The best at-home exercise DVDs!

Wow it's been a long time since I wrote! It might be hard to believe but once upon a time I was in good shape, had some serious muscles going on, and spent a lot of time at the gym. Well like most people that shit got old and I got lazy and before I knew it, 20 pounds has sneaked back :( So now I'm working out hard and trying to eat healthy to get it back off and get in the best shape I've ever been in. I want to look TONED and have abs! I'm sick of having a belly pooch and am getting rid it once and for all! I'm going to break this blog up into two posts, one on my nutrition, and one on working out. This one is about exercising. I've done so much research and experimentation so you will be getting all the info I've worked hard to get! Right now my exercise is all done at home, because I might be moving soon and can't commit to a gym contract although I'd love to get back into one soon. So I'm going to be doing a list of workout dvd's that I've found to be great.

Dvd Number One: Tae-bo Billy's Favorite Moves


http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Billys-Favorite-Moves/dp/B000CS45LA

This is my NEW favorite. It has everything all packed into one workout. Plus the pace is not too fast and I can get through the entire thing without having to stop for a break which is rare for me. It does get me super extremely sweaty and gross. It has cardio, toning, and muscle strengthing. It mainly focuses on the obliques, to get rid of the love handle/muffin top look, and there is a short segment at the end that focuses on abs. There is one segment that really works the ass and glutes, that literally leaves me screaming because it is INTENSE!
The bad things are this is not for someone who isn't already familiar with Tae-bo. Billy is notorious for forgetting to do work both sides or not keeping the same amount of reps. So you have to improvise here. But I really recommend this one.







Dvd Number Two: Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264539440&sr=1-1

This is a new one for me. I'm going this in conjuction with The TaeBo because I feel that that taebo doesn't have enough strength training, and this doesn't have enough cardio, for me personally. This dvd is really great in it has all the favorite moves of personal trainers. Everyday after I've done this, my body HURTS! As Jillian loves to say, "results don't come for free!"
So this one is a really good one for getting in that toning of the muscles and some additional cardio. The biggest plus is that each workout is only twenty minutes long! There is no excuse to NOT do this even on your busiest day. Also, this is marketed for women but a man can definitely do this. I challenge any manly man to do this and NOT get winded or worn out. It will kick your ass, male or female. This is also the only dvd you will need extra equipment which is only a set of handweights, and something soft to lay on for floor work.

DVD number Three: TaeBo Cardio
http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Tae-Bo-Cardio/dp/B0000C0FBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264539584&sr=1-1

If you buy any ONE taebo dvd, get this one. I'm not currently doing this but I have in the past and it got me wicked results in pretty much no time. Of course, I did it 5 times a week though.
This workout is HARD and usually I can't get through it (40 minutes long) without stopping for 3-4 breaks. It is very fast paced. I recommend this one for everyone. Be warned though, it is INTENSE.

DVD Number Four: Taebo Bootcamp: Abs
http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Ab-Bootcamp/dp/B0009OOA3K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264539707&sr=1-3

I found this at Goodwill for like $2 so I couldn't NOT get it. I haven't started it yet because I still need to lose a few lbs on the gut before any serious ab work will show results. I do plan to integrate it later on though. I've watched it and it seems to be a pretty hardcore ab workout, which is perfect, because I want to feel PAIN in a workout. Not like "ow ouch dammit shit ouch!!" kind of pain, but "damn that burns it feels good work those muscles!!" kind of pain.

and finally workout number 5, not a dvd but VHS (yes I know)
TaeBo 8 minute workout
http://www.amazon.com/Tae-Bo-Ripped-8-Minute-Workout/dp/B0013M4UVE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=video&qid=1264539864&sr=1-7

I don't know where you can get this other than off amazon.com or try ebay. I found mine at Goodwill. This workout is not really 8 minutes but 16, I guess they don't count the warmups. But don't be fooled, this isn't by any means easy and is perfect for days when you're too tired/lazy or short or time. The other day I did this in conjuction with 30 day Shred and it gave me the perfect workout. The amount of sweat I get from this is the same amount as doing an entire 40 minute taebo workout. So yeah, pretty tough.

So I know I've talked a lot about the Tae Bo workouts but they really are by far the most effective and tough workouts. I burn over 500 calories (closer to 600) for a 43 minute workout. Please do give them a try. If it doesn't seem like your thing, here are some other goods ones I've tried:
Women's Health Train for your body type: http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Health-Train-Your-Body/dp/B000HEWEGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264540056&sr=1-1
Biggest Loser workout volume one: http://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Loser-Workout-Vol/dp/B000BQ7J70/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264540086&sr=1-2
Taebo Basic Training bootcamp: http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Blanks-Basic-Training-Bootcamp/dp/B0009MFQQM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1264540121&sr=1-4 (p.s. for basic this one is pretty damn tough)

Ok so those are all for now. I plan on getting a stability ball (I had one but it got destroyed by some kitty claws) and some resistance bands, for ab work and to burn even more calories during workout.
I will try to post updates about how it's going and post pics and all that. For now, this is it and I hope it's been helpful for some of ya!!