Needing Good Beginner's Exercise Dvd

Updated on September 21, 2008
T.S. asks from Oklahoma City, OK
27 answers

Hello ladies,

I, like every Mom in the world, have very little time to spend on myself, but I'm trying to work on a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family. I have never been the best at having a routine exercise program, but I'm am now serious to commit to one. I'd like to get a beginners exercise dvd, but there are thousands to chose from... does anyone have one they could recommend (or let me know to stay away from), so that I'm not wasting my time and money. I can only commit to 15-20 minutes in the morning. Thanks!

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A.T.

answers from Tulsa on

Any of "The Firm" DVD's are really good. you will need a step and some hand weights, but they give you the best overall workout. Not easy though.

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J.B.

answers from Florence on

One that we used that I really liked was Yoga Booty Ballet. It was a little more expensive, but well worth it. A good work out, but easy and fun. They also had people doing different exercises for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Fun stuff.

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R.E.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Well, I don't have much by way of exercise videos, but I recently bought a DVD called "Tracey Mallett's 3 in 1 Pregnancy System" which combines yoga and pilates. It's divided into three segments about 15-20 minutes each, which focus on core, legs, and upper body. Tracy is pregnant while she does the workout, and has a non-pregnant friend show the regular way to do the exercises while she does the variations for pregnant women. I confess I've only done the first 15 minute segment (core and relaxation), but I feel it's a good video because I didn't feel rushed or strained, but at the end of it I had worked up a gentle sweat and I certainly felt the effects in my legs! So, this recommendation may not be TERRIBLY helpful, but I like the video so far. You can read other user reviews on Amazon.com. :)

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A.J.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

Hi T.,
I highly recommend Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds. The set I have is a 3-set with the firt one for beginners in which you warm up, walk a mile and cool down in 15 minutes. I found it very easy to do and she makes you want to advance to the 2-mile and 3-mile walk. I like how she seems to care about you and not so much the intensity or quickness of which you move. I commend you on wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle and if all else fails and you don't find a DVD you like, just simply walk outside for 15 minutes, play with your children for 15 minutes or dance for 15 minutes-- basically anything to get that heart rate up. Good luck!

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A.F.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I have used Leslie Sansone's Walking videos. I really like them, and like someone else said they can get repetitive. She just came out with a new 5 mile video that has I think 5 1 mile workouts. Those are only like 20 min long sometimes less. But, even if you choose to do a 2 mile you can stop after her 1 mile marker comes up. I have the walk slim system and I like it too. I've also tried Turbo Jam and that was fun though some of the workouts seem neverending but, they can be fun once you get the moves down. Well, good luck there's a lot of stuff out there...

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S.D.

answers from Tulsa on

I bought Turbo Jam. It comes with a lot of different exercises, but I always do the 20 minute workout. I absolutely love it because you really feel like your dancing instead of exercising. I also have Slim in 6. It worked really well too, but the more advanced you get in it the longer the workouts are. I swear by them both, but if I had to choose, it would be Turbo Jam. You don't get sore after you exercise like you would if you tried something else.

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C.N.

answers from Enid on

T. -

Go to www.strollerfit.com and check-out all the workout videos. They are only $16.95 and they all work wonders!!! Some of them you can even do with your baby.

I love the Restore the Core video. I'm a certified RTC instructor and many of my clients lose 5-7 inches in the waist, hips, and thighs in only 8 classes, based on doing 2 classes each week.

You can also look at the MommyMuscle Sculpt video. It is great for beginners and gets results fast.

I can't say enough great things about the StrollerFit videos. I use them for my business knowledge as well as my own workouts. I've taught group fitness for 12+ years and the workout/fitness philosphy behind these videos is perfect for busy moms wanting to quickly get back in shape. It focuses on the muscles that have been used (and abused) through pregnancies and motherhood. I have an 83 year old grandmother doing the Restore the Core exercises and she lost 3 3/4 inches in only 7 classes!

Wishing you wonderful success!

In health,
C.

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M.W.

answers from Little Rock on

Dear T.,
I am also trying to get started on an exercise routine - but I need something that is FUN and not just boring same old - same old. So far, I have used Turbo Jam and Hip Hop Abs by Shaun T. I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVE the Hip Hop Abs. I LOVE to DANCE and Hip Hop Abs is more like DANCING than most of the others I have found. It is REALLY REALLY FUN, but you also REALLY REALLY work up a sweat. You can start feeling and seeing the results fairly quickly too if you use it every day. The Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson is pretty good too - but it doesn't incorporate so much "dance" type moves as it does kickboxing and other stuff. I use both so that I can have some variety - but the Hip Hop Abs is BY FAR my FAVORITE!!! It keeps it FUN!!!! Good Luck on whatever you choose. God Bless!!!

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K.L.

answers from Tulsa on

Theres alot of DVD's out there but their so expensive but if you have room in front of your computer you can go on Ladies Journal online site they show one of the best exercise with some palates! I love this site for my daily exercises. I hope this will help.

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L.W.

answers from Biloxi on

Hey there, 10-15 minutes is plenty of time for exercise. If you go to sparkpeople.com and sign up (it is completely free, they never charge for anything) they have 10 minute workout videos on the website and you can watch them anytime. It is totally free, so check it out.

There are tabs across the top, scroll over Healthy lifestyle and another menu will drop down below it. On that menu is Videos. Click on it and you will see several selections to choose from that are 5 to 20 minutes and are labeled for beginner, intermediate and advanced. Lots to choose from and completely free and you don't have to go anywhere to get them or worry about returning them. Do them whenever and as often as you like.
take care and stay healthy... L.

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R.L.

answers from Montgomery on

I just purchased the Richard Simmons DVD Sweating to the Oldies. I had a fun time doing it as well as my 3 year old running around doing all kinds of flips and stuff to the music. I am far from being healthy, but I to want to get healthy and drop some pounds. This is a "real" dvd for real women that need a workout without looking at size 1 models who are doing exercises that are not right for me yet. If anyone else out there has ever used this DVD I would love to know your results. I just got mine and really like it.

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L.A.

answers from Birmingham on

check out T-Tapp at http://www.ttapp.com/ They have an active message board to ask any questions you may have. The website also contains many success stories, pictures, sample exercises, etc.

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A.H.

answers from Tulsa on

T.,

I see that you have received some excellent advice from the other ladies on here. I started getting really serious about my health about 2 1/2 years ago. I have tried lots of different dvds. Taebo, yoga, jogging, etc. Then I stumbled on The Beachbody product Turbo Jam with Chalene Johnson & fell in love. Chalene is terrific & so full of energy. The workouts fly by. The workouts vary in length. The shortest one is 20 minutes & it really is a great one for being so short. I liked Turbo Jam so much that I tried just about all of the other workouts too. I think Slim in 6 with Debbie Siebers is a great beginner workout. You will see great results with it. The shortest workout is 25 minutes. The only thing is that it can get a little boring so I would suggest playing music at the same time to keep motivated. The Beachbody site also has other tools such as calorie counter, message boards for support, recipes, tips, etc.

It really turned my whole outlook around on health & fitness. I have learned so many things that I didn't know about. It inspired me to become a coach to help others achieve health & fitness. I will include the link to my page so you can view the products offered. Just click on shop for products & you can view them. You do not have to purchase anything just offering. If you would like me to send you some video clips of the different workouts just let me know. Here is the link- http://www.teambeachbody.com/twinmom06

Good luck!

A.

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A.J.

answers from Baton Rouge on

This old man was up to 212 pounds and felt misserable.
I started lifting weights about 30 pounds plus bar.
Also laid down and touch my toes, (:o)ing, came to my toes as close as possible.
Used five pounds handles, 2.5 each.
I tried to do ten 3x each.
Results were I got up to 100 pounds plus bar.
100 touch touches, yes total 300.
Hand weights 25 pounds each hand.
Weight was down to 185/189.
Not doing any now I am a care giver.
However I am able to hold my weight to 195.

What I am saying to you, you do not need a cd or dvd.
I am sure some one you know is doing or knows something about exercise. Discusee what you want to work on then START OFF SLOWLY your body will tell you when you are ready to increase each exercise. You will be surprist after six months you will probably be able to cut down to 3x a week.

Good Luck - God Bless

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B.L.

answers from Texarkana on

I second Kay's advice! My friend has Leslie's DVD and we used to work out to it together. The actual DVD lasts for an hour and is equivalent to walking 4 miles, but she divides it up for each mile, so if you have to stop after one, then you can. If you find that you have a little more time one morning, then you can do two miles, etc. The bonus is that you aren't dependent on the weather to exercise, which makes it easier to do. Good luck!! :-)

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A.T.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I agree with the person that suggested the library. The one I go to has tons of exercise DVD's. I do the yoga occassionally but love the Taebo(sp?) DVD's. I don't usually do it as energetic as the guy on the video but it is really upbeat and fun and I like that better than the slow, serene yoga.

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L.B.

answers from Fayetteville on

Instead of an exercise "program," my husband and I want to turn our living room and kitchen into a dance club for three: Mom, Dad and baby. It's free and it's fun! Maybe you could do the same for your family. Even though you can't get out much, you can pull some sweet dance moves once in a while. Even if you've never considered yourself much of a dancer, you can use the excuse that you're dumbing it down for the kids :) And anyway, practice always improves stuff.

Good luck!

L.

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S.L.

answers from Fort Smith on

Hey T.,
I LOVED the callanetics exercises. They were developed years ago. You might be able to check them out at your local library before you commit to buying though they aren't expensive. At my library they are vhs videos but I know they have been updated to dvds. There's one called AM/PM that is a few minutes each day. There's not any jumping and running around but it's a lot of stretching and targeted muscle work. Even without losing a pound you will firm up and lose sizes. If you can incorporate some extra walking/aerobic activity during the day it would be great. Something my family has started recently is eating mostly vegetarian, juicing, fruit smoothies and walking/running to whatever our ability is. Vegetarian can be very tasty. Lots of recipes on the internet. We have more energy than we know what to do with. As the kids get more nutrient packed food they eat smaller portions (not that I mind how much they eat as long as it's not to excess) and I've noticed are getting along better.

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C.O.

answers from Birmingham on

Let me know what is suggested!

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S.M.

answers from Fayetteville on

Denise Austin has lots of good ones, she even has ones for when you are pregnant (in the video I have she was even pregnant at the time it was made) and she also has post pregnancy workouts too. She has a website and a daily e-mail newsletter you can sign up for.
Hope this helps :)

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K.K.

answers from Huntsville on

Denise Austin has several good exercise dvds. She's upbeat but not annoying and explains the exercises well so that it's easy to follow. She'll tell you how to do the exercises if you're a beginner and how to make them more difficult as you progress. She also has a website for tips and recipes. Good Luck!

K.

A.H.

answers from Tulsa on

I also used Leslie's DVD. I was very overweight and that DVD was very easy for me to use. It can get a little repetitive sometimes, but when it did, I would put it on mute and turn on a CD or something. Good luck!

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T.D.

answers from Fort Smith on

I would reccomend any beginner yoga dvd's because yoga is easy to fit into your schedule, and you can even have the little ones join in.

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K.S.

answers from Fayetteville on

Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" is incredible.

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M.L.

answers from Tulsa on

The library has tons of these that you can check out for free!

One of the best things you can do is walk! It is also free and available almost 24/7. And...it really works!

Good luck.

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C.C.

answers from Huntsville on

i started with a beginner yoga kit. comes with dvd, mat, block, and a strap. It felt so good!!! i love it, and do it three times a week. I also alternate with pilates as that is the best way to tone your core muscles. Hope this helps

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K.B.

answers from Lake Charles on

I love the "Crunch" videos, they are short - some only 10-15 minutes. Some are for target areas, others just general exercise. I really enjoy, and it's easier to fit in when you have only a short amount of time.

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