Let’s face it, sometimes busy mothers wish there are more than 24 hours in a day. There are just so much that need to be done: getting the kids ready to school, preparing breakfast and dinner, doing the laundry and so many other household chores. The last thing any mother would think about is driving all the way to the gym to get some exercise after a tiring day at home or at work.

However, exercise is important. Getting adequate exercise is one of the key factors to prevent coronary disease, feel better about ourselves and lose weight.

How can you, a busy mom, exercise when getting to the gym is already taking a major chunk of your time?

Why not exercise at home?

Do you know you can get a very good workout in the convenience of your own home? You don’t need to invest in expensive home gym equipment.

All you need are fitness DVDs.

Fitness DVDs have come a long way from the days of the famous Jane Fonda aerobics video cassette tapes in the 80’s. The quality of workouts available in the market today rivals those found in gym classes. The best thing is, you can do them at your own pace and schedule, without the feeling of self-consciousness in front of other strangers

These fitness DVDs range from cardio to yoga and even to hardcore strength training. You can find them geared for the absolute beginner to the advanced exerciser. Some DVDs have ‘premix’ options where the full-length workout is rearranged in several different ways, thus enabling you to have many exercise variations from one DVD.

There are little to no equipment needed for exercising with a fitness DVD, making the investment for home fitness cheaper than a monthly gym membership.

Below are the four types of fitness DVDs in the market and the equipment needed:

Cardio workout DVDs feature fast-pace moves that elevate the heart rate. DVDs in this category range from simple marches to complicated combinations. Floor cardio involves an open floor space to move around, while step cardio requires a step platform. This type of fitness DVD has the most variety because you can find anything as frivolous and fun such as belly dancing and salsa, to serious such as bootcamp-style workouts in this category.

The equipment you may need is a platform for step cardio.

Circuit training is a workout that alternates between cardio and resistance training. This type of workout incorporates fast aerobic segments interspersed with slow and controlled sculpting resistance movements. This type of workout combines the best of both worlds: the fat-burning properties of cardio and the muscle-shaping benefits of resistance training.

The equipment you may need include a step platform and a set of dumbbells or stretchy bands.

Resistance training workouts DVDs have controlled moves that work the muscles against a resistance. This resistance can come from your own body weight, a latex band or dumbbells. Resistance training is good for toning the muscles for a shapely and sculpted physique, and for raising the metabolism.

The equipment you need may vary depending on the fitness DVD, but most common are adjustable dumbbells and resistance bands. Some abdominal exercises require the use of a stability ball.

Popular stretch-based workouts such as yoga, pilates and tai-chi are now available as DVDs and are led by very credible fitness instructors. These types of workout are good for increasing the flexibility of the joints and muscles, as well as for mental clarity and relaxation.

The equipment you may need is a mat with a good traction and cushioning.

Fitness DVDs may or may not replace a gym workout or a one-to-one session with a personal trainer depending on how experienced an exerciser you are. For beginners, the usage for proper form is crucial to prevent injury while performing the exercises. Some fitness DVDs offer excellent form pointers, while others assume that you are already familiar with the moves. If unsure of any exercise, be sure to consult your local gym or trainer before doing them.

Reading reviews about a particular DVD before buying or renting it helps to educate you further on whether it is suitable for your fitness level.

Here are some websites that specifically have fitness DVD reviews:

• Video Fitness
• Collage Video

Fitness DVDs offer the busy mom plenty of versatility in terms of time and workout choices. Now there are no more excuses to ditch that plan to workout down the drain. Just pop in that fitness DVD and you are on your way to a healthier and fitter self at your own convenience!