The Best Workout DVDs

About 4 years ago, I made a New Year's resolution to workout and lose weight. Believe it or not, I actually lost about 30 to 35 pounds that year. Now, I am not going to lie and pretend like I haven't put a few pounds back on, but I've never gained all the weight back. For that matter, I am going to be working out again to get rid of some of the weight I did gain. What I have found works best for me is a combination of exercise and dieting. Just one will not do it for me.

With that said, I tried a number of different workout DVDs. I do not have the money to go to the gym, nor do I feel like embarrassing myself in front of people I don't know. I prefer to try workouts online or on Comcast's On Demand. Based on those, I buy workout DVDs. I will tell you some are great and some leave a lot to be desired.

I would like to list some of my very favorite workout DVDs that worked for me. I do not follow trends or worry about the new workout fads. I will try anything once, and based on what works for me, I would like to make some recommendations that will probably work well for others trying to get into shape.

Of all the workouts I've tried, Tae Bo has to be my favorite. I feel like other workouts can be a little too slow or perhaps a little too hardcore. Tae Bo is fun, energetic, and burns a lot of calories. Billy Blanks is the instructor for all my Tae Bo DVDs and he is awesome. He is really positive and encourages anyone trying the workout to just "get back up if you fall down."

My favorite of all the Tae Bo workouts is Tae Bo Cardio. I've tried just about all of the Billy Blanks workouts, but this one is the best combination of Tae Bo moves and cardio. Even if you can't get through the whole workout, don't worry about it. I usually do half one day and half the next day. You will get in shape in no time using this DVD. If you enjoy it, you should check out other Billy Blanks Tae Bo DVDs. Not only can Tae Bo make you physically healthier, Billy will give you lots of positive attitude to make you feel better mentally, too. I highly recommend trying Tae Bo; it can improve your life more than you imagine.

If you are looking to lose a lot of weight fast and you've tried other workouts, I would recommend trying the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels. Even if you've never watched The Biggest Loser , you are probably still familiar with Jillian. Jillian Michaels is a hardcore trainer that basically yells at people that need to lose weight. Even if her personality might offend you, she has created an awesome workout.

With the 30 Day Shred, if you diet and workout 20 minutes everyday, Jillian Michaels says you will lose 20 pounds in 30 days. This is quite a goal, but if any workout can do it for you, this will be it. I will warn you - this workout is not for the faint of heart. If you have not worked out before or it's been a long time, I would not recommend this workout DVD as a good start. It is easy to push yourself too hard with this workout and get injured. Basically, when you do the workout just remember Jillian can't see you through the TV. Don't feel bad if you have to alter the workout a little; you may not lose 20 pounds that way, but you will still lose weight.

This, in my opinion, is not really a fun workout. However, I included it because it does work. It is an extremely intense workout. Once, I lose 3 pounds in 2 days using this workout. However, I also pulled a muscle I didn't even realize I had in my abs. I made it about halfway through the 30 days. I do recommend this DVD if you are not seeing results with any other workout though. Just remember not to push too hard and be careful with this one!

10 Minute Solutions: Target Toning for Beginners is a great workout for anyone. It is perfect for beginners, but it is a good workout even for those who use more advanced workout DVDs. Even if you are trying Tae Bo or the 30 Day Shred, the 10 Minute Solutions DVD is a nice break from other workouts. It is basic and will help you stay toned in specific areas you'd like to work on. I personally use the thighs or buns workouts the most since those are my problem areas.

Cindy Whitmarsh is your trainer for this DVD. She is a great trainer because she is fun, but not overly perky like an annoying cheerleader. Cindy fully explains how to properly do the exercises in the DVD. She remains positive throughout the workouts and does not yell at the screen. If you are looking for a good, basic workout, 10 Minute Solutions: Target Toning for Beginners is your DVD.