Cardio Workout Videos

Cardio workout videos  are what I refer to as my "tire removal workout" because I know that somewhere deep under that ring of fat there is a six pack just waiting to break out. Okay, so maybe it's just a two pack, but the point is that cardio is meant to get rid of flub, not produce muscles. These workout videos are meant to do just that -- burn fat and work your cardiovascular system. It is typically the simplest type of workout since it requires little or no equipment. At most you will need to purchase a step-up box,  a dowel,  and possibly some light dumbbells  for certain aerobics programs. And of course, a good pair of sneakers  and some workout apparel are essential. All in all, it's cheaper than a yearly gym membership.

Please note that you should consult your doctor before beginning any strenuous workout program if you have any known health issues.

Quick Picks

For the seasoned video exerciser, you are probably wanting to know which are the best. It's not so easy to narrow it down to five since there are hundreds of great one out there. So there are several categories for suggestions: Intense Choreography for those who love learning new routines, Advanced Exercise for those who have been around the block, and an Intermediate section for those who are just getting into videos but who are also regular exercisers.

Intense Choreography
Christi Taylor Totally Hot Cardio	Kari Anderson DanceWorks	Cathe Friedrich StepWorks	Kristin Kagan Step This Way	Patrick Goudeau Dance Remix

Advanced Exercise
Cathe Maximum Intensity Cardio	Kari Anderson Two the Max	Reebok's Intense Moves	Karen Voight's Energy Sprint	FIRM Cardio

Intermediate
Christi Taylor Fantastic Four	Paula Abdul's Get Up and Dance	Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Workout	Kari Anderson's Fitness Formula	Step Reebok: the Video

Types of Videos

Here are the main cardio video types. You can scroll down to see more information about  specific videos in each genre and recommendations as well.

• Martial Arts  and Kickboxing  -- These are high intensity aerobic and circuit training  style workouts that employ your whole body, as well as your core. Some of the benefits you will gain from this type of video is more flexibility, balance, and strength.
• Step  and Standard Aerobics  -- Usually these are aerobics without weights that make use of a step up box. The routines may be simple or complex depending on the video.
• Other Types of Videos
• Jumprope  -- High impact, high intensity workouts. Great for endurance work. Only requirements: a jump rope  and space. This is a quick way to burn killer calories!
• Aerojump: By Kathy Smith, it gives instructions on buying jump ropes and a 30-minute cardio blast workout plus abs.
• Ropenastics: This full workout has instructions, a warmup, 25 minutes of cardio, pilates, and a cool down.

• Spinning/Cycling  -- An ordinary stationary bike  is okay, but you are best off with a road bike  and attaching it to a trainer. These workouts are good for people who can't withstand lots of jarring impact, such as jumping or running, but who want a hard cardiovascular workout. Reebok offers an intense, well-led workout, Cycle Reebok. 

• Rebounding/Mini-trampoline  -- Similar to the workout you would get from a jump rope routine without the impact. However, you have to buy a mini-trampoline. Keep on Rebounding and Champion Rebounding are two video options.

• Slide  -- Requires buying a slider  if you don't already own one.

• Treadmill  -- Anyone who uses a treadmill could benefit from one of these videos that enhance your workout and give you motivation. Try Treadmoves.

Martial Arts Videos

Below you will find a listing of videos and the pros and cons of each. Note that this is by no means an exhaustive list. Feel free to add your favorites! To start you off, here are a few quick picks in martial arts and kickboxing. The videos vary in intensity and level, from mostly novice on the left to more advanced on the right.

Kathy Smith's Kickboxing Workout	Billy's Bootcamp Elite Tae Bo (with bands)	Tae Bo Workout	Hardcore Kickbox Circuit with Janis Saffell	Cathe Friedrich's Kick Max

• Tae Bo
• PROS: Billy Banks gets your heart pumping with a total body workout that is fairly easy on the knees, easy to learn and requires no extra equipment. There is an instructional video, a full workout and a fast 8-minute workout, which is great as an add-on or warmup to lead into a strength training video. Plus it helps develop flexibility.
• CONS: While the original beginner videos have received much praise, the newer videos leave much to be desired. Bad cueing, poor filming and unmotivated and unqualified exercisers in the background don't help concentration.

• Denise Austin Power Kickboxing 
• PROS: Two convenient 20-minute workouts offer some variety and a quick way to fit in an intense workout. Definitely inspires you to work on flexibility.
• CONS: Overly perky motivation can get annoying, as I'm not a big fan of Denise Austin. Because it moves quickly, don't expect a lot of time spent on showing you proper form.

• The Method: Jab, Kick, & Burn
• PROS: Dancey moves are fused with kickboxing for a fun upbeat video. Plus it includes some abs and pilates.
• CONS: Bad cueing and the Barbie-esque instructor doesn't give much advice on form. There is a lot of jumping and plies, so steer clear if you have bad knees. Also, there have been complaints about the distracting background drummers.

• Hardcore Kickbox Circuit
• PROS: Combines weights and cardio like in traditional circuit training. It's great for an upper-beginner or intermediate level exerciser. It's probably not hard enough though for more advanced users.
• CONS: There have been complaints about the corny use of Spanish counting, which seems very cheesy to some viewers.

• Kathy Smith Aerobox
• PROS: Many people have given positive feedback on this video, from the instructors, to the moves and the intensity. It's great for intermediates who aren't into a lot of dancing, plus it's cool for guys and gals. There is a wide variety of boxing and jump roping. Beware those of you with bad kness: Do not attempt this one!
• CONS: Kathy Smith may not be the best instructor, however Michael is great. It can be monotonous and boring for some.

• Cardio Kung Fu
• PROS: The instructor is knowledgeable, fit and serious. Great for those with an interest in martial arts.
• CONS: Not a very advanced workout, plus the moves take some getting used to.

• Powerstrike Millenium Series
• PROS: Well-rated video across the board. One hour workout gets your heart rate up, uses fun choreography and lots of punching for an intense upper arm workout.
• CONS: Not meant for beginners.

Step & Aerobics

Here are some quick picks to start you off.

Kathy Smith's Step Workout	Leslie Sansone's Weight Loss Walk	Real Fitness: Ultimate Step	Crunch: Fat Burning Dance Party	Dance Off the Inches: Calorie Blasting Party

• The Firm 
• PROS: There are a slew of videos to choose from that work on different body parts as well as total body fitness. Good instructors and great for all levels because weights and aerobics in one offer a great workout that can increase in intensity as you get stronger.
• CONS: You have to have weights  and a step-up box,  which cost extra.

• IMax 2
• PROS: Tough, fun, upbeat and well-done on the instructor's end. Highly recommended by many.
• CONS: Advanced workout with lots of jumping can be rough on the knees.

• P90X Series 
• PROS: Great for people who get bored easily because it mixes and matches everything from tough cardio to soothing yoga. Great for guys and gals. Effective and adaptable to all levels.
• CONS: Unfortunately, Tony is not the best at cueing.

• CTX 
• PROS: Combines a variety of cross training exercises, plus abs, stretch and step and intervals. Cathe Friedrich is a great instructor. Plus the workout is intense and compact.
• CONS: For those of you who have two left feet, you might have to struggle at first.

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