Workout Recommendations?

My current workout routine simply involves long hikes in the evening, but I'm going to be moving up north for University where it gets dark really early and it will be mostly snow and ice during the school semesters so I don't want to drive to gyms. So I was wondering if anybody had any good recommendations for Work-Out DVDs? I want something I can do in my dorm room, without causing too much noise (no jumping around), and that doesn't require much equipment (a ball or something would be fine, but I don't want to invest in a weight set or anything). I've tried push-ups and sit ups, but I can't do many and I don't break out in a sweat. Also Wii Fit and such isn't an option, because I don't have a gaming system and they are too expensive.

I was looking at the series for 'Indie Rockers' that I found in an old issue of Snippet, but I'm not sure if I want Pilates, Yoga, or Cardio? My main goal right now is to lose weight, not to increase my flexibility or anything, so also any tips on the type of work out videos I should be looking at would be very much appreciated.

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20 replies since 9th July 2009 • Last reply 9th July 2009

Reply #1:

I, as always, suggest bellydance.

To some, it sounds crazy, but it's true.

I don't even know how to explain it, lol, it's just amazing. You will discover tiny little muscles you didn't even know you had, and it's great for your posture and self-esteem. Bellydance and pilates together will really do it.

Also, laughter. Excellent exercise. Very important. Happy

I hear Rachel Brice's DVDs are good.

Good luck!

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Reply #2:

Tae-bo....

...I know people make fun of it...but I went and bought it and you don't need any extra...and if you can make it through the whole section of the workout of your choice...i promise you...your muscles will be saying ow the next day...but it's totally worth it!

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Reply #3:

Thanks for the suggestions!

I feel like this may be a dumb question but do those (pilates and tae-bo) help you lose weight? Or do they just tone your body and stretch you out? And do you break out into a good sweat during them?

I'm tempted to try the bellydancing though, my cousin tried it and loved it. Although I'm a little intimidated by the DVDs I'm finding on Amazon (What the heck is "Fantasy Bellydancing" and how is it different from "Gothic Bellydancing"? then there are finger cymbal exercises and everything), but the Rachel Brice one on Yoga Isolations and Drills sounds okay.

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Reply #4:

I don't know anything about tae-bo, but pilates strengthens and works out your muscles thus burning fat. I always sweat.

As for bellydancing, it depends on what you're looking for. The zils (finger cymbals) are pretty much only if you intend to perform (which it doesn't sound like you're looking for). Fantasy and cabaret and gothic and all that are just styles, which mean more focus on performance than the work-out. i bet if you just try to stick with something basic, it will be fine.

Drills and isolations sound about right. I'm no expert, but i would go with something like that.

Hope i helped! Happy

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Reply #5:

Yep you did, thanks! I'll be adding the Drills and Isolation one to my list of possibilities. I'll also look more into pilates. Happy

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Reply #6:

Right on Katia!! I bellydanced for years, and am looking to get back into it ASAP! I miss it so much, and it really is the best workout you can get.... and besides, what better way to get fit AND have new moves to woo your man at the same time?? Ooer!!! Works your muscles, your mind (trying to isolate - hehe) and gives you that extra oomph of feeling sexy! Nothing better!! =)

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Reply #7:

Okay, you guys have convinced me, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the Bellydancing one. However I would like more then one work out so I can change it up, so please keep the suggestions coming! Also KT what exactly is Tae-bo? Is it like Yoga?

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Reply #8:

It's like...punching...and stuff...depending on what work out you do...there could be some kicking...but i do the abs one and there is no kicking...not really at least...just...you do moves that use muscles

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Reply #9:

I bet if you youtube billy blanks you'll get to see what i mean...

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Reply #10:

I really do want to try bellydancing...but there are no classes near me :/

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Reply #11:

That may be true, but there's plenty of videos just like any other workout vids. =)

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Reply #12:

if you want to try bellydance look for traditional styles like egyptian, turkish, and roma. Belly dance helps to develop muscle. I am a proffesional belly dancer, and in order to stay in shape you need to do more styles like latin dance,salsa and lifting weights, walking...

actually dancing is a great form of exersise and I recomend actual classes rather then dvd's, same as martial arts...these you need actual instruction.

but walking, jogging, climbing stairs are great for toning the body.

and even turing your ipod on for a hour and dancing around will make you loose weight.


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Reply #13:

Hey Michelle! I didn't know you bellydanced professionally!!! That's so awesome!!! The place I used to dance is an hour away from where I am, and I never did audition for the profesional troupe. But my Gramz was the one who initially got me into it, and she got to go perform in Turkey and Egypt!! =)

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Reply #14:

I can't really do classes though, because I don't want to be driving around in the dark in the ice and snow. Also I wanted something that I can do whenever because of my school workload. But maybe I'll find a weekend class, then during the week I'll work with my DVDs.

I was thinking of also trying a Jillian Michaels DVD, anybody heard anything about them? They have some pretty good reviews and I thought it might be a good change in pace next to the Bellydancing.

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