Here are my recommendations-
strength training:
Getting in Shape with Weights For Dummies-this is great for beginners, because it explains things well)
Anything by Margaret Richard ( get them at
www.bodyelectrictv.com ) She is my favorite strength training instructor-she is chatty/talkative-but NOT cheerleader perky.
I also really like Joyce Vedral for strength training, but I have to warn you-she is a New York woman-heavy accent and very talkative and she has "New York Attitude." Sometimes it feels like you are being trained by a mobsters wife...
Pilates-(for beginners new to Pilates)
Stott Pilates Basic Pilates
Denise Austin Pilates Matwork-Denise Austin is usually a perky instructor, but in this vid she is much more quiet and toned down.
(these both require no equipment)
Yoga-
any video with Rodney Yee as the instructor-he is easy on the eyes
and has such a soothing voice-great for relaxation.
As far as instructors I cannot stand...I can't bear Kathy Smith-all her yelling and "Woohoo!"-ing around....I just want to slap her. Isn't that terrible?!
As far as the training with the leg problems-check out Collage Video website...they have specialty videos for those with leg problems-like videos called "Sit and Be Fit" and other titles, where you work out sitting in your chair. There are actually LOTS of exercises you can do sitting-and these vids are great for that.
Aphil