Are workout DVDs effective?

Yes! Workout DVDs (like many things) have the potential to be incredibly effective, but the progress that you make depends on your commitment level as a user. "If a person has the discipline to commit to doing the workout alone and likes the instructor, then workout DVDs can be extremely effective,” says Michelle.

How many days a week should I workout?

The number of days you should workout each week varies based on your current fitness level and lifestyle. “If someone leads a sedentary lifestyle right now, I would encourage them to start with four days of working out a week but have days in between to rest and repair. However, if someone is already exercising, then I’d say six days a week is what you need,” says Michelle. The reality is that most of our jobs and lifestyles are not active and require sitting at a desk and/or driving, so it’s important to consider your current lifestyle when beginning a new workout routine.

How long should a workout be?

Consistency is key! In an ideal world, Michelle suggests aiming for a workout that is 40 to 45 minutes long, including stretching at the end. When you go over that amount of time it can be a barrier and people tend to work out fewer days. "Being consistent is more important than longer workouts," she says.

The 11 Best Workout DVDs of 2023

At-home fitness routines have long offered challenge and convenience in equal measure. Few of us can recreate all the benefits of our monthly gym memberships in our own homes, but workout DVDs offer a way for us to capture some of the magic. There are workout DVDs for all fitness levels and all different styles from strength training to yoga to cardio so you can find exactly what you need.

When looking for a workout DVD, Michelle Triolo, personal trainer and owner of Greenwich Fitness 24/7 says, “People should know their fitness level. If you buy a program that is either too difficult or too easy, you are probably not going to like it from the start." Also consider if the workout DVD offers modifications or customizations to help you personalize your workout. Workout DVDs can be a significant cost savings over a gym membership but some DVD programs can be more expensive than others so consider how much you want to invest when shopping. We've researched the best workout DVDs for cost, type of workout, customizability, and the appropriate fitness level for each program. A yoga and pilates instructor from our Review Board reviewed the contents of this article for accuracy surrounding frequency and effectiveness.

Based on our research, here are the best workout DVDs on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Circuit Burnout 90 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Strength Training:

RIPT90 FIT: 90 Day Workout Program at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cardio:

High Intensity Cardio & Tone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Toning and Flexibility:

Chalene Johnson's PiYo Base Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best No-Equipment:

Bodyweight 90-Day Challenge at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Low Equipment:

XTrain Series Hard Strikes at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Time-Saving:

10-Minute Body Transformation at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Seniors:

Chair Exercises for Seniors at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best High-Intensity:

MAX:30 Base Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for the Whole Family:

101 Dance Fitness for Beginners Workout at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.9

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Xtrainfit.com

Pros

Separate stretch DVD included
Modifications included
10 different workouts

Cons

Long term commitment
Equipment needed

We chose XTrainFit’s Circuit Burnout 90 as our top pick because it features 10 workouts that target your upper body, lower body, core, and full body. The challenge offers both up-tempo circuit training and lower-tempo toning workouts, making it a great pick for those interested in a combination of cardio and strength. Plus, a bonus DVD offers instruction on stretching and injury prevention, so you can rest assured knowing you’re taking care of yourself in more ways than one.

We love that the program is tailored to both beginners and experts. The Circuit Burnout trainer, Dr. Monique St. Pierre, routinely offers modifications so viewers can make the exercises as challenging or beginner-friendly as they want them to be. The program also comes with a nutrition guide and a training calendar to help you stay on track with your fitness routine.

Price at time of publication: $45

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 10 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: Stretch DVD, Nutrition Guide, Training Calendar | Equipment Needed: Dumbbells, Resistance Bands}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

12 different workouts
Total body training
Separate stretch routine included

Cons

Equipment needed

Strength training is often associated with workouts at a fully-equipped gym rather than the comfort of our own homes. The RIPT90 FIT: 90 Day Workout Program offers a full package to help you tackle strength training at home on your own schedule. This 90 Day program involves 12 30-minute workouts, plus an added stretch routine to make sure you are stretching properly and avoiding injury.

As long as you’re willing to buy some equipment, you can forget paying for that gym membership and commit to this three-month program. The only equipment needed is a light, medium and heavy set of dumbbells or bands. Just remember to take it easy at first. "if it’s training with a range of weights, make sure you don’t start too heavy because it can lead to injuries, if not right away then within a month or two,” says Triolo.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 12 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: Stretch DVD, Meal Plan, Training Calendar | Equipment Needed: Dumbbells}

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

High intensity cardio workout
Full body workout
Easy to follow

Cons

Time commitment
Only includes two workouts

Zumba is known for its high intensity cardio workouts and this Strong DVD hit's the mark. It offers 80 minutes of high-intensity, high-cardio fun. The workout is so dance-centric, you’ll feel like you’re genuinely having a great time—but not at the expense of fitness. The workout is challenging, making it an excellent choice for those who want to get in some serious cardio and have fun doing it. Fans love that the trainers combine simple, straightforward moves to create a workout that's challenging, but approachable.

The main workout is 60 minutes and the DVD includes a bonus 20-minute workout and we like that it works arms, legs, abs, and glutes.

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 2 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Teambeachbody.com

Pros

No equipment needed
Low-impact
Meal plan included

Cons

Expensive
Very challenging

Those who prefer a slow burn will find it in Chalene Johnson’s PiYo Base Kit, which blends Pilates and yoga to create a flexibility- and strength-building workout. Low-impact but high-intensity, the PiYo Base Kit offers challenging 30-minute routines that require no weights, no equipment, and no joint-straining jumps. If you favor low-impact workouts on reliable ellipticals or stationary bikes, this offers a great way to switch up your exercise regime.

Every workout in the three-DVD kit is filled with bodyweight exercises, offering you the flexibility to do the program in just about any space—so long as a room is large enough to accommodate you planking, you’re good to go. Along with the DVD workouts, the kit includes a meal plan, tape measure for tracking progress, and a training calendar to help you stick with it. And we like that if you’re not satisfied with the program, you have 60 days to return it for a full refund.

Price at time of publication: $72

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 10 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: Meal Plan, Tape Measure, Training Calendar | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

24 different workouts
Three different difficulty levels
Budget friendly

Cons

No cardio component

Part of the joy of working out from home is its inherent affordability—you can get fit without spending a ton on equipment (or on a monthly gym membership). Mark Lauren’s 90-Day Challenge program offers 24 bodyweight workouts that make fitness from home feel totally doable. And the exercises call for no equipment at all.

Mark Lauren’s program offers 90 days of scheduled, guided workouts, so you can build the habit of working out, all the while knowing you’re doing each exercise safely and properly. Each workout boasts three levels of difficulty, so you can craft a routine that meets your needs—and you can increase the challenge over time for continued progress.

The best part? You get all 24 of these workouts for a totally reasonable price.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 24 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: Downloadable training guide | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Cathe.com

Pros

Budget-friendly
Time-efficient workouts

Cons

No additional resources provided

Boxing seems like the kind of thing you can only do in-person—a misconception Cathe Friedrich challenges with her XTrain Series: Hard Strikes DVD. Her 40-minute boxing workout is at-home-friendly, only calling for an optional pair of boxing gloves. The DVD also offers a five-minute cool-down worth tacking on to the end of your routine, and it boasts four bonus workouts as well.

Though no punching bag is required for this boxing workout, the Hard Strikes DVD includes a bonus section for those who do have access to a punching bag. But those who prefer to keep things simple and equipment-free can easily do so with the other included workouts.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 5 | Level: Beginner to Advanced | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: Boxing gloves, optional}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Very budget-friendly
Limited equipment needed
Variety of exercise styles

Cons

Intermediate to advanced skill level

On a time crunch? Jillian Michaels’ 10-Minute Body Transformation was designed with you in mind. The DVD boasts five 10-minute workouts that range from Pilates and calisthenics to cardio and kickboxing. The variety of exercise styles included in this DVD will keep your fitness routine fresh and motivating and you can combine workouts for a longer exercise session. Plus, the program comes with a warm-up and cool-down you can tack on as time permits.

This DVD is one of the most budget-friendly picks around. And it’s an excellent way to make the most of your time—even when you have very little of it.

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 5 | Level: Intermediate to Advanced | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Growyoungshop.com

Pros

No equipment needed
Low impact
Easy to follow

Cons

Expensive

Seniors looking to build strength, improve balance, alleviate knee pain, and/or lose weight will find a program that meets their needs in the Grow Young Fitness Exercise DVD for Seniors. Though it may seem pricey for a single DVD, the program offers five workouts that help build different skill sets, including cardio exercise, strength, core work, yoga, and balance training—plus, a bonus video dedicated to reducing pain and inflammation.

Every workout in the program is at-home-friendly, and the exercises only call for one piece of equipment: a chair. Fans appreciate the approachable pace and easy-to-follow instructions and we like that its low-impact to reduce the risk of injuries.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 5 | Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: Chair}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Time efficient
Money back guarantee
No equipment needed

Cons

Expensive
Advanced level only
Lots of jumping

Fans of high-intensity interval training will surely appreciate the Insanity Max: 30 Base Kit, a program that promises to push you harder than you’ve ever been pushed before. The workouts are only 30 minutes, making this an excellent choice for busy schedules—and for anyone who prefers efficient, high-intensity workouts (fans of lengthier, lower-impact workouts will not find what they’re looking for here.)

The Insanity Max: 30 Base Kit requires two full months of consistent effort, offering the accountability you might find in a gym or personal trainer. This program is on the pricier side but it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee so if you’re not happy with the results you can send the Base Kit back for a full refund.

Price at time of publication: $139

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 12 | Level: Advanced | Included Extras: Training calendar, Nutrition guide | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Easy to follow
Budget-friendly
For all ages and levels

Cons

Limited modifications
Only two workouts included

Looking for a cardio workout fit for the whole family? Zumba’s 101 Dance Fitness DVD is fun enough for everyone and so beginner-friendly no one will feel inappropriately challenged. The DVD drills down on basic steps and foundational rhythms, keeping things incredibly approachable. And it’s taught by Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba, himself!

The DVD includes two 30-minute workouts that your whole family can do together. Fans appreciate the fun music and clarity of instruction that make this workout motivating and easy to follow. And it’s suitable for everyone—even the “rhythmically challenged.”

Price at time of publication: $10

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 2 | Level: Beginner | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: None}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Alibris.com

Pros

Time efficient workouts
Low-impact
Full-body program

Cons

Fast-pace

Ready to begin incorporating exercise into your daily routine? Denise Austin’s Get Fit Daily Dozen will be a fantastic program to get you started. Her DVD offers five 12-minute routines that rotate a different exercise each minute. These quick 12 minute workouts are easy to fit into a busy schedule and can be done individually as you build your endurance or in sequence for a full-body challenge once you feel stronger.

While they may only be 12 minutes in length, Denise offers a combination of cardio, strength, and stretching, giving you a range of exercise tools as you begin your fitness program. She covers all of the key areas of the body to give you a full-body workout. And we like the included routine, “Yoga Stretch”, that helps you learn to stretch properly and soothe sore muscles.

Price at time of publication: $15

^{Key Specs:
Number of Workouts: 5 | Level: Beginner | Included Extras: None | Equipment Needed: None}

Final Verdict

The XTrainFit Circuit Burnout 90 offers an enjoyable path to your fitness goals. The 90-day span of this series creates long-term change and it is a full package targeting all areas of the body, offering modifications when needed, and a bonus DVD covering injury prevention and stretching.

