Get Fit Watching TV

Getting daily exercise has always been a problem for me. I don't love doing it, so therefore I find lots of excuses to avoid it. Personally, I need routine, but I also need variety and simplicity if I'm going to stick to it. Last summer I found both when I discovered Fit TV on my satellite package. I realized that much of their morning and late afternoon programming is dedicated to workout programs you can do in your own living room.

The Workouts

While there are several options, I found that my favorite show was "All Star Workouts" because it features a different trainer and workout routine every day. The day I first discovered it, I got to try out belly dancing with trainer Aubre. It was the perfect program for me that day because it wasn't too difficult for me to start out with and it was great fun! I found myself working up a sweat while laughing at my own silliness. The beauty of it is that you are in your own home where nobody can see you be awkward or make mistakes.

The next one I tried was BhangraDance, a routine that combines cardio fitness with classic Indian dance, with Sarina Jain. I also loved this program. It was more challenging than belly dancing so I felt like I got a good cardio workout and it was easy to follow and so fun to do that I was actually smiling while exercising.

Now, don't get the impression that all the workouts are some form of Far East dance because there are tons of totally different workout programs. Another one of my favorites is Kick Box Cardio with Tom Deters. This is definitely a great cardio program and the moves are fairly simply to keep up with. There's a tough but effective ab workout at the end that I love to hate.

Other workouts include various dance forms like ballet, hip hop, modern dance and afro-latin. All combine dance steps with traditional aerobic fitness moves to spice up those tired old boring aerobics routines.

If you aren't into dancing so much, you might enjoy Pilates Sculpt orSLOW-robics with Ellen Barrett to sculpt and tone your form. Or you could try a tuned up traditional workout programs like Nonstop Step or Aerobic Ball Workout with Patrick Goudeau or Cardio Bootcamp with Kendell Hogan. And then there are my other favorites: Yoga with Weights and Yoga Zen with Sara Ivanhoe, which are great for days when I really need to stretch out and wind down.

All of the workouts are geared to both the beginner and intermediate exercise student. The trainers are really good about showing modifications for a lighter version or for a more advanced workout. As always, though, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program.

Equipment

A few of the workouts require special equipment like a step, aerobic ball, BOSU ball or hand weights, but most trainers will explain modifications if you don't have the necessary equipment. If you want to check to see what equipment will be used on each episode, you can read the descriptions of the workouts on FitTV.com. I would also recommend having a yoga mat handy for any floor work and stretching you might do.

Website

Also, on FitTV.com you can preview short video segments of each workout to see if you would like to try it. Check out the weekly schedule to mark dates of your favorite workouts on the calendar. You can even have them send you an email reminder so you won't forget to tune in for belly dancing!

Since there are twenty different workouts in the "All Star Workouts" lineup, it's hard to loose interest. I like that I can count on a new routine every day at the same time, which forces me to commit to my exercise schedule. It is also a good way to find out which type of video workout I like to do before I invest in a new DVD. I have purchased a few step and belly dancing videos to use on days I miss the program or would prefer to do something other than what is offered.

Schedule

Currently, "All Star Workouts" airs on Fit TV at 9:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. ET weekdays and various times on the weekends and each episode is an hour long, but check your local listings to be sure of times. I promise these workouts are useful; since I started dieting and using them six months ago I have lost twenty pounds and I feel stronger and healthier than I have in years. So, push back the coffee table and roll out your yoga mat and get fit!