#1 Pick: Billy Blanks and Taebo. Billy time, double-time, roundhouse kicks, jabs… it’s all very entertaining and a killer cardio workout. Billy is also very motivational. These workouts are even more enjoyable when done with a girlfriend or two. There’s nothing better than laughing off a killer set of lunges with friends. Also, Billy and the gang’s wardrobe choices are always unexpected and amusing. Billy and his daughter Shelly are totally sassy; I recommend their buffness and fun attitudes to anyone.

S0-So Pick. So Sue Fleming, the creator of the “Buff Brides” program is everywhere in bridal fitness (you can find her on Weight Watchers and the Today Show to name a couple places). Her workout video is VERY disappointing. It was boring, cliched, and too easy for even a fitness novice like me. For example, one of the moves is a simulated bouquet toss… funny, but not in the enjoyable Billy Blanks way. Her book “Buff Brides” is actually quite good, in contrast to the video/dvd. It lists and describes how to do a variety of toning exercises. You just need free weights and a workout ball. I can speak from first-hand and second-hand experience that these exercises are effective if done regularly.