How to Get in the Best Shape of Your Life Without Leaving Your House

Those rainy summer days sometimes make it hard to workout outside, and in winter, sometimes we're faced with unfavorable conditions (like a wintry mix as the Weather Channel so likes to call it). So you join a gym, right?

Gyms can sometimes be expensive, especially in larger cities like New York, and you'll be competing for treadmill real estate (aka you might have to wait in line to use the equipment during busy hours). 

I have never liked video games much, other than Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, but who doesn't? Anyways, I was skeptical at first about the Xbox, but then I discovered the Xbox Fitness feature. I was still skeptical at this point, since I have never really worked out at home with the DVDs etc. I didn't think you could get a workout like that, but I was wrong! I started with a 10-minute ab workout just to test it out, and my abs were on fire! Next, I tried the Mossa mixed martial arts workout. It's about a 35 minute workout, and I was drenched. I have also tried the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 and Shed and Shred workouts. These are all included with the Xbox and if you want more, there are hundreds of other workouts you can download.

In the free workouts, you can choose from a variety of workouts by time, by target area, by workout type, equipment needed, etc. Xbox Fitness has celebrity trainers like Jillian Michaels, Tracy Anderson, and Shaun T. 

Here are some of the things we like the most about Xbox Fitness:

1) Workout When You Want

You don't have to worry about making it to the gym on time before they close and rushing your workout, or finding a gym that opens early enough for you to get a workout in before going to work or school. You can work out when you want.

Source: Sprouts n Squats

2) Choose from a Variety of Workouts

Xbox Fitness has endless options. You can choose power yoga, a 10-minute ab workout, or if you want something even more intense, try a beach body boot camp or a Mossa mixed martial arts workout. These are just a few of the free options, but there are plenty more.

3) On-Screen Encouragement and Improvement

The trainers will push you to go one step further with these upbeat workouts. If you're doing Jillian Michaels, you'll probably get a laugh out of some of the stuff she says. Plus, on the right hand of the screen you can see your sweet moves and watch for encouragement or correction. It might tell you, "Great job!" or it might tell you how to improve your form. This way you can also help prevent injuries from incorrectly doing some of the exercises. It's like having a personal trainer in your house!

source: Digital Trends

4) Monitor Your Performance

The Kinetic sensor is pretty cool because it not only shows your body silhouette on screen and movements, but it monitors your heart rate and performance. 

5) Rewards

You can earn stamps every time you work out and increase your level every time you complete a card full of stamps. 

6) Compete Against Friends

You can challenge your friends and try to beat their high scores if they also have Xbox Fitness!

So what are you waiting for? Let's get to work! If you use Xbox Fitness, share with us your favorite workouts below!

The Xbox 360 + Kinect sells for $299.99 on the official Xbox website and the Xbox One + Kinect sells for $499.99 on the official Xbox website.