Easy and Free Online Work Out Programs and TV Shows

Working out with TV programs can be a convenient way to get some cardio exercise, stretching and lifting into an otherwise tight schedule. With the huge selection of workout TV programs available, it's hard to know which programs will be good. Quality workout TV programs are best found on fitness networks on cable TV or through an online streaming video service like Hulu or Netflix.

Shimmy

Shimmy offers a basic introduction to bellydancing. Airing on FitTV, Shimmy features a dance-style warm up, followed by dance step lessons that lead into a choreographed dance built from the lessons. Shimmy is a low-impact exercise routine. It is best practiced with a bare stomach near a mirror, which allows the learning dancer to verify that she is using the correct muscle technique.

Namaste Yoga

Airing on FitTV, Namaste Yoga is a yoga show that is designed to be a relaxing meditative experience alongside a workout. The show is filmed in attractive locations and has a soothing, renewing vibe. The movements in this series can be too fast for a yoga beginner. Those who find Namaste Yoga too challenging should perform exercises at a safe pace and modify poses with yoga blocks or use a chair to help with difficult balance poses.

Yoga Zone

Yoga Zone is a solid, easy-to-follow instructive yoga series. Each show features a different style of yoga for individual levels of ability. Some of the shows in the Yoga Zone series, like "Gentle Yoga," are designed to help beginners learn yoga at a slow and safe pace. Yoga Zone airs regularly on a variety of cable health networks, but is also available streaming online.

Work Out Reality TV Program

Though not a fitness guidance program, Work Out is an inspiring gym reality TV program. Appearing on the cable network Bravo, Work Out is ideal for home exercisers looking for a show with trainers and a gym to motivate them to work out. The personal stories of the customers and trainers in the gym can provide a motivating drive to exercise.

Envy Girls

Created by the same team that made Aerobic Striptease, Envy Girls is a basic aerobic workout show starring a team of strikingly attractive women. This show is meant to have a bit of a naughty feel to it, so it is a male-friendly option for a woman who has to jockey for television time for her workout shows.

Hulu: Yoga Zone
Hulu: Envy Girls
Bravo: Work Out
FitTV: Namaste Yoga
FitTV: Shimmy