Before giving birth, I never did exercise videos. I was confident that there was no way that a video could give me even close to the same workout as a live class. Prior to this past year, the last time I had done a workout video was when I joined in with my mom doing Jane Fonda’s VHS workout. That was probably 1989 or so and I am sure that we wore leg warmers.
In the last year, exercise videos have been a huge help to me in terms of getting back to shape after pregnancy. As a stay at home mom, I spend a lot of time in the house and videos help ensure that I get a workout even on days that I don’t make it to a class.
Here are my favorite things about workout videos:
First of all, now that I have a one year old daughter, I am always late. With an exercise video, I can work out on my own time! I will admit that there are days where I put on workout clothes intending to exercise during my daughter’s morning nap, and at 6pm when she goes to sleep, I still have not worked out. But it doesn’t really matter, because then I can exercise in the evening!
Second, I can do yoga in my pajamas. I do this all the time. Seriously, it’s awesome.
Third, I love that I can decide right before I exercise which kind of video I am in the mood for. If I am feeling strong, I will do Insanity. If I need something more gentle, I do a lower impact video or yoga.
Fourth, if I really have to pee, there is a pause button. I hate having to use the bathroom in the middle of an exercise class and having to slip past other people working out. Awkward.
Fifth, workout videos saved my sanity this past winter. Here in NY, we had something like 4 million snow days, when I was not able to leave the house. Ok, maybe it wasn’t 4 million, but there were a lot of snow days. Even when it wasn’t snowing, for about 2 months I wasn’t able to take my daughter out on walks because of the huge snow piles on the sidewalks and streets. On these days I was particularly grateful for my exercise video library.
I have a variety of videos that I use. I love the videos by Erin O’Brien (including her pregnancy and postnatal videos), and specifically “Strong Body Fit Body.”
I recently signed up for Yogaglo (www.yogaglo.com) which offers a huge library of yoga videos online. You can search by duration, type of yoga, teacher or specific purpose. For instance, after getting over my most recent cold, I did the videos specific to immunity boosting through yoga. The cost is $18 per month. I feel that the variety and instruction are both excellent.
Lastly, I started doing “Insanity” this past winter for a more challenging workout. It is a VERY hard workout, but it is doable as long as you are in good shape and don’t have knee problems, as there is a lot of jumping. I like the length and variety of the workouts, and they definitely get my heart rate up. The instructor, Shaun T., is very motivating, even through my TV screen. Here is a photo of him and his abs:
You can find a variety of videos on amazon and online. I highly suggest exercise videos to anyone who is looking to incorporate more exercise into their routine while being at home and on their own time. And to anyone who wants to do yoga in their pajamas.
I concur! I have a million “10 minute trainer” videos that I can use – on “lazy” days at least I do 10 minutes… on serious days I combine a few. My big trouble (<3 any feedback) is that that old pole dancing hamstring injury starts barking after a few days of any workout. I try to avoid the lunges etc.. but everything aggravates it. Then I'm off the exercise wagon again.
what about trying to do it just once a week… and then if your hamstring does ok, building up to twice a week. etc. can you do long walks with your injury? yoga? i know that our hamstrings are involved with much exercise, but perhaps by poking around you can find something that works for you. Or even just fitting in sit ups and push ups (on your knees) everyday would be a good start.
when i broke my foot, i devised a whole exercise routine that wasn’t weight bearing and I did it everyday. you might find some gems online if you search for exercises that won’t aggravate your injury. <3
Great post Beck! Workout videos saved me this winter too!