Shopping for an Exercise DVD

I’ve not been successful in finding a good dance workout, but I can suggest a video that really works…don’t just a DVD by it’s cover (or title). Leslie Sansone’s indoor walking series. (my favorite is the 5 mile Advanced Walk). http://www.lesliesansone.com
I lost over 15lbs by dieting and doing this one video, my cardiovascular health improved greatly AND you don’t need a big space to do this workout in.

Also, you can see clips of exercise videos at http://www.collagevideo.com
Check it out.

I hope that helps.
Michele

I’m not aware of any dance workouts, but one of my goals as I lose weight is to get my stomach back in control. I remember having a tight, toned, if somewhat padded torso in my youth and want it back.

So, I’ve started doing core pilates excercizes, which are great. For that I recommend Pilates for Dummies. Very straight forward, clear, easy to follow, and relaxing of all things.

I’ve also recently ordered an excercize ball and a video to go with it. When I was getting some physical therapy a couple years back they had me using one and its great for increasing stability in the stomach and back region. I’m 5′4″ so I’ve ordered a 55″ ball http://www.amazon.com/Valeo-Body-Ball-55-cm/dp/B0007IS6XS

For the video I’ve ordered the On The Ball workout. http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Pilates-Workout-Beginners/dp/B00009W0VM

I also have several yoga tapes and particularly like one of them. Its very clear to follow and challenging, but offers 3 levels of modification to help you ease into it.
http://www.amazon.com/M-P-M-Yoga-Conditioning-Weight/dp/B00007GZS0/ref=pd_bbs_2/105-0787427-7578025?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1183935592&sr=1-2

Elaine

I’ve had a lot of fun with Paula Abdul’s Get Up and Dance (http://www.amazon.com/Paula-Abduls-Get-Up-Dance/). She goes through the steps slowly and you should be able to follow along.

Another fun one is Quickfix - Cardio Hip-Hop Workout , but I found it to be too slow for me. My heart rate never got much above resting. But if you’re new to dancing and/or exercise, it should be really good, and you can certainly learn some funky moves.

I agree with Elaine on the yoga, pilates, and exercise ball workouts. All great for overall toning and making you feel firmer. I always feel taller after I do pilates!

- Stacy (a new reader of your blog)

You might be able to find some videos to try for free or almost free at the library, garage sales and ebay. That’s a good way to test them out before you buy to make sure 1) you like the video and 2) you’ll actually use them and they won’t just collect dust on the shelves!

I enjoy doing Core Secrets. I don’t know if it’s available at Amazon or not, but it comes with an exercise ball & 3 dvds.

Well, if you could spend just a bit more, I would suggest buying a BOSU balance trainer. It’s not hip hop or dance, but incredibly fun and challenging. I wrote an entire post a few weeks back on the benefits I found from using one (in fact, I just bought another - as you can do more with two of them). What’s nice about it initially is the fact that you can do a 10, 20 or 30 minute routine which works your core in every move. It is also a great cardio routine. There is very little you can’t work with the BOSU.

I hadn’t stopped by for a while and wanted to check in and see how you were progressing? I know it’s hard, but try not to focus just on the scale numbers, but on how you feel, what you can do that you coldn’t do before, etc. I was one of those who would be on the scale twice a day during my transformation, you can become a slave to it . . . but it doesn;t tell you everything. I wrote another post recently on what to “listen” to when you are losing weight…first to yourself. Keep pushing forward.

Josh - Agent of Change
http://www.joshneimark.com

Make sure you get a stretching DVD at some point. Although the cardio and strength elements are important, I have learned that the flexibility component vis-a-vis stretching, is critical as well. If you do too much without getting stretching into the routine, your muscles will grow very tight and doing anything intense will make you quite sore; yes I speak from experience

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! That one website, http://www.collagevideo.com, is awesome for checking out what the videos are like! What a great site. After viewing the videos, I decided to skip them at this time. I’m not sure I’m ready for them yet.

Josh - the BOSU ball is interesting. I don’t have that much money to get that. But I think that could really help with my balance since it needs some work.

I’m actually looking into a little pedal exerciser that I can fit under my desk while I am working. That way I can get some exercise in while working which would be really nice. Otherise, I sit there. And sit there.

Decisions…decisions!

Don’t get frustrated. What you need more than a video is an ipod shuffle and some upbeat music. Walk, walk, walk. My best suggestion as far as time management is concerned is to do it at the same time everyday. Wake up early and walk for an hour. Don’t think about it too much. Just get up and do it! It is low-stress on the body and really yields results. It’s also a great thinking time:) Good luck!