I am on day 5 of JC and due to mother in hospital haven't exercised a bit. Luckily, she's fine and out now, so I'm looking at starting in the AM (if not tonight..)
I have a treadmill and am thinking of walking on it at night. I'd like to also do some sort of a strech/tone type DVD on the alternate nights.
Any suggestions for abs and overall?
Thanks!

For abs and overall toning, I really enjoy Gunnar Peterson's CORE SECRET workouts. They are done on a ball with some hand weights for some mouvements (you don't have to use the weights on some of the exercises - it's optional).
It's "tops" in regards to hitting the core of the body (the mid-section) at all angles as well as working the entire body with the help of "functional fitness movements".
If you go on:
CollageVideo's website
You can search by instructor and enter the name Gunnar and click on GO. You will get a list of results and if you click on each link that shows up, you will get details on all his workouts, as well as be able to preview online a 60 second clip of each. That will give you a bit of an idea as to how his workouts are.
He's awesome, he's fun to workout with and he's the trainer of many Hollywood stars and runway models who go to him to be in top shape for bikini "shots" in movies etc...
My big ball (you can buy it as a kit with a pump etc) is in storage right now because we're in between houses (we're moving in a few weeks) and that is the one workout series I've missed the most since my stuff has been in storage. I love Gunnar!
I also have Winsor Pilates, but it's different and, in my own opinion, although excellent and quite effective, it's just not as much fun to do as Gunnar's workouts.
I hope this helps a bit!
As for "stretch" workouts, I really LOVE the "AM and PM Yoga for beginners" by Rodney Yee. Also sold on CollageVideo.
The AM Yoga segment is a fantastic stretch to start your day. I actually also do it at night, it feels sooooo good. Rodney Yee is "tops" in the world of Yoga and his videos are filmed in beautiful outdoors surroundings. The PM yoga session (both are on one single DVD) is done by Patricia Walden and is a fantastic body stretch, especially (but not exclusively) for people who work at computers. Our upper bodies get drawn forward and cramp up while working on computers all day long, so she aims at opening out the ribs and chest and stretching out the arms and the rest of the body to pull us "back" into a healthier body position. It's a very soothing and short session. Both are approx. 20 min. long but you touch on everything. I always go back to that DVD.
P.s. you can also search for specific types of workouts on Collage and you might come across other intersting things as well. You can also call them on their toll-free number and each person that works at Collage has done the workouts and can really help you choose something to your liking.
Good luck!

THANKS!!! I'll go surfing!

Glad I could help - Let me know what you find! Happy surfing!!!

Trix:
thanks again!
I just purchased the AM/PM Yoga tape. Still surfing for the exercise tape. So many to choose from. I use to take Yoga at work, and loved it. I work mostly at my computer, so this one really hit home.
Thanks again!

Ohhh then you will truly enjoy the PM yoga after having worked at the computer all day.
When Patricia started talking about people working at the computer and started the routine, I figured, ok, well, it should help. WOW... it was a huge help. It's excellent to help "de-cramp" the upper body especially!
Let me know how you like the AM and PM routine. Rodney's routine really gently wakes up your body. I use a strap for some of his moves and the whole routine really feels awesome. It's a wonderful soothing way to start (and also end) the day.

Yoga Booty Ballet! I am hooked. It is a combination of yoga, hip-hop dance and ballet. It was really difficult at first because I am not the most coordinated person out there but it is still a blast! Every muscle in my body is sore even muscles I didn't even know I had.

I have always felt like going to a gym aerobics class made me feel inferior and self conscious. I always felt like people were staring at me and I was almost always a step behind the routine that everyone else seemed to keep up with just fine.
My best exercise successes have been with my recumbent bike that my husband bought for me. It's not as hard on the back as an exercise bike that sits up and you can really get the heart pumping. For abs, you may laugh, but I totally loved Tony Little's ab isolator. Not because his foot strap did any bit better than regular sit ups or crunches but because he is so obnoxious that he motivated me. I felt the same way about the Billy Blanks videos.
I love watching Celebrity Fit Club on VH1 when I am on my bike because it motivates me too. Harvey, the drill sergeant, cracks me up and their is always at least 1 person on the show who has a story that I can relate to.
Staying motivated and inspired is half the battle.
Hope this helps!