I get asked ALL the time who I recommend for exercise DVD’s. There are SOOO many out there. Really. You can run into any store nowadays and find a turn style rack filled to the brim of every type of workout. (This is my #1 reason that I won’t put one out there! LOL)
But I have to tell you something. I’m an exercise DVD snob.
You see. I’m very particular. I have found that it’s very difficult to get a great workout with about 80% of the DVD’s that are out there. It’s either the instructor isn’t very motivating, the music is blah, or the actual workout is well, everything BUT a workout.
One day I hit the jackpot. It was about 4 years ago that someone had recommended a DVD from SHAPE magazine called Shape: Bikini Body Camp Transforming Workout. I had just had my son so I needed something quick, intense and effective so I bought it.
Oh. My. Word. The DVD rocked my world and in particular, one of the instructors did the same. Are you dying to know who it is? You probably won’t recognize her name. It’s not Denise Austin. Not Jillian Michaels. Not Jane Fonda. (haha)
Michelle Dozois.
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Let me first say, I am NOT getting paid to endorse her. I am not getting anything in return. I want to do this because I truly believe her workouts will change your life. Let me give you a run-down on why I love Michelle Dozois.
♦ She’s a wife and mom. She has 2 young children (one has autism and it’s a cause she speaks strongly about) She’s one of US!!
♦ She kicks her tail as much as she kicks yours. There’s nothing more I dislike than an instructor on tv who doesn’t look like they are working out as hard as you. If I’m sweating, I want her sweating too!
♦ She is a great teacher. She does a great job of actually telling you what you are doing and giving you great visuals so you know what to focus on during the exercise. This can only MAXIMIZE your workout.
♦ She is a great motivator. She always uses encouraging phrases that are NOT CHEESY! It can be done people!
♦ The music she chooses rocks. It’s typically lyric-less so its great if you have kids around or if you want to be able to leave your workout without humming a Britney Spears tune all day (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)
♦ She doesn’t use foul language (at least on the DVD’s I’ve done) Again, I have kids around when I’m exercising with a DVD. Plus, I don’t need someone to cuss at me to get me to work harder
♦ Her workouts are a great variety. A mix of a little dance, kickbox, athletic skill and plyometric—all areas that I think are essential in zapping that body into shape.
♦ She isn’t a spring chicken. (Sorry Michelle!) She’s over 30 (wink, wink) so it is SO encouraging that she is in there and working hard!! Do NOT use age as an excuse!
♦ She practices what she preaches. Look at her. You’ll see what I mean
♦ Finally–her workouts WORK! I’m serious. They are the bomb. She is so creative. So passionate. So excellent.
She has changed my life as a Fitness Instructor. I take SO much from her workouts and I honestly believe that it’s HER influence that’s made me the instructor that I am today. If someone would say that I’m a Michelle Dozois mini-me, I’d probably die…in a good way, of course.
So now you probably want to know where you can buy her stuff, right?
You can follow her on Facebook
You can visit her Website
Browse her shop. Take a chance to view the little video previews. I recommend the “Your Body Breakthru” series for beginners thru advanced. Her newest system, Peakfit Challenge is definitely geared for the more moderate to advanced exerciser. (And no. I didn’t get the name of my blog from her system! LOL)
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So there you go. If you have tried or plan on trying any of her DVD’s, please let me know how you like them! I know Michelle would love to hear too–she is EXCELLENT at feedback with her customer!!
Happy exercising!!!
I LOVE the old Jane Fonda workouts!
I’ve never heard of this lady but will keep her in mind next time I need a new workout DVD.
I LOVE Michelle Dozois!!!She is my fave too:)
The peak fit challenge DVD’s are awesome!
Linda
Amen to all of that! I love Michelle’s work and she is definitely a fave. I just spent 8 weeks doing her Peak Fit Challenge and I feel great! Thanks for spreading the word.
Laura Hartness
The Calico Critic
http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/p/peak-fit-challenge.html
Michelle is simply THE BEST! I have been a group fitness instructor for over 13 and have worked with and for many people. Michelle epitomizes strength, beauty, class and hard work. Her videos are simply one way she shares her gift for wellness instruction with others. Your article is right on the mark!
Your blog is spot on!!!! Michelle is one of the best exercise instructors out there. I’ve been teaching for 20 years and I learn something from her every time I take her class. Love her!!!!!!!!!!
Michelle is by far my favorite instructor. She is energetic, inspirational, and incredibly motivational. While I do love ALL of her DVD’s, I am lucky enough to be a member of her gym and take her classes every week. She is TRULY AMAZING!
I too am a big fan of Michelle’s! I have the privilege of being pushed further than I thought I could ever go by Michelle at her gym in Pasadena CA, Breakthru Fitness. She is the picture of health, a great work ethic, kindness, inspiration, and butt kicking workouts!
Michelle is tremendous! Everything you said is so accurate. She pours her heart and soul in what she does and it comes through. For sure one of the best out there, if not THE BEST!!!
Michelle is the absolute BEST. She walks the walk and her body shows it. She is strong, beautiful, kind and talented. Her gym, Breakthru FItness in Pasadena is the best in the San Gabriel Valley if not all of Southern California. I work out there regularly and can honestly say that I’ve never been in better shape. Her DVDs are outstanding. I take them with me when I travel. If you haven’t tried one of her workouts yet, go out and get the DVDs. If you are in the Pasadena area, go in and take a class with her. You won’t regret it.
just ordered one 🙂
Just checked netflix and she has a couple of her workouts on their instant list! I will be trying one of them soon!
Clare,
I am so excited that you shared this! I have not heard of Michelle before. I clicked over and looked at her stuff. I think I’ll be adding some of her workouts to my collection soon!
I get frustrated with some at home DVDs, so I’m glad you mentioned being a DVD snob! I have confidence that her stuff will be the real deal 🙂
Thanks!
Clare, I have to tell you this… it’s funny… I was looking through your blog tonight and looking at older posts that I have missed. I happened to see the title of this one, didn’t read it but made a mental note to check it later to see which DVDs you would recommend. Well, later in the evening I was looking at netflix to see all the workouts they had available and I found one that REALLY looked AMAZING. The instructor, of course, was Michelle. Well, I thought, I’m going to check and see if that post from Clare says anything about her… LOL!! It’s ALL about her… ok, so I’m going to try her workout tomorrow! Too funny…
Wow, I want to look like this!
Michelle Dozois is amazing. The DVD of hers I ever found was Pilates for Dummies – I’m not kidding! lol I found it when I was just starting university and used it to start getting in shape and used to Pilates. Then I found Breakthru Pilates Plus, which is a combination of Pilates, ballet, and yoga. I absolutely loved it and did it faithfully for years. I just found it again on YouTube and I am so excited!! I follow Michelle on Facebook and she always has something new and interesting to try. I am a huge fan and have been since 2003.