Favorite Workout DVDs & Quick Workout

Hey There!

Today I wanted to give you a list of my favorite workout DVDs & also share a new workout.

I have mixed feelings on workout DVDs. I feel like most of the DVDs out there do not actually give me a good workout, BUT I’m going to preface that with the fact that I am an avid exerciser and have been for many years. I think for anyone just starting out these DVDs are great because you are presented with new exercises & proper form.

So that being said, as always, make sure you consult with your doctor before starting any kind of new exercise routine. Also, with ALL exercise, form & technique is SO CRUCIAL! So go lighter on weight if you don’t have the form down yet…SO KEY!

1. Jackie Warner’s Power Circuit Training

Pros:
-There are a bunch of different workout options- the full circuit is 40 minutes, but there are options to just focus on specific body parts and they are typically 15 minutes long
-The circuits go by QUICK
-The chest circuit always kills me! I kind of love it.

Cons:
-I wish there were more circuits for biceps, triceps & shoulders. There is actually just ONE circuit to cover all three muscles.

2. Bob Harper Inside Out Method- Pure Burn

Ok, this DVD is HARD. I loved it though, I think this may be my favorite strength DVD. I did it this morning and I am sore…already! It is definitely ADVANCED.

Pros:
-KILLER workout, you will feel it from the very beginning
-Shoulder exercises will make you feel like your shoulders may ignite
-Some good mix of cardio thrown in too- like burpees (a version of them), squat jumps, etc.

Cons:
-One of the ladies in the video (the modifier- she does the easier version of the exercises) sounds like she is going to die…or something odd. <—lots of grunts & STRANGE noises. You catch my drift?!
-I feel like this video would make it VERY EASY for someone to completely ignore their form & continue on- the guy in the video (besides Bob) is TERRIBLE. He is constantly stopping & his form is OFF…way off.

3. Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred

LOVE me some Jillian. She is probably my favorite trainer. I love her attitude about fitness, her books are great & I listen to her podcast everyday when I walk with Gabriella in the afternoon. Oh & the podcast is not just about fitness- most of it is, but she also has some other personal things thrown in there. I really like her A LOT! 🙂

Pros:
-It’s TWENTY minutes. That’s it. (that’s one of my con’s though too)
-LOTS of the best calorie burning plyometric exercises
-Three levels- great for beginners & those more involved in exercise already

Cons:
-It’s TWENTY minutes. I honestly don’t feel like you can get a good workout done in twenty minutes. Of course it’s a great workout to do when you can- ANY workout is better than none. But in MY PERSONAL opinion I feel like you need more than just 20 minutes a day. I would start or finish with this DVD- or do 2 or 3 of the levels, but I wouldn’t just do this & consider my workout done. (again, keep in mind I am talking about an advanced ‘exerciser’)
-Also with it only being 20 minutes, I would get bored with it because I pretty much memorized the DVD.

4. Jillian Michael’s No More Trouble Zones

Pros:
-Great STRENGTH workout- not intended for cardio
-LOTS of new exercises introduced to me from this DVD- always love new exercises!
-50 minutes & it targets the ENTIRE body- including your tush 😉
-I feel like you could really see results if you use this 3-4 days a week

Cons:
-Light weights are used, I prefer heavy weights (and for point of reference- I use 20- 25lbs. for my bicep curls- I only add that in because ‘heavy weight’ varies from person to person)

5. Jillian Michaels Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism

Pros:
-Great mix of cardio AND strength
-Keeps you MOVING! <—love that
-The circuits go QUICK & most of the moves are ‘fun’ (again, ‘fun’ is all subjective 😉

Cons:
-Probably the most ‘beginner’ video out of the five listed, but definitely nothing to laugh at- you will still get a good workout in
-Lots of jumping (which I love), but can be hard on your knees & joints, if you have issues

I had ALL intentions of sharing a workout with you, and I still am, but it’s just a quick one. I do apologize, but this has been a REALLY rough week in terms of mommy-hood. Gabriella has just been hard. Plain & simple. Just hard. She won’t nap (& this was before the shots too)- she fights it SO hard. So by the end of the day she is BEYOND exhausted & then it’s even harder to get her to bed. This is the kind of week that I REALLY wish I had family closer. Just for a break. Just five minutes. To actually eat something and take a breath. Craig wonders why I can’t stop losing weight- well, just have a child that doesn’t allow you to eat. Seriously all meals are in the form of ‘on-the-go.’ A granola bar, animal crackers, or a fruit (banana, pear or apple) Welcome to Holly’s week of eats 😉

ANYWAYS, here is a SUPER quick, heart-pumping plyometric workout. I did the Bob Harper DVD listed above & then I finished up with 3 rounds of this:

10 burpees with a jump at the end
20 jumping jacks
10 jumping lunges
10 skaters
10 sumo squat jumps

Repeat this as many times as you want!

Great for at home & at the gym. Guaranteed to get that blood pumping & I bet you’ll feel the sweat start to bead!

Hope you are having a good day- it’s ALMOST Friday! I’m looking forward to a HUGE glass of wine & maybe some take out for dinner…the last thing I feel like doing is cooking. Hopefully the hubby doesn’t mind 😉

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