Exercise Videos

Cardio/Aerobics

The main objective of a cardio video or DVD is to raise your heart rate and burn calories for at least 20 minutes. Modern DVDs are a big departure from the jumping jacks and running in place you might remember from the 80's. The emphasis today is on working the big muscle groups to elevate heart rate, while minimizing impact moves that can lead to knee strain or injury. Experts say you want a video with enough variety to keep you interested and motivated.

Experts like Billy Blanks' opus of videos. His original four-video set, " Tae Bo Workout with Billy Blanks " (*est. $30 to $60) is a blend of Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing and aerobics including instructional, basic, advanced and eight-minute videos. This set has been phased out to make way for new Billy Blanks Tae-Bo workouts, but it can still be found on VHS video tapes.

We also found good reviews for several more recent Billy Blanks exercise videos. Editors at Self magazine vote " Tae Bo Flex " (*est. $15) the best cardio DVD of 2005. Its cousin, " Tae Bo Cardio " (*est. $15) , wins for best kickboxing DVD. " Billy's Bootcamp " (*est. $40) is an infomercial staple. One consumer writing a review at FitnessInfomercialReview.com gives credit to the series for helping her lose forty pounds in two months. This video incorporates included rubber bands for resistance. Newer videos include the five-DVD set " Tae Bo Amped " (*est. $40) and the four-DVD set " Boot Camp Elite " (*est. $40) , both of which are good for toning and floor aerobics.

A few experts are fans of the Crunch series of workout videos. At Paula Z's Exercise Video Reviews, she likes the intermediate/advanced " Crunch: Boot Camp Training " (*est. $15) video that earns a high rating; the reviewer says it is fun, has a charismatic instructor and keeps the viewers motivated. Other Crunch recommendations include " Crunch Cardio Salsa " (*est. $15) and "Crunch: Fat Blaster, the Next Step" (*est. $15) . All of these are cardio videos. "Crunch Cardio Salsa" includes Latin music and Salsa moves. If you like step workouts, "Crunch: Fat Blaster, the Next Step" also includes Latin music. You'll need to purchase the step apparatus separately if you don't already own one. "Crunch: Fat Blaster, the Next Step" has been discontinued, but is still available at some websites on VHS tapes.

If kickboxing and step workouts sound a little too advanced, we found positive reviews for "Walk Away the Pounds" with Leslie Sansone (*est. $15) . There are several versions of this video, including one, two, three and four-mile workouts based on the long-standing principle that walking is the best workout, especially for beginners. (Newer versions are called Leslie Sansone Walk at Home and Leslie Sansone Walk Slim.) A much tamer workout than Tae Bo, it receives good reviews from consumers on Amazon.com, some of whom say they were surprised to work up a sweat and raise their heart rate. The newer " Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home – Walk Away Your Waistline! " (*est. $20) includes a three-mile walk with one, two, and three-mile markers on one DVD and a walk belt for toning while walking. Amazon.com users give this video good ratings, but it is too new for professional reviews. Editors at Redbook cite "Walk Away the Pounds" as a favorite.

To add variety to routine workouts, various manufacturers are producing dance-inspired workout videos. We read about videos based on tap, salsa, hip-hop and belly dancing. While these types of videos may not have enough variety to keep you motivated long-term, they are a good way to supplement an exercise program. Some videos we saw in reviews include "Tap-N-Burn" (*est. $20), " You Got Served – Take it to the Streets " (*est. $10) and " Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance " (*est. $15) .

Strength/Toning

Studies have shown that there is a great benefit to strength and toning workouts that include some kind of apparatus for resistance (such as hand weights or rubber bands), or use your own body weight as resistance. These types of videos don't raise your heart rate as much as aerobics/cardio videos, but they do provide some aerobic benefit. The focus is on building muscle tone, improving balance and strengthening "core" muscle groups, including abs and back.

" Winsor Pilates " (*est. $40 to $80, depending on set) combines strength training with cardio. With the included fat burning DVD, Pilates moves are cardio-infused to burn more calories. You may have seen this DVD subscription series advertised on television infomercials, but experts say that unlike some celebrity exercise videos, these DVDs are the real thing. Designed for all fitness levels, the basic "Winsor Pilates: Super Sculpting" (*est. $40) comes with one 20-minute workout, an accelerated fat burning workout, one 10-minute sculpting workout along with a fat burning cookbook and exercise planner. "Winsor Pilates: Targeted Training" (*est. $60) adds lower-body and abs workouts. The full package "Winsor Pilates: Best Value" (*est. $80) adds upper-body sculpting and a back workout. You can only get these items through the Winsor Pilates website or through the television infomercial.

If you like the idea of no-impact Pilates, which uses your own body's weight to build strength, toning and balance, " Denise Austin - Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates " (*est. $15) is a reader favorite in Self magazine's survey of over 1,000 subscribers. This DVD includes two 20-minute workouts plus a 10-minute lower-body workout. Reviewers say Austin is easy to follow, and experts at Fitness magazine say this workout is both challenging and relaxing. Austin also has several more recent Pilates videos. " Denise Austin - Pilates for Every Body " (*est. $15) has one 50-minute workout instead of two shorter workouts. It also uses a separately purchased resistance band (*est. $7). " Denise Austin - Hit the Spot Pilates " (*est. $15) has a series of 10-minute workouts designed to target specific areas of the body, such as abs, waistline, hips, thighs and buns.

As yoga continues to grow in popularity, more and more videos are released. Although a few get two votes in the ConsumerSearch Consensus Report, none appears as the predominant favorite as with the Tae Bo videos for cardio workouts.

Yoga Zone offers a series of videos that are well received by experts and users. " Yoga Zone Conditioning and Stress Release " (*est. $15) is a favorite with consumers. The Instructor, Alan Finger, has over 30 years experience as a yoga teacher. This yoga DVD focuses on the mind-body connection and deep breathing. He offers modifications for the positions that are "more flexible" and "less flexible" to accommodate a range of fitness levels. " Yoga Zone Introduction to Yoga " (*est. $15) is a staff favorite at CollageVideo.com and users writing reviews also rave about it. Many owners comment that the instructor does an excellent job of describing each pose and has a soothing voice, and that the workout has a good pace. " Yoga Zone Flexibility and Stress Release " (*est. $15) is also a staff favorite at CollageVideo.com. Amazon.com readers also like other Yoga Zone videos, with most getting 4.5 stars (out of five). The many user reviews have comments similar to those at CollageVideo.com.

" Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies " (*est. $15) is an "excellent workout" according to Paula Z. This easy-to-follow video provides detailed instruction on 12 basic poses. While this video is an introduction to yoga, intermediate level students will also find it useful. Customers at CollageVideo.com and Amazon.com give this video great overall ratings and agree that it is a good choice for those new to yoga or for those who want a relaxed pace. A combined set called " Yoga & Pilates Workouts for Dummies " (*est. $20) includes the complete "Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies" and the complete "Pilates Workout for Dummies" on one DVD.

A top yoga video chosen by Shape magazine is " On the Ball Yoga Workout for Beginners with Sara Ivanhoe " (*est. $10) . This workout uses a stability ball. The ball helps to make more difficult positions easier to do. The instruction offers thorough explanations on how to do each pose and the routine is easy to follow. Users at Amazon.com generally like this video, with every reviewer giving it four or five stars. People found this workout both relaxing and challenging.

Working with weights is an excellent way to achieve muscle tone, and since you can choose progressively heavier weights, you can keep your workout challenging. Keep in mind that you'll need to invest in at least one set of dumbbells to start. Several reviewers like " Kathy Smith Timesaver: Lift Weights to Lose Weight Vol. 2 " (*est. $15) . For beginner, intermediate and advanced exercisers, it's an 80-minute DVD released in 2003. It wins Health magazine's 2005 award for best weight-training DVD. Prevention magazine calls it "a great toning routine with a dual-track format that lets you go at your own pace and level." The manufacturer touts that this follow-up DVD incorporates core strengthening found in Pilates and balancing techniques practiced in yoga, resulting in a great total body workout.

Other videos by Kathy Smith are suggested as well. These include cardio picks like " Flex Appeal: A Belly Dance Workout " (*est. $10) , " Step Workout " (*est. $10) and " Strong, Sleek and Slim " (*est. $15) . Collage Video lists " Kathy Smith's Peel Off the Pounds Pilates " (*est. $15) as one of their top ten bestsellers of early 2008. It uses Pilates for both cardio and toning.

Experts say that Pilates-based videos are a good prenatal choice. Since you are working to strengthen abdominal and back muscles, some fitness pros say a Pilates regimen will help mothers-to-be in labor. Editors at Real Simple magazine recommend " Prenatal Pilates with Sarah Picot " (est. $25) , which offers workouts for each trimester.

Important Features: Exercise videos

These tips from fitness experts are a place to start when considering an exercise video.

• Decide on a discipline. Cardio will burn the most calories, but you'll need to have plenty of space to move. Strength, pilates and yoga videos emphasize toning and flexibility, and you won't need as much space in front of the TV.

• Match the intensity level of a video with your own fitness level and physical capabilities.

• Choose videos with well-known instructors or those affiliated with an accredited exercise association.

• Consider length and variety. If you are short on time, a 60-minute video may not be right for you. Videos that include several routines of different lengths of time are a good choice.

• Avoid videos where the exercises could aggravate any of your physical limitations. For example, avoid videos with impact moves if you have knee problems.

