Want to lose weight but have no clue what is the best exercise program to buy? When I finally decided it was time to take charge and lose weight, I was overwhelmed by all the choices out there. I had purchased programs in the past and some of them were used once and then became some of the best dust collectors in the house. As well, a public gym didn’t really work for me. I am too self conscious and get nervous around large groups of people. Besides, what is so motivating and working in a dirty facility that smells like sweat? I’m not even going to go into watching the women who come to the gym in perfect makeup and cute workout outfits just to show off. When I workout, I just want to do it and focus on my body. This is one of the reasons why I prefer DVD or digital exercise programs that I can do in my home.
Since every exercise program claims to be the best, you have to take all their claims with a grain of salt. Most of the popular programs are designed by someone with professional training and have some proven success. To help you make a right choice on the best exercise program for you, we decided to help break down the process to make the choice easier for you and increase your chance of succeeding with your weight loss journey.
Best Exercise Program: What Do You Want
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they choose an exercise program is going for what is popular at the time or taking the recommendation of friends without doing research themselves. Every exercise program has certain goals and target areas. First, ask yourself what you want out of your exercise program since each program has main focus in one of the following areas:
- Weight Loss
- Endurance
- Strength Training
- Toning
While a program that focuses on endurance training may help you lose weight, it may not give you a well rounded workout or help you shape problem areas. Figure out what you want and then go from there. Most weight loss programs are well rounded and many of the collections have a session that focuses on maintenance once you have lost your target weight.
Best Exercise Program: Is it Realistic for You
We all have high expectations and goals when it comes to weight loss, but when it comes to choosing an exercise program be honest with yourself. You can have the highest rated, best exercise program on the market and not succeed if it isn’t designed for you. If you are not used to exercising or are starting exercising regularly for the first time in years don’t pick a program that will likely hurt you or overstress your body. Exercise programs like Beachbody’s Insanity workout are not designed for everyone and are great programs to get the fit even more in shape. While someone who is heavily overweight can do these programs it takes a lot of dedication and careful supervision by a doctor or trainer. Be honest with yourself and get something for your fitness level. Yes, you may outgrow it, but you also are less likely to give up after the first few days of exercise.
To get the most out of your program, take the following into your account:
- Your current activity level
- Time devoted to exercise
- Previous injuries
- Medical conditions
- Your own attention span & motivation
- Do you need a guide to follow?
Best Exercise Program: Is it Fun?
At the end of the day, you should pick an exercise program you will enjoy. If you dread exercising you won’t do it. Pick a program that makes you excited about exercising. If you love to dance, pick a program that focuses on dance moves. Dream of being the karate kid? Go with a program that mixes martial arts in the program. There is no reason to be bored with your program, especially with all the different programs available. At the end of the program you should be sweaty, but feeling amazing and proud of yourself.
Best Exercise Program: Exercise DVDs that Work
Need a starting place for looking for the best exercise program for you? Below I listed 20 of the most popular programs that are highly rated and have proven results. My personal favorites are Tai Cheng and Turbo Jam. I own both of these programs and enjoy them both for different reasons. Turbo Jam is an upbeat, fun program that is great for weight loss and Tai Cheng is ideal for those wanting to work on their flexibility and endurance. What is your favorite exercise program?
Disclosure: Budget Earth did not receive compensation for this post. Budget Earth may, however, receive compensation through purchases from affiliate links in this post. All opinions on this product are my own and may differ from our readers’ opinions.
Shannon says
I agree that it should be something that you at least can tolerate doing. I liked doing Leslie Sansone’s workouts.
Sandy VanHoey says
Many great tips on diet and exercise. I just started a diet a few days ago. Thanks for the tips
Karen Sargent says
Great recommendations, I was one of those people who would workout just to do it and hate it, and so I would stop. It took me a long time to stop doing things because I deemed they were “necessary” and just start listening to my body and not over-working myself.
Susan Bewley says
Agreed! This may seem like common sense but we are all bad about listening to our body and mind. Exercise shouldn’t be a punishment, but something we look forward to 🙂
gigi borden says
agreed! thank you for sharing this, after i have my bambina i am definitely going to be in need of a workout regime! this is very helpful, thank you!
Susan Bewley says
You are very welcome, Gigi! Good luck with your little one!
Yoli says
I love the Zumba DVDs. I enjoy going to the gym, but DVDs are a great backup to have!
Jessica Medina says
The benefits of exercise are amazing. I feel so much better and healthier when I maintain a regular routine.
Amy Heffernan says
Great tips. Loosing weight is hard!
nancyfancypink says
Thanks for this post. The tip that stands out for me the most is asking myself “Is it fun?” I need to find something that I actually enjoy!
patricia salyers says
I need to get healthy I really do.
Kelly says
Great post. So many things work for one person and not another. Great way to find the right exercise, by looking at what type of person you are. Making it fun, is the only way to stay consistent. 🙂
Ashley says
These are excellent things to consider when choosing an exercise program! The article helped me figure out that I don’t want a DVD and I don’t want a public gym, so that helps me narrow it down.