Have any of you used these DVDs. I am restricted to how much exercise I can do as I broke my back a long time ago and find if I do to much that my hip joints become very painful.

I don't want to go to the gym but thought these would be good to do, anyone know anything about them.....

If it's a workout that you will do regularly -then it is a good workout. That's what it comes down to...

Try it and see if you like it

I don't think it's going to be all that low impact though...

Why don't you want to go to the gym? You might have more opportunities available to you there? Since you formerly had a broken back it's tough to offer advice, but for people with joint problem, strength training is suggested as it helps to take some of the strain off the joints if you're muscles are stronger.

Yes! I love my "Walking Away the Pounds". When it's raining or something has held me back from my outside walk, I just pop it in. I would recommend it.

I LOVE my walking away the pds dvd!!! its not hard on the body and I always feel GREAT afterwards!

I was a member at a gym so I could use the swimming pool, I asked for a personal trainer as I wanted someone to put together a plan for me, and show me how to use the equipment. When I went to the gym to meet with the personal trainer they told me I could have one unless I paid a joining fee of $300, then I had to have a 12 month contract with them and I wouldn't always get the same trainer, then they couldn't help me. I had just paid $300 to join the gym, so to have to pay another was just not on.

Also I find gyms intimidating, I have no idea what I am doing and found myself spending more time wandering around just walking on the treadmill as this was the only thing I knew how to use. If I am to walk, I like to be out doors.

I have been under a physio for quite a while and she can do no more for me now, I have to do the work myself, she told me I have to work on my core and do exercises that will help to strengthen my back muscles.

Somewhere along the line though I need to do more than just sitting on my ball using hand weights .....Dont I... hence I thought the DVD would help.

Thats what I wanted it for, most of the time I prefer to be out walking in the sun with my dog giving her exercise as well.

Thanks for the reply.

It is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones and firms muscles. Actually it accomplishes very little toning and firming. Resistance exercise (weight training) is where real toning and firming of muscles occurs.

Doing both aerobics and weight training is the optimal way to lose more fat and gain more muscle. If you are trying to lose weight, studies show that weight loss increases by 56 percent with aerobic and strength exercises combined.

Muscle may weigh more, but when you increase your muscle composition, the body is able to burn more fat, even when you are resting, because your metabolism is higher. A pound of muscle will use 350 to 500 calories per week to survive, while a pound of fat only needs about 14 calories per week. New studies have shown that building muscle helps your body fight disease better, too.

Strength training benefits everyone, no matter what age or sex, and is becoming recognized as an important component of fitness. Research is indicating that the muscle loss found in elderly people doesn’t come from age, but lack of activity. Even a young person who doesn’t get enough exercise can lose muscle mass and strength. Strength training, such as lifting weights or performing weight-resistance exercises, as little as twice a week can help maintain or increase muscle mass.

Strength training involving several sets of multiple repetitions using moderate weights will not result in huge muscles. Instead it builds bone mass and increases the metabolism, as well as toning and firming the muscles, giving a leaner look.

It is very important to do both aerobics and strength exercises. The aerobic exercises help your heart and lungs get stronger and help your body utilize oxygen more efficiently, which in turn helps with strength training and overall fitness. The strength exercise helps develop muscle, reduce body fat and maintain bone mass.

Aerobic Exercise is a type of exercise that elevates the heart rate and breathing for a continuous sustained period. This overloads the heart and lungs and causes them to work harder than at rest.

There are many options to choose from today. Bicycling, aerobic dance, swimming, walking, and stepping are all examples of aerobic exercise. Which ones to chose depends on your physical condition, your history, your interests and your goals. Many experts believe it is better to alternate between 2 or more types, to get a better workout.

There are two main types of aerobics- high impact and low impact. It is better to alternate between high impact aerobics (which are harder on the body and may cause more damage) and low impact aerobics, such as walking and swimming. This is called cross-training, and helps reduce the chance or injury and overuse of certain muscles.

You will want to perform aerobic exercises at least 20 minutes a day for at least 3 to 4 days a week. If you are trying to lose body fat, or your physical condition is very good, then you may want to work longer at it. Try exercising up to 40 to 60 minutes 5 to 6 days a week.

Remember there is no real need to go overboard. Moderate intensity is almost always better, and is more enjoyable. Low to moderate intensity is an especially good idea when starting out after a layoff or recovery from illness or injury, or if you are significantly overweight.

Warm-up and cool down is important to reduce discomfort and the chance of injury. Warm up by starting slow and gradually build up to your top speed. Then slow down again at the end of your workout.

The whole idea behind aerobic exercise is to get up and get moving! Find something you enjoy doing that keeps your heart rate elevated for a continuous time period and get moving to a healthier life.