I would really like some opinions regarding workout videos.

I purchased a few DVD's today in hopes to speed up my weight loss (in addition to my calorie cutting & trying to encorparate healthy eating habits).
I really like Denise Ausin's attitude, I've seen her segments on the Lifetime Network, so I got her 2 videos (Pilates & Yoga Buns).

I also purchased 2 videos by The Firm ( AB Sculpt & Complete Aerobics and Weight Training )...I haven't seen these videos before, but they are guarenteed to show visable results in 10 workouts- at least that's what the package says...

I'm pretty new to workout videos...I can't afford a gym membership, so I'm hoping to drop some extra pounds by alternating all these videos, working out with them for about 1.5 hours 7 days a week. I also have a treadmill, resistance band (for working arms), a few dumb bells ranging from 2-10 pounds, 1 pound wrist weights, and a jump rope.

**My question is, will it be possible to get a nicely toned body by using these videos & the equiptment I have? I would like to be very lean & toned - can this be accomplished at home?

Anyone have successes doing workouts at home, useing videos? Can I still get a killer body this way?

I don't know about the "killer bod" part, but any exercise helps you to achieve your goals. I only had access to workout videos over winter break and over that break (includes Christmas) I only gained a pound compared to my usualy 5 over winter break. Working out with weights is always good (be careful and make sure your posture is good so you do not injure yourself) because you burn some calories while doing it, but because you are building muscle, you burn even more calories even when you are not working out. Make sure that the videos you use for aerobic activity gets your heart rate up to the level it should be and keeps it around that area for a great workout.

I used vids every day for years before finally caving and joining a gym. You can absolutely get your bod in shape at home using videos (and eating healthy, of course) ... videos are lots of fun and have a big following. There's a forum/website devoted to video fans ... just google and you should find it. The only thing to remember is, as University Princess points out, make sure you are careful in using weights and use correct form ... that's a downside to videos, there's no personal trainer around to see that you don't get hurt ... you can get hurt even doing yoga if you don't do it right.

Hope you enjoy your new vids!

Thanks for the feedback!

Yeah, although I haven't exercised in about 4 years, I still recall the importance of stretching & posture. Back in high school I ran cross country for 4 years & also took aerobics and weight training classes...so I remember most of the drills.

I've just let my health go downhill over the past couple years and I really want to get back to where I used to be- I used to get so energized & refreshed from working out, I would feel so good all day. But when the weight piles on & creeps up on you, it's amazing how little stamina you have to do the things you used to enjoy doing.

But I am so happy now, shesh I feel like crying I'm so happy - everything is just falling into place so nicely...I started this weight loss journey with little motivation (January '04), I decided to keep it simple by calorie cutting - just taking little baby steps...At 25 pounds down I started getting so much energy back, so I decided I would now start incorporating lots of exercise to harness this new found energy...and now at 32 pounds down, I am finding I really love health food (salads & lean chicken). Junk food just doesn't sit right anymore, it leaves me feeling "sick, tired" and doesn't sit well in my tummy. But when I eat fruits and veggies, it makes me feel refreshed and healthy. I'm so happy, there's no going back for me - it just feels so good that all these positive changes are falling into place on their own & I didn't have to force any of it!

Thanks for the reassurance, I'm just so excited about all this, and I really want to reach all my fitness goals - I guess I just wanted some reassurance that this can be done in the absence of the gym.

congrats on losing so much already!! and for your healthy eating.


DEFINITELY, DEFINITELY working out at home will help you!!! You will burn more calories, and, just as important IF not more, you will be building lean muscle tissue. That is what is going to give you such a nicer shape than just losing weight.

I started out my journey with some outdoor walking, but now just exclusively work with videos at home.

this is from last year, but I pretty much look the same (would be looking more fit if I was more disciplined about good eating)
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/sho...1&postcount=757

best wishes for your continued success!!

LOL!! I don't really look like an elephant hatching out of an egg!!! I don't know why that link did't work. Sorry!!!

Well I can vouch for The Firm videos. I have 4 of them. Maximum Body Shaping, Time Crunch Workout, 5 Day Abs and 1 other one that I can't remember the name of. I do the first 2 a couple times a week. They are killer workouts but the results are amazing too. I did them 3 times a week for a few months through the fall and I was thrilled with the changes to my body. I also run 3-4 times a week as well. But the weight training really sculpted my body. So, YES, you can get what you want from working out at home with videos.

LOL, Holly! Are you linking to the member gallery? I can help you find your link.
Which videos do you do at home, btw?

thanks, Jennifer! It was from Maintainers - Introductions - Our Photos (sticky) page 1.

videos I do - since Feb. 2002, Gilad's Step and Tone; Gilad's Split Routine; Kelly Roberts Step Aerobics; Fat Burning Step for Dummies (Gay Gasper) Buns of Steel (an oldie, early 90's) and as of last Friday, I received Gilad's QuickFit System (3 cardio tapes and four strength tapes)

I would choose home exercising over a paid gym membership anytime. My own schedule, no traveling, and the only distraction when the dog needs to piddle outside

and yes, I am a Gilad junkie

Here's the link! Wow, great picture!

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...&postcount=757

Gilad- I used to do Gilad and his ...was it his sister, or his wife? She was large framed, curly long black hair, gorgeous - had a Boot Camp show on tv. Ick, I hate to think how long ago that was, lol! I can't remember her name! Do you lift weights other than with those videos?

Kelly Roberts Step Aerobics - is that the same one that is in Kathy Smith Kickboxing? I like that dvd - I wish the guy (Keith Cook?) had his own video. He has a seriousness about him that keeps me focused.

Thank you, Jennifer!

I believe it was Gilad's sister who had her own show...she also has credit in some of his tapes for something, like costume/apparell. Also, remember his MOTHER doing his routines with him, next to all those buff, beautiful twenty-somethings wtg, Gilad's mom!

The Keli Roberts tape is "Keli Roberts, The Ultimate Step Workout", CBS/FOX, 1993.

that tiny space in my living room is where I exercise!! I push that low wooden chest aside, and that gives me about 9 feet by 5 feet to work in and I have to turn off the ceiling fan, or risk decapitation but that's proof that you don't need a whole lot of space.

I haven't (yet) tried lifting weights other than those hand-held ones, which I use in the videos. I have a range from velcro-wrap one- and two-pounders, which I use on my ankles during step aerobics; also I might hold the one-pounders also during step aerobics, to push myself a bit.

The heavier ones (3.5 pounds, 5 pounds, 8 and 10) are for the strength-building videos. I try very hard to keep to what the instructor says to use, not to try to "wonder-woman" myself, as I did last winter (used a much heavier weight for arm/shoulder work and still feel twinges from that)

I like Gilad's "tough-love" boot-camp-style of instruction, I guess. also the moves are never too dancy. However, he does use alot of boxing-type moves in these latest cardio tapes (punch, jab, uppercuts, hooks, blocks) which are unfamiliar to me. My younger son was looking at me with alarm as I was doing it last week

Now I know that I'm not violating 3FC rules by saying what a great place www.collagevideo.com is purchase videos The website is great to browse, or get on their mailing list for their catalogue...absolutely great, the way it's laid out, to select what you're looking for.

I LOVE THE FIRM... it's a great workout and I feel worked out but not too sore... (muscle awareness) I have lifted weights and taken aerobics classes before, so I found it easy to follow.

A good friend told me I should take measurements every month to see the progress. She swears she had major changes in 45 days with the FIRM.

I like Kathy Smith kick boxing and tae bo although I reckon that Kathy Smith explains all the kicks and stuff better so I'd do that first. Also Billy Blanks is unable to count, I find this amusing you might not!

Kate's Cardio combat is a great dvd. It's British mind you!

I've not got a killer bod yet but then I've been quite sporadic. When I was at my most committed I did see changes though although the muscles were hidden under fat then.

Dill