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!

Patsy - would def recommend the boot camp one as opposed to some of the other Billy ones. It is basically circuit training based as opposed to kick boxing. Cheesy as hell - but a good workout.

Joby - You are right the v raises are hard - i am not saying I don't break a sweat Just overall I don't find either 1 or 2 by themselves leave me with that 'wiped out by a good workout' feeling. I swap between 3 and 5kg weights throughout the session and find the V raises hard work even with the 3 kilo....but refuse to 'give in' and get the 1.5 kg weights that I have consigned to the cupboard for being too light!

Reading this thread with interest and I'm finally motivated to try & do some exercise at home.

Thinking of getting the 30 day shred DVD. I just have a couple of question to which I'm hoping that someone will be able to answer.

1. Do I have to exercise every day?

1. I gather that I need some weights to do some of the exercises?

1. Do you think that this is the right level DVD for someone who's relatively unfit? Should I start on Davina before moving onto the Jillian Michael's one?

TIA
xxx

I don't exercise everyday as I think it is good to rest, but I workout five times a week and try not to go more than one day without a workout.

I think the Jillian Michaels should be fine for a beginner. She has three levels of difficulty so you work your way up. I did the first level once, and it was a bit too easy, so it should be fine for a beginner.

You will need weights for Jillian or Davina and as I said earlier, I think weights are vital to improving fitness, building up muscle and raising your metabolism. Argos do loads, I just use some ancient ones I've had lying around for years. Get decent trainers too, I made the mistake of doing my dvds in bare feet, and I ended up with a stress fracture!

Thanks Patsy for the tips - especially regarding the trainers.

Jillians is ordered & on it's way...here goes!

I have ordered Jillian too - I will be in my Bikini by summer

I have Jillan here also...haven't done it yet as have had sore throat/chest from hell but hope to start within next few days

Thing is though, I'm going abroad end of April...I can't handle another trip of weight stress so will I get good results if I follow it properly in the run up to the hol?

I want to tone up AND lose weight. Am trying to do more walking but its bloody hard as have sore feet from a bunion...sexy I know!!

Re.the Jillian Michaels DVD on e-bay - is it the new one I have to order or the old one?

I started Charlie Brooks Before and After DVD in August last year. I did it three or four times per week and it helped me lose weight and changed my body shape back from dairy cow to normal human. I then bought Letitia Dean's Lean Routine because I liked the trainer on Charlie's DVD and Letitia uses the same one. Both are great DVDs. Charlie is great for a beginner and Letitia is great for fat burning. I have lost 2.5 stone since August and I have not dieted. I bought Hannah Waterman's Body Blitz in January and I'm really enjoying it now that my fitness levels have improved. I'm now a size 12 and I used to be a big 16. I do the DVDs at 8:30pm at night. Its not easy to make the effort but it is soooooooooo worth it. Good luck!!!

Ordered Jillian Michaels from play.com £9.99

Will order Jillian's now as well....

And don't forget to buy some hand weights as well.

Sandy: there are 2 30 day shred dvd's on EBAY - one with a blue cover & one with a black - they have the same workout inside - just make sure you buy the right region for your DVD player

Hi Joby: I've alread ordered from Play - thanks anyway.

Sandy: ah so you have sorry - teach me to only scan read the messages. You'll have to let us all know what you think.

BTW don't be to worried if you can barely walk (especially up & down stairs) the day after you do the first day! I'd been working out for nearly a year b4 I bought this DVD & my thighs killed the next day - but I just gritted my teeth & did the DVD again & it got better (Honest)

Joby: OMG I'm worried now - I think the last excercise video I did was Jane Fonda!!!!

I must remember to buy some hand weights though as I don't have these.

sandy: I bought 2kg ones. seriously don't be worried, but best to be aware that you may ache a little, but then its doing you good lol

Sandy, I am also worried!

I agree with Joby - I reguarly run 12- 15 miles a week and before i started running I id lots of aerobics but i still ache from Jillian DVD.

Somedays i cant actually do it because i ache so much - i have rest days

But god i can feel everything tightening up

Oh dear - I seriously think I need to take it easy when the DVD arrives - don't think boss would appreciate me phoning in to say I can't come in because I can't walk - no I didn't hurt myself I just did a new exercise DVD

my boss just laughed at me everytime I made an oh ahh noise lol!

Joby - lol

Just a quick question please. I have a very small front room, will I be OK when excerising with this DVD?

As long as you have enough room to do a press up you will be fine - its not a moving about exercise - think press ups, squats, sit ups, jumping jacks, and lots of them

Thanks Racmac. Now I am seriously worried!

You'll be fine - let us know when you do the first level