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  3. Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More)
  • Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More) 1
  • Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More) 2
  • Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More) 3
  • Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More) 4
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Top 10 Best Workout DVDs in 2021 (Shaun T, Jillian Michaels, and More)

Workout DVDs allow you to get a gym-quality workout in the comfort of your own home, and it's way cheaper than that gym membership you're probably not getting enough use out of. But between yoga, boxing, HIIT, plyometrics, and other types of training videos, how do you know which one to choose?

In this article, we’re going to compare popular workout DVDs, taking into account customer reviews and the quality of the workout. We'll start off with a list of our top 10 favorite DVDs, including Shaun T's Focus T25 program. Check out the rest of our favorites and tell us your own!
  • Last updated: 02-02-2021
  • 21,628 views
Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Workout DVDs

Here are our recommendations of the top workout DVDs on the online market today. Let’s get you sweating!


※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on August 14th.

1
Beachbody Shaun T’s Focus T25 DVD Program 1
amazon.com

BeachbodyShaun T’s Focus T25 DVD Program

$45.99

An Intense 10-Week Workout Program for Novices

Here’s an example of a workout that you’ll have no trouble fitting into your day. Shaun T is a former collegiate track athlete turned motivational speaker and celebrity fitness instructor. 

All Shaun requires is 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week, and you’ll see results. There’s an Alpha workout plan (tones your entire body) and a Beta workout plan (works out those abs), with 5 unique workouts in each.


Basically, each 25-minute workout is packed with intensity; but you’ve also got that one person doing the easier version, so, no matter how out of shape you are, you’ve got no excuse. This is an all-encompassing “get fit” workout plan, and it comes with nutrition plans and workout calendars. For beginners, this program will equip you with a wealth of workout knowledge to tap into.

※As Beachbody no longer sells the set, note that the product may come pre-used; although, some reviewers do mention that their sets still came perfectly packaged and new.

Discs9
Workout typeCardio, HIIT, stretches
Program length25 min. each
IntensityHigh
Extra featuresQuick start guide, nutrition plan, workout calendars, resistance band
2
Mark Lauren You Are Your Own Gym 1
amazon.com

Mark LaurenYou Are Your Own Gym

$19.50

A Bodyweight Fitness Box Set for All Levels

Before becoming a fitness guru, Mark Lauren was an operative in the United State’s Special Forces. He trained the best of the best to be the most battle-ready soldiers on the planet. 

He’s not merciless, though; he puts a lot of stress on injury prevention and slows down his pace, so you can check form and make sure you won’t hurt yourself. This workout is bodyweight only, meaning you need no extra equipment. Think planks, situps, and pushups.


There are three DVDS: novice, intermediate, advanced, with three workouts in each. Calisthenics is arguably the best kind of workout because you can do it anywhere, anytime. By the end of it, you’ll be the master of your own body.
Discs3
Workout typeCalisthenics
Program length10-20 min. each
IntensityLow-high
Extra featuresNo equipment needed
3
Gaiam Jillian Michaels Body Shred 1
amazon.com

GaiamJillian Michaels Body Shred

$49.99

A 60-Day High Intensity Endurance Program

There are ten 30-minute workouts packed in this workout DVD program. Jillian Michaels got her start on the NBC show The Biggest Loser, where she was a popular trainer. Since then, she’s risen to fame by crafting her own workout regimen (which works–look at the before and after pictures in the comments and weep). 

If you’re worried about hurting yourself, just know that every session’s got a warm up and cool down and easier alternatives for the more impossible exercises.


On Mondays and Thursdays, the workout focuses on push muscles, which is mostly upper body. On Tuesdays and Fridays, it’s pull muscles, mostly the back and lower body. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the focus is cardio. Sunday is a full rest day, and trust us, you’re going to need it.
Discs12
Workout typeMuscle training, cardio
Program length30 min. each
IntensityHigh
Extra featuresWorkout calendar, meal plan, fitness guide
4
Jessica Smith Cardio Abs DVD 1
amazon.com

Jessica SmithCardio Abs DVD

$14.98

Ab-Focused Interval Training

While this workout program is focused on sculpting and toning your abs, the high-intensity workout will still give you a great cardio burn throughout. There are three 28-minute workouts included in this DVD, and they’re all considered High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

The idea behind HIIT is that you’re alternating quickly between a couple of different activities, leaving only a couple of minutes of rest. There’s kickboxing, weight training (dumbbells not included)—stuff that’ll tighten up muscle. 

The instructions are easy to follow, and there’s not a whole lot of extra motivational chatter. Some miss the pep talk, but many don’t. Be ready to get mean and lean with Jessica Smith.