For those short on time but aiming to still create a consistent routine with their workouts, look no further than Jillian Michaels 10-Minute Body Transformation. While it may be brief, Michaels’ workouts are easy to commit to during a busy day and still deliver impressive full-body results.

How We Selected the Best Workout DVDs

We selected the best workout DVDs for exercising at home by researching well-known brands with top selling products. We paid attention to product details like the style of workout, and any included extra features, and we read customer reviews and feedback. We also connected with Michelle Triolo, personal trainer and owner of Greenwich Fitness 24/7, about the important things to look for when buying a workout DVD.

While researching, we focused on selecting products that serve all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced exercisers, as well as programs that offer modifications or customizability. We considered the cost of programs, the time commitment for each workout, and the kind of workout, such as high-intensity, yoga, strength training, or low-impact.

What to Look for in a Workout DVD

Fitness Level

It is challenging enough to work out at home on your own, so "it’s really important to pick a workout that suits your current fitness level to avoid injury or burnout while still challenging yourself," says Triolo. Look for programs that fit your fitness level and goals but will also challenge you to make progress. Programs that offer multiple levels or modifications will allow you to start where you're at and progress at your own pace.

Workout Type

According to Triolo, another incredibly important thing to consider is the type of workout you select. “Finding one that interests you and also aligns with your fitness goals, because there are so many options out there from yoga to cardio toning to kickboxing. Look for one that meets your needs,” she says.

Customizability

After you identify the type of workout, it’s important to look into whether the DVD offers ways to customize or adjust the routine. "Find one that offers adjustments or modifications so it can suit your body and your goals, needs, strengths, and weaknesses," says Triolo. This relates to a workout being appropriate to your fitness level. Adjustments and modifications enable you to avoid potential injury or burnout from a routine.

Price

Workout DVDs range in price point and it’s important to consider what is included in your purchase. DVDs vary in how many workout routines are offered, length of workout, and whether equipment is necessary. When considering the price, consider whether you will need to invest in additional equipment for your home beyond that workout DVD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are workout DVDs effective?

Yes! Workout DVDs (like many things) have the potential to be incredibly effective, but the progress that you make depends on your commitment level as a user. "If a person has the discipline to commit to doing the workout alone and likes the instructor, then workout DVDs can be extremely effective,” says Michelle.
How many days a week should I workout?

The number of days you should workout each week varies based on your current fitness level and lifestyle. “If someone leads a sedentary lifestyle right now, I would encourage them to start with four days of working out a week but have days in between to rest and repair. However, if someone is already exercising, then I’d say six days a week is what you need,” says Michelle.
The reality is that most of our jobs and lifestyles are not active and require sitting at a desk and/or driving, so it’s important to consider your current lifestyle when beginning a new workout routine.
How long should a workout be?

Consistency is key! In an ideal world, Michelle suggests aiming for a workout that is 40 to 45 minutes long, including stretching at the end. When you go over that amount of time it can be a barrier and people tend to work out fewer days. "Being consistent is more important than longer workouts," she says.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

The 11 Best Workout DVDs for Convenient Home Fitness

Best Overall

Circuit Burnout 90

Best for Strength Training

RIPT90 FIT: 90 Day Workout Program

Best Cardio

High Intensity Cardio & Tone

Best Toning and Flexibility

Chalene Johnson's PiYo Base Kit

Best No-Equipment

Bodyweight 90-Day Challenge

Best Low Equipment

XTrain Series Hard Strikes

Best for Time-Saving

10-Minute Body Transformation

Best for Seniors

Chair Exercises for Seniors

Best High-Intensity

MAX:30 Base Kit

Best for the Whole Family

101 Dance Fitness for Beginners Workout

Best for Beginners

Get Fit Daily Dozen

Final Verdict

How We Selected the Best Workout DVDs

What to Look for in a Workout DVD

Fitness Level

Workout Type

Customizability

Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit