best workout's to do at home?

Posts: 82
4/10/12 11:31 A

I've done them all, and I would absolutely say Shawn T's Insanity workouts are the absolute best. It's super super tough, but if you can push yourself to get to day four, you're in it for the long haul! :)

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4/10/12 10:52 A

P90X

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4/10/12 10:19 A

My current favorite is the insanity series. Toughest workouts I have ever done at home.

For a much lower impact but really good workout, I would reccomend any of the bar method DVD's. Your muscles will work really hard, your posture will improve, but you probably won't break a sweat.

I also created a few full body circuit workouts for myself, and they are interchangeable. I rely on basic moves like squats and lunges (adding weight to make it more difficult), a variety of push ups, planks and crunches. After every 2 or 3 strength moves, do some sort of cardio burst (2-5 minutes) - running up and down steps, jumping jacks or burpees, or hopping on the elliptical at a fast pace. This will keep your heart rate elevated through the workout.

Good luck!

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4/10/12 10:18 A

Right now I'm liking Amy Dixon's "Give Me 10". There are 6 ten-minute segments on it, so it's great if you don't have much time to exercise some days. She also has a newer video "Give Me 10 More" which I haven't tried yet.

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4/9/12 8:26 P

Just started doing sparks fitness plan but the firm tapes are my favs . great cardio and strength training in one session.

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4/9/12 7:43 P

P90 or P90x if you are in good shape.

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4/9/12 7:22 P

I use different things from exercise tv, Leslie Sansone, Spark videos and Billy Banks Jr. I use to love The Firm but most of the aerobic exercise is too high impact for my joints now:(

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4/9/12 5:25 P

Sometimes I'll just go up and down the stairs over and over again. I do alot of push ups and sit ups and use the free weights while I'm watching TV. I have been doing the Ab ripper DVD which is part of the P90X series.

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4/9/12 4:25 P

I love the taebo bootcamp elite videos (with billy bands) and the taebo amped package (with the amped bars). I bought Zumba fitness 2 for wii and it is awesome!! it tracks your weight loss, calories burned and technique. If you have comcast, you can check out on demand under fitness and there are all sorts of videos from 10 minutes to an hour and specific spot training, dance, yoga, full body, weights. If videos are not your thing, buy some 5lb weights and do 5 different arm exercises for one minute each followed by 20 squat thrusts (burpees), 20 lunges, 20 push ups, 20 squats, 20 jumping jacks, etc. Also, nothing beats a good jog!

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4/9/12 2:59 P

I have a nice variety of Biggest Loser workout dvds, as well as the Spark 28 Day Bootcamp. They also have so many great workouts on the site that you can turn on and follow along. Another thing I do is I find reasons to move. Like I will leave things downstairs that I know I'm going to need at some point during the day so I have to climb the stairs that many more times.

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4/9/12 2:43 P

Does anyone know where you can find full length Zumba videos for free online?

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4/9/12 2:28 P

When I'm traveling and can't get to a gym I swear by workout videos. Some of the free ones on SparkPeople are good, or there are tons of others out there. I also always have a jumprope and resistance bands with me. Easy to store, easy to use, and offer a great workout I can do right in the room/house.

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4/9/12 11:06 A

I really love Taebo and Sparks peoples 10 minute kickboxing videos. These are very good for total body workout. I also have a treadmill and use it a lot. If it is really nice outside I like to go for a run outside.

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4/9/12 10:47 A

I've been reading lately that Yoga is excellent for a Herniated Disc, as is Pilates. Just start out slowly, don't reach as deeply as others in the class.

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4/9/12 10:32 A

I like the Leslie Sansone workouts, spark people, and the firm

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4/9/12 10:00 A

Me and a co-woker are going to start doing the stomach exercises that were in January's Redbook magazine. The ladies in the article lost 2-5" from their waist in 12 weeks along with doing cardio. I have a week core so this will be ideal for me and I can do it at home.

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4/9/12 6:44 A

I've been doing The Firm workouts for years. I'll try other things or think I only need the treadmill or my nordic track but then I start getting squishy. The Firm (to me) is the precursor to Jillian Michaels. They alternate the quick with the slow and working the small muscles with the large.
My body type needs weights (not heavy) and lunges and that sort of workout.

