What is your favorite work-out video?

[Nike]

Just curious what people do and what people like to do! :cool:

I have always been on the hunt for new inspiring videos - even though I'm a member at a gym, sometimes its just boring to walk on that treadmill for hours and hours for cardio workout - I much prefer work-out videos at home :) - not to mention that I don't have to make a trip to the gym to do them.

I have not seen very many posts on the different kinds out there so wanted to start a new thread on that. What cardio videos do you own? Which do you do? Why do you like them/not like them? What level of fitness are they for? (It will be good to know the fitness level of your favorite video so that the rest of us can determine if it will work for us)

Of the many series out there what are your opinions on Kathy Smith, The Firm, Buns of Steel, Kathy Ireland, Taebo, Gilad and more...

Anyone? :)
Happy exercising! :roll:

[Shelley412]

I exercise to a video named Walk Away the Pounds - 3 miles by Lesslie Sansone. I started out with her 2 mile walk and most days I even do the 3 miles in the morning and the 2 miles when I get home from work. :hyper:

[hannahsmom]

The Reebok University videos are all great! Really motivational and artfully done without the cheesy music and bad filming usually reserved to fitness videos. Also the CIA series is excellent for those committed to serious aerobic moves (advanced), I used these to learn moves to teach step class on the side years ago.
Very challenging and fun to learn...
Nancy :wave:

[elizz]

Kathy Smith has a really good weightlifting video and a good kickboxing video. I also belong to a gym and go 4 times a week, but I do her videos when I miss a workout. The weightlifting video is good if you are in a time crunch. She separates upper and lower body into two 20-minutes segments. I also have 2 Rodney Yee yoga tapes - strength and flexibility - and they are excellent. He is really easy to follow and the moves are good for beginners to intermediates. I have definitely noticed a difference in my muscle tone since I have been using them. It's fun to change things up a bit and tapes are great for that!! :)

[l_knierim]

My fav is the firm, but I also will do TB and Dennis Austin(the ones that come on lifetime in the morn)

I love the firm cause it has the fast and slow cardio and the weights. I do need to start doing it again. I can get so additced to it.

\Well that is all for now, Lynn :D

[Carrencut]

I recently added 8 minute abs to my LBWO for BFL. Oh my did I feel it. For 4 days I felt it.

Just seems like when you "feel" it, you get more bang for your buck. Ya know??

[pegm]

This is a great thread! We can get first-hand reviews of all the tapes available. Problem is, now I want to go shopping for them and try them all!

[Nike]

Just wanted to add that I originally voted to Taebo and Kathy Smith but have recently been enlightened about the FIRM work-outs. I had tried one of them a very long time ago and could not stick with it because it was an hour long work-out and seemed so difficult. But recently I started taking fitness very seriously and I would now have to say that there are simply no work-outs out there that are as effective and that bring results this quickly!

I loved taebo and I still do because Billy is SO motivating - FIRM instructors just assume that you are already taking the work-out seriously and don't need to be reminded about how great your butt will look when you are done - instead they concentrate on giving exceptional cueing and the work-out is very thorough and well researched - tough but AMAZING results - my body is becoming so strong and toned I cannot believe it!

Pegm, I wanted to suggest to you to try www.collagevideo.com for very detailed fitness video reviews. That way, you will know what you are getting before you spend your money on videos. Also, I personally always try to rent a video first to decide if its for me. Any exercise is better than no exercise of course, but some tapes are better than others. I would suggest taebo for someone who needs a very motivating instructor to keep going - and I would DEFINITELY recommend the FIRM tapes to someone who wants to see results fast - I have done over a 100 different work-outs in my life-time and I don't think any of them showed me results this quickly - the FIRM tapes I do (original series and cross-trainers) are tough and long, but SOOOOO worth it - I would rather spend my work-out time doing them than spending 3 times as much time on other work-outs for similar results. I'm hooked :)

[Shark01]

Favorite video, easy....Dorian Yates "Blood & Guts" workout ;)

[Cinderella]

I stumbled on this thread....glad I did. I get so bored with a "usual" routine...then I quit. YIkes! I'm going to go buy a couple of these tapes...thanks for the great reviews!

hugs...cin

[Shark01]

"Blood & Guts Workout" by Dorian Yates, 5 time Mr. Olympia :thup:

[fern2340]

I dont use exercise videos often but I stumbled across this review and thought I would post it for those who do!


Cheat Sheet: Fitness Videos

Do home workout videos work out? Some recommendations ...


NEWSWEEK

July 29 issue — Sometimes you can’t make it to the gym. Tip Sheet’s Eric Messinger ranks some chart-topping fitness videos on Amazon.com. (Scale: one to four.) Get ready to sweat.

:08 Minute Abs Nine tummy-trimming exercises done in 45-second intervals. But you won’t see real results unless you find time to work out the rest of you. **

Pilates for Dummies Pilates strength-building mat exercises can be tricky, but in half an hour, this clear video takes you through 18. ****

Living Yoga AM/PM In the morning, the sun rises over a beach as you relax, meditate and pose. Later do more poses and workout stretches while night falls in Death Valley. ***

The Firm: Maximum Body Shaping A high-energy, action-packed 45 minutes of strength training and floor routines. ***

N.Y.C. Ballet Workout Company dancers review their 90-minute warm-up. You’ll never be as graceful as they are, but it’s worth a shot. **

[fridayeyes]

For cardio, I prefer dance videos that are more about dance than about workout. My current faves are bellydance and salsa. I've even seen a sort of hip-hop one that I'd consider. :) For specific muscle groups or toning this or that, I just go to the gym.

Cheers,

Friday

[jaykay]

I do my cardio up hills, with the dogs, and my weights at the gym, but I thought I might like yoga or Pilates for flexibility etc and those long, lean muscles the people in the books are covered in.
But when I try learning them from the books I get to page three, do the (upside down) move, can't read the next instructions upside down, lose my place and fall over, get a fit of the giggles and there's my good intentions gone west again!
So maybe a video is a better way to learn - I could watch, then try it - fewer things to concentrate on, I might manage that. :rolleyes: I shall have to check one of two of Fern's list out.

[Iowagirl]

No one mentioned Karen Voight! I really recommend her Great Weighted Workout (90 minutes) or her Cardio Strength. Good stuff! :cool:

[Tanyaskees]

I just started 'walk away the pounds for abs' by Lesslie Sansone and so far I like it a lot, but I do want some others cause I know I will get bored with the same tape over and over again. I do jazzercise 4 times a week, but Iwanted something in the morning before work to ge the maximum benefit. And there is no way I will get up early enough to get to the gym in the morning :).

[lisavasil]

http://www.markblanchardspoweryoga.com/videos.html

get these! toning, strengthening, stretching, heartpumping, it does everything!

this is the guy actors in LA swear by to get in camera ready shape!

I just dug my videos out of storage and was so happy to find them...start slow, by the end of the session you feel like you have had a workout and an all over body massage, like you have been totally wrung out of all stress!

Cheers!

[niksauntie]

I bought a used version of Richard Simmons Sewatin to the Oldies a couple weeks ago. At first I thought it was silly and I felt ridicolous but the more times I do it the more I realize I'm really getting a workout and it's fun!!!!! It goes by really quickly and I don't even realize I'm sweatin and my legs have turned to jelly until all of a sudden he's doing the cool down. It beats my treadmill anyday and when it's over I def. think I've gotten a better workout.

[Jan C]

I get bored doing the same routines, so I have about 40 tapes that give me lots of variety. I like Kathy Smith, especially the kickboxing, Karen Voight's strong and smoothmoves, and have just started using some of the Method series for yoga and Pilates. Lately I have only been using tapes in the summer when I can't go to the gym. That way my children can play, while I exercise.

[HulaGirl]

I dig the NYC Ballet Workout.

Great LBWO with abs. You move your body in ways that you don't normally move, which I think is good for both balance and variety. Plus, you learn basic ballet dance exercises to wonderful classical music. Yoga videos are good for contorting into new stretches too! :)

Mainly I dig it because there aren't any perky blondes telling me to "Push it" or saying "Isn't this fun??" every two minutes.

I also like Kathy Smith's Latin Sizzle. But she is perky blonde, and says "Push it!" alot. But they have a live Latin jazz band, and you get to do the meringue.

Cha cha cha!

[Meg_S]

for fun I like belly dance videos, and for fitness I like T-tapp videos. I just got several and they are incredible. If one is interested in total body health eg: body alignment, balance, core strength these videos are wonderful. I'd recommend them to anyone for fitness, or for correcting poor posture and back/neck/knee pain. Like pilates, with t-tapp the stronger and more flexible you get, the harder and more comprehensive the moves get.

Meg

[locarbvev]

and I love them! I posted on the t-tapp thread but these are the best and I have done tapes from practically every category in your poll!! Just my humble opinion...

[Iron Bull]

Arnold's "Pumping Iron"
Yate's "Blood and Guts"

[VikkiJean]

If I do the video my favorite :wiggle: would be sweating to the oldies with Richard Simmons it is a fun workout

[paul_poco]

I like Arnold's Pumping Iron from the 70's.
I think that is the name?

[Pobo]

I love The Firm. I don't like going to gym's and even my friends who do say The Firm gives them the best workout in the least amount of time. There are lots of Firm video's now, which range in length from 70 minutes to 30 minutes, and also vary with intensity. I just heard about a Firm/Yoga series but I lost the link.

Pobo

[Cyprinodon]

I've been doing videos since 1985. My current collection is over 140 so I've tried a lot of them. My favorites include many of The Firms, Karen Voight Great Weighted Work Out, Karen Voight Energy Sprint, Step Reebok, Step Reebok Intense Moves, the Cher Step tape (don't remember the title), Cathe Friedrich Cardio Kicks, Tai Fit, Tae Bo Get Ripped Advanced Volume 1, Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Workout, Kathy Smith's Aerobox, and Cathe Friedrich Maximum Intensity Strength. You can see examples of Kathy Friedrich's videos at her website (do a search) and you can review all kinds of videos at www.videofitness.com.

[Cyprinodon]

Tai Box Kick to Fit by Zak Lee appears on retail shelves everywhere. It has an obnoxious female making rude comments to the instructor through the entire video. Also, it's broken up into segments with long dialogue in between and one segment is you watching the experts do martial arts in the desert.

[tigersue]

I love the firm tapes too, but they can be hard particularily for cardio work. I prefer to concentrate on the weight work with them and then I do Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds for extra aerobic work. Seems to work well that way together.
Tanya

[puma_power]

I had taken alot of yoga classes before using a book or video, and even then it is challenging. Videos are definitely easier than books for beginners, but I would STRONGLY recommend investing in at least a few classes before trying any yoga on your own. Many people think that one cannot get injured doing yoga, because it has the image of being "gentle" and "relaxing" (which it definitely can be, though it can also be very active and energizing at the same time)--but there is alot of potential for injury if you do the exercises with improper alignment.
If you are doing it on your own, it is best to practice in front of a mirror for awhile, until you get the feel of what the correct alignment is.
John Friend has very good yoga videos, btw.

[stauffert]

I put in my vote for Tae Bo. The advanced version is a killer. You get a great cardio and toning workout without weights.

T :hyper:

[fitmaam]

This is my first post here and I'm so glad it's on this thread. I've been a video exerciser since the mid 1980's. I've been doing the Firm most of these years (I have almost all their videos) with fantastic results. A few years ago I branched out to Cathe Friedrich. I cross train with The Firm and Cathe. I also have a few others...Fitprime (a new company by the original creator of The Firm, Anna Benson), Karen Voight's Great Weighted Workout, and Christy Taylor. I have approximately 90 videos and I do them all for lots of variety.

[mickster]

I see a couple people mentioned Kathy Smith's kickboxing, I love that tape. It's the first home video workout that I was able to "Get into" enough to use religiously.

I lost 40 pounds and totally toned myself with it last year. Needless to say I had some personal shake ups that hindered my workout schedule, I gained 30 pounds back and I haven't been able to really get back on the horse.

I'm gonna go dust off Kathy and get back to work, TONIGHT. :D

[Lessara]

I love my sweating to the oldies tapes by Richard Simmons.. they are so much fun and my kids join in. They are great on days when you don't feel like going outside. :thup:

[Trish02]

TaeBo definitely. I've been doing the basic 25m tape 5-6 days a week for the last 3 weeks and I just started the 60m advanced on the weekend, plan to rotate between the two.

Great workout either way you do them :)

[hetoame]

I recently started the Firm. Man, these tapes are so great!! I just got a DVD that is over an hour long but you can program it anyway you want and wittle it down a bit if you're not up to the whole hour (I'm not yet). I do the upper body video tape on one day and the lower body the next then the cardio sculpt DVD on the next. You can get the tapes on Ebay for cheap and just use your own stool (rather than buy theirs - it's pricey!). Walmart has inexpensive weights.

Heather

[Firmdiva]

The FIRM baby! :D

[Tricia0923]

my absolute favorite is the Power 90 videos from beach body.com. They promote a different kind of diet, but the results are visible and the workouts are doable. Il like it that you can see a time down and that it is easy to do and coached really well. They have other videos as well - I hope to do Slim in Six when I get closer to my goal weight - happy video hunting .

:wave:

[kelleyb]

Tricia, how long have you been doing P-90? I agree--it looks really common-sense and do-able. Do you use the resistance bands or weights? The diet is different, but still "relatively" low carb if you follow the top 2 tiers. They do have some exceptions, like bananas and raisins, etc. but I'll just eliminate those that I know will give me trouble. I'm really interested in your opinion, since you're not affiliated with bb.com!!! ;) Do you take advantage of the website support? I'm starting tomorrow!

Kelley

[wwdimmitt]

Nordic Trak has been my exercise method of choice for the past 15 years. It is a great workout, and completely adjustable to the individual and to personal attitudes for a particular day.

I have a series of video tapes, some from Nordic Trak, others from skiing and climbing clubs, which give me a virtual tour of ski areas and mountain climbing while I do my workout.

When you can't get outside to do the real thing, this is a great substitute.

One of the best things about Nordic Trak, for me, is how well and how quickly it strengthens the lower back, even while burning lots of fat and building cardio endurance. Good for us old guys!

[fitmaam]

I just thought of something that would be really cool and I bet it's the exercise rage of the future. Virtual exercise videos. You're hooked up to an exercise machine that simulates some kind of sport like skiing and workout to a video that challenges you on the virtual slopes. You can go fast, slow, go around trees, mogules etc. etc.

[Tricia0923]

Hi Kelly,
I have been doing it for 3 weeks now - there is a huge difference in my ability to bend and run and I can do the push ups now - I a getting stronger and have lost inches - I still have a long way to go, but I truly like the program and plan to stay with it to day 90 ad beyond. I use 5 pound weights and take their fat burning vitamins as my vitamin supplement. I bought the resistance bands,but I like the weights. I like the DVD, but I also have the Videos. If you like structure and something that is challenging yet doable as well as fast - they have a motto of from power to shower in under an hour. Let me know if you have any other questions. I see that you have been doing well on the Atkins plan - keep it up! :wave:

[Jerrie]

I too have a membership to the gym which I should use more often. But when I want a change of pace I like Richard Simmons Sweatin to the Oldies #2 I like dancing to the music. I also like Denise Austin and for weight work I like Rachel Mclish.

I would love to try the taebo videos they look like a lot of fun & work and my daughter would probably do it with me to keep in shape for basketball.

Instead of buying them right off the bat I think I will go to the video store and rent them or the library. If I like them then I will buy them. ;)

Happy exercising

[sheilaraye]

Interesting thread. I'm almost at goal and have to admit
I do not exercise at all. I would like to start and have
been looking at exercise videos (I own ZERO exercise
videos). Also I saw a Pilates set at Sears that had thick
rubbery clear blue bands, a fitness ball, a mat, and a
video. All for around $40. Thinking about it.
Taebo looks fun but my living room is not huge and I am
afraid I'd kick the TV off.
Anyone have the Pilates set?

[kelleyb]

Shelia, I don't have the Sears pilates set, but I have used the ball, mat, etc. that comes with the kit. It's pretty amazing what can be done with the exercise ball! Does it come with a resistance tube as well? I use that a lot and it's just like lifting weights, but it "travels" well. You're so close to goal that I'll bet exercising will really tone you nicely. I feel so much better now that I exercise, but I don't see much muscle definition because there's still too much fat over my muscles, LOL!
Kelley

[missolly]

it has to be the Hotpants Workout with Dan Karaty.. gotta love it

[mercer45]

Karen Voight has some awesome videos and DVDs. I especially love her Yoga Fusion (30 mins. strength and 30 mins. relaxation) and her Firm and Burn. Her teaching is impeccable and she looks so fit that she is very motivating. Hard to believe she is in her mid to upper 40s.

[Digitalgrl]

My all time favorite workout tapes are the Cindy Crawford series. Not only are they not boring to watch (they look more like a music video) but the workout has always been very challenging. It combines leg work (which gets you sweating) weights and ab work.

Her second tape "the next challenge" is pretty tricky. I recommend starting with her first one.

[smiley]

I have the video package for Windsor Pilates

It took a long time for me to execute some of the moves, never realized how wimpy my abdominals really were!!

But it does get easier, but patience is necessary--You really need to work on positioning and breathing properly

I feel my abs now,something that in the past no matter how many crunches I did, I never felt they were worked!!

[ZukieDuke]

Hands down...I LOVE THE FIRM!!!! I have almost all of the classics (some of them are harder to find than others) and patiently waiting for the new Fit Primes to arrive.... :wave:

[Cabesa]

OH OH OH!!!!! Pick up any of Minna Lessig's videos. I am so serious. She knows what to do. Everytime I stay consistent with them I see results. I have about 4 different video's. Check 'em out now!!!!! :D :thup:

[jesdorka]

i like leslie sansone's old tapes"walk aerobics" and "advanced walk aerobics". i just bought her "walk away the pounds 1,2,&3" dvd which i like too. i find she talks way too much so i listen to her a few times to learn the routine and once i've done that i mute her and put on my own music and it's great. :D

[Shadow01]

FitPrime and the FIRM - Anna Benson rocks :D

[graphiste]

My recommendations for GREAT workouts:

FIRM – most are great but my faves are:

Super Cardio
Super Sculpting
Tortoise & Hare
Body Sculpt & Cardio Sculpt (new ones with new fanny lifter)
Super Cardio Sculpt & Cardio Sculpt Blaster ( shorter than old FIRMS,
only 30-40 min) they are very time effeceint but get your heart rate up

KATHY SMITH

I used to really like all her tapes but I find them less effective now that
I have become more fit. But I still really like:

Aerobox (gets you breathless)
Kickbox - very empowering

BRYAN KEST POWER YOGA

I have three tapes Energize, Tone & Sweat. Who knew that yoga could
be hard and build muscle - well look ar Madonna. Plus he is very, very
good looking to watch doing yoga - what a bod!
www.poweryoga.com

CRUNCH

I have three yoga tapes (hatha yoga - not hard just good strecthing)
Joy of Yoga, Fat Burning Yoga & Candlelight Yoga. I also like Boot Camp
and Burn & Firm but they haven't been used much since i discovered
The FIRM!

KAREN VOIGHT
Love her Pilates Body Reform series. You can actually work your
inner thighs crazy!!! If you ever watched any of her earlrier tapes
and tehy watch this one ...her boob job is very obvious!

WINSOR PILATES
Mari Winsor and her class of wooden students are annoying but it
is a good workout to alternate with cardio & weight training.
I have all seven tapes. the best are Advanced Body Slimming &
Buns and Thighs

GAIAM/ LIVING ARTS
Great Yoga (am yoga & stress relief yoga) and AMAZING Pilates
tapes. the best is Body Band Workout with Ana Caban.
www.gaiam.com a very cool site


So I alternate all these tapes with a cool dvd I got of bellydancing by Dolphina. If you get bored, you will lose motivation...so don't get bored!! :thup:

[bigguyjonc]

Jes,


I do the SAME thing with walk away the pounds.(listen to my own music)If I hear leslie say "how bout that good posture all the way threw your life..how bout that " i think i will kill myself. And another thing...it really bugs me when that one woman always pats her butt. Oh and people are always walking and kicking out of sinc. I think i've done that tape too many times.

I have a new favorite tape though (actually dvd). It's the Fitness heaven top ten workouts. 12 hours of workouts for 14 bucks at media play. Most of the workouts suck but i really really love the "kick butt I" and "kick butt II" it's like tybo only alot more fun! Also there is a good pilates workout and yoga one too.







Jon :rose:

I'm going to do my "kickbutt II" tape right now.

[CAKES66]

The Reeboks step aerobics is very challenging if you're into stepping.
I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm bidding for the winsor pilates set. It looks like a good one.
I also have the Taebo series but it's hard on my ankle.

Good thread :wave:

Have a great LC day

[AntiM]

Originally posted by graphiste
So I alternate all these tapes with a cool dvd I got of bellydancing by Dolphina.

Graphiste (and all interested parties),

I'm looking for a beginners bellydancing dvd ... would you recommend this one or is it for folks who already have some experience with this kind of dance?

Thanks!

[wordlady]

Can anyone recommend fun/effective DANCE workout videos?

Since moving away from an area where Jazzercise is taught, I miss it SO much. Dancing was FUN, challenging, and the hour FLEW by.

