Fitness workouts have come a long way from Jane Fonda and those 20-minute workout days. Many of the new DVD's are full programs that truly offer a comprehensive workout option to going to the gym.

We reviewed some of the most popular programs. Most did quite well,  but like joining a gym you want to make sure you find the DVD that best fits your fitness level, personal goals and budget.

P90X

Libby's rating:  4 Stars 

Type of workout: Created by fitness guru Tony Horton, this is a total body workout using a variety of formats and styles including muscle conditioning, circuit training, cardio and yoga.

What works: This is truly a training program rather than a one-off workout, which I like for the following reasons:

• The program changes daily.
• Variety of equipment is used with lots of options.
• Lots of options, modifications and technique tips.
• Well-balanced exercise outline.

Challenges: Although it's a pretty comprehensive workout, here are some of the potential pitfalls:

• Time -- a lot of the workouts are 60+ minutes.
• The instruction can be annoying, but that's very subjective.
• Can be too intense for a lot of people -- too much too soon.

Inclusions and Additional features:

• Beach Body offers free coaching, tips, information and group support through their website by signing onto WOWY on www.beachbody.com/.
• 12 workout DVD's.
• Extensive nutrition and training guide, tape measure and chart.

Cost: $120

Coming soon…P90X2

Libby's rating:  3 1/2 stars (Preview -- rating may change )

In his follow up, Tony Horton includes a lot more interval and circuit training with more plyometrics (jumping). P90X2 does appear to offer a lot of options, support and coaching. It has 15 DVD's, but may be limited in its appeal given the price and the increased impact. There are an interesting range of packages available with P90X2, adding equipment and special features for the increased ticket.

Cost: $120-239

Insanity 

Libby's rating: 4 stars 

Type of workout: Created by fitness trainer Shaun T, Insanity is a total body workout primarily using the concepts of circuit training and high-intensity interval training.

What works: This is a good value if you're tight for time and space and enjoy high-intensity interval training. It offers:

• Power-packed workouts that make use of every minute.
• Body weight exercises, so there's no need for equipment. You can do this one anywhere.
• Insanity is time efficient -- most of the workouts are around 45 minutes.
• Good balance of cardio and conditioning.

Challenges: I've personally done this and enjoy the workouts; however, it's certainly not for everyone. Consider the following challenges before you pick this one up:

• There are no modifications and very little technique is taught to viewers. There are options on the website, but many people don't use that feature or don't think to ask!
• Insanity includes a lot of plyometric (jumping) movements which are not suited for a lot of people.
• Insanity is not suited for anyone with orthopedic issues.

Inclusions and Additional features:

• Beach Body offers free coaching, tips, information and group support through their website by signing onto WOWY on www.beachbody.com/.
• 10 workout DVD's.
• Extensive nutrition and training guide, tape measure and chart.

Cost: $120

Coming soon…Asylum

Libby's rating: 4 stars  (Preview – rating may change)

Shaun T has described his follow-up program as the ultimate in sports conditioning. This one is like a sport-based boot camp and comes with six new workouts. It also comes with a ladder he uses to work on agility, speed, cardio and conditioning. If you get Shaun T's coaching technique and modifications, this could be a great addition to your fitness library for that price.

Cost: $89

Zumba

Libby's rating: 3 1/2 stars 

Type of workout: This is a cardio dance workout from the popular program currently seen at a lot of clubs and facilities.

What works: I love when people dance for fitness. It takes the "work" out of it! Here's what else works:

• The preview DVD with the moves goes through a great 1-2-3 progression of basic moves.
• Zumba uses your own body weight for resistance and can be done anywhere.
• Well-produced and executed with the instruction.
• Fun music and moves.

Challenges: Although I love dance programs, here are few cautions to consider before you buy:

• Limited workouts -- consumers could be bored pretty quick.
• Zumba is fairly expensive compared to other program packages. That make it tough to see the value.
• Toning is only focused on endurance -- there's no weight to the "sticks" so the effect with the toning segments is limited and the instruction here is sometimes inaccurate.

Inclusions and Additional features:

• 2 Zumba toning sticks.
• 4 DVD's.
• Booklet with basic moves summary and nutrition guide.

Cost: $99

Turbo Fire

Libby's rating: 4 1/2 stars 

Type of workout: Created by fitness expert Chalene Johnson, Turbo Fire is a cardio dance workout from the popular program currently seen at a lot of clubs and facilities.

What works: I'm totally biased with this one since it's my own specialty. Here are some of the positive perks:

• Great balance of workouts focused on cardio and conditioning.
• Great options for duration -- from 15 minutes and up. 
• Body-weight based so you can do this anywhere, anytime.
• Fun music and moves.
• Great quality instruction.

Challenges: Although I love kickboxing

• Some of the moves and workouts can seem really quick, particularly the first few times through.
• Kickboxing is the foundation, so if you don't enjoy that…don't buy it!

Inclusions and Additional features:

• Beach Body offers free coaching, tips, information and group support through their website by signing onto WOWY on www.beachbody.com/.
• 15 workout DVD's.
• Extensive nutrition and training guide, tape measure and chart .

Cost: $120 + ultimate packages available as well with equipment.

Chalene's other programs: 4 1/2 stars 

ChaLEAN: is a more traditional workout program that focused on cardio, circuits, resistance similar to P90X.

Turbo Jam: is the first in her series of funky, kickboxing workouts and a great package to start with if you're new to working out or this format.

Hip Hop Abs

Libby's rating: 3 stars

Type of workout: This is quick workout focused on core abdominal muscles.

What works: I do like options for quick workouts and it's nice to see alternatives to countless crunches that can end up doing more harm than good:

• Great, time-efficient workout option to start with or squeeze in.
• Fun option for core training.
• Fun music and moves.
• All body weight, so it can be done anywhere.

Challenges: Not a lot of downsides to this one.

• No matter how many abs you do, you still have to focus on cardio and nutrition in order to get anywhere close to the abs they show on this DVD!

Inclusions and Additional features:

• Beach Body offers free coaching, tips, information and group support through their website by signing onto WOWY on www.beachbody.com/.
• 3 DVD's.
• Nutrition and training guide, tape measure and chart.

Cost: $49-79 + ultimate packages available as well with equipment.

10-Minute Trainer

Libby's rating: 4 1/2 stars 

Type of workout: This quick option from Tony Horton offers a variety of workouts that take about 15 minutes to complete by the time you set up and transition with exercises. A GREAT option when you're tight for time.

What works: I love this one as an entry-level pick for people new to workouts or as an option for those who don't have the time or energy for a full workout:

• Great time-efficient workout option to start with or squeeze in.
• Good instruction through exercises.
• Band offers a great option for the kind of training included.
• Great to take on the road!

Challenges: Not a lot of downsides to this one.

• Band around your waist could feel awkward or uncomfortable.

Inclusions and Additional features:

• Beach Body offers free coaching, tips, information and group support through their website by signing onto WOWY on www.beachbody.com/.
• 5 workouts on 2 DVD's.
• Band and door anchor.
• Nutrition and training guide, tape measure and chart.

Cost: $49-79 + ultimate packages available as well with equipment.

We're going to be adding to this in January when you'll no doubt be hit by a huge influx of fitness infomercials trying to capture you with your New Year's Resolutions! Stay tuned to CTV and visit www.libbynorris.com. We're planning lots of tips for home workouts and ways to help you stick to your goals!