Happy Wednesday friends!
My yoga class went so well yesterday and I can't wait to try more. It is fun to be able to try out classes now, but I am still a huge fan of workout DVD's. I used to think workout DVD’s were just about Jazzercise and Sweatin’ to the Oldies, but they are actually so much more. In the past few years, the home workout has become a true contender for getting fit with serious sweat sessions.
Since I've learned more about cross training for runners, I have been trying to do more than just running. These workouts are a great compliment to my daily running routine. They help me break out of the running rut with strength training. Better yet, they help me stay injury free with yoga and flexibility.
Here are five top picks for great runners workout DVD s.
5 Workout DVD for Runners
To Balance Muscles
Christine Felstead's Yoga for Runners: The Essentials
This pair of DVD’s is ideal for a runner struggling with injuries and pain due to muscle imbalances. It uses specific yoga stretches and positions that can help tight and sore muscles. Christine is a runner herself, so she tailors the workout to problem areas runners often have.
For S
trength Training
Modifying P90X to a runners schedule can help you build muscle and become a faster runner. P90X uses polymeric and body weight movements that can help a runner get stronger in ways running cannot. This workout DVD is tough and challenging, perfect for someone who loves to push their body! Be careful though because it can be too intense to add to a hard running schedule.
For Alignment
Pilates for Runners with Laura Tarbell
This workout is specifically for runners and helps develop a stronger, more flexible body. It also helps with alignment and proper running form. It combines Pilates with runner specific strength training.
For Quick Fix Circuit Training
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred
No one fits as much sweat in twenty minutes as Jillian! Her workouts are fast and get your heart rate up. If you need a workout DVD for a quick workout on your cross training days, hers are awesome. They either cover the entire body or focus on trouble zones. The videos are well produced and will keep you interested.
To Prevent Injuries
Wharton Exercises for Runners, Flexibility or Strengthening
There are two versions of these DVDs. One focuses on Flexibility and the other on Strengthening. The DVD’s are from the perspective of a Physical Therapist who worked with Olympic champions. The flexibility DVD has four different daily routines that you can incorporate before and after your workout. The Strengthening DVD shows you exercise that target muscles in the body that are usually weak for runners.
Running miles is still my favorite all-time workout, but giving some of these workout DVD’s a chance has made me a stronger and healthier runner!
Heather @ divas run for bling says
These look great. I have actually tried the jillian michaels one and it was pretty good #wowlinkup
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I want Lara Tarbell's abs! Oh my goodness.....yes I must start doing Pilates NOW! #wowlinkup
JulieWunder says
Seriously!!! Thanks for the link up today!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
I have several of these, but I might need to checkout the yoga for runners! And you are right about incorporating P90X into a running schedule, you have to be VERY careful!
JulieWunder says
Yeah, it is great for in between training cycles or while doing shorter runs. I credit the yoga for runners for getting me through my marathon.
Aimee says
I have used p90x before & love it! I do Pilates all the time, but have never tried the Pilates for Runners dvd. I think I need to check it out! Thanks for the recommendation!
I found your blog through #wowlinkup. I love it!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Aimee! I appreciate you stopping by today! Hope to see you again soon 🙂
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
I'm such a huge fan of any Jillian Michaels dvd. I've always been a huge fan of hers and think her workouts, no matter which one you choose, are effective. You should check out her podcast -- she's so relateable and funny!
JulieWunder says
I'll have to do that! I really like her style.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Jillian Michaels has some great workout DVD`s. I really like them. Sometimes DVD`s end up being a lifesaver when I want to get in a workout but don`t have the time to make it to a class.
JulieWunder says
I feel that same way. The shorter ones are still really effective.
Blane Sherer says
Mixing things up and having variety is helpful in that sense but improvements in balance and flexibilty and yes reduction in injury is very important. As always thanks for sharing.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Blane!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I love me some Tony Horton and Jillian Michaels! I'll have to look into those other ones!
JulieWunder says
I haven't tried Tony Horton, I'll have to give that one a whirl!
Annmarie says
Love this! Since I workout from home, it is nice to have a list of DVDs that have workouts that are good for cross training! 🙂
JulieWunder says
I really like having these around!
Joanna @Makingmine says
Thanks for sharing this! I've been on the lookout for good at home exercise DVDs and a few of these really caught my eye! I think they'll be a great way to balance out running (after baby arrives)
JulieWunder says
And easy to fit in during naps with the two girls 🙂
Jaime says
I did a Jillian abs workout this morning (30 minutes of fun.) I have so many of her DVDs and I'm considering tossing the rest that I have because they just don't compare.
JulieWunder says
They just get the job done in a short amount of time!
Geek Fitness Beej says
I have to say that I really did like P90X. I wasn't in the shape of my life, and I was probably 70lbs heavier than I am right now, but I could see muscle definition in my arms and shoulders just from doing it for 5-6 weeks. I wish I'd kept it up, but it was super hard to do 6 days a week that early on in my fitness career.
I've thought about doing it again, but I tend to like stuff that I have on DailyBurn these days, too. I really like the yoga and kettlebell stuff they have there. I keep meaning to try PiYo, too, but it's a laziness thing for me. And a motivation--I'd rather be running, haha.
Glad I found this place from the #WoWLinkUp at Diatta's. Fun stuff. 🙂
JulieWunder says
I know! I never commit to one that you have to do every day because these are just bonus to running. Running comes first 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I haven't done a dvd in a while. I used to do a yoga for runners I need to dig that out. The flexibility for runners looks good. Thanks for sharing
JulieWunder says
The Yoga for Runners DVD got me through my marathon. If I start feeling achy, I pull it out again.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I am not good with workout DVDs. I just end up doing it half assed. Sad but true. But I admire people who love them and stick to them!
JulieWunder says
They work for me most of the time, but there are moments where it is hard to motivate.
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I have that Jillian Michaels dvd and love it! She kills me, but it's only like 20 minutes, so I know I can make it through. I need to try to find that pilates for runners dvd though!
JulieWunder says
I feel the same way. I can do anything for 20 minutes. Bob Harpers DVD is an hour. That requires a lot of self motivation!
emma @ be mom strong says
I love DVDs. I'm loving Physique57 right now!
JulieWunder says
I've been wanting to try that one!
jill conyers says
I love P90X along with several other Beachbody programs. I'm curious about JM's Shred. I'm looking for not too extreme, short and effective strength training DVDs. Do you think Shred would work?
JulieWunder says
I really like Shred for a quick workout. It is only 20 minutes... If you don't half way do it and really work, it is good. It has three levels which is nice too. It has also been out for awhile so it pretty cheap. She has one with a kettle ball that I like too. She also recently put out some longer DVD's.
jill conyers says
Thanks Julie!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I have only a few DVDs but I do love them, I've been trying to find new ones to use online. Love YouTube for some and also popsugar.
JulieWunder says
Yeah, they have great stuff too! With a home gym it is all a big help.