You can build your strength in the comfort of your own home with an investment in the right home gym equipment and a few strength-training workout DVDs. Workout videos are available for all levels of fitness and all types of exercises, including weight training and muscle toning.
Weighted Sculpting Workouts
Jillian Michaels is the star trainer on "The Biggest Loser" TV series. All of her workout videos feature her boot camp motivational style. "No More Trouble Zones" is a DVD that highlights classic exercises such as squats, triceps kickbacks and lunges with bicep curls. Cathe Friedrich is known for her challenging workouts using an ultra-high step and heavy weights. Her "Butts and Guts," "Muscle Max" and "Core Max" workout videos will challenge even advanced exercisers. Kathy Smith's "Lift Weights to Lose Weight Double" offers seven 26-minute workouts targeting every muscle using a Swiss ball and dumbbells. Master instructor Karen Voight's "Firm Arms and Abs" and "Lean Legs and Buns" are two separate videos of about 40 minutes each that will define your entire body. "Maximum Body Shaping" includes 46 minutes of classic dumbbell toning exercises and intense plyometrics to accelerate muscle fatigue.
Little or No Equipment Needed
Not all strength training videos require steps, dumbbells and barbells. Looking for something non-traditional? How about ballet? Dancers have beautiful bodies for a reason. Try Jennifer Galardi's "Ballet Body Workout," which blends elegant strength-training moves with dynamic stretching for body conditioning that emphasizes the lower body. The "New York City Ballet" workout, geared toward advanced exercisers, features two workouts performed by NYC Ballet dancers, 114 minutes total. Still want to be free of equipment but are not interested in dance? Then try Kelly Coffey's "30 Minutes to Fitness: Body Training" video. Two workouts (about 30 minutes each) sculpt your body without any equipment, just your own body weight. Or, for a great lower body challenge, try Ilaria's "BodyStrikes."
Yoga and Pilates
"Exhale: Core Fusion--Pure Arms & Abs" is a gently flowing mix of Pilates, ballet, yoga and dance. "Pilates for Beginners with Kristen McGee" starts with Pilates toning basics and slowly adds more challenges, making it appropriate for beginner through intermediate-level exercisers. Bryan Kest's "Power Yoga" series includes a collection of three 50-minute intermediate to advanced power yoga workouts that tone, define and challenge your body to go beyond its comfort zone. Karen Voight's "Pilates Total Body Training" workout features Pilates-based routines that use a Pilates Circle device (sold separately). Enjoy the challenge of both yoga and Pilates? Then Karen Voight's "YogaSculpt" might be for you. It integrates yoga, muscle toning and Pilates mat routines.
References
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, 3rd ed; Michael Clark, Scott Lucett and Rodney Corn; 2008
- Consumer Search: Exercise Video Reviews
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