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4/9/12 2:36 A

hi..I need to find some good stuff for at home ..xbox..is that a name or piece of equipment..and my other question for you is what is the bare method video...

I would really appreciate any help.....I'd love yoga.but don't know if it would be good for my herniated disc..better ask my P t thanks so much...Precioustime2

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4/8/12 9:53 P

There is no one good workout to do at home. You have to figure out what kind of workouts you like and purchase those DVDs. Personally, I like DVDs that combine cardio and strength training. Jillian Michaels are good because they are between 30-50 minutes, so you work your entire body in less time. I also like The Firm.

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4/8/12 9:46 P

Spark CDs and videos.

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4/8/12 8:23 P

push ups and sit ups and anything on a yoga ball

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4/8/12 6:00 P

I love the Physique 57 DVDs, there are three. I can't do everything in all of them yet, but I do what I can. I'm starting to see results, and I always feel amazing after working out.

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4/8/12 3:40 P

For cardio I love Taebo and for ST, I love Jillian Michaels

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4/8/12 2:09 P

The Firm's 5 Day Abs - I have lost an inch and a half in the last two months just doing that!

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4/8/12 2:07 P

I love working out with Leslie Sansone. I am not at the point where I would call myself an "advanced" walker/jogger yet so I find myself being stretched and sweating a lot. :) I am loving how this is changing my shape and increasing my energy levels.

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4/8/12 1:34 P

I vote Leslie Sansone, too. Always a great thing for a rainy day or when pressed for time. I also like Rodney Yee .. A.M./P.M. yoga even though I have to avoid a few of the poses because of physical problems.

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4/8/12 12:54 P

I love Leslie Sansone walk away the pounds videos. But it is definitely not for advanced users. Easy to follow steps, good cues.

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4/8/12 10:24 A

I'm currently doing The Biggest Loser Bootcamp & Yoga routines. I did the Workout with Cynthia Kereluk for years when it was being broadcast on the W network here in Canada and I still have some on tape.

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4/8/12 10:04 A

I have worked out from home for years ;) I started Tae-Bo about 13 years ago and he brings out DVD's often. So I change up the ones I do weekly.

Would love to try Zumba but don't know of a good DVD for home (would not do this in front of ppl...LOL)

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4/8/12 8:09 A

I have My Fitness Coach for my Wii and find it provides excellent workouts that really work for me. My mother loves it as well. She learned to use the Wii just so she could use My Fitness Coach.

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4/8/12 5:58 A

I am sooo overwhelmed with all the replies.
I feel so happy at the help Im getting from you guys.
So, I'm going to follow few of the tips & keep you all posted.
for making me feel so welcome!

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4/8/12 4:19 A

I'm totally an at-home exerciser and there are all kinds of ways to get my blood pumping in my living room!

Primarily, I'm using Xbox Kinect's YourShape 2012 software right now. I do it with my husband, and we help keep each other on track. I have built SO much cardio stamina by working with this software!

I also have some favorite DVD workouts. I enjoy Leslie Sansone's walking videos when I need something simple and lower impact. These can be done with very little space, and I use a heart-rate monitor to keep myself from getting lazy with it. :D

I also have a few barre method videos I use for days that I want to rest my ankles and knees. I really like the challenge of barre workouts.

Finally, I do the free class at Yoga Today (online) each week, and sometimes download extra classes to keep me interested.

Good luck finding stuff you love to do!

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4/8/12 1:47 A

My best home workouts are yoga videos, pilates videos, you can find them on the web free most of the time but I have several videos that I like as well. I also do the spark people strength training workouts. Its free and needs no equipment and has been effective. I also use the library and take out books and dvds, my library lets you search and reserve the dvds and has them sent to the library if they don't have them. I just picked up zumba at out used music/movie/ game store. I also use kinect and wii. on kinect I do the dancing ones that I love and get you sweating you may look like a fool but they always say to dance like no ones watching. I also do the wii fit plus the yoga part I love and the games work you but don't make you feel like your working. We have alot of games that get you up and moving and I love them the best. My balance board is my best friend lol, because its also a scale. MY best thing I do is walk everyday and if its raining I do the stairs in my house and before I had the house years ago I used to freak out the neighbors by doing the stairs at the apartment. anything that gets you moving. I even love going on the big trampoline in the yard with the kids

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4/8/12 1:41 A

If you have an internet connection, take a look at Amanda Russell. She has many Youtube home workouts that you can do. Aside from that, a skipping rope that you can pick up and skip away for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, then repeat over & over working as hard as you can during your 20 second period. There are so many things you can do at home that only require your own body weight. I'd spend some time looking at Youtube, you will find so much information - some good, some not so good, just use caution and common sense. Good Luck.

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4/8/12 12:12 A

Step aerobics is multi-leveled and can be incorporated with other exercises

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4/7/12 10:40 P

Zumba as you get into the music and it does not feel like a workout. I also use you tube so you do not need to buy multiple videos. And the best of all especially for strength training is sparkpeople... the videos are amazing , wish they were longer....

Posts: 6
4/7/12 9:47 P

I've been walking my dog pretty regularly, and I focus on his need for it more than mine! He deserves the walks so that gets me out when I'm lazy. I also do the SparkPeople fitness programs they have for me for strength training. I've been using them for a couple of weeks and I love them!

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4/7/12 9:35 P

Hello, I'm new to the board. I'm doing a pilates workout using Denise Austin's video which concentrates on all parts of the body; a ten minutes workout for each exercise. It really works and strengthen your musles.

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4/7/12 9:19 P

In my opinion-
From most intense to least intense, Working Out INSIDE the Home. Based on things I have done myself:

- Videos: They can be any intensity, but higher intensity videos can give you a really great workout. My recommendation for any workout video series- always watch the exercise sequence BEFORE you begin, that way if you need to make modifications, you're not doing it on the fly.

- Video Games (Wii, PS3, etc.): They're not too bad, better than nothing, and still provide you with structure. As usual, the intensity level is what you make of it. Some games will calculate calories burned for you, but I usually take those numbers with a grain of salt.

- Self-propelled activities: This is things like doing exercise (marching in place, sit-ups, etc.) while watching T.V., doing squats to do dishes/laundry, or even Strength Training following a recommended plan from SparkPeople. Following the SP plan is probably best, since that has a start and a finish, others like marching during a T.V. show and squatting while doing laundry leave a little too much wiggle room to sit down and say "Okay, I'm done for now."

These are just a few recommendations that came to mind. Remember to follow what works best for you and your situation, and definitely peruse the Fitness Articles here on SparkPeople.. There is a huge demographic of at-home-only exercisers here!

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4/7/12 8:30 P

You didn't mention if you have outside availability or not. I live in San Diego and there are all kinds of outside things I could do. But I still prefer doing inside stuff since I can take care of it and be done with it and don't have any distractions. If you like and can get a treadmill, elliptical or recumbent bike, they are great for indoor cardio. Then of course you can get all kinds of DVD. If you can get Xbox Kinex it is fun and give one a feeling they are kinda at the guy. LOL As far as ST, one doesn't need much really. Resistance bands, dumb bells, balance ball, medicine ball, etc. allows for so many options. Keep the faith.

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4/7/12 7:09 P

There is heaps of stuff you can do at home! Lots of people have suggested DVD's, which are a great place to start. Or you could do the sparkpeople videos, they are good too.

Walking is great, and all you need is some shoes! I need to be out of the house to exercise, so I like walking and running.

You can workout an equipmentless weights workout, using body weight exercises. A swissball is cheap, and I use mine for ab exercises.

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4/7/12 7:02 P

For me the best workouts at home is going through my clutter piles. I been using the step ladder to dust the tops of shelves and other high furnishings. Doing those deep knee bends when crawling in the back of things. Most of my kids have moved out so I'm going through those boxes when they were younger...oh mom you got to keep this....and I'm working on remoldeling my 112 year old kitchen. So lots of things are in disarray. Not only am I finding things like oh thats where this or that went. I'm focusing on those excercises so I don't injury myself. Like one of the articles said make every step count. I like the two-folded mission type activities....excercise and chores done at the same time. Most of these things you can't get at during the regular work week. Of course Miss Kitty had her kittens so we had to go out to the barn to search how many and what color?

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4/7/12 5:49 P

I have found the exercise videos from sparkpeople to be great. There are also 1000s of exercise videos on youtube. If you are like me and like variety but don't want to have to purchase multiple DVD this may be the way to go. You can also get exercise DVDs through netflicks. They are older workouts but getting up and getting moving is what this is all about.