I want to DANCE and do some floor work.

Any recommendations?

thanks :-)

[SummerYet]

I absolutely LOVE the Leslie Sansone WAP tapes. I havent gotten to the annoyed level yet. LOL

If I hear leslie say "how bout that good posture all the way threw your life..how bout that " i think i will kill myself. And another thing...it really bugs me when that one woman always pats her butt. Oh and people are always walking and kicking out of sinc.

I laughed at this...She IS a little too cheery, and they aren't perfect, but that is one thing I like about it - they are REAL people. They mess up and so do I. I like that it is always the same people in the series cause they almost become (for lack of a better word) like family. And Debbie (yes I know their names :rolleyes: ) does talk about her butt a lot. The worst is - I never feel it in my butt...I feel it in my legs! LOL
Thanks for the laugh Jon :) I won't watch it in the same way tomorrow morning :lol:

~Michelle

[graphiste]

well its says " BEYOND BASICS" but I have never done any bellydacning befor and can follow along no problem. Her cueing is OK and its not that fast pased but WOW

can you ever feel it in your obliques!

I DO NOT like to shimmy though! I feel funny, silly, weirded-out just shaking m belly and thighs!!!

So yah , its pretty good stuff.

[Galadriell]

If you are beginner in cardio, so you have problem with following complicated steps, if you have sensitive legs/back, so you cannot jump, if you have small place at home to exercise, AND if you have good sense of humour - I would recommend the Walk Away the Pounds tapes.
I do not know any other tape with real ( I mean everyday and not pro) people. I know many people feel motivated by watching wonderful people with perfect bodies exercising in wonderful mansions, or before wonderful landscapes. When I watch the otherwise nice Gilad tapes for example , I always wondering why the hell would anybody exercise in 120F, 10+UV in bikini in full make-up on the beach?
Leslie Sansone can be annoying, but if you have good sense of humour, you can have fun:-)
The other thing: this tape is not intimidating, exactly because of the mistakes. You feel so proud to be better even than Leslie:-)
For me the most important thing: this is the first tape my husband ever done. He is a very proud computer nerd, to lure he to do any exercise video is very hard. On the other hand during our last cruise trip he enjoyed a real life group cardio - full of amateurs. That is why I decided to buy the WAP videos: to have a fun exercise with my husband. (We run together, but that is so serious.)
About the impact of it. If you do it with full energy, it is as effective as an easy jog - without the pounding effect on your knees/back.
As I mentioned different people have different expectations, so I know this is not for everybody....

[GeorgiaB]

That's so cool that you got your husband to do the WATP with you. I've been trying to convince mine to join me as well. My husband is a thin, but very inactive man. He's 5'10" and 160lbs....I'm also hoping some of my LCing will rub off on him, but so far not much luck. He's extrememly supportive of my exercise and LC, but he seems to think he doesn't need to do it too since he's never been overweight. So silly....so that's my long term goal, to get him to do a workout with me! LOL I better not hold my breath.

[faeriegirl]

About the bellydancing tapes by Dolphina. I have to highly recommend the first tape - "The Goddess Workout". I have the other ones, but by far, the first by far my favorite. It takes you about 3 times watching it before you can begin to really understand the moves, but it is fun all the way through, and she wears FANTASTIC costumes. I have done this tape for well over a year, and still never get sick of it. The finger cymbals and veil ones are good too, but quite short (25 mins). For your money, the first one is almost 1 hour long, which should keep you busy for a long time :) I would love to hear if anyone has had success with other bellydancing series (i.e. Neena and Veena?). Thanks!

[Kareny]

I went to Virgin Megastore today looking for something new to add to my tape routine, now that I'm settling into the Cardio Dance and Precision Pilates routines. After much deliberation, I ended up leaving with The Goddess Workout's Introduction to Bellydance. I've really started enjoying the Paula Abdul Cardio Dance, so I was looking for something along those lines and it seems like everything else on the market right now is Pilates! The Bellydance tape looks a little different, maybe a little sexier, and hopefully fun. The reviews on this thread helped me decide.

I'll make sure to give it a few viewings before I make up my mind. ;) I had to do Paula Abdul about 5 or 6 times before I really got the hang of it; now I do the steps while I'm waiting for my cooking to finish!

I'm very down with the "don't get bored" philosophy. I think that's why workout routines have always failed for me in the past. I've got to have fun or I'm not going to stick with it. And so far, so good! 5 weeks and counting! :D

I get embarrassed to have anyone "know" I'm working out, though - I hate to do it in the living room when my roommate's around, so I've started working out in my room. And I turn down the volume when she comes home (we're in Manhattan, so my "room" is a nice-sized space walled off by some bookshelves and the sound spills into the living room). I don't know why I should feel guilty, it's healthy! :rolleyes:

[Karla]

I have been using Richard Simmons' tapes for my a.m. cardio workout for some time; it's a good low impact workout.

Last week I started using the Winsor Pilates tapes and they are as effective as the infomercials claim! After doing the workout four times, my stomach is noticeably flatter and feels tighter, which I find impressive. I'm going to keep doing the 20 minute workout three times a week, as recommended, and see what happens.

Karla

[pink]

I must have called at least eight video places and no one has Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away The Pounds" ...what is that? :confused: I know quite a few are using this video and getting results and are happy with it.

:eek: PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE :eek: ...where can I get this video? Can I order it online? Where? I am trying to workout and I am at a brick wall.

I need :help: :help: :help: ...

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[Jerrie]

I know you can order Leslie Sansone's Walk away the pounds online. Its like $40.00 at www.walkawaythepounds.com
I havent tried these tapes yet so let me know if they are any good.
I have been going to the gym lately and havent been using my Richard Simmons tapes but I do hope to get back to them soon. I miss all the dancing and the tunes.
Good luck with your tape hunt!

:wave: Take care Jerrie

[jesdorka]

i got my WAP tapes at walmart for around $25, maybe you could check there, also i know they have them on amazon.com for around the same price.

hth

[Jerrie]

Thanx
I have to go to Wal-mart tomorrow so I will check to see if they have any. The work out tapes seem to go fast here. Maybe because we are one of the highest rated cities of over weight people. It must be all this good Mexican food. :blush:

Take care and good luck.

[pink]

Thanks a million for your input...for the site and the Wal-mart info. My friend in Vegas told me you can purchase them at Ross Dress for Less also. I will get on the phone tomorrow and find it. Now, it's become this goal I need to achieve...this problem to resolve.

Thanks again...it's wonderful to have a problem and come here and get all the answers...I love this place!

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[dancermom]

I buy my DVD's on-line. I checked the collagevideo.com site, and they have Leslie Sansone's Walk away the Pounds Plus (60 minutes) for $29.95. I think the original DVD is the same price, but the video is more! Diana

[Peabug]

Another Walk Away the Pounds follower here! I got all three tapes plus weight balls off Ebay for about $25. Can't recommend them enough.

[pink]

Called the Ross near me...they don't have the tape...no Walmart near...I'm ordering it from amazon.com...wasted enough time in the search...still without exercise...I need to move this body to get better results...I know this is the key for me. After all my years as a dancer, I know the only way is through movement.
Thanks to everyone for your input...I can't wait to begin.

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[samanthaev]

I am new member here, but not new to video exercising
I am so glad I stumbled across this thread, as well as many others on this site that I am finding so useful!
I have been an avid home video exerciser for about 14 years.
I started with the Firm , and then branched out into so many others after joining www.videofitness.com.
I consider myself an advanced exerciser, and I have belonged to gyms as well, but there are some GREAT workout vids out on the market now and I consider them to be highly challenging, and wonderfully produced.
Cathe Friedrich (for those who are serious!)- weight training, step etc.
Powerstrike- for those of you that like Tae Bo, this inmho blows tae bo away. alot of cardio minutes, intense, and alot less impact on the joints!
If you like dancy videos, Christy Taylor.

alot of these are available on DVD now, so the opportunity to mix and match my workouts makes them fun, and interesting. Gotta get creative when it comes to burning those calories, sometimes.


But if you are looking for a challenge, and variety, investing in some advanced vids is a great option, because unlike a gym membership, they never expire, they are always there for the doing (no reason to NOT workout.. its in your house for Petes sake!)

I have joined gyms, and fallen off the bandwagon a zillion times in getting there, but I always made up for it by popping in an exercise vid.
The following sites might be helpful:
www.videofitness.com
www.cathe.com
www.beach body.com (my current fav workouts)
I notice there are a dozen Pilates and Yoga vids in Target, and best buy,etc but for intense cardio and weight training, exercise vids arent out there, being mass marketed. I get alot of mine from Collage video, or other online resources.

I also joined a check in at one of the online video fitness forums, and for me , it's cool, because it makes me accountable for my exercise habit (or sometimes, lack thereof).

[Morgan1974]

<font color="Blue"><B>Being of a more "Mature" age, I can't take a lot of stress on my joints so I chose to do Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away The Pounds." Don't let the title fool you; you definitely work up a sweat and it really works!

She has a 1 mile tape, a 2 mile tape, a 3 mile tape and an Abs tape. If I have a busy day, I pick the 1 mile tape; if I'm semi-busy, I do the 2 mile; if it's a slow day, I do the 3 mile tape. You can fit them into your schedule. I find, for me at least, that consistancy is what works; not killing myself.

I do "Walk Away The Pounds" Monday through Friday and I lift light weights on Tuesday and Thursday. I get weekends to rest my weary bones. I feel great! Oh....I also do crunches and leg lifts 5 days a week!

Morgan :wave:

[Morgan1974]

<font color="Blue"><B>Being of a more "Mature" age, I can't take a lot of stress on my joints so I chose to do Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away The Pounds." Don't let the title fool you; you definitely work up a sweat and it really works!

She has a 1 mile tape, a 2 mile tape, a 3 mile tape and an Abs tape. If I have a busy day, I pick the 1 mile tape; if I'm semi-busy, I do the 2 mile; if it's a slow day, I do the 3 mile tape. You can fit them into your schedule. I find, for me at least, that consistancy is what works; not killing myself.

I do "Walk Away The Pounds" Monday through Friday and I lift light weights on Tuesday and Thursday. I get weekends to rest my weary bones. I feel great! Oh....I also do crunches and leg lifts 5 days a week!

Morgan :wave:

[CantEven]

Another vote for Leslie Sansone's: Walk Away The Pounds!

~Danielle

[pink]

:) I'm happy to report after finally ordering the WAP tapes from amazon.com...they have put me on the road to better health. I have successfully completed twenty-four days of walking away the pounds...six days a week! I have not been able to motivate myself to do any kind of consequtive exercise in years...this is a huge accomplishment for me...no pun intended.

They say...who ever "they" are...it takes twenty-one days to form a habit...from their mouths to G-d's ears. I hope...I pray...this will continue and my motivation will stay with me.

Thanks again to all of you for helping me find and obtain these worthwhile tapes.

:wiggle: THANK YOU, LESLIE! :wiggle:

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[randisue]

This may be a stupid question...but how is it your can Walk away the pounds from your living room - or do you literally listen to headsets and walk outside????

I'm interesting in walking, and want to know more about WATP
Thanks-

[CantEven]

It's a set of two DVDs (or VHS). One DVD has a 1 mile/2mile walk and the other a three mile walk. There are basically four moves: Marching in place/walking, knee lifts, side steps and kicks. Leslie Sansone also incorporates 2lb weight balls for upper body strength. You go at your own pace and can always just stick to marching in place if the rest is too difficult - the beat of the music keeps you at a target heart rate (I wear a heart monitor - it works). Approximate running time: 1 mile = 18min, 2 mile = 30min, 3 mile = 47min.

All you need is a TV and a little space (your basically walking in place. You can purchase her weight balls or use any 2lb (or less) weight with a good grip OR grab two cans of soup or other easily held objects around the house of equal weight depending on your fitness level.

The above DVDs are "Walk Away The Pounds" deluxe 2 pack dvd edition. She has lots of other DVDs. Check out www.lesliesansone.com

Amazon reviews for her older tapes were mixed. it seems she has really grown into being in front of a camera. They say she appeared awkward in her older tapes. Her newer items get great reviews.

~Danielle

[jesdorka]

i have her older tapes and newer dvd's, i haven't tried WAP 2&3 but plan too. i love her workouts but have a hard time with her yakety yak :rolleyes: so what i have done is play the tape or dvd several times until i can follow the workout and now i just mute her and put on my own upbeat music and have a great workout. i switch out between old and new and throw in richard simmons 'sweating to the oldies' just so i don't get bored :yay:

[randisue]

As I read the ton of posts on this and other threads I was impressed at the attitude of "get what you need for home" and forget the gym. I love the gym, but it's not in my budget right now.

If I can do low budget things at home, then I can accomplish just as much here as at the gym.

Besides no waiting for a shower, I carry my brand of soap and shampoo, refreshments are free, no worry about personals getting stolen, and my "facility" is very private!!! '-)

Thanks for the update on WATP tapes.

[pink]

I purchased "Walk Away the Pounds" from amazon.com. I believe the total was between $25-$30. The package contained three VHS tapes...one, two and three mile walks plus two weights. The weights are thick vinyl balls to fill with water. She has since come out with a four mile tape also. Today marked my 29th mile! I am thrilled.

Hope you will love them as much as I do. Happy walking.

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[bkloots]

Talking my language here! There's a pack of home workout fans over at www.videofitness.com, and I'm one of them. So many videos, so little time!

Right now, I'm into my fourth week of the Beachbody Slim Series, and really enjoy them. Opinions are mixed though on the videofitness forum.

Other favorites:
Bodypump
Christi Taylor (step, floor aerobics)
Cathe Friedrich (step, weights)
Cory Everson "Get Hard Arms"

And that's the tip of the iceberg. :)

[Iowagirl]

Ok, I'm too lazy to read the last 5 pages so this may have been mentioned - but the Fitprime tapes are great! They are former members of the Firm and take their workouts up a notch. My favorite so far is G-Force...weight training and cardio with a rebounder. Tough! :)

[Firmbeauty]

:) Hi all

Boy I've been M I A a long time. I do alot of posting on Fitprimes Low Carb and exercise site.

I loved the Firm videos, but since FitPrime, I'd have to say they they are the next best thing to Firm. I really Love Tracy longs videos and Susan Harris. They are very challenging and the music is Great. Heidi Tanner is Awesome in From the Ground Up. Actually most of Fitprimes videos are awesome. They remind me of the older Firm Videos. Seems like the newer firms aren't as challenging as they use to be. Also Anna will be doing 3 video leads for the first time, these are scheduled to be deliverd this month.. I so can't wait.

If none of you have done already, maybe you should check out FitPrimes web page. It's open house for a while. www.fitprime.com :)

Have a great day.

Marie

[Jerry M]

Favorite video, easy....Dorian Yates "Blood & Guts" workout ;)

Yep!!!!!!!

[jennifit]

Alot of people have never heard of her. If you are an advanced exerciser then these videos are the best on the market. I have worked out intensely for years mostly at gyms but my life has gotten so hectic it's too hard for me to find the time to get there. These videos are hard!!!!! She has cardio and weight training. I highly recommend them. Even if you are intermediate you should try them and modify it to suit your level of fitness.

[Emmsy]

I adore Taebo!!! I have lsomething like sixteen workouts now. I do an hour five days a week, and two days a week I do a half hour basic with extra upper body strength training. Taebo is just the most amazing cardio. I have never found an exercise program I'm so excited to do every morning. Usually, my attention span is way to short to attempt any serious fat burning. Just my two cents. Emmsy

[Iowagirl]

I just bought some taebo - they are good. Which do you have Emmsy? I bought the 4 tapes - instructional, basic, advanced and 8minute workout.

[pink]

I think I would like to begin yoga...experienced a little while I was dancing...about 1 1/2 years ago, I took some classes at Gold's gym. Since I am 100 lbs. overweight, I need to start at the very beginning. Does anyone know a beginners video I could use? What type of yoga should I try? I want my old body back. I want to be able to stretch out these horrible pounds that have plagued my body and glide again.

Any ideas :idea: ...thoughts :confused: on the matter?

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[mommyto3]

I absolutely LOVE Leslie Sansone's Walk Away The Pounds. I have WATP Express w/the stretchie and I usually do the 3 mile. I also have WATP Abs and do the 3 mile on that one as well. I can't believe how it makes me sweat, yet is very easy to do!

[kmarie1351]

I just recently bought my first FitPrime video - Weights First with Tracie Long. It's a KILLER! I have to work up to it, but I really like the idea of non-dominant training (training your non-dominant side to exhaustion, then training your dominant side). It really seems to work, and they promise visible results in SIX workouts!

[csolyn]

I have been using Lotte Berk DVD's for about 6 months. I LOVE them! It is a mix of yoga, pilates, ballet moves, and weight lifting. Some of the stuff I _still_ can't do, but I do the alternate method they show instead. They have three levels per DVD and a bonus track with an advanced version.

I also love the Pilates and Yoga for weight loss DVD's by Gaiam.

[Carrie_10k]

I too have WATP. SO far I'm sticking with it, which says a lot given my fickle history with working out and given how out of shape I am. Which leads me to the other set of DVDs I love (and this may help you, Pink):

Yoga Zone Beginners 4 Pack. It is perfert for those who have never done Yoga and/or are out of shape. The instructor is VERY good about talking you through every movement so you are safe. The four DVDs are:

1) Introduction to Yoga (teaches the basics)
2) Conditioning and Stress Release (getting more involved, but still doable for newbies)
3) Meditation: Two Complete Programs (just what it says, this one is not a work out for your body, but it's so helpful to keep your head right).
4) Flexibility and Tone (I love, love, love this one...more challenge but no crazy advanced Yoga moves. this one puts moves you've learned together so they flow into each other more).

I got this DVD set on Amazon. I bought a Yoga starter kit for around $20 at Wal-Mart that has the mat (essential so you don't slip on some moves), the strap (very handy when your flexibility is low), yoga blocks (which to be honest, I don't even know what they do because I haven't needed them with these beginner DVDs) and a Yoga VHS tape (which I have yet to do...want to be more in shape before I get into the mucho challenging stuff).

[pink]

:) Thanks, Carrie...this seems like the ideal situation...the yoga for beginners...I will go to amazon.com and investigate. I appreciate your help.

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[katwoman]

I'm a Walk Away the Pounds fan too. I want to be able to do the 3 mile (2 mile is no problem)--but the one day I tried I thought it might kill me. I'll try again in a few weeks.

I have to confess to really liking the original Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies too.

[candyapple]

Windsor Pilates. I know it's not a high impact aerobic video but it sure does work!

[Dazed1]

Hey I am a mailman, I walk 5 hours a day, up and down steps. I have had a problem with my feet(plantar fasciitis) and bunions. It became a viscious circle, I couldn't do what I usually do, and I didn't change my eating habits so I put on 40 lbs over the last 10 months. 20 of that was in the last 2 months because I had bunion surgery. I just had Orthotripsy for the plantar fasciitus and I have seen an improvement already. I should get back to full duty shortly, and with Atkins my weight loss should increase. My plan is when I get reaquainted with work I will move into Yogalates, a combination of Yoga and Pilates. I am not looking for anything high impact. I also have a Total Trainer for strength training. I know I canot force myself into a gym. I am a work in progress, but I just seem to have more dedication than ever before.

[Meg_S]

can anyone recommend a good latin-style dance video?

Looking for more instruction than a work out...solo moves...

I bellydance and love music that is a latin and eastern mix. I would love to learn some of the latin moves to add to my eastern vocab. and have some of that "hot" energy in my dance...
I have a pretty good foundation in how to move my hips and following arm movements - so even ones that are not absolute beginner would be welcome.

Anyone...?

I remember reading many posts back about someone not liking the shimmies in bellydance videos :) That's something my teacher is good at getting you to love... your belly and hips and thighs jiggling with your "butt cheecks flapping in the wind" LOL. A good visual for that is to "drop" your butt a little and imagine bouncing a ball with your butt cheeks. Hehe shimmies are a GREAT party trick on the dance floor!!!

[flynnlee]

i LOVE the firm. if anyone is interested in trying these excellent workouts, i would HIGHLY suggest looking for FIRM ONE and FIRM TWO. they have no step up box and light weight routines. the moves are done correctly and, having been a body builder--well, sculpter, one might say -- in high school, these are highly effective and very well thought out. i used these in high school and when i'd come home for college and they really kicked my tushie.

the newer ones are ok, but in my opinion they don't focus as much on good, solid weight training as they do jumping up and down on the box.

i would highly recommend looking at their twenty minute fitness information video. i gained a lot of valuable knoweledge on these.

also, the women in the first six videos leading the workouts will make sure you know which body parts you're working and they will tell you how and how not to do the exercises.

these are very safe tapes and they will produce results if you do them.

unfortunatly, as i found out in the four year hiatus from body building: sitting on the couch, eating chips and simply WATCHING the video will NOT get you results -- you have to actually DO it. darn.

[Tapestry]

<<can anyone recommend a good latin-style dance video?

>>

Meg_S

Kathy Smith has one out. I have it and it is very rigorous. I had a hard time keeping up with the routines. I have not idea what kind of reviews/ratings it has. I've had it for quite a while (maybe .... 5 years...)

hth

k

[xvxwickdxv]

I am a FIRM believe too. I had been doing the classics for about a year and then got hurt and sat around for about a year. I just got back into the first one and boy oh boy the first few times through killed me. Now I can't wait for every other day to do them.