Discs1
Workout typeHIIT, abs
Program length4-28 min. each
IntensityModerate
Extra features-
5
Beachbody 3 Week Yoga Retreat Workout Program 1
amazon.com

Beachbody3 Week Yoga Retreat Workout Program

$72.80

Yoga School for Beginners

Contrary to popular belief, yoga can be a great way to shed pounds and stay in shape. You just need to pair your workouts with "clean eating," and this workout DVD comes with a nutritional program to help you do just that. 

This program is more relaxed than other workout programs. It’ll get you leaner, more flexible, and you’ll definitely have more stamina. All you need is a mat. There are 21 classes in this program, and each week gets tougher than the one previous. 


They’re all less than 30 minutes, so you have no excuses. By the end of it, you’ll feel like a master yogi. There’s a mental health component that emphasizes feelings of wellbeing and self-love. There are many ways to go about getting your workout in. Don’t forget about this one.

Discs4
Workout typeYoga
Program length30 min. or less each
IntensityLow-moderate
Extra featuresEating guide, workout calendar, pose tracker, quick start guide
6
Beachbody INSANITY Base Kit 1
amazon.com

BeachbodyINSANITY Base Kit

$144.80

Two Months of Body Transformation Hell

You’re guaranteed to see results with INSANITY. That is, if you can keep up with it because this program is tough. We’re talking pouring sweat, screaming muscles, burning throat. If you’re cool with purchasing this $150 DVD set, this workout program is the one for you. You’ll be motivated to finish it since you spent a good amount of dough on it.

Power, strength, resistance, and core training are the focuses here. No extra equipment is necessary. The exercises range in duration from 20 to 80 minutes and everything in between. 

Fitness guru Shaun T has crafted this program with high-intensity interval workouts that’ll work every part of your body. If you’re serious about your lifestyle change, get insane.

Discs10
Workout typePlyometric drills
Program length20-60 min. each
IntensityHigh
Extra featuresNutrition guide, workout calendar
7
Gunnar Peterson Core Secrets - Full Body Challenge 1
amazon.com

Gunnar PetersonCore Secrets - Full Body Challenge

$4.46

A Full-Body, Core-Focused Cardio Blast

Here’s a 45-minute workout that beginners will feel comfortable diving into. Gunnar Peterson is another well-known fitness guru, and he’s crafted a workout regimen that uses compound core exercises to hit every part of your body. 

It’s fairly fast-paced, so you’re sure to work up a sweat and get a cardio workout, too. If it’s too easy, increase the weight of the dumbbells you lift. (You need to buy those, as well as a balance ball.) He’s a patient teacher and explains the exercises carefully. 


Gunnar’s regimen focuses on functional training for your core. Functional strength gives you better control over daily activities, like simply lifting things and walking for long stretches of time.

Discs1
Workout typeStrength and agility
Program length45 min.
IntensityModerate
Extra features-
8
Natural Journeys Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout 1
amazon.com

Natural JourneysIsland Girl Dance Fitness Workout

$18.70

Tahitian Toning Cardio Moves

Here’s a workout you probably weren’t expecting on this list. Kili, your host, is all about toning. She calls the sandy beach her home, so rest assured that she knows a thing or two about beach bodies. Kili’s program focuses on the toning of the legs, arms, and abdominals.

It’s marketed as somewhat of a less intense workout, but Kili will definitely get you sweating. Actually, for the uncoordinated, it might take two or three tries to get it right. And if you just wave your limbs without paying attention to form, nothing’s going to tighten!

This workout is not that stressful on the knees and a good entry point for those of us that are obese. Plus, the pleasant Hawaiian foreground takes your mind off your day and gets you on Island Time.

Discs2
Workout typeDance (hip hop, cardio)
Program lengthNot provided
IntensityLow
Extra features-
9
Billy Blanks Billy Blanks: Ultimate Bootcamp 1
amazon.com

Billy BlanksBilly Blanks: Ultimate Bootcamp

$9.50

Martial Art Training with Billy Blanks

Billy Blanks, the recognizable fitness guru, invented the Tae Bo workout. Billy has a history in martial arts and boxing, so he incorporated those techniques into this hour-long workout. 

It tones the upper body, lower body, and works your abs over the course of an hour. Because you’re moving for an hour, you’ll get a great cardio workout too.


