Best fitness DVDs

Getting (and staying) fit needn’t mean expensive gym memberships or rigorous bootcamps. Exercise and nutrition scientist Kathleen Alleaume puts some popular fitness DVDs to the test so you can select the best at-home workout for you.

What's available

Jane Fonda Prime Time: Walk Out and Fit & Strong

Just when you thought the days of workout videos featuring fluoro leotards and sweat bands were gone, Jane Fonda returns. Except this time, the focus is on stretches and using light weights, rather than ‘feeling the burn’ – making it an excellent low-impact workout, particularly for over-50s.

Look for Walk Out and Fit & Strong on www.amazon.com. Prices start from as little as $10.

Michelle Bridges: Crunch Time Deluxe

If you get bored easily with working out, ‘fitness guru’ Michelle Bridges has the answer. This DVD 3-pack contains all the variety you need to work out every inch of your body and help you lose weight and keep it off. It’s like having your own personal trainer guiding and encouraging you through an all-round workout. Although they can be quite challenging, each workout is structured to suit all levels of fitness.

The complete series is available from www.jbhifionline.com.au for $27.98.

10-Minute Solution Series

No time to exercise? There’s no excuse with the 10-Minute Solution Series, which is packed with a huge assortment of ultra-efficient workouts that fit into even the busiest of schedules. From Pilates and Yoga for beginners to Kickboxing and Belly Fat Blasters, each DVD contains five different 10-minute workouts, so you can create your own custom routine – or put all five sets together for a serious 50-minute workout. They’re jam-packed with fun and variety to keep you motivated and get you in great shape.

Go to www.anchorbayent.com.au for more details. Prices start from $20.

Biggest Loser: Beginners, Cardio Burn and Calorie Killer Circuit

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of former contestants from the Biggest Loser, this DVD is for you. Perfect for beginners, each DVD starts with a low impact workout series to tone the upper and lower body, then progresses to a simple but effective calorie-busting circuit.

Single DVDs from $32.12, or $42.85 for the 3-pack series at www.play4me.com.au.

Pre and Postnatal Yoga: Yoga Bellies

Both during and after pregnancy, yoga is a great way to tone, build strength and gain or maintain flexibility. Yoga Bellies is a nurturing and safe way to enhance your pregnancy experience and nourish your body, baby, mind and soul. The DVD features four easy-to-follow programs, incorporating effective techniques to practice throughout your pregnancy, guided relaxation and meditation.

Available at www.yogabellies.com for $30.

Zumba® Fitness

Want to try Zumba, but not confident about your dance skills? Give these DVDs a go! Zumba® Fitness is loaded with simple dance steps, energising Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow routines.The basic kit costs $90 and contains six Zumba workouts across four action-packed DVDs.

Available at www.zumbafit.com.au.

Benefits of home fitness

• Once you’ve built up a small collection of DVDs, you can pick a workout that suits your mood and energy level for that day.
• Convenient
• No babysitter required
• Affordable
• Minimal equipment required
• Weather will never disrupt your workout