Video Reviews

I've been sampling workout videos from the library in preparation for the winter. For most of my life I've gone for a run, to the gym, or taken a class to workout. I've never really mastered the "home workout." Especially when it comes to cardio. My dance skillz are pretty limited, so dancing around the apartment with Lily is only fun for so long. Certainly, there must be some cheesy video out there that will get my heart rate up and maybe work in some toning as well. Right? Well, here are my reviews of some of the videos I tried. 


Gaiam: Cardio Burn - Sculpt
The key word in this title is 'sculpt'. This video was WAY too intense for me right now. Holy cow was I sore the next two days. My body certainly felt sculpted after only the 30 minute workout. I can't even imagine what the 50 minute workout or bonus core cardio workouts are like. Other than it being too hard for now, I enjoyed it. The instructor is not annoying, the scenery is pretty, and it definitely packs a lot in in a short period of time. I can see myself liking this more when I'm a bit stronger. 


The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Boot Camp
I really liked this one. Of all The Biggest Loser brand stuff, I like the ones that Bob does the best. Jillian is way too intimidating for me. This video can be done with free weights (I have just been doing the movements without weights and it's been plenty.). There are 3 different levels meant to be done in progression over 6 weeks. It was just the right amount of cardio and strength training for me. And I like that I have the option of adding weights as well. I would definitely recommend this one. 


Gaiam: Cardio Burn - Yoga
This Gaiam video was much more doable than the Sculpt one. Basically it was a 30 minute vinyasa. I'm not sure how "cardio" intensive it was, though. I was breathing and sweating, so maybe that counts. This is a good one to start off your day with. The instructions are clear, but not overly simplistic, and the instructor actually follows the beat of the music. After a day of carrying a baby in the most ridiculous positions and then sleeping on your side all night, this video was a great way to get my body stretched out and moving again. I can see myself using this one along with a more cardio or strength intensive video, or as an 'easy' day. 
*Update: I felt this the next day. My muscles were pleasantly sore, but I didn't feel like I had over done it.
*Update 2: The 50 minute workout is so-so. Basically it's a slower tempo version of the 30 minute one, with some different poses. It was a little long for Lily, we had to stop in the middle to nurse/cuddle for a while. The workout is structured in ~10 minute chunks so there were places for natural breaks to stop and play with her. Again, it's one big vinyasa, but it felt even less cardio than the 30. This is the kind of yoga that I would like to do in a class where I could really focus, or maybe on a weekend when Joe can amuse Lily. 


Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
I was surprised by how much I didn't hate Jillian. She was much less intimidating and almost supportive. It's a 40 minute circuit workout that mixes cardio with strength. I only made it halfway through before Lily had a meltdown, so I don't know how it ends. There is a lot of kicking, jumping and boxing that isn't explained super great. If you were someone who had never taken a good kickboxing class before, I think you could really hurt yourself. I didn't like it enough to give it another try for the full time.