HOW THEY PICKED THEM

Fitness magazine
? Editors tested more three twelve new exercise DVDs for the February issue and rated them based on ease of use, whether they are good workouts and whether they’re just interesting to watch. The editors picked five videos from their top 10 list to critique for USA TODAY readers. “Exercise DVDs are great for people who are short on time, want to try affair new or just don’t want to be seen at the gym after eating all those cookies over the holidays,” says editor in chief Denise Brodey.

Collage Video
? Fitness instructors review exercise DVDs for Collage Video, which sells videos via a toll-free equal in number (800-201-9117) and a website (collagevideo.com) that offers workout previews. “You could buy any the same of the videos listed and have a great program to start with, and then build your library from there,” says Jill Ross, a reviewer for the company. The advantage to exercise DVDs is you are working out through some of the best instructors in the world, she says. The videos reviewed by Collage on this page are among the company’s top-selling exercise DVDs; each retails for $14.95, plus shipping.

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By Nanci Hellmich, USA TODAY Working out to an exercise DVD in front of the TV is a low-hassle way to get in shape and lose weight. But there’s a plethora of workout tapes on the market, from aerobics programs to strength training, and it’s hard to figure out that one is right for you. USA TODAY asked the editors of Fitness magazine and certified fitness instructors with collagevideo.com to pick their five favorites.

10 Minute Solution: Tone Trouble Zones!

Perfect for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time for strength education. You don’t stand in want of dumbbells, just the resistance band that comes with the program. The 10-minute workouts mark different areas, from shoulders to bum. (anchorbayentertainment.com, $16.98)

—Fitness

Bell Express 15 Cardio Fitness Kit

This DVD comes with a stability ball and jump rope. The video stars athlete/model Gabby Reece and shows her exercising alongside a trainer. You can do the workout in 15 minutes or add a warm-up to make it a little longer.

(gotogabby.com, $29.99)

—Fitness

Billy Blanks Tae Bo Amped

The new set of five workout DVDs comes with a weighted bar that you can exercise if you want to make the moves even more challenging. You’ll

get a great cardio workout while incorporating strength moves. Blanks’ energy is contagious.

(taebo.com, $39.95)

—Fitness

Get Ripped & Chiseled With Jari Love

She does tons of repetitions, in the same state you really exhaust your muscles. This is for those who have had experience lifting weights and want to take it to the nearest level. Love hits every greater muscle in a big plan of conduct, and you will definitely be sore the next morning. (razorfitness.com, $14.99)

—Fitness

Love leads a well-organized and effective workout that is definitely challenging. It’s simple and tough with lots of reps and lots of weight. The exercises are all classics, allied squats, lunges, biceps curls and overhead presses. It requires 5- to 20-pound dumbbells. A barbell is elective; a step bench is also used.

— Collage Video

Jennifer Kries New Body Pilates

Informative and very well-taught, this workout is a great introduction to Pilates. Kries emphasizes breathing and alignment, the key elements of true Pilates. It’s designed for people who are beginners or on the interjacent level.

— Collage Video

Ellen Barrett Fat Burning Fusion

The fun hybrid workout integrates muscle toning with ballet, Pilates, balance and athletic movements. The moves range from plies to classic leg lifts. The program is done barefoot.

— Collage Video

Rockin’ Body Cardio Jam by Michelle Dozois

This is great straightforward cardio workout with no tricky choreography. It’s easy to learn, challenging to do and fun. Everything clicks in this workout; there is no frustration or bad transitions. The video is worth keeping forever.

— Collage Video

Element Yoga for Beginners

Clear directions and a liquid series of easy-to understand postures make this a perfect class for someone strange to yoga. It ends with a relaxing stretch. The handsome production with quiet instrumental music in an outdoor setting creates a spa experience at home.

— Collage Video

Jeanette Jenkins: The Hollywood Trainer 21 Day Total Body Circuit Workout

chief for beginners. The moves are all ones you’ve seen before — crunches, push-ups, lunges — but have modifications to keep them from being boring. There are tips for making the exercises harder. The playlist is awesome. This DVD keeps your energy level high. (amazon.com, $9.99)

•Fitness

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