Most Effective Exercise Videos

Most Effective Exercise Videos
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Working out at home often requires extra motivation and direction to help you stick with your workout plan. Workout videos can be a great option to help you reach your workout goal---especially if you do not have an abundance of exercise knowledge. Workout videos can guide you through your workouts effectively, and the best videos will help inspire you and cheer you on as well. There are a lot of workout video options out there, so it is critical to find one that is intense, effective and motivating.

P90X

Strength training, cardio, flexibility and interval training are all components of fitness that can have tremendous benefits on the body. Finding a way to work this all in to your home training program can be quite a challenge. One program that effectively does this is P90X.
P90X is an ideal home workout option for those workout enthusiasts seeking maximum results. This program integrates strength-training, plyometrics, yoga, stretching, core exercises and more for a complete overall fitness program. Interval training is a major component of P90X and adds to the intensity. This program was developed by personal trainer Tony Horton, utilizing an eclectic mix of workouts based on "muscle confustion," a term the P90x website states means "constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus."
You will need extra equipment such as dumbbells, a pull-up bar and resistance bands for performing the majority of the different P90X workouts. These videos are ideally for the more advanced exerciser or someone with at least a good strength base and has been able to maintain a normal cardio program.
For those at a level able to take on this program, fantastic results are realistic due to its intensity and consistency. This workout system is costly compared with most videos, but is meant for those who plan on making this program their main fitness component on regular basis. The complete nature of the program will justify the cost for most individuals who are working out at home.

Insanity

Shaun T's Insanity is a 60 day total body conditioning program focusing on interval training and body weight exercises to maximize fat loss. The 10 different workouts in this program focus on various components from body weight strength-training exercises, cardio and interval plyometrics. This may be an ideal option for those seeking maximum fitness results, but do not have access to any equipment. The high intensity nature of this program may not be appropriate for the beginning exerciser but can yield maximum results for those who are able to train at higher intensities. The motivating nature of the instructor will be a plus for helping you stick with it, work hard and get the most out of your home workouts.
The cost of this program mirrors that of P90X. Therefore, this program should be looked at as a main workout component for home fitness and not just a video that is done once or twice a week.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga has numerous benefits and incorporates a mind, body, spirit approach. Learning how to incorporate the Ujjayi breath is an integral component of ashtanga yoga. This breathing method helps create a deep heating effect in the body and helps the body deal with toxins as well as stress. The breath integrated with the specific sequence of asanas or yoga postures makes for an effective physical workout as well. Individuals with various fitness levels can perform this type of yoga as there are various modifications to the different asanas, and it is stressed that the practice is totally individual and based on one's limitations and strong points.
David Swenson's Short Forms DVD includes shorter versions of the ashtanga practice for those who are pressed on time, but would still benefit from a specific shorter duration workout. This DVD contains 15, 30 and 45 minute workout segments.

References

Article reviewed by James Dryden Last updated on: Mar 3, 2010

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