Exercise DVD: Hits and Misses! Which???

[GigglyWrinkles]

I'm thinking of getting a DVD to give me a workout during the evenings as I can't get childcare to go to the gym.
I've just discovered there are LOADS to choose from (gulp) so I'd be grateful on some hints as to which one may be useful. I'm not a flexible contortionist, nor a boxing fan. So anything that will leave my front room relatively intact would be ideal!

For me the best on the market is Jillian Michaels " 30 day shred" you can get it cheap off ebay. It absolutley rocks and only takes just over 20 mins. She pushs you hard but you know its working.

Another vote for Jillian Michaels 30 day shred - real hard work but intense and definately works.

I got mine off Amazon - im looking for more of hers but they seem to be only american ones available and they nay not play on my DVD player

Definitely get the 30 day shred, you will quickly see and feel the results which helps motivate you to keep at it.

Never heard of the 30 day shred whatsit.

Davina though. Brilliant. All of them. Effective, interval based in the main, good fun, varied and manageable.

Another vote for the Jillian here. She definately makes an impact.

It's taken me 2 months to get onto level 2

Had a quick look at Jillian whatsit and was put off by things like 'lose up to 20lbs in 30 days!'

Healthy and sustainable weight loss should be 1-2lbs a week. Anything beyond this is loss of lean tissue/muscle which means weight regain as soon as you stop.

I don't like anything quick fix/faddy. Not saying that's what she is btw, but claims like that do nothing to teach about realistic and healthy lifestyle and are all about the immediate, measurable and yet unsustainable achievements.

I like Davina because she's had 3 children, is realistic and keen to promote healthy lifestyle and body image without promising unhealthy weightloss figures.

I agree that is an unrealistic amount, to drop in one month. I don't weigh myself but know that I certainly haven't suddenly lost a load of weight. However, I am definitely fitter, stronger and my core, shoulders and back are far leaner than they were a couple of months ago.

I agree Davina's workouts are effective, but I find her too annoying!

I do like the 'mostly music' option on the davina dvds. You just turn her off.

I don't weigh myself either actually but I do think chasing unrealistic weightloss is futile. I'm sure- as you're finding -that feeling fitter, looking more toned and clothes feeling comfy are better measures alongside feeling so much more alert/healthy/energetic.

Definitely, I don't think anything good comes out of weighing yourself (and your food), it's far too easy to obsess over and lose the plot, life is too short!

Back to Davina, unfortunately the 'mostly music' option was not enough, there is just something about HER!

LOL at Davina being annoying!!! I'll have a look at both. Thanks!!!

I had a bit of a shock today as someone said they were perimenopausal and they are younger than me - suggesting my weight gain is down to the age thing. Help!!

i have claire richards from steps

shes good and has 3 semi naked men in it

Well I'm on Day 26 of the 30 DAY SHRED & whilst I've not really dropped much weight I've reallt toned up. My core is as solid as a rock. If you want something to make you feel fit & strong & healthy go for Jillian. She rocks.

Another vote for Jillian and her 30 day shred - if I am short of time I do a 20 minute one, but prefer to do 2 of them together (i.e a 40 minute workout) which really pushes you. Also, I noticed you want to avoid boxing, but Billy Blanks Boot Camp Workout is fab!! Although his workouts are mostly tae bo/boxing based, the Boot Camp one isn't - but it is hard. IMHO a lot of exercise DVDs are either too hard to follow (some of the dance ones) or designed for people who are VERY unfit and therefore in no way challenging. I haven't done any of the Davina ones, but have heard good reports.

Watching this with interest - another one here desperate for a good workout DVD but cannot face Davina's gurning shoutiness for even two minutes, let alone three times a week!

Can I just ask - the Jillian one - do I need those wrist weights or similar? Is there anything else I need equipment wise?

Some dumbells for the Jillian one - nothing else

thanks racmac

I love Davina's DVDs. I try to do any of the pump (weights) ones, from her 30 minutes workouts, Superbody or Fit at least twice a week, as I am convinced doing weights is key to really toning up and losing weight. Then I do Nell McAndrew's Ultimate Challenge a couple of times a week.

Jillian Michael's 30 day shred is good, that's my fall back if I have got up too late, it's only 20 minutes long, so easy to fit in.

Having said all that I have kind of reached a limit now though, and wish there was something harder out there!

Patsy - do 2 of the Jillian 20 minute workouts. That what I do, as none of them barr the level 3 really pushes me. Billy's bootcamp (as mentioned before - I don't work for him ) is also pretty hardcore. I find Nell McAndrews too repetitive and cant stick to it because I get bored!

Notyummy - does this mean you can do Level 2 the chair squats with v raises & not die??? OMG that one kills. I find Level 3 easier than that.

I agree Patsystone - doing weights is deff the key as you build up muscle which burns of fat even when you're not exercising.

Davina Fit is the one I use and I love it. I also have Hannah Waterman and would recommend that too.

Might give the Gillian Michaels one a go! I am not really wantimg to lose weight, but tone up my Mummy Tummy!

notyummy -I tried Billy Blanks a while back, couldn't get into it, maybe I'll try it again. Good idea about stringing two of Jillian Michael's together.

Joby1970 - Totally agree about those evil squats with v raises, I have to use lighter weights than I use in level 3 for those bastards!

I use 2kilo weights for evverything bar the dumbell cleans on level 3 - you only need one weight for that one so I use my 5kilo kettlebell.

Is the woman that does the Davina Fit (not Davina) Jo Frost's Mum - because she looks and sounds exactly like her!

I am not the fittest person, but I enjoy Davina Fit. I have to say the exersise she does where she is lying on the floor and uses a pretend rope to pull herself up is too muh for me. Im my defence I have had too C-sections

Just checked - been using 6lb (2.3k) weights for everything else, but I just can't do those particular v doodahs with them! chicken out and use the little kilo ones

ShadeofViolet - Keep at it, I've had two sections too, and there's nothing wrong with my abs now! (on the inside at least, we'll gloss over the tiger attack effect on the outside )