And this is how bad I am... I ordered the fanny lifter and I never used it. My daughter was using it in her room for a "nightstand" lol. :lol:
Those days are done!

Wicky

[crysania]

the tapes I like
BellyDancing:
Sensual Art of BellyDance series by Veena and Neena
Goddess Workout series by Dolphina
Yoga:
Yoga Condition for Weight Loss by Suzanne Deason
Power Yoga level 1 (right now anyways its much harder then the yoga for weight loss that is for sure!)

I have a pilates dvd but hate it! mainly though I do one of the Bellydance ones :)

[ellen4621]

I just purchased The Firm Series 1 (w/ the fanny lifter) a couple weeks ago and absolutely love it!

I did many of Richard Simmons' tapes a few yrs ago and lost 30 lbs in about 5 months (pre-LC). Yes, he's geeky but his workouts ARE effective! (I would usually watch some of the other people after getting the form and steps down first) I've also done some tapes by Margaret Richards (Body Electric on the local PBS early in the a.m.) but she's mostly about light weights. (Hey, she looks pretty darn good for a woman in her mid-50's - I could only hope!)

Wait a minute - if I keep on going at this w/o falling "off" again, I WILL look that good in my mid-50's! I like that idea..... :D

[Vanity3]

You can't forget to add videos such as Power 90 or Slim in 6. They are great and they REALLY work. I used Power 90 (and I still do) and you can change your body type in a matter of weeks. Check it out for yourself. It's a money back guarentee, what do you have to lose, but weight. Its bootcamp style so be prepared to work. But it is fun and very rewarding.

www.beachbody.com

[Kris2]

My fav's are 10 minute abs, Winsor Pilates, and TaeBo Advanced.

[sophie44]

Richard Simmons and Leslie Sanson are my favs!

[rloveman]

I feel a little embarrassed to admit it, but in addition to the Walk Away the Pounds tapes (which are annoying but easy to follow and a good workout if you're not in shape), I LOVE the CherFitness Body Confidence tape. The first half is a dance-y aerobics workout led by a choreographer, set to regular pop hits (but from the '90s, when the tape was made). The second half is a strength-training workout with stretchy exercise bands led by Cher's personal trainer (at least at the time).

Cher follows along in both workouts, and complains at exactly the same times that I'm straining and ready to give up. Makes me laugh and keep going instead.

When I used these before (I'm planning to start again as soon as I get back into the habit of working out, with the WATP tapes, which are shorter), I alternated and did the aerobics one day and the strength training the next. Not only did I feel fitter, but it made me feel like a dancer (and believe me, I'm as klutzy as they come).

[Rapvnzle]

When I was younger I used to work out to both of these videos.. I don't do much at home anymore as I'm a Curves fanatic nowadays..

The Grind - MTV - Tai Funk Arobics.. I LOVED IT.. its fun and you can really get into the groooove

Jane Fonda - Step aerobic and abdominal workout. Excellent workout and low impact. Great for a small workout area.. as I used to do it in my dorm room. (75 lbs thinner :( )

[Nancy LC]

I think I would like to begin yoga...experienced a little while I was dancing...about 1 1/2 years ago, I took some classes at Gold's gym. Since I am 100 lbs. overweight, I need to start at the very beginning. Does anyone know a beginners video I could use? What type of yoga should I try? I want my old body back. I want to be able to stretch out these horrible pounds that have plagued my body and glide again.

Any ideas :idea: ...thoughts :confused: on the matter?

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

I used Yoga Journals, "Yoga for Beginners". The DVD has a nice section where each pose is explained and slowly demonstrated.

I used to find Yoga much easier. My arthritis has gotten worse and I've lost a lot of flexibility from my sedentary life. So I am hoping to get it back with this! Of course, the poses are pretty much impossible for me to do as extreme as the instructor, but I just modify it a little.

I also got Yoga AM & PM, but they rush through the poses too quickly. I like the ones where you get into a pose and they talk you through holding it and maximizing the stretch of the pose.

[rsauten]

For a really tough workout, I love Cathe Freidrich. All her tapes are different with new challenging moves, and lots of creativity. She really puts you through a workout! I also have all the Firm, Karen Vought, and Bryan Kest yoga among others. I kinda went crazy with tapes. It gets so hot in Texas, you kinda have to workout inside...

[clancy]

Christie Taylor is GREAT!!

[FanciFace]

Anyone have a review on the Buns of Steel series?

[4biddenEve]

I enjoy Tony Little's Total Body workout, Windsor Pilates and Susan Powter's Abs & Oils. Yes I know she is the queen of Low Fat diets, but that is how I started. NAd turns out her aerobic exercises are not bad at all. Get me going and I've seen my body change. The variety of exercises keeps me motivated and my body is definately showing a big change.

[ellie2]

I have to agree with Vanity3- i love the beach bodies power 90 and i've only done it for a week. It's great because you don't have to go to to the gym but it kicks your butt- YET it's okay for beginners. It's only 30 minutes a day and has a cardio day and a resistance training day - since it's a day one/ day two split you don't get sick of it....okay, ask me in a month. HOWEVER in a month i will be on the advanced system. I found it an excellent all over workout. I took before pictures and i hope to post my before and afters on the website (yikes! me in a bathing suit online!)
Anyway- add it to the list! Elle

[ElisaB]

Other - mine is definitey one of the Winsor Pilates series. If I had to pic one, I would say "Accelerated Body Sculpting" I believe it's called, the 45-min. one in the basic DVD set.

If I had to pick a favorite cardio video, it would be Kari Anderson's "Tone it up!", which is a cardio routine that uses resistance bands for toning. Nice choreography, good music, no silly steps, no excessive perkyness (real word?) :)

[Vanisle]

I too LOVE the Winsor PilatesDvd's
I am wondering though if any one knows of anything that has both balls and bands together in the workout.
I used to go to a pump class and really miss it but work the hours its on

[doloresrod]

Cindy Crawford's "The Next Challenge" is a great workout.

[Huskerchic]

I LOVE to do Step Aerobics.
So, I'd have to say Gilad's Step Workout. Gin Miller also has an ass-kicking new video called "Simply Step", which is going back to the good old days of BASIC step, leg curls, leg lifts, etc, no fancy "twist your ankle trying to learn it" choreography.

I like Gilad's step video for the same reason. When I exercise I want to breathe hard and sweat, not worry about falling on my face !

[NewGal04]

4bidden-I also have Susan Powter, although I have the "moving" tape. It's about 10 years old, but I love it! It has gotten too easy for me, and I recently bought The Firm, but I can't get the coreography down with those! I get so frustrated and end up doing the Susan Powter again! I've never even heard of the one you mentioned...is it a step aerobics tape? I've been to her site hoping to find a more advanced tape/dvd, but the site wasn't working when I went. If you're familiar with her work, any advice for which advanced tape to try?

[Huskerchic]

Totally stupid observation....................

BUT, how come the people that are actually in these workout videos never sweat??

