Quick fitness solutions are great especially when they are as uncomplicated and effective as the Sane Fitness Quickstart Deck. All 36 exercise cards are perforated at the top left and come with a keyring type lanyard so that you can transport and access them easily (a much better option than printing out online stuff or ripping out fitness magazine workouts). The cards are combined into decks A, B, and C and each deck contains 12 exercise cards which form 3 fullbody fitness routines.

The only equipment you really need to get started are dumbbells, a yoga mat & strap, a stability ball or bench, and a body bar. Your workout begins with 20 minutes of cardio of your choice. That could be elliptical, treadmill, walking, running, jump rope, aerobics tape, biking, etc. There isn't much instruction on cardio but the point is to just do it because it functions as a warm-up which prevents injuries and it also boosts your calorie burning and your muscular endurance. The actual fitness routines consist of 6 strength training exercises, 2 ab exercises, and 3 stretches which are all pictured and explained in detail on each card. Deck A focuses on getting you into a routine with the most basic exercises and stretches, i.e. squats, dumbbell curls, and crunches. Deck B progresses you into more challenging moves, i.e. lunges, one arm rows, and deadlifts. Deck C pushes you past the boundaries you've established with the other two decks i.e. pushups, dumbbell step-ups, ball back extensions.

The workout cards are easy to follow and all the workouts from start to finish including cardio will take about 40 minutes total once you get the hang of everything. The progression of exercises for getting results is effective and well thought out. It's also gradual and not too demanding, so you will never feel overwhelmed with any of the exercises.

If you're a beginner you may want to consider staying on each phase of the 6 week program a bit longer. Once you complete the 6 week fitness program you may want to go a second round but make it more intense by increasing the weights and reducing the reps to 10-12. In addition you could get more out of these exercise cards by combining the decks to form a leg/ab day, chest/back day, and arm/shoulder day. These cards are a great way to get into a regular routine and also a great way to learn how to mix and match for even more options.

Get started with your 3 day a week fitness routine now!: