I’m not too enthusiastic about it, but I’ve come to the conclusion that doing a workout video in my office at lunch is the only way I’m going to get any calories burned and get rid of this butt I’ve been carrying around since the birth of my last child (two years ago :rolleyes: ). I work full-time and I’m the mother of three. I have NO TIME when I’m at home.
Years ago in the Let’s Get Physical '80s I did aerobics at the gym. Hated it. Mostly hated the outfits and all the mirrors. I’ve tried workout videos at home, but mostly was distracted by the lamps wobbling to the rhythm of my workout.
So now I have an office with carpet and, miraculously, plenty of floor space. I do like to dance – and in fact took loads of tap and ballet classes in my youth – so a workout that emphasized dance would be fine.
Trouble is, I’m too impatient to wade through all the millions of offerings out there. So I turn the question to Dopers.
** * What videos have you found effective and interesting enough that you stick with them?
Which offers the best workout in the shorest space of time – (importantly) without killing me?**
I’m nearly 43 years old, and am in no shape to speak of. I walk around a lot at work and that’s it. I probably need to lose 20 pounds – 30 if I want to be as skinny as my pre-preg weight. I’d be happy with 15. I’ve already lost 10 just in dieting.
My co-worker got this one for Christmas last year. It involves dance which made me think you might like it. I hope you have a door that locks if you plan on trying it though.
I personally prefer to use a treadmill or something of that sort. I have a hard time sticking with something if I’m bored while doing it. My husband hooked up a TV for me in our guest room so now I can watch TV while doing it and I find that I no longer dread it. In fact, I look forward to it! In your situation, however, I’m not sure it would be possible to have something like that in your office. I know some pieces of exercise equipment do fold up nicely if you have a place to store it.
yellowval – HA. But yes, I do have a door and a lock, which I plan to use, whatever video I choose. I could theoretically use a treadmill, but I don’t want to invest the moolah.
Caricci, your ideas intrigue me; I would like to subscribe to your newsletter. (Or: tell me what is so great about her.)
I recommend Tae-Bo. The beginner video’s are definitely doable at your present fitness level and it leaves you feeling like you really worked out.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, I really dig the Goddess Bellydancing videos, but I don’t feel like I did very much when they’re over. But even if I don’t lose weight, I’m still getting pretty good at belly dancing, so it’s a win-win(…win) scenario.
Go to www.collagevideo.com and go to the reader reviews. You can even see 60-second snippets of the videos, and there’s all sorts of styles so you won’t get bored. Another good website is www.videofitness.com which also covers in depth video reviews. Hope this helps!
Can I suggest another approach? Since your time is limited and you want a lot of bang for your buck, buy some free weights and hop on over to the fabulous Miss Christa at http://www.stumptuous.com/ read through the beginner’s stuff and build yourself a weight-lifting routine.
If you’re really out of shape Miriam Nelson has some routines for beginner’s which will help you get started.
If you move from set to set quickly and work hard, you’ll be getting a cardio workout as well, and with strength training you should see results fairly quickly, not necessarily by the scales, but in how your clothes fit.
Otherwise, I know some people who are very enthusiastic about the T-Tapp program, but I’ve never tried it myself, so it’s a second-hand recommendation.
Thanks to everyone for the recommendations! I appreciate everyone’s input.
I am going with Caricci’s suggestion of the walking video. I would try the weights, blackhobyah, but I have problems with (I think) a tendon in one of my arms and I’m afraid to exacerbate it.
But yes, I do have a door and a lock, which I plan to use, whatever video I choose. I could theoretically use a treadmill, but I don’t want to invest the moolah.
(Or: tell me what is so great about her.)