GB:Cardio Workout Videos
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Cardio Workout Videos

Despite the vigorous upper body motions involved, sitting on the couch and playing video games is not cardio. Perhaps this titbit of information has just destroyed your daily work-out regime, but fret not; there is no need to leave an electronically-simulated life to get the heart pumping. For those that would rather keep it contained within the home, there is always the ever popular work out video When choosing to undergo this mission, it is best to remember that because you're employing the box with the moving pictures, do not employ the habit of stuffing your cake hole. Such multi-tasking could result in pulled limbs and ill-fated stomachs. Please leave the crisps in the cupboard.

If the taunting position of the couch still encourages your gluttony, check out alternative ways to exercise with our Fitness Guide.

Traditional Aerobics

Beginner

  • Everybody Steps  and Step Reebok : Gin Miller guides you through the basic moves of step aerobics in Everybody Steps, which includes five different sections to adjust to your level. She also does Step Reebok for the more advanced beginners.
  • Rosemary Conley: Fat Attack!  This is a workout for energetic beginners, not sedentary starters. The twenty minutes of intense cardio is not overly exhausting, and it is a good segue into other videos. Some have complained that it is too similar to her previous workouts.
  • Beverly Callard: Real Results : This video is great for beginners but it also includes moves to build up a more intense workout. There are two common complaints: the first is that the aerobic section is too short, and the second is that after many views Beverly Callard's "witticisms" become annoying. Thankfully there is a handy little invention called the mute button.

Intermediate

  • Zoe Lucker: Little Black Dress Workout (2003)  This video has a little bit of everything, offering five sections with warm up, dance, boxing, toning, and a yoga cool down. The instructors are light-hearted and create a fun, non-stressful workout atmosphere. It is hard to get bored with this video.
  • The Firm Boot Camp Maximum Calorie Burn : Most people love this workout and find it easy to manage the moves even if they have not done this type of exercise before. It includes a warm up, three alternating plyo and cardio routines, an ab workout, and stretching. There is an assistant who provides beginner's modifications so you control the intensity. You will need to buy hand weights, but it is still cheaper than joining a gym!

Advanced

  • Davina High Energy Five : This video comes with five twenty minute routines which can be mixed and matched according to level of fitness and time constraints. It is good for both cardio and toning, and features a fun soundtrack. It provides fresh alternatives to her other videos.
  • Nell McAndrew Ultimate Challenge, Ultimate Results : The steps are basic and easy to follow, but do not let this fool you. It is an intense workout that you must built up to. Users all claim it really works, but some say it is a bit boring and repetitive.

Martial Arts

Beginner

  • David Carradine: An Introduction For Beginners To Chi Energy Workout : Two sections divide the Tai Chi and Chi Kung workouts which are further divided internally. It features calming music and easy to follow explanations of the moves. Great for mental clarity and meditation.
  • Austin Goh Wing Chun for Beginners : Learn the basics of Wing Chun Kung Fu with this easy to follow DVD. The use of mirrors enables you to see different views of the positions and a partner is not necessary to benefit from the instruction.

Intermediate

  • Jordan: The Jordan Workout : This kickboxing video is split into five sections including warm up and cool down. Each section is timed by a miniature clock in the corner, a feature that helps you to persevere despite feeling tired. The video provides a mix of strength and cardio exercise, and includes nutritional advice from best selling author Jason Vale.
  • Ten Minute Solution: Kickbox Bootcamp : This video is five sections of ten minutes that each target different sections of the body. It can be beginner to intermediate depending upon the sections you follow and gives room to improve as your strength and fitness level build up.

Advanced

  • Billy Blanks Tae Bo Cardio Circuit One and Two : The two intense cardio workouts featured in these videos are not for the inexperienced kicker. Billy Blanks does offer a wide variety of videos for different levels, but this one is an intense kickboxing experience.
  • Shaolin Warrior: The Way of Qi Gong Volume Three - Advanced : This is the last video of the Shaolin Warrior trilogy. If you're well-versed in the practice or you have completed the beginner and intermediate levels, this video guides you through a fitness for mind and body.

