Workout DVDs for 2008

Whether you want a fast-paced dance workout like Lilia Kopylova's Latina tone, a full-body blitz with Davina or some good old-fashioned aerobics courtesy of Rosemary Conley, we've tracked down the best DVDs for all.

Claire King's Ultimate Body Workout

(12 May 2008, Universal)
Claire King's Ultimate Body Workout aims to get you a bikini body in the privacy of your own home. Designed specifically with core stability and tension training in mind, Claire and her trainer Tom Clough, demonstrate exercises that safely target all areas of the body, resulting in a toned, streamlined shape. The routines are easy to follow, but will make you work hard. The only criticism is Claire King herself, she looks fabulous, but her to-camera pieces make her seem rather aloof. She doesn't have that warm, friendly appeal of Davina McCall, but her body speaks volumes - this workout gets results.

Style: Simple, no-nonsense exercise
Best bit: The specific workouts for each area of the body and the fact no equipment is needed - not a tin of beans in sight
Avoid if: You want something fast paced and funky
Get if: You want exercises you can perform safely at home

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Latinatone

(26 December 2007, Universal)
Strictly Come Dancing diva Lilia Kopylova's follow-up to the chart topping Latinasize is a great little exercise DVD called Latinatone, for anyone who wants to get their head round the basics of the key Latin dances. It features five different dance styles: Move It Merengue, Sizzling Salsa, Mambo Mania and Tango Tone plus a Hot 'n' Ready warm up and Cool 'n' Stretch warm down. There's something for everyone, and it also has a unique 'back view' function to help you follow the moves as if you were in a class. And to keep things interesting, you can create your own workout based on the 5 routines. Plus if you're curious about Lilia's style secrets (she designs all her own costumes) there's a special lifestyle section in which she spills the beans on her make-up and wardrobe secrets. Also features a great dance performance from Lilia and her husband (fellow Strictly star) Darren Bennett.

Style: Avoid the gym by dancing your way to fitness.
Best bit: You learn new Latin dance moves and get fit at the same time.
Avoid if: You've got no sense of rhythm
Get if: You like to move your hips and enjoy doing exercise when it doesn't feel like exercise.

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Rosemary Conley's Brand New You Workout With Coleen Nolan

(26 December 2007, Universal)
Rosemary Conley has had an amazing 29 books and diet and fitness DVDs top the best sellers lists and Brand New You is more of the same from the reigning queen of aerobics. There's fat burning aerobics, aerobics for toning waist, hips and thighs and aerobics for toning abs and upper body, in fact this is for aerobics fans everywhere!

If you're a true Rosemary fan though, you'll know she usually only works with people like you and me, not celebs, but this time she's thrown Loose Womens' Coleen Nolan into the mix. Coleen is very open about her weight battles and how she finally feels she has found a plan she can stick to for life.

Style: 'Old skool aerobics' - this is definitely one catering for the over 40s
Best bit: Using 'real' women shows Rosemary's diet and fitness plans work for the likes of you and me
Avoid if: You're not an aerobics fan
Get if: You're new to exercise, a Rosemary Conley fan or aerobics lover (which means you'll probably fall into the former category anyway)

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Davina: High Energy Five

(26 December 2007, Liberation)

Davina McCall has seemingly boundless energy. Over the past few years The Big Brother presenter has been either pregnant or putting out another fitness DVD or both in the case of 'My Pre and Post Natal Workouts'.

High Energy Five is her fifth foray into the genre and she shows no sign of slowing down. Created with the help of her personal trainers Jackie and Mark Wren, the simple, effective 20 minute workouts and useful tips come as close to perfect as a home workout DVD can get. If Davina's motivational yapping gets a bit too much, there's even an option to have a 'mostly music soundtrack'. What's not to love?

Style: Slick, modern take on the fitness DVD phenomenon
Best bit: There's something for everyone with five different workouts including aerobic, pump, ab work, leg exercises and boxing.
Avoid if: You're not serious about getting fit
Get if: You like a good no-nonsense workout and you're prepared to work for it

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Natalie Cassidy's Then And Now Workout

(26 December 2007, Universal)
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Natalie Cassidy, known to millions as Sonya from Eastenders, 'unveiled' her new look having lost an impressive two stone. This DVD details the routines Cassidy employed on her way to toned perfection as well as the healthy, and surprisingly tasty, eating plan she followed.

Packed with plenty of high-impact cardio work, the exercises are no-nonsense while the commentary is basic and to the point. With a refreshing lack of cheesy motivational chat, this workout plan does exactly what it says on the tin.

Style: High-impact and back to basics.
Best bit: Seeing Natalie weighing herself 'then and now' is motivation enough.
Avoid if: You're afraid of 'feeling the burn'.
Get if:You're seeking a healthy route to long-lasting fitness.

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Strictly Come Dancercize

(3 December 2007, BBC)
If the last series of Strictly Come dancing has left you longing for the 'light fantastic' it's time to draw the curtains and hang the disco ball in your front room. Karen Hardy who sashayed to Strictly stardom with Mark Ramprakash and Erin Boag who boogied with Colin Jackson take turns to present workout versions of popular ballroom dances - the Salsa, Jive, Quick Step, Samba and Cha Cha Cha.

Get fit with the ultimate glitz - the girls wear skimpy bejewelled hot pants and silver trainers designed by Erin herself. There'll leave you feeling rather drab in your baggy tracky-b's and trainers.

Style: Latin and ballroom dances adapted to nifty routines.
Best bit: After the exhaustion of the pacey moves and efforts of co-ordination, the 'cool down' to the slowed-down Strictly Come Dancing theme doesn't come too soon.
Avoid if: You have two left feet or don't pick up routines quickly - you'll spend most of the time rewinding.
Get if: You like it camp or if you aspire to one day dancing with a partner!

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Tricia Penrose Before and After Body Blitz

(26 December 2007)
When Tricia Penrose pulled pints on Sunday night telly as Gina Ward in Heartbeat, little did she realise her fluctuating weight would cause more fascination than the storylines! The screen barmaid lost two-stone and nine waistline inches - and she's jumped on the before-and-after bandwagon to show you how. With her personal trainer at her side, good tan and displaying her svelte pierced navel, Tricia is guinea pig to fat burners, impact workouts and upper and lower body toners everywhere.

Style: Very GMTV but sensible, basic aerobic and toning exercises.
Best bit: The introduction where Tricia tells the before and after.
Avoid if: You want something other than another C-list workout DVD.
Get if: You ate a few too many mince pies over the festive season and want a quick, fix-it calorie-burner.

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Nell McAndrew Cardio, Core And Stretch

24 December 2007, Liberation
If you've ever needed motivation to work out just take a look at Nell's body. Toned and honed to perfection the model/TV presenter/charity worker/fitness expert is back in the limelight with this, her fourth fitness DVD. Nell and her personal trainer lead you and her loyal fitness team through a fast-paced exercise class guaranteed to get you working hard. She's not lying when she says it's 'challenging', even she is pouring with sweat by the end of it. It's full on, but perfect for those who like to push themselves.

Style: A traditional cardio and core workout class set to dance music Best bit: Like attending a full on, hour long exercise class in the comfort of your own home
Avoid if: You're new to working out, you might find it a bit too energetic
Get if: You like a workout to push you and you're a fan of club music

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Rebecca Wheatley: The New Me Workout

24 December 2007

If you're one of those people who has developed a long-standing aversion to physical exercise, Rebecca Wheatley's The New Me Workout could be what you need to break the ice. Featuring low-impact exercises and focusing primarily on gentle toning, former Casualty actress Wheatley, who has lost a whopping 12 stone (half her body weight) in 27 months, guides you through a no-nonsense exercise session in conjunction with the Slimming World eating plan. A high impact calorie-buster it is not but if you are looking for a sweat-free route back into the world of regular exercise, it is a more than adequate starting point.

Style: No frills and back to basics.
Best bit: Wheatley is living proof it works!
Avoid if: You are looking for a vigorous, calorie-busting workout.
Get if: You're looking to ease your way back in.

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The Hip Hop Body Workout

This hip-hop-meets-aerobics video is for those looking to ease themselves into the unfamiliar world of exercise gently, and under the guise of urban dance. Don't expect to be booty shaking like Beyonce by the end of it - there are no routines, and the moves are simple and repetitive - but if you like a bit of a beat and some funky bass while you work out then this is the one for you.

Style: Get your groove on and burn a few calories while you're at it
Best bit: Easy to follow and fun
Avoid if: You're looking for a hardcore all-over work out
Get if: You find gyms and aerobics boring

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Dance It Off With Vicky Binns

26 December 2007, Universal
The Coronation Street actress has used this workout to lose two and a half stone! The routines are fun, but definitely challenging, this is one for girls who are serious about weight loss and don't want to mess around. There are four different sections - Street Heat, Urban Burn, Power Groove and Core Crunch - with funky music tracks that will have you dying to get up and strut your stuff.

Style: Racy outfits and high energy dance moves
Best bit: The before and after pictures of Vicky, she looks like a different person!
Avoid if: You're not very good with dance routines and choreography
Get if: You love dancing and getting sweaty

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Gaynor Faye's Fit Friends workout

24 December 2007, Liberation Entertainment
If you've always dreamed of being a figure skater, this is the workout for you. Gaynor Faye, winner of the 2006 series Dancing on Ice, together with her skating partner Dan Whiston, share some of her toning secrets in this easy-to-follow workout DVD. The exercises are simple and the workout can be completed even by a beginner (trust me, I'm a complete stranger to exercise!), although you can increase the effects by working harder. You don't need gadgets or any special equipment, just a couple of tins of beans from the cupboard. There are five different workouts, each about ten minutes in length, so you've got no excuses for not completing at least some of them!

Style: Simple moves to get you toned and fit.
Best bit: No need for equipment or expensive gym membership.
Avoid if: Enforced cheerfulness makes you cross.
Get if: You want to tone up, but don't have much time.

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