[4biddenEve]

4bidden-I also have Susan Powter, although I have the "moving" tape. It's about 10 years old, but I love it! It has gotten too easy for me, and I recently bought The Firm, but I can't get the coreography down with those! I get so frustrated and end up doing the Susan Powter again! I've never even heard of the one you mentioned...is it a step aerobics tape? I've been to her site hoping to find a more advanced tape/dvd, but the site wasn't working when I went. If you're familiar with her work, any advice for which advanced tape to try?

I have moving, abs & oils and move it and lose it, which is the one I do now. Yes it is a step aerobics. It's pretty good, only because as you know the moves are repetitive and there is no unnecessary coreography to follow. Gets your heart pumping and really makes you feel you worked out the entire body. But, that's just my opinion. I went to her site and did not find many videos. She is selling a new yoga tape and some CDs. Maybe there is a site where they sell old videos? LOL
I will search and if I find something I will let you know.

[Galadriell]

Totally stupid observation....................

BUT, how come the people that are actually in these workout videos never sweat??It is very easy. They have a good air conditioning system. Cooling and drying the air, so the sweat evaporate very fast. (Leaving behind only the salt.)

Similar way, you have never seen VISIBLE sweat on people running in high temperature for example. The liquid part of the sweat evaporate so fast. (I never have VISIBLE sweat during my summer long runs, though I DO sweat 4-6 lbs.)

You can experience with this by using a high power fan at home.

That is why sweating is a very questionable sign of effort.

[NewGal04]

Thanks! I went to the site again and found the same thing. Where did you get your tapes from? I have an old copy of the moving that doesn't work anymore, so I have a dubbed tape from my mom that has parts bleeped out etc....but it still works! If I find anything, I'll keep you posted as well! :)

[tammay]

I love exercise videos now - I used to be intimidated by them at first (thinking of myself doing floor exercises in front of the TV in my livingroom for some reason made me feel like a fool :lol: ) but now they're the only type of exercise that I consistently stick with (though I add other things at the gym when I'm in school and have access to the university gym). Three weeks ago when the semester started I started back on my regiment and I'm happy to say I'm sticking to it. Three times a week The Firm (Sculpted Buns, Hips, and Thighs - Tracey Long is awsome!) and three times a week Pilates for Dummies (just got the DVD version which includes the advanced as well as the beginners, but it's gonna be a while before I get to that :D).

I should actually thank my university - parking for students absolutely sucks so you have to get there early to get a parking space which forces me to get up early enough to exercise in the morning (and the added bonus that the student parking lot is right next to the university gym...)

Tam

[j4k3]

can a guy use the firm videos and benefit from it? i'd like to lose my gut since i'm skinny and it looks HORRIBLE on a skinny guy.

thanks!

[Noura80]

I Like Neena & Veena's Bellydance for fitness. It's fun and the time passes by so quickly. The problem is that I'm not much of a "dancing" fan. I look really silly when "working out" with this video even though I come from an arabic background.

[Vjade]

I just bought the firm and the winsor pilates. I also bought Denise Austin and Paula Abdul get up and dance. It was $5.00 at Walmart. I just wanted to mention that I use to love Tae bo until I ended up with two very swollen knees. I ended up in the hospital unable to walk.

Make sure that if you do the video you are wearing sneakers. I thought because my house was carpeted I didn't need to. I still have troubles with my knees.

I joined Curves and it isn't that hard on my knees. Has anyone tried D.D. R. Dance Dance Revolution it's a playstation 2 game. They have a workout mode anyways I can spend hours on that and once I get on it's so much fun I don't want to stop. Just make sure that when your stepping on the arrows you don't stomp or you'll feel it in your foot the next day.

Great Topic.

Vjade

P.S. How do you add pics to entries?

[BadgerGirl]

can a guy use the firm videos and benefit from it? i'd like to lose my gut since i'm skinny and it looks HORRIBLE on a skinny guy.
Yes, of course.

[Wolfie1]

I Like Neena & Veena's Bellydance for fitness. It's fun and the time passes by so quickly.

I love these too. Mostly I love DDR though....not really a video, but it is something you can do at home :D

[MomUSA]

I like Leslie Sansone's walking videos. My favorite is Walk Away the Pounds - Walk and Kick.
There is also another video I really like and that is Get Moving - Walking for Weight Loss. It has intervals and is a little more intense than the Leslie Sansone videos.
Although nothing in better than a 3 mile power walk outdoors in 45 - 75 degrees weather on a sunny day. Oh Spring, get here QUICK!!!!

[hunichi]

I'm serious. :lol: I know it's so 90s (although i'm not quite sure when those videos were made) or cheesy for some, but I actually enjoy the routines. Here are some of the plus points of the MTV the grind workout:

1. Easy to Follow - what I really hate about other exercise videos is that some require a lot of turns and changes in direction. i think it makes it more difficult because aside from having to learn the steps in a minute or two, you're also going to have to think of your orientation (or where you're headed. can't think of the proper term). The grind comes up with a solution to all that. You're not required to follow them (whether it's left, or right) and most of their routines/moves don't require you to turn away from the TV. that way, you don't get disoriented, and you don't get lost too easily.

2. Fun - it's fun because you can see that the grind dancers/aerobic instructors are also having loads of fun too. they joke around, input their own style into the routines, and tease each other in the process. moreover, the exercise itself is fun as well (even warm-up and cool-down). aside from being entertained by the show's hosts, you also enjoy because you feel like you're just dancing. it's very high energy and up-beat, and the "moves" are so modern, it doesn't even feel like exercise.

3. Practical - for people like me who don't know how to dance casually, it's quite helpful. of course, some movements/routines will be over the top if you use them in clubs (as they suggest you do hehe), and some will even be out of date, but there are simple steps/movements that you can adopt to spice up your usual dance moves (i.e. bobbing your head up and down and stepping side to side, throwing in some arm movement now and then). i'd definitely use some of the steps i've learned, if only i had the guts to do so (i'm so selfconscious i won't even go into the dancefloor. hehehe)

so there, that's about it. :) that's why it's my favorite. in fact, i have 2 different versions of the grind workout (1&2).

just so you know, other work-out tapes and cds i have at home are several versions of jane fonda's (my mom bought them), daisy fuentes (again, my mom) and billy blanks' tae bo crunch. i found the taebo crunch too strenuous. instead of feeling good after work-out, i just felt really tired and worked up. hehehe. hope my "review" helped. i'll be sifting through the others to see which ones i'll buy and try-out :D

-- Estelle (philippines)

[KimmyAnn]

I to like "walk away the pounds" by Leslie Sansone the 3 mile walk is a good work out for me and I sweat like a farm animal lol so that has to be good!!!!! lol

[Angel Girl]

I love the WATP dvds. I have the WATP Express 1,2,3,4 miles. WAPT for the Abs 3 mile and WATPs with the weights 3 miles. I love them! They are great. Depending on the day and the amount of time I have, I do anywhere from 3 to 12 miles! Someday I'll try the Firm videos, but for now I'm content to keep on walking! Come on girlfriends! Let's walk walk walk! SISTERS IN SWEAT!!!

[HANZEL]

Jay Cutler "Ripped to Shredz"

[Over40]

I have found the Power 90 workout to be excellent.

I have also just purchased a yoga video I'm going to try. I just need to find time when no one is around so the kids won't laugh at me...

Jon