Since exercise seems to be something that a lot of BS throw themselves into to relieve stress I was wondering what is your favorite exercise video to do at home. I know some go to the gym, but for those of us at home, what exercise do you like to do?

Hey lost,
I love workout videos. Used to do them all the time, but now my "workout room" is a "play room" for our two DD's and you can't even walk through it, much less find enough open floor space to work out, lol. Anyway, it's been awhile, but my favorites used to be "The Firm" series.
Good luck,
--SC

Here's something else you might want to check out: CollageVideo.com
It's an online catalog of workout videos. They actually "test" all of the videos before they list them, and they won't list the ones they think are lame. It's a really good resource. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have most of the Firms and have enjoyed them the most over the years. The older ones are much better, IMO. My personal favorites are Tough Tape, Cardio Step Mix and Volume 1.

I will still pull one out for the fun factor, but have since graduated to Cathe, who focuses on very intense weight training.

I, too, found The Firm to be an excellent video set. My favorites were Firm: Time Crunch and Firm: Strength.

I also very much enjoyed step aerobics. Kari Anderson is incredibly perky, but her workouts are good. If you're looking for very advanced choreography (my ex is a folkdance instructor and hated the highly repetitive routines), try the CIA series. They're all done by instructors for other instructors, and therefore there is almost no repetition and the routines are incredibly hard. I was at my absolute limit when I tried to follow them. The CIA routines are all kinds of aerobics -- three half-hour workouts on each tape. They're no-frills in terms of backgrounds and glitz, but the workout is fantastic. (Do NOT buy these if you're a beginner!)

If you are a beginner, then I'd suggest looking for something the Reebok workout series. Petra Colber (I think that's her name) was a good one for beginning workouts. There are a couple of beginner workouts in the Firm series, as well.

If you're into yoga, I really enjoyed a video called Total Yoga. It's longer than most yoga videos at about 70 minutes long, and you will be pretty wobbly when you're done, 'cause you've worked out hard.

These days, well. I have exercise video issues. The very worst D-day moment for me was when my ex told me she wasn't going to let me adopt our daughter. She did it when I came upstairs from the first workout I did after our daughter was born. I haven't been able to face any videos since then. So I've done walking and biking and stretching, and have tried a few things, but even if I had plenty of free time these days, I'm not sure I could face a workout video.

So I have a nice collection of weights and videos that are gathering dust in my family room. Ah, well.

my favorites are..

1. How to burn calories while dunking oreos in milk
2. Toning muscle while opening Baby Ruth's
and..

3. Power lifting dip on chips and various other crisp conconctions...

ARK^^

I suggest the book "Body for Life" - it's not easy exercise, but it works great and if you do it you will be in better shape than you ever have. There is also a website - www.bodyforlife.com. I used to read all about exercise etc. until I had to start reading this site for obvious reasons.

I've been doing it for about a year (with a slight hiatus after dday). I've lost about 35 lbs of fat and gained enough muscle to notice. I look 10x better than I did this time last year - and a lot better than the OM too!

ark, you are hopeless! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

19, I have many friends who have had great results from Body for Life!

I tend to go for yoga videos more than anything else... I used to be really into yoga, taking advanced classes and everything. I even did prenatal yoga when I was pregnant, which was awesome. Yoga definitely helps relax you, stretching out all those muscles you don't even know are tensed! I can't afford it anymore and sure do miss it. I'm really into the new DVD by Rachel Brice, who is a pretty famous bellydancer/yoga instructor. It combines yoga with tribal bellydance moves.

Sadmommy, don't ya just love working out at home? I have found that to be a God send. I have converted my formal living room into a gym and so enjoy working out up there. No longer do I have an excuse to not work out.

Exercise saved my sanity when my XH left me in 1999. I went out and bought the toughest tape I could find and would just LOSE myself in that workout every night. It was the only peace I experienced that first year and it got me into a habit of working out on a regular basis.

I was dancing all over the living room tonight during American Idol... does that count ??

And... it was pretty tricky to do so while not spilling any wine....

(liking Ark's workout too !)

carnation

The Firm is the best system ever! I know I probably sound like an info-mmercial, but this system transformed my body. I like the older version with the plain 'ol square step, before they got all fancy.

It truly is cool... That along with running dropped me from an after-baby chub of 247 pounds to my healthy, toned 143 I am today. It will make you so sore, but it is sooooo worth it!

Jen

haha carnation! I can picture you dancing around the living room! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just had to add this in here (I'm a gym girl myself)--but when WH and I got married, it was 7 days before Christmas. My first Christmas present from him was Angela Lansbery's Positive Moves Workout Video.

No joke. It had a copyright from like in the 80's. It starts off with good ole' Jessica Fletcher in a towel rubbing her legs and showing some cleavage. During the rest of it she is wearing peach velour.

I wouldn't recommend this one!!!

lol! Angela Lansbery??? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> move over, Jane Fonda! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Melody, you think that is funny...

You should see me dancing in my car !!

Usually up and down 35 W !!



Carnation

When I was very much younger, I liked "The 20 Minute Workout" by Beth Mota. If you are a guy, you don't even have to do the exercises and you can still get your heart rate into the cardio-zone. I admit I did the exercises though. Now I prefer the gym.

Uh oh... am I the only one who remembers the guru ....

Richard Simmons !!!

I loved those songs.


car

Now I love Richard Simmons and his cute little shorts! He was a hoot! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />