Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with workout

Help me recover from an intense workout!

corey flood — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:13:14 -0800

What do you eat/drink (in addition to water) after a workout to help you recover more quickly? I keep reading suggestions that chocolate milk is the perfect recovery beverage, but I'm lactose intolerant and the idea of drinking straight milk makes my blood run cold. Other dairy options, like yogurt, are fine. I'm open to non-dairy milks (soy, rice, etc.), but are they going to provide the same benefits?

What do you eat after a workout? I don't have any particular concerns about keeping calories or carbs low.

Oh, and extra points for portability--it's a 45 minute drive from my dance classes to my house. (Will a 45 minute waiting period make a difference?)

Curious Yoga Novice Seeks Guidance

EatTheWeak — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:55:21 -0800

Tips, advice, recommendations, insight, cautions, suggestions and matters unforeseen concerning the addition of yoga to my fitness regimen. I'm considering adding yoga to my weekly exercises. I know very little about the practice, but what I've come to understand about it makes it sound quite appealing indeed. From what I've heard, yoga can help one build strength, burn fat, build flexibility, ease joint pain, ease anxiety and stress and is, on the whole, a tremendous benefit to one's overall health.

However, what I don't know about yoga could fill a stadium. I've come to understand that yoga is practiced in several variations and sub-variations, some of these variations call for special equipment, that there are mats and appropriate clothing to consider, that there are a dizzying number of books, websites and videos available, and, well, it's all more than a little overwhelming. I was hoping the hivemind could help me find the ideal way to add yoga to my fitness regimen.

I am a thirty-year-old male at an average level of fitness. I do, however, struggle a bit with some stiffness and inflexibility in my hips and lower back. My current workout routine includes a lot of compound-movement weight training and resistance band exercises, favoring work on large muscle groups rather than bodybuilder-style muscle pinpointing. I ride my bike everywhere and, starting in October, plan to also add lap-swimming to my routine. The weights happen 3-4 times a week and the cycling is just about daily.

My overall fitness goals are the building of muscle, the burning of fat, increasing overall energy and the suppression of sedentary hazards such as depression and anxiety. My goals for adding yoga, aside from those just mentioned and, assuming I understand its potential benefits correctly, would be to drastically improve my flexibility and balance as well as control sundry aches and pains.

What I would like to know from you, AskMe, is how shall I set about as a yoga beginner? Is it best to dive right into a formal class, or to first learn some basics so I'm not the stiff, unbalanced buffoon tipping over in the back of the studio? Which yoga variant is best-suited to my goals? What clothing and equipment will I require? What books, websites and videos do you recommend? What qualities distinguish the best yoga instructors, groups and studios? Is yoga compatible with my current routine and exercise schedule - if not, what needs adjusting? And what do you wish you would have known when you first made yoga a part of your life?

Thank you very much for your help.

Push-ups worked, how now to maintain?

everichon — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:06:40 -0800

I've been doing regular push-up sets three days each week, and am pleased with the results. How do I maintain my current state of arm-shape, without getting still bulkier or losing any of it? Do I simply keep doing the number of reps/days that I have been doing to this point? Or is there an always-increasing threshold I need to aim for?

Good online workout plans?

internet!Hannah — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:20:09 -0800

I need some recommendations for free online workout programs I can work into my fitness plan! I've let myself go a bit the last year and I'm trying to get myself back in shape. However, I'm horrible at doing things without direction, so I was hoping for some recommendations for good workout plans that I can find online.

Right now I'm working on the 100 pushups program (as well as the 200 situps and 200 squats sister programs) as well as the couch-to-5k plan. These kinds of sites are absolutely perfect for me, all nice and laid out and easy to do without much preparation. Are there any other sites like these I should know about?

I'm mostly interested in finding some sort of mild weight training website, preferably something that could be done with minimal equipment (or, ideally, with a sandbag, since that's what I have on hand currently). I've got some pull-up bars handy, too, and a jumprope. I don't do well in the student gym, though.

For the record, I'm a college-age female, not horribly out of shape though slightly overweight, looking to lose 15 or so pounds and get my sixpack from two years ago back. I don't want to bulk up, though I do want to get toned.

I'd prefer only website recommendations, and free ones since I'm a starving college student, but I'm willing to take alternate suggestions if they are worth it. Thanks in advance!

How to improve my workouts while visiting family?

mizrachi — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:54:21 -0800

What's the best way to take my workout routine to the next level while spending ten days with my family? As it is, I do cardio six days a week and perform a very basic weightlifting routine every other day. I've seen gains and I'm getting stronger and more muscular but I know there's more I could do.

Since the chances of eating poorly and working out less while visiting family on Long Island are great, I've decided this visit would be a good time to push myself more than ever.

I'm considering: crossfit, a personal trainer, a revised, more difficult workout routine, an increase in my weights and time on the elliptical, etc.

What would you recommend?

I need to start working out, but other than my lack of motivation, not having a workout plan is keeping me from starting. How can I solve this? Personal trainer? Websites?

decrescendo — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:31:13 -0800

I need to start working out, but other than my lack of motivation, not having a workout plan is keeping me from starting. How can I solve this? Personal trainer? Websites? I feel like having no direction and structure is keeping me from working out. Yes, I realize working out without a plan is better than not working out at all, but I think I'm the type of guy that needs a plan for this.

I'm trying to bulk up. I want to gain weight and gain muscle. I'm 6'3" 185 lbs. How should I go about this? I need some structure.

FUNNY HEALTH TITLE

Team of Scientists — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:16:05 -0800

I'd like to lose the bit of fat that has been with me for as long as I can remember. What should I include in my diet/workout regimen? Some background: I am male, 6'0", 25 years old, and I weigh about 180 lbs. I am in decent shape right now, and I feel pretty good about myself, but I think I'm ready to experiment with a highly disciplined lifestyle to see what kind of results I can get.

I have a bit of belly fat that seems as if it won't ever go away. My goal is to drop my body fat percentage to a point at which this pudge finally disappears.

For the first 6 months of this year, I had been eating relatively healthy and lifting weights regularly with no cardio. In June, I dropped the weights and began swimming 5 days a week for 50-60 minutes each session.

I really enjoy the swimming, and I'd like to continue it, but I'm not sure if I should be supplementing my cardio workout with some more strength training. I was thinking of simply adding about 20 minutes of calisthenics to the beginning of each swim workout (think pushups, pullups, dips, etc.) to maintain some muscle mass. Does this sound like it would be more effective than simply swimming every weekday? What kind of workout regimen would/did you adhere to in order to lower your body fat?

Now to perhaps the most important part: my diet. I have recently been eating well (lean proteins, veggies, fruit for the most part), but I have no set routine. This results in me occasionally settling on some Panera or Qdoba for meals. I'd like to structure my diet so that I know what I am eating at what time each and every day. One caveat: I don't want to drive myself insane by eating the same bland crap every day. Is there any way to do this? I think I'd be satisfied with the same lunch/breakfast/snacks every day, and if I could just have a different dinner each day of the week, that would be just fine. Also, in the interest of saving some time, I'd like to stick with the three main meals of the day with snacks in between instead of, say, 7 small meals throughout the day.

How many calories should I be consuming, factoring in my workout regimen? What kind of foods should I include in my diet? High protein? High/low carbs? Any healthy and delicious entree suggestions?

I enjoy omelettes for breakfast as a cheap source of protein. I think I could go on a spinach and feta omelette or something similar every day for a while. I love asparagus, broccoli, sweet potatoes, apples, cheese, cottage cheese (these are many of the staples of my current diet). I'm sure I can work most of this into my diet, but how? Also, I currently drink a smoothie consisting of a banana, 5 strawberries, 3 spoonfuls vanilla yogurt, a scoop of whey, and some milk after every workout. Should I keep this?

Is there any other advice AskMeFi can offer that I might have overlooked? Apologies for the long post, but I know you MeFites are a generous source of health information.

What's the best way to carry all my stuff outside when I work out?

melodykramer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:33:38 -0800

What's the best way to carry keys, water, mp3 player, and wallet when you're working out outside? Do you have a favorite fanny pack (how...not chic) or have you come up with some alternative arrangement? Would you please share? I've decided to try to run around Philadelphia and start exercising outside. Except I keep my wallet and keys and phone and iPod in my pocket -- and carry my water -- and everything jangles about like a bell ringer at Christmas.

I was wondering if there's a brand of belt pack or backpack that works especially well with people doing things like running, skipping, and running stairs. The belt packs I encounter on the street are particularly hideous -- and I'm looking for practical, not aesthetic -- but I'm not even sure those belt packs stay put should their owners decide to race around a track.

So...how do you secure your stuff? Thank you.

I need a workout routine

alligatorman — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:31:30 -0800

I'm looking for a 3-day-a-week workout routine that only uses a bench, a bar, adjustable dumbbells, and weights. My goal is to gain muscle mass. I have a bench, straight and curl bar, adjustable dumbbells, and a sufficient supply of weights.

I would be working out alone 3 days a week: Mon, Wed, Fri.

I'm looking for ideas for a balanced workout routine.

I'm planning on incorporating the following exercises (at least):

dumbbell bench press
dumbbell squats
bent over rows
shoulder press

What should I add/remove? How should I split them up? Any suggestions on reps/sets/etc.? Any advice would be appreciated.

Potentially relevant information: 22 year old male, 5' 7", ~ 130 pounds .. not a total beginner to working out, though its been a while.

Thanks.

Shorter and More Often or Longer and Less Often?

scrump — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:17:33 -0800

Personal training: three times a week for 30 minutes, or two times a week for an hour? I'm going to be engaging in 10 weeks of personal training at my gym. I basically have the budget to either go twice a week for an hour each time or three times a week for 30 minutes each time. I'll be working with a trainer who's ACSM-certified and has a bachelor's in exercise physiology.

My end goal is to inculcate the habit of working out/exercising, and achieve some or all of the following:

Weight loss
Being able to do 2 or more bodyweight pullups (I can do 0 now)
Being able to do squats with proper technique
Being able to do pushups with proper technique.

What are the pro/con arguments for 3x/week at 30 minutes versus 2x/week at 1 hour?

Are there any safe workout supplements?

ascetic — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:01:47 -0800

Are there any *safe* supplements I can take for added muscle gain/weight loss/etc? I'm only 20 years old... Perhaps I don't "need" supplements but I sure would like to get more out of my workouts without comprimising my health and wellbeing.

I eat clean 90% of the time - fresh fruits, veggies, home cooked meals, etc. I RARELY eat McDonalds or any other kinds of junk food. Currently I make a protein shake after working out... Two scoops protein powder, nonfat milk, and 1 tbps of flax seed oil... Sometimes some berries and banana.

And Running, Running

pyrom — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:11:01 -0800

What can an experienced runner do to improve her speed during the off-season? I've been running daily for about five years now, participating in four years of high school cross country and track. To give a brief idea of my experience, I've raced just about every distance available to me below a half-marathon (800m/1600m/3200m/4k/5k/10k/15k) multiple times. I've peaked at about 60 miles per week during training, my longest run being 18 miles. My most recent mile (1600m) PR came in around 5:22, championing the previous year's record of about 5:40.

However, my off-seasons have left me feeling unproductive. With a pessimistic perspective, it seems my only real gain in speed came from a depression-induced loss of around ten pounds this past year. I've attempted to follow some online training plans during the break between cross country and track, and I've tried to create my own. After about a week of enthusiasm, usually they reveal themselves as over-ambitious. Other times, I begin to question my ability to create a workout that's beneficial to my goal, and thus discredit whatever plan I've been following. I feel like I can follow a rigorous schedule- I just need to know that it's actually helping me.

I'm a runner that thrives on distance, as long days (9-15 miles) are the only workouts that leave me feeling tired but stronger later in the week. However, despite improvements in endurance, it seems that it doesn't translate well to shorter, in-season races. It seems like my body isn't well suited for faster races and I tend to do poorly as the distance begins to drop (where I can do a 5:22 mile, I'm quite sure my fastest 400 was around a 65). My top-end speed is something I feel might be key to improving overall. I'm familiar with tempo runs and do them frequently (6:40-7:20 miles for varying distances), and I incorporate occasional hill workouts during the week, but these seem help little in that sense.

I have a good diet, I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables while avoiding anything processed or greasy (no fast food, no soda, little packaged food). I do not have a strength training plan, mostly due to feeling rather lost when designing one (I feel like I can't tell what is superfluous and what will actually benefit me).

At this point I'm not quite sure what to do. I've always been fast in comparison to my team but always below the range where my accomplishments are recognized.

How can I make this off season productive? Runners, what have you found that has made the most difference in your ability? (Articles, workouts, books, rituals welcome)

Thanks much to everyone!

Help me be a stronger person

misha — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:06:36 -0800

I work out at home. I'd like to add some free weights to my workout routine, but I don't know where to start. I'm naturally introverted and prefer working out at home to going to a gym. So I have a stair machine set up in front of a TV and also do sit-ups and push-ups. If I get bored I head to the living room and put in an aerobics or belly dance video.

I really feel like some free weights would help tone my upper body and add more to my workouts.

I have some dumbbells...somewhere, but they are really light, and anyway I feel that I need different weights for different muscles (biceps can take more than triceps, I'm pretty sure). What weights do I need to get started?

I also wonder if I should have a bench? I'm not planning on building muscle or anything, just toning up, so would that be overkill? I'm thinking of setting up in our den, if I can free up enough space--is there a problem because it's carpeted?

Lastly, any suggestions for a routine to start out with?

The first session was free, but are the next ones worth it?

filthy light thief — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:45:39 -0800

FitnessFilter: how should I evaluate options for a personal trainer at a local gym? Lots more discussion inside. I recently joined a local gym with my wife, and I was told we received an evaluation or something of the sort with the membership. We're both gym novices, so I was glad to be shown around the gym and given help figuring out how things worked.

I went to the evaluation-type session today, and it was basically to get me to pay for personal training sessions. The work-out was good, and I'm sure I'd benefit from the sessions. I signed up today, after the initiation fee ($99) was waived, and I was given 5 free sessions ($35 per half-hour session).

It's $280 for 8 sessions per month, which doesn't sound that much right now, but we'd have to be tied into a year of training, or we have to pay a cancellation fee. I'm skeptical of gyms in general, and the sales pitch with fees that weren't disclosed up front today ($49 for processing, and the waived $99 initiation fee) didn't help.

I have a few days to try out the personal training set-up, and figured others would have some insight. Could I refer to training books or websites and come out fine? Or is it a good idea to invest in a trainer for a year while we get into working out at a gym? We're not looking to get bulging muscles, just to get fit and start some good work-out regimes.

Help me build an exercise routine.

so_gracefully — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:22:29 -0800

General advice in the area of finding my exercise/fitness niche? Good, structured DVDs or programs to try? I am a female in my mid-twenties, and I have never been too "sporty" or all that excited about exercising in general. I want to become excited about it, but I have not yet been able to find something that I really like or something that feels like it's working well for me. I also have no idea how to structure it so that I'm doing something that is definitely worthwhile, so I guess that's my main question--what can I add in to create more structure so that it's effective and simple to stick with?

Goals:
- Improve heart health, lose a little bit of weight, feel more connected to my body, strengthen my muscles and make myself less vulnerable to aches/pains in my largely sedentary job.

Limitations:
- Can't afford a gym membership or even yoga classes right now
- Don't really have any equipment, or access to any

Things I already know/like:
- I am working on the nutrition part, and that is going well.
- I like to try to challenge myself a little bit throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible, parking at the back of a parking lot to give myself more of a walk, etc.
- I have really loved yoga classes in the past, but the DVDs I currently own are very meditation-focused, and I want something more strength- and challenge-focused.
- I like walking and sometimes hiking; how can I incorporate them in a way that maximizes their benefits?
- I would love to be able to swim, but don't have access to a pool!
- I have been having fun playing Dance Dance Revolution. Dance-focused workout videos make me feel very defeated because I have some problems with coordination.
- I like to follow along with DVDs, and currently I have: some basic yoga videos, some basic pilates, cardio pilates (this is the one I enjoy the most). I am definitely looking for recommendations on good videos that are meant to increase overall strength and encourage weight loss, while being fairly simple and not complicated with a lot of intense dance moves!

Machine Workout Plan

Citizen Premier — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:19:40 -0800

Please provide me with a twice-weekly gym machine workout so I can fill out this form (pdf). I had a great workout schedule last year when I took weight training classes at college, but I don't have the sheet any more, and I'm looking for a replacement.