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4/7/12 5:16 P

I recently bought a heart monitor to keep track of how intense my workouts are--and have made some adjustments.

I LOVE Ellen Barrett's "Power Fusion" and "Grace and Gusto" DVDs. They're 45 minutes long and a good all-around workout. I feel all strong and stretched out at the end. "Power Fusion" is great for getting my heart rate up.

I also like Leslie Sansone's Walk DVDs. She's fun and I like her energy. Those are low impact, and while they're exercise, they are not as intense as I feel I often need.

I've recently bought a step, and am hoping to land on some really good step DVDs. I like my Gin Miller very beginner step, but am already ready for more. I have a Debra Mazda beginner step that I like. I'm really having to THINK with step--the moves are new to me. Good for my brain, I'm pretty sure.

I love at-home workouts! I call it Exercise for Introverts. I do them to start the day, and love getting going with exercise.

Good luck!

And--I like Petra Kolber.

Posts: 132
4/7/12 5:12 P

I do the Leslie Samones 4 mile Walk at Home DVD. I started out just doing one mile and am now up to completing 3 miles. Then other days I do the Zumba DVD's which are also fun.

Edited by: MOM2JG at: 4/7/2012 (17:14)

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4/7/12 4:57 P

I had both my hips replaced 5 yrs. ago and also have a bad back and I have found Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home DVDs to be the best for me. My fave is one called "Start! Walking at Home for beginner/intermediate. It is endorsed by the American Heart Association and has an option of a 1 or 2 mile walk. I first started with the 1 mile until I could manage the full time and then went to the 2 mile which takes 30 min. That meets the daily requirement of exercise but then I also walk outdoors and try to get my steps in throughout the day. There's also one that has a 1, 2, or 3 mile walk. She has you do lateral steps (sideways), knee lifts, kicks, and speed walking. It works for me and I've strengthened my back and developed much stronger legs because I'm using her program at home. I also can't go to the gym because of distance and also expense. I like that I can choose when to do the DVD. However, I usually exercise in the morning so I can feel great through the day. I recently purchased her Ultimate 5 Day Walk Plan DVD but haven't started using it yet. There's a different walk for each day of the week plus toning sessions for the abs, arms, legs, chest & back, and finally a full body stretch which is awesome. The best part is you can create your own workout if you want to by using her walking sessions. This one has a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mile workout. I plan to try this one after Easter and see if it works for me. Coach Nicole here on SP also has some great workout videos that are free. Good luck and I'm sure you'll find great ones.

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4/7/12 4:02 P

I do Leslie Sansones Walk Away The Pounds 4 Miles and Kathy Smiths Fat Burming Workout.Both are low impact and you burn alot.They are easy on your joints and backs.I have bad knees and a lower back problem.Try them they work!

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4/7/12 2:43 P

I usually prefer to get out of the house for my workouts - walking, biking, or the gym. But recently I tried my teenager's "Just Dance" Wii game and had a blast, as well as working up a good sweat!

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4/7/12 11:49 A

It really depends on what type of workouts you like to do. Right now my favorites are Jillians Michaels. The ones that I have and love to use are:
Banish Fat boost metabolism - 45 min, 7 circuits no weights, just body moves.
No more trouble zones - 45 min 7 circuits, with light weights.
Ripped in 30 - 30 mins - a total of 4 levels / "weeks" to move around and give you more options. Each workout is 3 circuits, each doing 3 min of strength (3 moves repeated), 2 min cardio (2 moves repeated), 1 min abs - 2 moves NOT repeated.
Killer buns and thighs - there are 3 workouts about 30+ min long, but all lower body moves.

I also have 6 of bob harpers and they are 10X harder than any of Jillian's. SO if you are starting out, you may want to wait on these. But you can move your way into them later. And a lot of times he keeps marking them to $5 each on his web site.

Everyone likes something different. One person's likes may not be something you like. AND you won't keep doing it unless you like it. SO I do suggest checking out your library for any that you can try out and see if you like before you purchase anything. Or Nextflix, a video store to rent some at first, some people use ondemand from their cable company. There are short videos here on SP that are free to try out as well.

Beckie

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4/7/12 11:29 A

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice?
Can you possibly tell me what work-outs can I do at home?
Gym's are out of question(too far)
I really want to hit the bull's eye & I do know with the right tips I can do it.
Thank you

Z