Yoga and Pilates

Beginner

  • Kundalini Yoga for Beginners and Beyond : Inspiring and rejuvenating, this video is loved by more than just beginners. Users don't just like the routine, but also the manner and tone of instructors, Ana and Ravi. In addition to working out the muscles, it improves flexibility and helps with alignment.
  • Barbara Currie's Power of Yoga : Invigorating but relaxing. A person just beginning the practice of yoga will really benefit from this motivational how-to video which shows modified positions alongside the tougher ones. Advanced students may enjoy this video even if it is not as challenging. The divided sections allow you to pick and choose your workout focus and time.
  • Darcey Bussell: Pilates for Life : This video features classical music and a minimalist ambiance. It is great for the beginner and even for slightly more advanced students. It gives a choice of an eighteen minute session or a full fifty minute workout, and is clear, concise, an easy to follow. The only complaint was that the cool down seemed to be an afterthought.

Intermediate

  • MTV Yoga : Short and sweet at forty-five minutes, this is good for someone trying to fit exercise into his or her busy schedule but who also does not like to "feel the burn". Many reviewers do not feel they have laboured until after the workout is finished or upon seeing results. It is not ideal for beginners as the instructional portions are brief and not very thorough.
  • Ten Minute Solution Pilates : People who have basic knowledge of Pilates love that this video dives straight into the exercise. The only downfall is that it does not explain the essential core strength and breathing techniques, making it hard to follow without some previous experience.

Advanced

  • Power Yoga Total Body : Easy to follow but certainly not for beginners. This video gives little to no how-to information and has a steady flow so be careful to read up before delving in. The moves are fluid and precise, challenging but relaxing. Overall it left consumers happy.
  • Yin and Yang Yoga with Simon Low : This video has two sections of yoga that complement each other in a rare but harmonic way. The Yin portion focuses on stretching and slow paced lengthening while the Yang portion pumps up the intensity with fluid, fast paced movements. It is great for someone looking to either de-stress or get energised.
  • Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) and Reformer Mat Workout (Super Advanced) : These two videos can be bought separately or in a package depending upon your needs. It is perfect for the person who is looking for a very challenging workout or wants to build up to one, and even instructors give these videos five stars. This series has been described as "superior" to other tapes. They offer a great alternative to a class.

Dance

Beginner

  • Dance Workout with Helen : The routines are easy to follow and the instructor is down to earth and fun. It is great for people who do not like to exercise and the workout goes by quickly!
  • The Magic of Dance : This is an instructional video on ballroom dancing for both men and women. The tutorial includes basic steps for beginners, while more experienced dancers can learn complex moves by mimicking instructors Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite.

Intermediate

  • Urban Workout :This is a great cardio workout for people who hate the gym. It is a fun hip hop based dance video divided into six parts with varying degrees of difficulty. It is easy to follow and a good way to improve your moves!
  • Angela Griffin: Dance Mix Workout I and II : These videos are nice because they give workouts based on three different dance types--pop, salsa, and hip hop--so you can pick and choose what interests you the most. It is not particularly good for those who lack balance.
  • Brazilian Dance Workout : If you want to try something different, then this may be the video for you. The instructor has an infectious enthusiasm that makes it hard not to have fun while doing this exercise.

Advanced

  • Pump it Up: The Ultimate Dance Workout DVD : A mix of salsa and cardio, this exercise gets you energised and fit. It is one hour and thirty minutes but can be done in sections that include a warm up, three dance workouts, and a cool down. If you are not good with moving at a fast pace, you may want to try something else.
  • Strictly Come Dancersize : This video is not something that you can master the first time, but with a little determination you will learn the steps and have an energized workout. This is not a mindless DVD, so if you're not into paying strict attention or you don't have much patience to learn the moves, this isn't for you.

Related Products

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Heart Rate Monitors

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Additional Links

  • Amazon.co.uk: Just look up exercise workout videos and you will find great reviews on your topic of interest.