Well, this morning I was up and out the door at 4:30am to be sure to catch my flight on time; but not before saying goodbye to my favorite boys.
I always hate leaving my guys…even if it is just for a couple days. I’ll be back soon! :)
Keep your fingers crossed that I’ll be able to run on excitement and adrenaline all day to keep me going because I have a long (and FUN) day ahead of me!
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So if you’ve been reading STSL for a while now, then you probably already know that my workouts tend to go through phases. For a few months, I basically bailed on my gym membership in favor of working out at home.
Luckily, this is easy for me because I already have a pretty wide range of workout gear at my hands:
- Treadmill
- Free Weights
- Exercise Ball
- Resistance Bands
- Yoga Mat
- Pull Up Bar
- Weight Bench (this is actually Jay’s, but still available if I want to use it)
- Exercise on Demand
- And of course…DVD’s!
Recently, I was asked what some of my favorite workout DVD’s are, so here’s a quick rundown on some of my favorites and why I like ‘em.
Jillian Michaels…I know some people love her, some people hate her. I think she’s awesome and super motivating…Jay thinks she just yells.
The workout is composed of seven 6-minute circuits that leave no muscle unworked. Literally! Each of the circuits consists of 5 different exercises that you do for 30 seconds each, then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 2 sets of each move. She uses a lot of effective compound moves, working the upper and lower body at the same time.
When I’m in the mood for yoga but want a little more sweat action, I use this video. Jillian focuses on quickly flowing yoga sequences and incorporates them in a way that is almost more aerobic than anything else. It definitely gets me workin’ up a sweat!
I swear, no matter how often I do this video, I’m almost always sore afterward. She incorporates a ton of abs and core work with weight training and cardio, without constantly being on the floor. I love this video because it’s quick (30 mins), you never stop moving, and you finish with a serious sweat.
Jackie Warner
Personal Training with Jackie: Power Circuit Training
I first came across this video when it was on Exercise on Demand. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available on there, so I may end up buying it. This video was actually what I used in place of BodyPump when I was bailing on the gym. She hits all the major muscle groups and teaches you about them along the way; i.e., which ones are fat burners etc. Each circuit is about 4 minutes, you do three exercises, then the “power burn” which is the 3 exercises done all at once right after the other without stopping. This workout left me with some seriously sore muscles.
Celebrity Fit Club Boot Camp Workout with Harvey Walden
This is an older DVD that I’ve had for a few years now, which I like to occasionally throw into the mix for a change. As long as you don’t mind a hardcore boot camp instructor yelling at you through your tv, then you’ll like this workout. Harvey is no joke in this video, with the entire workout designed to start out slow and then work you into “3rd gear.” There’s 2 workouts (30-minutes and 50-minutes) available on this DVD, and I’ll tell you…I’ve only been able to do the 50 minute workout once!
On The Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners
This is another DVD that I’ve had for a few years now, but it always leaves me feeling great. Even though it says “beginner” in the title, don’t let that fool you. Whenever I decide to bring this DVD back into my routine, I almost always feel it the next day. I really enjoy the way Lizbeth Garcia works you through the different moves, constantly reminding you to focus on your breathing (something I often forget). Plus, with using the ball for many of the moves, you’re able to work a little harder than you normally would doing them on the floor.
I love everything about the 10lb. Slimdown system! It’s broken into 5 areas: Total Body, Upper Body, Lower Body, Core, and Yoga, with each workout around 20 minutes. I’m also a real big fan of Chris Freytag; she’s sweet and motivating at the same time.
Incredible Abs with Cindy Whitmarsh
Another sweet and super motivating trainer is Cindy Whitmarsh. I’m pretty sure that there’s around 6 or 7 different Incredible Abs DVD’s by now, and while I haven’t tried them all, there hasn’t been one that I haven’t enjoyed. Each of them incorporates a variety of moves, from standing abdominal exercises to total body core stability that will keep your body guessing.
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Hopefully, you’ve come across a DVD that could be right for you!
Question for the Day:
What are some of your favorite workout DVD’s?
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Have fun this weekend!! If I were you and had a treadmill at my house, I’d totally quit the gym!!
Merrie@ Strawberrylaces says
I was so excited to see this post! I’m constantly looking for new DVDs to add to my collection (mostly Jillian M at the moment, gotta love her!) Thanks so much for great the reviews. I’m excited to try a few out!
Have loads of fun on your trip! It looks like your boys’ll miss you :-)
Alyssa Kuminski says
30 day shred is one of my favorite videos! have fun at fitbloggin. i live here but am in a wedding so i couldnt come :( butttt its supposed to be 85 and sunny!! woohoo!
Alyssa Kuminski says
30 day shred is one of my favorite videos! have fun at fitbloggin. i live here but am in a wedding so i couldnt come butttt its supposed to be 85 and sunny!! woohoo! if you have free time and need options of things to check out let me know :)
colleen @ thegiftofmondays says
i hate to leave my boys too. next friday i’m flying up to rochester, ny for a wedding and leaving my hubs and 2 sons behind…super sad :(
my all time favorite workout that i’ve never found on DVD only on VHS (so you can tell how old it really is!) is the original Billy Blanks Taebo workout. it’s 20 minutes and when i do it regularly, i feel stronger and it changes the way my body looks (esp my thighs which is where my weight tends to go to). lately i’ve been doing some weight training at home too and i like how my arms are getting some definition. i was tired of the whole triceps flapping in the wind look!!!
i want to try the yoga dvd you mentioned because i like the fact that you say it will make you sweat. maybe our local walmart has it in stock…i’ll have to see.
have a great weekend!!!
Grace says
I love Jillian’s DVD’s! I got Bob Harper’s Inside Out Method and really like it, too!
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
AYAYAY THANK YOU! i love DVD recommendations!! i jsut got no more trouble zones and LOVE IT!! i so want yoga meltdown!! i defs recommend Jillians Banish Fat Boost MEtabolism.. its SUCH a fun workout!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
Thanks for posting this! I love Jillian, btw. I have her 30-day shred, but it’s not my favorite. I do love my P90X DVDs. Those are a guaranteed sweat-fest. I think the next DVD I’m going to buy is the 10 pound slim down. I know you’ve loved it, and I’ve also read great things about it in magazines.
Have fun this weekend! You’re only going to be about an hour away from where I live!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I absolutely love the No More Trouble Zones DVD. I have seen a significant improvement in my muscle tone since I started using it a few months ago. Glad to know there’s another fan out there!!!
Have a great weekend! Can’t wait to read about it!
Khushboo says
Billy Blanks tae bo DVD is great! My arms are like jelly by the end of it!
Stephanie @cookinfanatic says
I’m loving J.Michaels 6 pack abs and yogasculpt right now! I actually quit my gym bc I was doing so many workout videos at home, never looked back! Yogadownload.com is also another favorite of mine, tons of good stuff on that site and great if you are traveling :)
Andrea (Run. Learn. Repeat.) says
Loved this post! I have a two-year-old that’s less than enthusiastic about the gym daycare, so I’ve been working out at home too! I’ve been doing Jillian Michaels 30 day shred, and I love it! I’ve also been doing pilates, but I was wanting another video. I’ll give yours a try. Thanks!
Meighan @ Cooking With Abandon says
Have fun! I really like Turbo Jam, I find Chalene sweet and motivating, but I could see her annoying some people
Melissa says
Love the Jackie Warner circuits, too! I’m also really into the Body by Bethenny yoga, and the Rock Hard workouts on Exercise TV are really good. The trainers are a little hokey, but I overlook it because the workouts are decent! :)
Have a super fun weekend!
Krissie J says
I’m a big fan of the Shape Your Abs DVD by Shape Magazine. The four 5 min abs workouts are easy to do anywhere!
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I like Jillians 30 day shred, or any of the p90X dvds! They all give me a pretty solid workout when I can’t make it into the gym!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Oohh, I LOVE Exercise on Demand. Just discovered I had it and I am now in love! From that, I have been doing Bethenny Frankel’s yoga often. It’s with Kristin McGee (so someone certified is there) and it is SUCH a great workout. My arms and legs are jello by the end!
Ruthie Hart says
Thank you thank you for posting this!! I recently tried out yoga at my gym but it was just too long so I went to Wal Mart to browse the DVDs but had no clue what to get! I also love Jillian so I am going to buy her dvds!
Miranda @ working mom works out says
Wow, you picked some hardcore videos. I feel like I’m not coordinated enough to keep up with fast paced videos.. Or maybe I haven’t tried enough. I’d just rather run and lift weights. :)
Mac says
Do you need weights or any equipment for any of Jillian’s videos that you have?
Samantha says
For the Jillian DVD’s you just need hand weights – I use 5 pounders.
Stephanie Bragg says
I love the 10 pound slimdown workouts too. They’re so good.
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
I wish I could motivate myself to use workout dvd’s but I always get so lazy! One of my goals is to get better at the at-home workout. I will definitely keep your favorite dvd’s in mind :-)
McKenzie says
Thank you for this post! I’ve been dying to buy a few new workout DVDs to add to my library because I, too, go through huge exercise swings. I have been looking for some DVDs that would push me and I think I’ve found a few in your list that I’m ready to check out!
Sharelle @ essential-ingredient says
I love work out dvds. :) unfortunately I live on the second floor of my apartment building, so i can’t really do any of them without the floor being banged on below me. haha
I have all the Jillian Michaels dvds, most of bob harpers, and a few of Jackie Warners. They are all great trainers no matter the hate that people have towards them. I always get such a killer work out from all of them! :)
Samantha says
I LOVE Yoga Meltdown and Six Week Six Pack – I too ALWAYS feel the effects of 6 week 6 pack when I’m done! I really enjoy the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga too. I’m not a fan of “mild” yoga – I figure if I’m going to get flexible I might as well build strength too.
When I’m really feeling ambitious I’ll do either P90X Yoga or P90X Core Synergistics.
Caitlin @ Southern Curls & Pearls says
These are great picks! I love Denise Austin’s videos. She’s always so positive and uses such encouraging words. She makes me feel great, both emotionally and physically, when I work out to her vids!
janae @hungryrunnergirl.com says
YOU READ MY MIND AGAIN!!! I have been looking into get more videos to do at home because I only have p90x and Jillian. LOVE all of these recommendations!! HAVE THE BEST WEEKEND EVER!
Kim says
What?! No original Jane Fonda? Ha ha! You could put “leg warmers” as part of your “workout gear”
Katherine says
I didn’t know Jilian had a yoga workout DVD. I want it! Send it? Thanks :D
(FYI I am doing a Stevivia giveaway on my blog if you want to get in on it :D )
Alexa @ Simple Eats says
I LOVE 30 day shred and Gym In A Box. Also, I have a New York City Ballet workout and it brings me back to my old dancing days and really stretches my muscles. Courtney, you’d probably love it! ;)
Ashley @ Cupcakes & Combat Boots says
I love anything Jillian or Jackie Warner too! I also agree with loving 10 Lb Slimdown. We have very similar taste in workouts, apparently. :)
Julia says
I love Jillian! I really need to invest in some workout DVDs, so this post is super helpful :)
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I love Jillian’s videos too – I have the Shred and No More Trouble Zones, but might have to buy the yoga one after reading your review!
Nicole says
I really like the free videos available on Hulu. There are a ton of yoga videos and other fast workout videos that always come in handy when I only have my computer and no other workout supplies!
Erica says
i just tried the 10lb. slimdown yoga video on exercise on demand the other week. i didn’t think 20 minutes would be very effective, but i was wrong, my body hurt the next day—in a good way :)
i think i’ll check out some of the jillian michaels videos on exercise on tv.
Crista says
Awesome! I haven’t done a workout DVD since I had to take a break from P90X – which I ADORED by the way. I did the whole 90 day sequence 3 times, consecutively! Hence the forced hiatus :) But now I want to try some new DVD’s and you’ve got a great list going here… I had shy’d away from Ms. Michaels at first but after your recommendation, I have to try it out. I love yellers :) Hope you’re having a blast at the convention!
Chelsa says
I love Jillian’s DVDs you should try the new Ripped in 30. I love it because it has 4 different workouts and they’re each only 20 minutes but a sweaty 20 minutes!
sherice@foodieluvsfitness says
I LOVE Jackie Warner. I’ve got both her books and I like Jillian but there is something annoying about her to me.. I’m not sure if it’s her facial expressions or her Ego that annoys me. I’d much rather listen to her podcasts than watch her and Janice is freakin hilarious!! I love the Tone it up girls.. Katrina and Karena and I just bought their new DVD Beach Body Babies!! Awesome workouts on location in Hawaii.. :)