workout DVDs that actually work?

I would suggest Jillian Michaels 30 day shred because it is a GREAT workout, but there's quite a lot of squats and lunges so probably not be the best idea for you. I've recently discovered fitnessblender.com - there are loads of great workout routines on there of varying difficulties, and ones to work certain parts of your body. I've tried a few of the low impact ones and I don't remember them having much squat/lunge action so might be good? They're free too.

Take your kiddies swimming. You can get a great workout at a pool in the water, and it's easy on joints

I LOVE the beach body programs. I personally have done the P90X and can vouch for it. It is a great workout with great cardio and muscle building through lots of push ups, pull ups and use of bands! There are other beach body programs that may be better suited for what you are looking for. I have several friends who are doing the Turbo Fire and swear by it however, it is pretty high impact. Although Les Mills programs may be good for you as well. Just go to beachbody.com click on the link for fitness programs. AND by the way I am NOT a paid beachbody coach... Just a believer in their products!!!

I would suggest Jillian Michaels 30 day shred because it is a GREAT workout, but there's quite a lot of squats and lunges so probably not be the best idea for you. I've recently discovered fitnessblender.com - there are loads of great workout routines on there of varying difficulties, and ones to work certain parts of your body. I've tried a few of the low impact ones and I don't remember them having much squat/lunge action so might be good? They're free too.

^^^^Definitely this! I lost 6 inches after only level 1! (I had to stop after that for a bit because of knee issues) but it was definitely extremely effective, and I was getting stronger, and saw my body changing in front of my eyes!!

I would think you'd be better off getting a cheap stationary bike (which tend to be nice on the knees). Almost every DVD that isn't super easy (thus near pointless) is going to have some jumping, lunging, and/or squatting.

I second that! I have to go easy on my knees too, so I bought this bike:

http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Exerpeutic-400XL-Folding-Semi-Recumbent-Exercise-Bike/5700682/product.html

and I just love it. I use it every day.

I've done the Jillian Michael's ones too. I just jog in place instead of the jumping.

Ooooh! That's a good idea...I will do that instead of the jumping jacks next time...though incredibly effective, they are not a great exercise for someone with terrible knee issues!

I like the Biggest Loser DVD's. The Weight Loss Yoga is my favorite. The Boot Camp DVD is also good. I have yet to get all the way through it without stopping.

ANYONE suggesting 30 day shred with knee issues is insane. you cant do jumping jacks and lunges and jump ropeing with bad knees.. not to mention the CONSTANT up and down up and down. NO. just no.

IMO, HOPHOP ABS was better. Its low impact, and you can also go at your own pace. There is a little jumping around, but you can take it lower key, and there is someone in the video doing that version. I broke my knee in 3 places and cant even put pressure on the knee cap, much less doing any kind of jumping or hopping around. HIPHOP ABS is more of a "stepping" and using your abs and "kicking" to do the steps. I love it!

Also, there is a bike called a "recumbent bike" which are (in my area anyway) on sale in the Walmart locations for as little as $127.00. They have a slide for the seat and its VERY easy to adjust and can slide down in as little as 2 feet. I bought one yesterday to go along with my elliptical (which is also easy on the knees, but takes up a lot more room) and i LOVE IT! Last night i rode 10 miles, first time i ever rode it!

ALSO, if you cant work out due to bad knees.. remember anything getting your heart-rate up is key! do punches! As long as that heart rate is up, you ARE burning calories! It wont work forever, but until you can find something to better suit you.. it sure is better than nothing!!

Good for you on trying to find something to suit you! Very proud of you for not giving up!!

All of the above are great suggestions. I have an issue with Shin Splints. So far, I have done all of my workouts at home and mostly with DVDs. 30 Day Shred, Turbo Fire, Ripped in 30 and now Body Revolution.

When they come to an exercise that hurts or is going to hurt me, I modify it. I don't stop, but I make is so that I won't injure myself. So far, I have had great success with them.

I love Leslie Sansone DVD's my favorite are the 5 mile fat burning walk (my favorite) and the walk your belly flat (3 miles). Both are great a nice work out without stress on the knees and back.

I have severe back problems (crumbling discs and facets joints) so have to be very careful. I also have a genetic condition that is destroying my lungs so can't do cardio exercises.

I am currently doing Kettlenetics by Michelle Khai (you get a lightweight kettlebell in the pack with the DVD), and absolutely love it! She is excellent at giving alternatives for people with different problems e.g. back problems etc, and because you use a kettlebell that is only light, it doesn't seem like you are working at all, yet you can burn 250 calories in just 20 minutes!

I also do a Pilates DVD, which I find harder to do than the kettlebell exercises! Because you mainly hold poses, and again can omit any that would put pressure on your knees, it works your core muscles on a very deep level. The stretching helps your joints because most 'weight lifting' exercises you tend to contract the muscles, but with either pilates or yoga you will become much more flexible and strong without all that bouncing around/pushing/pulling etc, and your children could do it along with you too.

I wish you the very best of luck. I love MFP, as it's made me realise that there are thousands of people out there trying to do the same as I am, and are having difficulties just like I am.

go to nerdfitness.com

there are some great (free!) videos posted there, including a workout the guy invented in his hotel room because he was travelling and tehre wasnt a gym available.

Insanity is a great work out, but I would not suggest it if you are just starting out.