If you’re looking for a more relaxed workout, this Bootcamp probably isn’t the right one for you. Remember, though, working out wasn’t meant to be easy. If it burns, it’s working. This Workout DVD came out in 2005, so some of its techniques might be outdated. It’s also just a single one-hour workout with no variation beyond that.
Discs1
Workout typeCardio, muscle toning
Program length60 min.
IntensityModerate-high
Extra features-
10
Zumba Zumba 101 Workout DVD 1
amazon.com

ZumbaZumba 101 Workout DVD

$9.99

Dance Party Workout for Busy Beginners

Zumba is an exercise that’s a dance workout with high-energy music. The instructor, Beto Perez, is a Columbian fitness guru who trademarked the workout in the early 90s. 

Zumba incorporates hip hop, salsa, merengue, and other dance moves. If you’re looking to burn calories and have fun, you’ll be able to dance along with Beto through two 30-minute workouts.


The first workout introduces you to Zumba methodology and basic movements, and the second workout uses what you’ve learned and really makes you work it. Since it starts slow, you’ll be able to keep up, even if you have two left feet. Grandmas and grandpas in their 70s love it, and the 30-minute sets are fairly easy to add into your day if you’ve got a busy schedule.
Discs1
Workout typeZumba
Program length30 min. each
IntensityLow-moderate
Extra features-

Compare the Best Workout DVDs

Image
1
Beachbody Shaun T’s Focus T25 DVD Program 1

Beachbody

2
Mark Lauren You Are Your Own Gym 1

Mark Lauren

3
Gaiam Jillian Michaels Body Shred 1

Gaiam

4
Jessica Smith Cardio Abs DVD 1

Jessica Smith

5
Beachbody 3 Week Yoga Retreat Workout Program 1

Beachbody

6
Beachbody INSANITY Base Kit 1

Beachbody

7
Gunnar Peterson Core Secrets - Full Body Challenge 1

Gunnar Peterson

8
Natural Journeys Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout 1

Natural Journeys

9
Billy Blanks Billy Blanks: Ultimate Bootcamp 1

Billy Blanks

10
Zumba Zumba 101 Workout DVD 1

Zumba

Name

Shaun T’s Focus T25 DVD Program

You Are Your Own Gym

Jillian Michaels Body Shred

Cardio Abs DVD

3 Week Yoga Retreat Workout Program

INSANITY Base Kit

Core Secrets - Full Body Challenge

Island Girl Dance Fitness Workout

Billy Blanks: Ultimate Bootcamp

Zumba 101 Workout DVD

Features

An Intense 10-Week Workout Program for Novices

A Bodyweight Fitness Box Set for All Levels

A 60-Day High Intensity Endurance Program

Ab-Focused Interval Training

Yoga School for Beginners

Two Months of Body Transformation Hell

A Full-Body, Core-Focused Cardio Blast

Tahitian Toning Cardio Moves

Martial Art Training with Billy Blanks

Dance Party Workout for Busy Beginners

Price$45.99$19.50$49.99$14.98$72.80$144.80$4.46$18.70$9.50$9.99
Discs931214101211
Workout typeCardio, HIIT, stretchesCalisthenicsMuscle training, cardioHIIT, absYogaPlyometric drillsStrength and agilityDance (hip hop, cardio)Cardio, muscle toningZumba
Program length25 min. each10-20 min. each30 min. each4-28 min. each30 min. or less each20-60 min. each45 min.Not provided60 min.30 min. each
IntensityHighLow-highHighModerateLow-moderateHighModerateLowModerate-highLow-moderate
Extra featuresQuick start guide, nutrition plan, workout calendars, resistance bandNo equipment neededWorkout calendar, meal plan, fitness guide-Eating guide, workout calendar, pose tracker, quick start guideNutrition guide, workout calendar----
Link

How to Choose a Workout DVD - Buying Guide

There are lots of different workouts that will help you attain peak physical condition. They vary in time, type of exercise, and intensity. You need to know what you’re looking for in an at-home trainer.
In this section, we’re going to explain how to choose a workout DVD suited to your fitness goals.

Set Some Fitness Goals You Want to Achieve

Workout DVDs encompass a range of physical (and mental) activities. They vary from strenuous cardiovascular activity that burns fat, muscle toning exercises, stretching exercises, and more. Whatever your fitness goals are, it’s important to choose a workout DVD that will help you realize your final form.

Dancing and Aerobics for Dropping Fat

Dancing and Aerobics for Dropping Fat
If you simply want to shed a couple of pounds, choose an exercise that’ll make you sweat. Dancing and heavy aerobics will do that. But there’s a common misconception that only 20 minutes of aerobic exercise is effective.

When you do aerobic exercise, both carbohydrates and fat are used as an energy source. At the beginning of your exercise, carbohydrates are used more. As your exercise continues past 20 minutes though, the utilization rate of fat increases and the utilization rate of carbohydrates decreases.

