Are Workout Videos Effective?

I have never really tried using workout videos. Do they actually give you the results they promise? Do you have any favorites that I should try?

Thanks so much for reading!

I used The Firm religiously for a couple of years--I had amazing results with my arms! I am also using Hip Hop abs right now and see great results. I think the key is to use it consistenly along with a well balanced diet.

Are there any specific videos that you want to try? I personally love the Firm and Tae Bo. I'm also interested in trying Zumba ;)

Ditto to xchristeeners.  I personally like Taebo, Turbo Jam and The Firm.

I agree with Melkor.  You get out what you put in, just like with any other exercise.

If you expect that just watching the video or doing 20 minutes once a week will make you lose weight, you are in for disappointment, but as part of a complete fitness and health routine, I think workout videos are a great tool. 

I am personally a big fan of Turbo Jam and anything with Jillian Michaels.  Those two series, along with counting calories, have helped me lose almost 40 pounds in 5 months.

I have used the "biggest Loser" video, and it IS A WORKOUT!!!!

People that look like me, not some slim cardboard cut out telling me you can do it!

They have the same challenges as do I (size), and that helps me get through it.

Dave  

I suggest the biggest loser work out too. I just did a cardio max work out with trainer Bob.... lets just say I don't like Bob anymore!

It's quite motivating to see the prior contestants working out. I have been recommending it to all my friends. The first time I did it I was so sore the next day from using muscles I hadn't used in a while!

I have been fight training for 5years and my arms have never looked as good as they do now after doing the Jillian Michaels box set (1 video each day) for 1 month.  You're muscles become conditioned to doing the same thing every time; so it is great for variety.

Xchristeeners-Do you know any good ab workouts?

As already mentioned, no workout system in the world will work unless you put adequate effort into it in combination with some lifestyle changes.

However, I will say that the majority of my workout routines so far have been video/DVD based, so I do highly recommend them - the trick is finding something that you like and works for you, your fitness level, and abilities.

I'm a big fan of Tae Bo, Turbo Jam, and power yoga.

Xchristeeners mentioned Zumba -- anyone else try it?

I tried Zumba a few years ago but I didn't care for it. Sure, the main guy, I forget his name, was good eye candy but the footwork was confusing for me. Perhaps I have 2 left feet though. I tried for a couple of weeks but I just couldn't get the hang of it.

At the Family Video by me you can usually rent workout vids for free. I'm not sure if they have that yet cause it seems like they're all ancient titles the last time I checked. Could be worth a cruise down that aisle in your video store.

I gotta say I got the 'biggest loser' power sculpt and bob kicks my ass! I have noticed in a couple of weeks the tone in my arms and my back fat is starting to sculpt into shape so I'm happy with the power sculpt ... I heard good things about the 30day shred w/jillian michaels I wanna try that next...

I''m so glad for the post because I was wondering the same thing for a while.. I was doing denise austin boot camp which helped kick start my weight loss but I stopped seeing results and it's probly bcuz I started yawning during workouts! so since I switched it up the biggest loser' has worked so I will continue to rotate until I get the results I want... plus it's so much cheaper than a gym membership! I save money everytime I use it ;)

I get netflix and i just noticed not too long ago that they have workout videos you can watch online or get sent to your house.

I just started doing the diet thing last week and this week i'm jumping into workout videos. Do you workout everyday for an hour?

great thread!

I did p90X for a month and half and it was amazing :) I got really good results though they went as soon as I stopped exercising and began eating badly again. I'm trying to get back into it all again, though!

Sorry to jump in with a question, but how often should one be working out with videos? I currently do 30 minutes of hard calisthenics about three times a week (maybe four if I feel ambitious).

Is that good enough?