Don't worry about cardio, I've got that figured out.
Thanks!

Bodybuilding photo progress

mpls2 — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 07:42:22 -0800

I'm looking for photo progressions of people putting on significant amounts of muscle--preferably of those who started out skinny. Not just before/after, but maybe one pic per week or whatever. I know I've seen them, but I can't find them now.

Thanks!

I would like to start working out during my lunch hour.

heeeraldo — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:47:19 -0800

Help me plan a lunch-hour workout. There's a gym in my office building, and I've decided to use it on my lunch break, which will mean I spend less time puttering around malls downtown, I bring lunch more often, and I get in to better shape.
I'm not too worried about cardio, as I am doing the 6 weeks from couch to 5K thing.

The gym itself is decently equipped with free weights, cardio machines, a bunch of the not-free-weight machines and a couple of balance balls/yoga mats.

I'd like to figure out a routine or a number of them I can rotate through (which is better?) for four workouts a week which take up no more than 30-40 minutes altogether, as I need time to eat, change, shower, etc.

Thanks in advance, gang!

What are your favorite post workout shakes?

ShootTheMoon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:27:16 -0800

What are your favorite post workout shakes? Looking for tasty recipes, my choco banana shake is getting played out. Any and all ingredients accepted. High calorie or low calorie (I do prefer more filling shakes). I typically throw in milk, choco whey, and banana into a blender immediately after my morning workout. What are a list of ingredients to keep on hand for adding some variety to my shakes?

I did see the old thread http://ask.metafilter.com/49476/Lets-have-your-recipes-for-lowcalorie-protein-shakes, but this did not get many replies. Hoping for some new ones.

Help me run and get past the discomfort of lactic acid.

simplethings — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:50:00 -0800

How can I deal with lactic acid build up during a run? I've been running 5k's lately as part of a whole weight loss program. They're one of the only things that have motivated me enough to work out regularly.
I have a race coming up on Sunday and my goal is to jog/run the entire race. Past 5k's have been a walk and run combo. I'd also like to be under 37 minutes.

I've been pushing myself during my workouts and when I'm running over 5 mph the lactic acid will start building up. I'll get the burning and tightness mainly in my lower legs. If I keep running the pain will get more intense and I'll start feeling it in my upper chest/shoulders area.
If I slow down the burning will decrease but won't disappear, if I stop and walk the burning will actually increase for an almost unbearable 10 seconds and then quickly decrease and go away.

I understand that building tolerance to lactic acid requires more working out... but, Sunday is 2 days away.
Is there another way to deal with this during the race that won't significantly slow me down? Would popping TUMS work? Maybe drinking extra water before I start? Or start skipping instead of running? Or stop for a moment and give my calves a quick rub down with IcyHot? Or do I just need to tough it out and run through the pain?

My heart muscle is worrying me!

sio42 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:25:24 -0800

ExerciseFilter: I've been doing the gym thing at least 3x per week for about 3 or 4 months now. Strength training and cardio mix. About 6 weeks ago, I started Trileptal as a mood stabilizer (I am not epilectic). I am on no other meds. It's the type of drug where you ramp up your dosage over a period of time. In the last two weeks, my low THR feels like my heart is pounding as if I'd just been in car accident. If I swim a length of a pool, I have to stop for about 30 sec to a min until my heart goes back to feeling normal. I've had to leave the gym the last several times I went because I just couldn't do the cardio machines at the same settings I had been using. My heart feels like it's just racing and pounding.

But when I take my pulse, It's just at the 60% range of my THR. I've noticed my morning pulse is a bit fast, but I've just started taking note of it at the advice of my SO so I could get a better metric.

In the mean time, I'm a little freaked out. I don't have a GP to go to right now (I'm on a waiting list to get a new patient appt!??!!). And I have a few more weeks till I see the psychiatrist again. This hadn't been happening long enough to warrant alarm the last time I saw him.

It's not like I get out of breath, but my heart beating like that scares the bejessus out of me! I have never had any health problems.

Oh right...30 yo, female, 5'6", 170.

