I decided to do this post for all the women who do not have access to a gym, are stay at home mums, are going away on a holiday or feel intimidated going to a gym and prefer working out at home. I divide my time between London and Italy. When in London I do endless classes of yoga, spin, pilates and go to the gym on a daily basis. However when I am in Italy, I am isolated. I have no access to a gym so I rely on runs on the beach and hikes. I like to mix up my fitness routine by doing different things. I like to do yoga and total body work outs so have found some wonderful dvd’s that make me push myself that little harder.
Here below I have chosen a selection of dvd’s and websites that I use. There are many stay at home mums who do not have time to go out to a class or a gym, so this is ideal as you can exercise while your child is sleeping. Also if some one wants to start yoga but feels the prospect of joining a class daunting then these yoga for beginners dvd’s are perfect.
Debbie Sieber’s Slim in 6
This was the first dvd that I bought and it is still one of my favourites. It is value for money and it comes with a diet plan and 3 dvd’s: Start it up, Ramp it up and Burn it up. Any one can start and the idea is to slim and tone in 6 weeks starting with dvd 1 which is excellent for anyone knew to exercise, progressing to dvd 2 and 3. There are also bonus workouts that last 15 to 10 minutes like slim and limber which stretches you and Slim & 6 pack which is my favourite ab routine that I do rigorously 6 days a week. Sim in 6 also comes with a resistance band which is my favourite equipment for sculpting the arms.
Jillian Michaels Ultimate Box Set
This box set is great as you get 5 dvd’s and you do have to be fit to do these dvd’s as they are tough! You also get the impression that Jillian Michaels will jump out of the screen to tell you off if you dare to not finish a workout. She is tough but great at motivating you to push harder. My favourite is the One week shred which is perfect for an up coming event and Yoga Inferno which is a very vigorous yoga practice. Each dvd has 2-3 work outs and they guarantee a sweat and they work your entire body!
Elena Brower Yoga for Beginners
This is an excellent workout and even though it is for beginners it is still challenging. It really gives your body a good stretch and it is also ideal for anyone that is new to yoga and would like to do a class but feels intimidated. This work out lasts for 40 minutes so it is prefect if you do not have much time, Elena Brower has a very soothing voice and at the end of the routine you will feel both stretched and relaxed. I try to do this every morning.
Shiva Rea Yoga Shakti
This yoga dvd is for experienced beginners and intermediate yogis. what makes this dvd unique is that it has “a yoga matrix menu” where you can create your own yoga flow. There are also 4 pre-set practices in this dvd: The basic flow (30 mins), solar flow I (90 min), solar flow II (90min) and lunar flow (45min) All these practices are challenging but great at strengthening, toning and stretching the body.
When ever you start any new fitness regime please be careful and listen to your body. Do what feels right for you.
Here below are some websites I enjoy: