Workout DVD reviews

You've made that old faithful resolution once again: get in shape. This time you swear to yourself you will exercise regularly. Then you hit the streets to find a gym only to discover membership fees are higher than your hopes for a toned and healthy body this year.

Don't despair. Instead head to the nearest electronics section at your nearest department store and you'll find a plethora of workout DVDs guaranteed to cost less than joining the gym. You don't have to leave the comfort of home to exercise, and, best of all, there's no need to shop for special gym wear because your old sweats will be just fine.

This year I too vowed to get more physically active. In the past I've found it challenging to commit to an exercise routine. The gym and I have a long distance relationship that just doesn't work, and I have a reputation for being a fitness class dropout. So in an effort to keep my fitness resolution this year, I am making exercise something I can do at my convenience and in my own home with DVD workouts (also, check out 10 ways to sneak exercise into your day).

Here are five DVDs I tried and loved:

Crunch Cardio Dance Blast
Type of workout: Crunch Cardio Dance blast is a great at-home workout that is so much fun you won't even feel like you are exercising. Marie Forleo, instructor at Crunch NYC and onetime choreographer for MTV, teaches three fabulous dance routines (island swing, fast and funky and diva dancing) that you can do just for the exercise benefits or to pick up some great moves to unveil on the dance floor. Forleo breaks down each combo into easy steps that aspiring dancers of any level can learn.

Where you'll feel the burn: With this DVD you don't feel the burn (though you legs do get a nice workout as you squat and move), but you do feel your heart pumping as you bust a move. You'll get as much -- or as little -- from this workout as you put into it, so the more you get your groove on, the more fat you'll burn.

Why you should try it: This DVD is great for people who are looking for a fun way to workout without it feeling like you're in a high-performance boot camp. It's also fabulous for people who are self-conscious about taking dance aerobic classes in the company of others at the gym. With this DVD, you can dance like no one is watching and really allow yourself to get into the beat of the music.

Retail price: $19.98 (Click here to buy the DVD online.)

Stott Pilates: The Secret to Flat Abs
Type of workout: The Secret to Flat Abs is a beginner pilates workout led by Moira Merrithew, executive director of STOTT PILATES Education, and is designed to tone your abdominals and strengthen your back muscles. The entire routine consists of exercises done on the floor, so make sure you have a mat to cushion your back.

Where you'll feel the burn: Though this is a Level 1 video, you will definitely feel the burn in your abdominals as you work out. They may feel tighter after just one session. Note: In order to get the most out of this DVD, watch the Workout Principles chapter to ensure that you do each exercise correctly. Here, Merrithew reviews the fundamentals of pilates, such as proper breathing, pelvic placement and more.

Why you should try it: The Secret to Flat Abs is an amazing workout for core conditioning which improves posture, for stretching and increased flexibility, and for toning your body without bulking up.

This is a great DVD for pilates first timers. Merrithew covers the basics and teaches some great beginner moves (38 in total). This DVD also offers chapter-selection options so you can create customized routines. When you're ready for a new challenge, try a few exercises from the next level DVD to ensure that you're ready to move up. You also get one preview exercise from each of STOTT PILATES' 27 other titles.

Retail price: $19.95 (Click here to buy the DVD online.)