Is it the meds? Is this some weird exercise thing? I've tried google searching and mefi but just come up with how to calculate and stuff about "my heart rate is too low". Please direct me if I have overlooked something. Meanwhile, I'll be walking very slowly on the treadmill at 0 incline.

I don't know anything about reasonable expectations.

zennoshinjou — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:40:09 -0800

Help me understand weight loss when starting a workout program (or why I'm not losing) So last summer I changed my diet and did some minimal workout and shed 35 pounds and then got stuck and for various reasons drifted away from actively trying to lose more. I gained back ~5 pounds. One month ago I started up at the gym and I go religiously 3-4 times a week. I have been doing mostly strength training with some cardio mixed in. My diet seems to be fine but its possible I'm not eating enough calories. In 4 weeks I have lost as much as 5 pounds but 2 pounds comes and goes. I know the reasonable expectation is 1-2 pounds a week (so 4-8 a month) but its slightly disheartening to be 4 weeks in and weighing 2.5 pounds less than I did before. I guess what confuses me most is that all of my clothes fit better and my body seems to look better (partner agrees) but the weight doesn't reflect that. I am just being too critical in to short a time or should I try to amp up my calories? My goal here is weight loss right now, not becoming super muscular.

I started at 270 and got to 235 last summer. When I started a month ago I was 241.5 and today I am 239 but have been as low as 236.5 in the past month. I'm 5'8". I can provide diet details if its relevant.

Thanks for your input.

Is drinking Red Bull before a cardio workout a dumb idea?

Senor Cardgage — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:06:43 -0800

Is drinking Red Bull before a cardio workout a dumb idea? For the last year, I've been doing a pretty strenuous weightlifting regimen on my upper body mondays, wednesdays and saturdays. I would like to start doing cardio/ab work on the remaining days. Mainly I want to add cardio in as a means to get my own natural energy/stamina levels up so that I wont have to rely as much of caffeine or energy drinks throughout my day or (more importantly) when I go dancing on the weekends.

I am 34, naturally pretty energetic anyway and have very little body fat. What my hope is it that cardio will give me a marked increase in energy.

Now, here's the conundrum: when I do my lifting regimen, I usually have a sugar-free Red Bull beforehand just to get my wherewithal up. If I do this for cardio (say the running incline machine) will this be like "cheating", and will it lessen my gains? Is it a bad idea to mix Red Bull and cardio anyway?

Note: this may be a really dumb question, but humor me.

A clean pair of clothes...really?

abdulf — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 13:50:46 -0800

Is gym-provided workout clothing safe to wear? I'm trying out a fancy gym close to work that provides work out clothes in addition to towels and other amenities.

It sounds like a great concept. I would rather not carry a change of clothes and then have to handle wet sweaty clothes until I get home. But what are the risks?

The clothes come from a common pool, like towels, so you don't keep your own. Someone else may have worn the shirt or shorts the previous time.

They also provide jock straps, but that's touching a little too close for comfort.

The clothes look and smell clean but I'm concerned about things like skin diseases spreading to me and possibly some sort of STD.

I mean, people buy and wear used clothes from thrift stores after washing them. Is a wash cycle with hot water and soap enough to eliminate most of the risk?

I have little understanding of how hardy virus, bacteria, fungus, skin flakes really are. Please enlighten me.

How can I find some great exercise DVDs?

mintchip — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:57:10 -0800

How can I find some great exercise DVDs? I'd like to get some exercise and yoga DVDs for use at home. My weight is fine; I just want to tone up a lot, especially my legs. I'm picky, though. I have a bad back so I can't do crunches or pilates-type moves. As a runner, my knees are too sensitive for a lot of squat moves. I can't be jumping around a lot because the noise will disturb my neighbors. Finally, I want a challenging pace and I want to feel THE BURN the next day.

There are a million DVDs out there, and it's hard to compare one to the next. Sometimes I will read reviews on Amazon, but it is still pretty hard to tell if a particular title will appeal to you. Sometimes the description is misleading, or you buy it and realize that the instructor is annoying or the pace is too slow.

First of all, I'm looking for recommendations for specific DVDs you'd recommend. Also, for tips for HOW to find the best workout DVDs. In other words, web sites that have great summaries of different titles?