New Favorite Fitness DVDs!

Ready or not, it’s time to start prepping for the holidays. By prepping I don’t mean snacking, boozing, and eating fatty “this-is-my-hibernation-body” foods, but since I know what the constant temptations are like this time of year I don’t expect the weeks ahead will be easy for any of you. So prepping in this sense means knowing how to handle what’s coming at you. By now you’re probably bored of the same ‘ol routine, you’re hitting a plateau, you’re beginning to put on your “winter layer,” or you’re simply searching for new ways to workout now that the weather’s changing. Sound about right? No judgment here! Since I know exactly what this feels like, I want to share with you a new installment of favorite DVDs – just in time for the holidays. Step away from the Chex party mix and turn on your DVD player!

Best For: The Cardio Beginner Looking for a Fun Workout/Cardio Queen Looking to Sub a Few Treadmill Sessions

Zumba Fitness DVDs
Zumbafitness.com or amazon.com

“The revolutionary, dance inspired, total body, fat burning workout.” Zumba is the newest craze right now and for good reasons: It’s fun, you get to listen to great music, and you don’t realize how hard you’re working until it’s over. I love this kind of workout because it’s perfect for replacing the boring treadmill once in a while.

Pros: The workout is so different than anything out there that you’ll definitely see results at first. The music is fun, the steps are relatively easy to learn, and you don’t even have to buy the DVD – classes are taught all over the Treasure Valley now. If you do opt to purchase it, there’s also a 20-minute workout for the time-challenged.

Cons: High probability I’d get sick of the music on the DVD since you can’t do anything about changing it. Also – if you think this will be a DVD that will teach you how to dance, think again, my friend. As with me, just because I learn the steps easily does not mean I look good doing them!

Best For: Those Looking for Total-Body Workouts with the Option of Cardio or Strength Training

Perfect Body Workout by Women’s Health
Amazon.com

This DVD’s my personal fave out of the bunch because the trainer, Amy Dixon, knows her stuff but doesn’t come at you in a Jillian Michael’s way about it. Dixon trains as I like to train my own clients and myself – with a combination of total body strength training moves that include balance and core. There’s also a cardio portion that’s high-energy but since each workout is only about 20 minutes it’s manageable.

Pros: Dixon is easy to like because she comes across as normal (I fully understand some trainers, ahem, don’t). She has you perform the exercises for long enough to feel it but not so long you want to hurl your dumbbells through the television. I personally like the music selection as well.

Cons: The strength training segment takes off from the end of the cardio segment, so there’s not a warm-up just for both sections. Trainer Tip: Make sure your body’s warm if all you’re going to do is the 20-minute strength training segment of this DVD.

Best For: The Core-Obsessed

Exhale Core Fusion - Body Sculpt
Amazon.com

If you do this entire DVD (it’s broken up into five 10-minute workouts), I’ll bet you a protein bar that you’re shaking so bad you can barely pick up your water bottle. It’s not that it’s an intense, high-energy workout. It’s actually a very slow, controlled, and focused one. You only need small weights (no more than 8 pounds for most), but you’ll target your arms, shoulders, glutes, hips, thighs, and abs all while engaging your core. Good stuff!

Pros: I love that each segment is broken down so you can mix and match your workout depending on which body parts you need to work most. I also appreciate that these exercises don’t start off as being tough but since you’re holding them so long, the 10-minute length is a relief. The ab section is pretty advanced so don’t feel bad if you can’t handle the entire thing without resting. I love that they stress the importance of focusing on your muscle groups as you’re working them.

Cons: I have to admit I get a little annoyed with these two instructors. They’re very intelligent and terrific at what they do – but their voice prompting starts to grate on my nerves whenever I’m in the zone. This may not be the case with you. Only one way to find out!

Best For: the Yoga Fan Wanting to Take it up a Notch

Cardio Burn Yoga by GAIAM
Gaiam.com or amazon.com

First of all, don’t let the title fool you like it did me. If you’re expecting your heart rate to soar in this workout you’ll be disappointed. Instead of replacing your usual cardio workout with this DVD, do this on a day you’re feeling a bit unmotivated, maybe lethargic and achy, or just need to shake up your usual yoga routine. I like to use this once a month when my body is crying out for a belated all-over stretch but is still too ADD for regular, slow yoga movements.

Pros: If I had tried this yoga workout before I tried traditional yoga I probably would have stuck with the practice. I like that you’re not holding each move for eternity, but rather you’re flowing through each pose quickly. This allows you to feel as though you’re actually working something but gives you the all-over stretched-so-good feeling yoga is known for. I also love Patricia Moreno’s positive energy and would recommend many of her other fitness DVDs as well.

Cons: As I mentioned, I only do this about once a month because I don’t really count it as a workout. I suggest you do this on a rest day for some “active” recovery and to loosen up any tight muscles you have from your other workouts.

Meet the Trainer

Crystal is a certified personal trainer through the National Sports and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has a passion for helping others live a healthy lifestyle and coaching them to push their limits beyond what they think they are capable of.