Looking for an indoor workout that's cheap and fast?

I live in Wisconsin, so taking a walk after dinner (between November and March) isn't an option in my quest to be more physically active. We have a Wii that we enjoy, but no room in the living room to utilize it. I have a wonderful elliptical downstairs, but then when I take the stairs at work I feel like a schlepp - I need a better all-over fitness regime.

Meaghan, meet Jillan Michaels.


A relative raved about Jillian's 30 Day Shred DVD, but I'm not that in to workout videos. But then I heard 2 girls at work talking about it (I work with exercise physiologists) so I figured - for $10, what can it hurt?

Oh, it will hurt alright!

Thirty Day Shred is a program that offers 3 stages. Each stage is 20 minutes, with a warm-up, several circuits (2 minutes of cardio, 2 minutes of strength training, 1 minute of abs), and cool down. In the beginning, you do stage 1 only, then stage 2 when you feel ready, up to stage 3.  Some people choose to do all 3 stages for a 60 minute workout.  The only equipment needed, besides TV and DVD player, are 5-lb hand weights and a mat (if you're working out on a hard floor).   

Intended to be done every day for 30 days, there is a guarantee from Jillian that you will be pounds lighter or more firm at month's end.  I'm not as physically fit as I wish, so I vowed to meet her twice a week for a month at stage 1. The EP's I work with agree that everyday for 30 days is not ideal, ESPECIALLY if you do not work out on a regular basis. For me, 2 days per week plus 2 days of elliptical is a pretty decent goal. I'm hoping within 6 months to be doing level 3... at least once per week - LOL.

There are two things I dislike about the video: crappy music and lots of jumping jacks.  I have been blessedly endowed for a long time, and these girls don't handle jumping jacks well at all.  Ladies, a good sports bra is crucial for this workout! 

Jillian, between your 30 Day Shred and Master Your Metabolism... you're the force behind "No pain, no gain." But I like it!