Today has been a gray, rainy day. It’s the kind of day that makes me want to stay indoors, cuddle up under a warm blanket, and read a good book or binge watch something on Netflix. There are so many days like this throughout fall and winter, that it would be easy to give up on exercising.
But we cannot let our determination to live a healthier lifestyle be crushed by the weather. We are stronger than that, and our goal is too important to give up because of something we cannot control.
So to help you stay committed throughout the dark and wet days, I wanted to share with you my favorite exercise programs. They are all designed to be completed indoors and require little to nothing more than a small space to move, a tv and a DVD player.
#1. 21-DAY FIX
This one is my absolute favorite. It includes 7 different workouts: total body cardio, upper fix, lower fix, pilates, cardio fix, dirty 30, and yoga fix. In approximately 30 minutes a day, you get a blood pumping, total body workout. With a different workout each day of the week, it provides enough variety to avoid boredom. The moves are easy to follow (no fancy footwork), and there is a modifier to help if any exercise is too difficult.
Pros: No matter how many weeks I follow this plan, I am stretched to my max. The exercises are ones that you can simplify if needed, but you can always challenge yourself more. I have sore muscles almost every day. While that might deter some folks, it is encouraging to me to know that my body is growing stronger with every workout.
Cons: Some may see the price as a downfall, but when I compare it to the price of joining a gym (and knowing I can do it in the comfort of my own home), it is still very reasonable.
Price: $59.85 (can be broken into three payments) plus shipping & handling, available at BeachBody.com
(This program also includes an eating plan, colored containers to manage portion control, and recipes.)
Equipment needed: hand weights (light set and heavy set) and yoga mat
#2: Biggest Loser Workout DVD’s
Biggest Loser has a variety of workouts; my favorites are Cardio Max and Weight Loss Yoga. 
Each workout includes actual contestants from The Biggest Loser. I really appreciate that because I get to watch people, like me, who are not in perfect shape with perfect bodies.They work their hardest, but they also make mistakes, and they aren’t always in sync. They make me feel like I fit in. The workouts are somewhat challenging but very doable at the same time.
Pros: In addition to working out with “real” people, each DVD includes a customizable menu that allows you to choose your fitness level (connected to length of workout) and if you want to include the warm-up and cool-down. Because these are sold individually, the price is very affordable.
Cons: Each DVD includes one workout (with multiple levels), so it is easier to get tired of repeating the same workout over and over. It is best used in conjunction with other workouts.
Price: roughly $8-$10 depending on where you purchase it. It is available at Amazon.com and at other retail stores.
Equipment: Cardio Max requires one set of weights. Weight Loss Yoga requires a yoga mat.
#3. Core Secrets
Core Secrets is a collection of workouts led by Gunnar Peterson, most of which involve the use of a stability ball. All of the ones I use include only low-impact moves and are easy to follow. A good overall workout is 25 Minute Full Body Workout and Accelerated Core Training, but I haven’t found a bad one yet. Including the stability ball provides new ways to exercise the same muscles. I also found myself doing a few more exercise throughout the day if I left my stability ball in my living room (during tv commercials or even while just passing through the room).
Pros: Using the stability ball makes the exercises seem new, not like the basic crunch you’ve always tried to do in the past.
Cons: The Core Secrets website is not longer active, so these are not as easy to find as they used to be. Amazon.com seems to be the best source right now, but even their supply is limited.
Price: $10-$20 per DVD depending on which workout you purchase
Equipment: Most require a stability ball, and some incorporate hand weights and/or a medicine ball.
#4. Focus T25
Many people claim their biggest obstacle to working out is not having enough time. This program is designed to get an hour’s worth of exercise in just 25 minutes. (Yes, you heard that right.) It is a challenging program that will have you sweating from the very beginning.
It includes 10 workouts to be completed over two 5-week cycles. The first cycle includes cardio, speed 1.0, total body circuit, ab intervals, and lower focus. The second cycle includes core cardio, speed 2.0, rip’t circuit, dynamic core, and upper focus. Both cycles expect users to work out 6 days a week (or 5 days with a double-workout on one day and resting one day), and stretching one day (a stretching workout is included).
Pros: You definitely get a focused, challenging workout, and all exercises can be performed in a small space and require little equipment.
Cons: Most exercises are plyometric and involve a lot of jumping or bouncing. There is a low-impact modifier to follow, but I found even that to be difficult when I was beginning. This is a good series, but in my opinion, it is designed for someone who has been working out for a while or is already in good shape.
Price: $119.85, available at BeachBody.com
(This is the most expensive of my favorites, but it does include more workouts than any of the others. It is also designed as a 10-week program which is longer than any of the others.)
Equipment: a yoga mat (for the first five weeks), a resistance band (for the second five weeks)
More to come…
I just purchased the 21-Day Fix Extreme. It includes 7 new workouts that are more challenging than those in the original 21-Day Fix. My husband has started working out with me, so we will likely follow the original 21-Day Fix for another 21-day round or two before stepping up to the extreme version. However, based on how much I love 21-Day Fix, I think the Extreme version will be just as exciting. I will let you know!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful. I know I always appreciate recommendations from my friends before I purchase something new. If you are looking to expand your repertoire to invigorate your routine, to provide an added challenge, or just to help you survive a bout of cold weather, go ahead and check out one or more of my favorite exercise programs. They will not disappoint!
What is your favorite exercise routine?
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