Three years ago, I came to the harsh reality that I could no longer afford the beloved gym membership I had for six years, so I turned to workout DVDs to save my sanity and give me a piece of the gym at home. Luckily, it worked like a charm and though I can afford the gym more now than I could three years ago, I choose not to join one because I don’t need to! There are tons of great workout DVDs on the market and I’ve found some I like and some I don’t. I thought I would share with you my top 7 favorites that aren’t only practical, effective and fun, but they are also fairly reasonably priced. Those pricey DVD sets that you can buy for at home workouts really aren’t necessary. Check out these and be sure to let me know your favorites too!
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
1. The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga
This DVD is fairly old, but is definitely one of the best workout DVDs I’ve ever owned. It not only burns calories, but it also integrates easy forms of power yoga in a really fun way. Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser guides the video and it isn’t grueling or harsh, but he is definitely challenging. My whole body changed after I got this $10 DVD from the store one day. I was toned, flexible, and developed a passion for yoga and fitness at home. You’ll sweat, and release tons of stress, all in 30 minutes. Check this DVD out; you won’t be sorry!
2. Slim Calm Sexy Yoga
Produced by Women’s Health Magazine, this DVD is one to own, ladies! Talk about a workout! It isn’t slow-paced yoga that merely stretches your muscles. This DVD will get your heart pumping and seriously tone your body in no time! Tight buns, thin thighs and strong abs and arms are just a few of the results of this DVD. The teacher, Bethany Lyons, is also really down to earth and not weird or over-the-top, like some instructor are. Trust me on this one, this DVD will make you forget about needing weights at the gym and it will also reduce your stress, which is nice too.
3. Pick Your Spot Pilates
I enjoy Pilates for its toning properties the most and this DVD by Crunch Gym has all of the best moves in an easy-to-do format, spread out in 10 minute segments. Each section is for your belly, butt and thighs, and let me tell you, it is extremely effective! I didn’t really think I was doing anything until I woke up sore everyday for a week after using it! I also noticed my posture was better. Celebrities like Kerry Washington and Jennifer Aniston have all touted the benefits of Pilates, and these ladies have incredible bodies! You don’t need the fancy trainers with this DVD to get you started. I hope you’ll check it out!
4. Tracy Anderson Method Metamophosis
Alright girls, if you really want a workout- get this DVD set. It is worth the money and oh so effective! I have never in my life been so challenged in my own living room. Tracy Anderson has a killer body and is huge with celebs right now. Gwyneth Paltrow is one of her biggest clients and fans, along with Nicole Richie. This DVD set is filled with dance cardio, and even if you’re not a dancer, as I’m certainly not, then you’ll still get a great workout. You can even skip the dance cardio if you want and do the toning exercises, which completely changed my legs and abs alone last year after using them a few times a week. I like the dance cardio portions, and even if I can’t finish or don’t get all the moves right, it is so challenging and a great way to release emotional energy. If you don’t want to purchase the DVD set, then go to YouTube and search Tracy Anderson, where you can learn more about her and see many of her workouts online. I subscribe to her channel so I never miss a new workout she airs. Check her out to get great abs, a killer tush, and ballerina arms in no time!
5. Release
This DVD was recommended to me through a friend and I’m so glad that I own it now! A total of 45 minutes, this DVD is split into three 15 minute sections targeting the lower body, upper body, core, and includes a stretching segment. It is a mix of Pilates, yoga, and toning techniques that really work your muscles and increase your flexibility. The exercises really seem to lengthen everything out, while also giving muscles definition. It makes a great morning workout to get your heart going, and is also great for waking you up on those hard-to-start mornings. The DVD is produced by Ruah Mind Body Movement and features two trainers, Suzanne Bowen and Leah Sarago, who are both excellent. I’m a little picky about who leads the DVDs I purchase, but these women do not disappoint. The workouts are very effective, easy to learn and great to use several times a week in rotation with other DVDs. This DVD is particularly good at relieving stress, which is always great after a long day too!
6. Core Fusion Pilates plus
This DVD was recommended in an issue of Shape Magazine a couple of years ago, and I am so glad I chose to buy this one. It is broken down into five 10 minute workouts that involve standing and sitting work. This is one tough Pilates DVD, but it is really easy to learn and also very effective. I especially like how the instructors show modified and advanced versions of each move, and I like that they explain what each move does for the body. Core Fusion is owned by Exhale MindBodySpa in New York City. The chain has several locations in top cities in the U.S. and was named the “Best Fusion Class” by New York Magazine. This DVD will get you a thin, sleek physique in no time with washboard abs, just in time for summer!
7. Slim Calm Sexy Ultimate Mind Body Workout
Maybe you’re in the mood for weights, HIIT and a little yoga to wind down. This DVD has it! It is produced by Women’s Health Magazine, and led by trainer Megan Hoffman, who is really fit herself and a top trainer in the fitness industry. I love this DVD because it gives me the best of all three worlds in easy to manage 15 minute segments each, totaling 45 minutes. Some days I don’t want to do HIIT for 45 minutes or do a lengthy weight session. Here’s where this DVD comes in. The secret to this DVD’s success is that it integrates three highly effective forms of exercise for women all in one segment so you won’t become too developed in one area, and not enough in another. It also aids in faster muscle recovery. These three exercise routines are proven to banish stress, promote smoother, glowing skin and even amp up your libido if that’s a need! It also transforms your shape and gives you the best of the gym at home.
So there you have it, ladies! These 7 DVD workouts will make you love working out in your living room. Try switching these up, or find a few on Amazon.com that you like. If you’re not sure you want to purchase anything, try my favorite idea of getting free workouts off YouTube to do at home. If you have any favorite workout DVDs you love, please share them with me! Have you ever tried any at home workouts with DVDs?
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