Summer is rapidly approaching and beaches, bikinis and tanned boys loom in the not-so-distant future. But what’s a girl to do when she’s overwhelmed by classes, internships, homework, jobs and friends and has no time for the gym? Our favorite workout videos can solve that problem for you with workouts that you can do in your dorm room or living room in that spare half hour after your classes and before work – plus, buying a workout video is way cheaper than a gym membership!
1. Jillian Michaels’s 30 Day Shred
The Instructor: Jillian Michaels is a personal trainer, reality show personality, talk show host and entrepreneur. She became famous on The Biggest Loserand continued helping people get in shape on her own show, called Losing It with Jillian.
Why this video is great: Jillian says that you can achieve serious results by following her 20-minute-a-day workout video, and she’s serious. Her video is a national hit not because it’s easy but because it really works. Participants can choose from three 20-minute workouts which vary in difficulty. Each workout features portions of strength, cardio and abs, as well as a cool down, and the workouts are built to keep your heart rate up the whole time – she allows no resting between each burst of exercises. If you’ve got a month before summer and a trip to the beach, but only a few minutes each day to work on toning up your bod, Jillian’s definitely your girl!
Level of difficulty: 6 out of 10
What collegiettes say about it: “This tape is only 30 minutes so I have time for it every day but it’s also hard and gives you a great workout!” says Mackenzie Nickels, a Bucknell University senior who is dedicated to her daily workout with Jillian. “Plus, it's nice to have someone tell me what to do since I don't know how to work all of my muscles on my own!”
Where you can get it:You can buy the DVD on Amazon for $14.98! Then all you’ll need to complete the routine is a small set of hand weights and a mat (if you have a hard floor).
2. Insanity: The Asylum
The Instructor: Shaun T. is a former track and field star who now works as a fitness trainer and choreographer.
Why this video is great: The Insanity DVD series is a 30-day program which is built to help you gain muscle and lose fat, while also incorporating rest days. Different muscle groups also get worked on different days, but the program is meant for a collegiette who can spend a short amount of time with Shaun T each day. The Asylum set includes 6 DVDs, 2 bonus workouts, a speed rope, an agility ladder, a nutritional plan and a workout calendar. With the different workouts (which range from 25 minutes to 60 minutes) you’ll get a chance to work on your speed and agility, strength and on your core, and you will also target specific muscle groups.
Level of difficulty: 8 out of 10
What collegiettes say about it: Christina Troy, an ex-dancer and recent graduate of Merrimack College swears by Insanity’s results. “Insanity is literally one of the hardest workouts I've ever done, and I'm a former dancer. I have noticed a difference in muscle tone, though, and I think it's absolutely worth the effort. I just finished month one and am looking forward to month two!”
Sarah Dubow, a Bucknell University junior, agrees. She spent a month doing Insanity workouts last semester. “Insanity was the best workout of my life!” she said. “Though I couldn't walk for three days after the first day I did it and my body was almost in a constant state of soreness, I've never felt stronger or gotten results so quickly.”
Where you can get it: The set costs $104.80 on Amazon.
