchs and pushups.   This would be a great workout for a beginner.  I use this dvd to break up the routine a bit through the week.

DVD#3: Purchased Billy Blanks PT24/7 (TaeBo-ish) about a month ago. This one uses resistance bands that connect from feet around the back of the legs and up to hands. There are something like 7 dvd's, 6 of which are of a higher impact circuit variety.  Great workout overall. I can really feel it but the one complaint I have is that Billy and his crew move way to fast and they count out loud which throws me off. I am constantly stopping and trying to get back in step.  I think Billy was trying to jump on the "Insanity" band wagon here and slightly missed the mark.  A decent workout nonetheless.

I do some workout videos during the winter, when I can't get out side.

My favorites, are JM 30 Day Shred, JM Yoga Meltdown, JM Ripped in 30 (her best weightlifting one imo),

 

I also have Boot Camp 2 by Lindsey Brimm (spelling?), its targeted for abs, specifially for people with distasis...I really liked this one, just for learning to control abs, and build some core strength, beyond the normal crunches...etc.  She gives specificis for controling basically your pelvic floor, and how that helps control your upper abs and helps people with distasis, close the gap. 

you can youtube some great workouts- check out Zuzana Light's youtube channel - she uploads a new workout each week. 

I also like myomytv.com workouts.

lots of people like bodyrocktv.com but Zuzana was the original and although the workouts are good, it's not the same.

 

Has anyone come across DVDs that are better suited for men than women, or vice versa? I feel like the 10 Minute Trainer is better for women, for example, and then something like Insanity is for men because men naturally are more muscular. I’m trying to find videos for my boyfriend who isn’t at Insanity level yet. He runs a lot but needs to diversify his workout with toning exercises and core strengthening.  

zumba DVDs about 30 to 45 min and a 20 to 30 min walk

I do Insanity and it works really well for me. No equipment or loads of space needed and it personally burns at least 500 calories per workout - which is about 45 minutes.

I've done the 30 day shred and ripped in 30.

Ripped in 30 was better in my opinion, when I stuck to it 4-5 times a week I lost about an inch off my waist. (which for me is a lot). I still use try to do the video 2-3 times a week but was thinking of picking up some new JM videos since I could use a change.

I also do the occassional yoga video from doyogawithme.com , but not as often as I used to. I should get back into it though. I felt my fittest when I was combining cardio, strength, and flexibility routines.

I personally love Cathe Friendrich's videos... you definitely feel the workout and see results!

When I say Turbo you say FIRE, Turbo, FIRE, Turbo, FIYYYAAAAAHHH!

 

Turbofire, love it.

Same as you, dbackerfan. I Bodyrock plus myomy plus Zuzana. They are all great free workout to choose from.

 

 

I use both Insanity and TurboFire which are both Beachbody products. I believe in them so much I just became a beach body coach. If anyone ia interested in finding out more about these or any BeachBody product please check out www.beachbodycoach.com/kathunter09

I am looking for motivates individuals who want results and those who have a passion for helping others in their weight loss journey to join me as a client or.coach!

I did 30 day shred and I loved it, I got results too.  I went on to ripped in 30 because I'd enjoyed 30 day shred so much.  I did not like ripped in 30 at all.  It was so unorganised, so topsy turvy with no continuation to it at all.  One min I was laying down, next min on my feet, next on all fours etc.  I ended up spending more time getting into the next position and picking up and putting down weights than I did actually working out.  It ended up being so annoying that I didn't even try week 4.  It totally put me off Jillian Michaels.  I have bad knees too but I found 30 day shred to be ok for me, I just had to modify some of the moves as I always do.  Now I am doing a hybrid between P90x and Insanity, which for me, are the 2 best workouts ever put on DVD.  I love both of them and they both give great results.  If I had to pick one of them as my favorite, I would say Insanity.  It really makes you work harder than you ever thought possible and I like that :)

I use Richard Simmons Sweatin To The Oldies for 3 days and Fit For a King two days a week. I enjoy the songs on Richards and you really get a workout.

For men beginners or intermediate - Try Power Half Hour - Total Body Collection by Tony Horton. Or perhaps the original P90 (not the X for beginners OR even intermediate - it's intense and needs strength, endurance, and commitment)

For women I like most anything by Debbie Seibers - particularly liked the Slim in 6 and the Slim Series. You do have to dedicate an hour each day though. She also has a Slim Express, which is only 30 minutes.

My boss (a man) like Turbo Jam. He started it with his wife and they both really like the routines and the results.

I love working out at home.  I have tried several from the classic Kathy Smith to Jillian Michaels.  The Firm, has worked for me the best, though.

I like all the ones featuring the Fanny Lifter (or Transformer).  I have lost 20 pounds, but 6 inches alone (2 from waist, 2 from hips, 2 from bust) in the past month alone.  It combines cardio and weights, which saves me time.

In the past, I taught Zumba, but I definitely see more results with The Firm because of the weight training aspect of it.  If I were not allergic to about everything outside, I would run as well because that also worked well for me.

The key to any success overall is consistency.

-Jenn

 

 

 

 

Chalean Xtreme - for weights and cardio

Insanity - HIIT, Body weight exercises

P90x - full body workouts

Tae Bo - kickboxing, cardio body weight

Turbo fire - cardio, HIIT, Core, weights

Hope this helps. My personal favorites are chalean xtreme and insanity.

Chalean Xtreme - for weights and cardio

Insanity - HIIT, Body weight exercises

P90x - full body workouts

Tae Bo - kickboxing, cardio body weight

Turbo fire - cardio, HIIT, Core, weights

Hope this helps. My personal favorites are chalean xtreme and insanity.

I LOVE Physique 57's DVDs. I have both sets of them and you get a good workout, and you see results quickly. I get tired of doing the same thing pretty quickly but I've never gotten bored by these. 

I love anything from Cathy Friedrich. Her newer low impact series will leave you sweating and breathless. Cardio, weights, turbo barre, yoga, cycling. Lots of variety and well worth the price.

I've had for many years now, and love Denise Austin's Personal Training System.  I do see results!  This DVD includes high, medium, and low intensity routines, and she has an amazing motivating spirit!  She covers the whole body in this DVD.

 

I have also enjoyed Billy Blanks Jr.'s Cardioke, but on youtube.  I am sure his DVD covers some wonderful body moving options.

 

There are also different options to waken your workout experience and add some fun with what's offered on BeFit, also on youtube.

 

There is also Yogatoday on youtube and their website, Yogatoday.com, which you can get a free subscription to if your budget is tight.  They offer many free routines on youtube and their site, and a weekly hour long free class on their website.  The instructors are all motivating, and you feel a sense of wellness, strength, and flexibility when done!

 

I pray that we all find some type of movement we enjoy in attaining our fitness goals!

 

Peace, Love, and Light!