Best Workout DVDs
Can't find time to get to the gym today? Try one of Cookie's favorite living-room workouts instead. Whether you want to burn off the baby weight or tighten your thighs, we have a routine that's sure to suit your style. So grab a bottle of water and fire up your DVD player.
By Emily Orofino
- Best for Bonding with Your Kids
- Zumbatomic DVD collection (Zumba)
The first time we used Zumba, we felt like we were in a live, energy-packed class. Zumbatomic gets your kids involved with moves and music inspired by salsa, reggaeton, and merengue. Even the most dance-shy child will find it hard to keep from joining in the fun.
$35, Zumba.com (available 9/1).
- Best One-Stop Workout
- Fat-Burning Bootcamp kit (Gaiam)
It's like your local gym in a box. You get a resistance band, weighted ball, and stability disc in addition to the workout DVD. The stability disc shakes up the standard moves like rowing, leg lifts, and planks, so it will be impossible for you to get bored.
$40, Amazon.com (available 9/1).
- Best For Weight-Loss
- Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
It's easy to see how this DVD can claim results of up to five pounds lost per week—this workout is intense. You'll feel like Jillian is your personal trainer, and as anyone who has seen The Biggest Loser knows, she's not going to let you off easy. Whether you go through all the circuits or do just one, you're bound to burn calories.
$15, Amazon.com.
- Most Mommy-Specific
- Restore the Core deluxe kit (mommymuscle)
Designed for pre- and postnatal use, Restore the Core helps tighten and heal abdominal muscles after childbirth. The kit comes with a flat resistance band, two small exercise balls, and a colorful mat that helps keep your body aligned. The workout shows two women doing each routine—one using a move for postpregnancy, the other using a modified move for those who are pregnant or recovering from a C-section. (You can also buy each component of the kit separately.)
$70, StrollerFit.com.
- Best Waist Whittler
- Super Fit Mama: Lose the Belly Flab (Tracey Mallett)
Creator Tracey Mallett gained 55 pounds during her pregnancy and lost the weight with her workouts, which she's dubbed the Super Fit Mama plan. Tighten ab muscles with mat moves like pulses and pelvic bridges, and help lift your butt and lose your muffin top with standing exercises like ski rotations and side kicks. You can add resistance with your own exercise band and light weights, or do the exercises solo.
$15, TraceyMallett.com (available 9/1).
- Quickest Workout
- 10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body Workout (Anchor Bay)
This kickboxing-inspired workout is sure to keep your heart pounding. While one part of your body is stretching and cooling down, another part is still in motion. The kit comes with weighted gloves, which help you burn more calories by adding resistance to your workout. The dance music keeps you motivated without being obnoxious.
$25, Amazon.com.
- Cult Workout
- Exhale: Core Fusion Thighs and Glutes (Acacia)
Hot mom Heidi Klum is just one member of the huge following that flocks to Exhale Spa to get the Core Fusion workout. Say "auf wiedesehen" to your bumpy booty and hello to a defined waist and toned tush (and improved flexibility). All you need is a towel, mat, and a chair.
$15, AcaciaCatalog.com.
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