There is no shortage of exercise options. Walking, running,
biking, swimming, strength training, group fitness classes the
list goes on and on. But what if you have time constraints
caused by a busy home and work life? Or you live in a rural area
and the closest gym is 100 miles away? What if you are too shy
to ask about the fitness classes at your local gym, let alone
actually walk into one?
Luckily, another option is available to people who want to
enjoy the benefits of exercise but prefer to do it from the
comfort of their home. Exercise videos are a good alternative to
gym membership when there are monetary or logistic concerns.
While some videos are boring or hard to follow, there are many
that are well produced and have the marks of a seasoned,
professional fitness instructor. Before you warm up the VCR,
however, you should make sure that the video you choose is right
for you. Are you a video person?
Exercise tapes are like running shoes; one size does not fit
all. You might get claustrophobic just thinking about doing a
step routine in a 3 ft. by 5 ft. living room space. You may be
the type of person for whom the act of driving to the gym and
walking in to a room full of people is the only way to get you
motivated. Conversely, you may like the idea of dancing to the
beat of a different drummer in your pajamas and aerobic shoes.
And if you need a little variety, or reside in an area with bad
weather, this may be the perfect mode of exercise for you.
Keep goals in perspective
While videos can motivate and inspire you, understand that
they can¹t shut your kitchen cabinet door or magically melt away
40 pounds in three weeks. It¹s very important not to give in to
all the hyped marketing surrounding many videos that may make
unsubstantiated promises. In fact, any video that promises quick
weight loss or instant results is probably unsafe and should be
avoided.
If you are really interested in purchasing a video, do some
research and find out if one of your friends has the same video,
or if your local video store carries it. That way, you can try
it before you buy it. When starting out, look for boxes that
indicate the video is for beginners. Choosing an intermediate or
advanced tape could be frustrating and lead to discontinuation
of the program.
Find an inspiring instructor
Ideally, you should shop for a video that features a
certified, experienced instructor who includes a warm-up and a
cool-down in the workout. Avoid videos that feature a celebrity
as the main selling point, especially if they try to teach the
routine themselves without support from a trained fitness
professional. Also, it is important that the instructor offers
alternatives to the main program if it is too difficult for you.
These are usually referred to as modifications. Modifications
are included in good videos for a reason, and you shouldn¹t feel
out of shape or otherwise embarrassed if you have to do a
combination on the floor instead of an 8-inch step.
Strike a balance
No matter what style exercise video you choose (such as funk,
ultimate step or yoga) work toward building a collection that
fosters balance and overall conditioning. This includes
aerobics, strength and stretching. Many tapes combine all of
these factors. Perhaps most importantly, dedicate yourself to
whatever style or method gets your blood flowing and your body
moving.
Ask Questions First, Sweat Later
Here are some questions to ask before choosing an exercise
video:
