Time-Saving Workout Videos

Short but intense workouts

On days where completing a full, time-consuming workout seems daunting, relax. Several workout DVD and video series and instructors now offer time-saving workouts that can help you blast calories and tone muscles in just 30, 20 or even 10 minutes.

The 10-Minute Solution collection of DVDs is based on this principle. Their 10-Minute Solution: 5 Day Get Fit Mix (*Est. $11) receives solid reviews. The video includes five varied 10-minute routines that range from Cardio Kickboxing to Belly Fat Burner. Reviewers say that the DVD is challenging enough (multiple 10-minute routines can be mixed and matched if you have more time), but that instructor Amy Bento's friendly demeanor and cues are more geared toward beginners.

Likewise, Amy Dixon: Give Me 10! (*Est. $20) is another strong pick for a time-saving workout. The video includes six separate 10-minute workouts: Fat Blasting Cardio, Upper-Body Sculpt, Lower-Body Firmer, Core Makeover, Yoga Stretch and Flex and a Bonus Kettle Bell Tone Up. Each is fairly solid, though not particularly innovative. While the production quality is pretty bare-bones, Dixon is a seasoned professional and has strong instructional and cuing skills.

There are some alternative, more intensive time-saving workouts on the market. These tend to skew toward the 30-minute mark as opposed to the 10-minute mark and provide a tougher workout. The most popular and well received of these by far is Personal Training with Jackie: Xtreme Timesaver Training (*Est. $11). Both professionals and users hail this video as a challenging workout video that can be done in a mere 30 minutes. As with all of her videos, Warner provides good instruction, an innovative approach and is tough without being annoying. Unfortunately, this DVD offers just one routine option, but reviewers still say that this is the most effective workout you'll get with just 30 minues.