• Look for workouts that begin with a warm-up and end with a stretching or cool-down segment.

• Check for necessary equipment. Some videos require an equipment purchase. You'll need to buy at least one set of dumbbells for "Kathy Smith Timesaver: Lift Weights to Lose Weight Vol. 2," for example. Some other videos require the purchase of special rubber bands, balls or bars. But some videos also include the bands in the packaging.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Cardio/Aerobics (With Retailer Links)	Details from Amazon.com
7	Tae Bo with Billy Blanks (Flex, Cardio, Salsa, 2004, Workout: Instructional and Basic, Boot Camp, Amped, Boot Camp Elite) (*est. $30 to $60)	details
4	Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds (*est. $15)	details
1 each	Crunch: Boot Camp Training , Crunch Cardio Salsa with Giselle Roque de Escobar , Trainer's Edge Cardio Interval Training , Ultimate Body Workouts for Weight Loss , Kathy Smith Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning , The Firm Basics: Fat Burning Workout , The Firm Prime Power Total Body, Crunch: Fat Blaster , Crunch: Fat Blaster the Next Step, Karen Voight's Burn and Firm , Power 90X, Richard Simmons 80's Blast Off , QuickFIX Cardio Hip-Hop Workout , RopeSport , Kathy Smith's Flex Appeal: A Belly Dance Workout , Tap-N-Burn, You Got Served: Take it to the Streets , The Sensual Art of Belly Dance – Basic Dance, Kathy Smith's Flex Appeal: A Belly Dance Workout, Prenatal Pilates, Cathe Friedrich Imax 2 , Step Reebok: Intense Moves , Season Zieger's Straight Up Step, Christi Taylor's Fantastic 4, Prevention's Drop It in 30 , Pump Party, Leslie Sansone's WalkBlaster , Biggest Loser: The Workout, Volume 1 , Dancing with the Stars Cardio Dance , Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies , Bell Express 15 Cardio Fitness Kit
# of Picks	Strength/Toning/Yoga (With Retailer Links)
3	Kathy Smith Timesaver: Lift Weights to Lose Weight Volume 2 (*est. $15)	details
3	Winsor Pilates Endless Fitness for Beginners (*est. $40)	details
2 each	On the Ball: Pilates Workout for Beginners with Lizbeth Garcia , On the Ball: Yoga Workout for Beginners , Get Ripped & Chiseled with Jari Love , Jeanette Jenkins: 21 Day Total Body Circuit Workout , Karen Voight's Great Weighted Workout , Yoga Journal's Yoga for Beginners , Yoga for Stress , Bryan Kest's Power Yoga, Yoga Zone
1 each	Denise Austin's J.H. Pilates Matwork , The Firm Body Sculpting System 2 – Firm Abs , David Kirsch's Ultimate New York Body Plan , YogaLift: Inner and Outer Strength Workout, ABC Ball Workout with Patrick Goudeau , The New Method Pilates Precision Toning and Sculpting , Angles, Lines, & Curves , Baron Baptiste: Journey into Power, Level 1 , The Walkblaster , Yoga Short Forms , Lotte Berk Method: Muscle Eats Fat , 10 Minute Solution: Target Toning for Beginners , Stott Pilates: The Secret to Flat Abs , On the Ball Abs Workout for Beginners , BOSU Equilibrium with Jay Blahnick , BOSU Long and Lean with Charlene Johnson, Tom Holland's Total Body Workout II , Denise Austin's Personal Training System , Kathy Smith's Project You: Long and Lean , Tai Chi for the Mind & Body , Pilates for Dummies , 8 Minute Abs with 8 Minute Arms , Cathe Friedrich Pure Strength , Crunch: Belly, Butt & Thighs Boot Camp , Women's Health: Total Workout, The Firm: Total Body , 10 Minute Solution: Tone Trouble Zones! , Yoga for Inflexible People , YogaFit Ultra, Ali McGraw - Yoga Mind and Body , Cathe Friedrich Maximum Intensity Strength , Abs Yoga for Beginners , Inner Body Flow , Yoga Booty Ballet Master Series , Better Belly Yoga , Yoga to the Rescue , Living Yoga – Am/Pm, 10 Minute Solution Yoga , Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies , Total Yoga –The Flow Series , "Yoga for Every Body , Cathe Friedrich Muscle Max Total Body Workout & Thighs Boot Camp

As the above chart indicates, Kathy Smith videos are especially popular with reviewers in the strength/toning category. Winsor Pilates is also well-liked. Software and gaming-oriented fitness programs are also making their mark with consumers.

Tae Bo videos with Billy Blanks score big with reviewers in the cardio/aerobics category. The runners-up include something for every exerciser, from the creative, choreographed moves of "Crunch: Cardio Salsa" to the calmer "Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds" for budding fitness enthusiasts.

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