Dancing and Aerobics for Dropping Fat

Therefore, the notion that you must do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise to see results is misleading. It’s just that at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise will be much more effective at burning fat.

To maximize fat burning during your workout, don’t eat any carbs for 2-3 hours before your workout. Additionally, if you do 10 minutes of light weight training before you do cardio, fat will burn more easily.

Weight Lifting and Diet for Muscle Building and Toning

Weight Lifting and Diet for Muscle Building and Toning
Many women think that if you lift weights you’re going to get bigger muscles. However, that’s not necessarily the case. Since women have fewer hormones than men, you need to train like an athlete (and eat like an athlete) to actually get substantially bigger muscles than men. So, don’t worry about looking too bulky. Train with confidence.
However, in women, there’s more muscle in the lower body than in the upper body. It’s easier to enlarge those muscles if you’re consuming a lot of calories and doing lower body specific workouts. If you’re looking for a rounded and tight hip, choose a workout DVD that focuses on the lower body and you’ll be good to go.
Weight Lifting and Diet for Muscle Building and Toning

Remember, diet makes a difference. Let’s say you’re consuming more calories per day than you’re burning. If you’re working out, your muscles are going to get bigger.

If you’re consuming less calories per day than you’re burning and you’re working out, you’re going to get thinner. High protein foods are good options if you’re looking to get bigger muscles, too.

Yoga and Pilates for Correct Posture and Flexibility

Yoga and Pilates for Correct Posture and Flexibility
Choose a workout DVD that focuses on inner muscle flexibility and spine alignment, like yoga or pilates. Many people lead mostly sedentary lifestyles (whether at work or just in general). You’re more likely to have a stiff body and experience back pains and muscle cramps.
When you do yoga or pilates, you reduce pressure on your organs; they return to their natural place and function properly. Your joints become more flexible, your posture more graceful. Yoga and pilates also help you control your breath and focus on mental stability as a precursor to a relaxed body.
Yoga especially values the relaxation of the mind, the stretching of the body, and abdominal breathing to create a centered and healthy individual. Pilates focuses on deep, long stretches, inner muscle growth, and costal (chest) breathing.

Choose a Program That Fits Your Schedule

Choose a Program That Fits Your Schedule

If you’re new to working out, be reasonable about how much time you allot to exercise. A 60-minute set won’t be sustainable for a beginner. You won’t finish the set, get angry with yourself, and potentially leave the idea of exercise altogether.

So, choose an exercise regimen that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. Once you get comfortable exercising, that’s when you can increase the duration and intensity of the workout. Some workout DVDs have sets that are 10-20 minutes long each. You can easily do those during your free time.

Don’t Forget the Warm Up and Cool Down

Don’t Forget the Warm Up and Cool Down
You want to get in shape, so you put a lot of energy into exercising. However, if you get injured, that defeats the purpose of exercising. Make sure to get a workout DVD that shows you how to properly warm up and cool down.
It’s important to do dynamic stretches and light cardio before you exercise. This will minimize the chance that you pull a muscle during your workout, and you’ll be able to push yourself once your body is warm.
After working out, do stationary stretches like touching your toes so you won’t be sore the next day. By preparing the body during your warmup and gently loosening the muscles during your cool down, you will prevent injuries and end your workout feeling refreshed. These are the steps you need to take so you can start working out on a daily basis.

Find a Teacher That Can Explain Things Well

Find a Teacher That Can Explain Things Well
If you’re exercising for the first time, it will be difficult to understand the litany of instructions from your workout DVD. You won’t be able to remember them all. We don’t want you to feel frustrated during your first workout. That might make it difficult to hop back in the saddle the next time around.
Choose a workout DVD that is simple to understand. If it carefully explains how the exercise is going to benefit your body, you’ll know where to look to see your results coming in. If you have a thorough grasp of the exercise, you’ll be more motivated to complete it.

Many fitness gurus now have YouTube channels or Instagram accounts that can allow you to get a sneak peek of their teaching style. Do a little investigating before deciding on a teacher; the wrong one could put you off your fitness journey entirely.

Fitness Equipment to Help You Achieve Your Goals

Fitness Equipment to Help You Achieve Your Goals

While some workout programs don't require any additional equipment, most do. Here are some things you might need to get the most out of your DVD program.

Top 10 Best Resistance Bands in 2021
Top 10 Best Dumbbells in 2021
Top 10 Best Yoga Mats in 2021

Summary

There are myriad ways to go about getting in shape. Your choice of exercise depends on your comfort level with the workout and what you’re trying to look like.
Are you looking to tone, shed pounds, or build muscle? No matter what, it’s going to be tough. Just remember the old adage. Pain is temporary, but pride is forever.

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