Reach your fitness and weight loss goals by following a workout DVD. Workout DVDs can burn many calories and some help to build muscle tone. Sculpt your body in the comfort of your home and avoid any embarrassment at the gym. Avoid injuries by recognizing your current fitness level and choose a DVD suitable to your needs.
Benefits
Workout DVDs can be used anywhere, at any time, and many different activities are offered as exercise DVDs. For instance, you can choose a dance exercise DVD if you like dancing. Fitness expert Lindsey Emery told USA Today, "Besides providing a good cardio workout, dance exercise DVDs also could help men and women feel more comfortable dancing at a club or an event such as a wedding." Choose a DVD that will work problem areas, such as your thighs, gluteals or abdominals.
Types
Cardiovascular exercise DVDs consist of aerobic routines, dancing, or step aerobics. These workouts are designed to elevate your heart rate for a specific amount of time without using too much equipment. The exercise DVD is considered resistance training when equipment such as exercise bands, dumbbells, medicine balls or weights are involved. DVDs also are available that focus on relaxation or stretching techniques, such as yoga. Specialty DVDs such as P90x, Insanity or Tae bo incorporate other aspects into the routine. A combination of cardio, strength training, kickboxing or calisthenics is usually combined in these specialty workouts. Sport-specific DVDs consist of exercise moves regarding a specific sport.
Considerations
Consider your current fitness level when choosing a workout DVD. "Fitness: Theory and Practice" by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America recommend 20 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three to five days per week. If you are a beginner, you are not physically ready for a high-intensity 60-minute workout. Take into consideration your workout environment. Choosing a free-weight workout DVD makes no sense if you do not have the equipment. Also, consider what activities you enjoy. If you love dancing, a hip-hop routine, ballet or belly dancing DVD may be right for you. If you enjoy the workout, you will be more likely to repeat it.
Misconceptions
A misconception is that every DVD is suitable for anyone. Some workout DVDs may be too difficult for a beginner, or too easy for an elite athlete. You do not have to finish the entire workout for weight loss. If the DVD is 60 minutes, completing 30 minutes is sufficient for results. If the DVD is easy, you may have to repeat the work out several times a day for results. The American College of Sports Medicine says it may be necessary for 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity to achieve, or maintain, weight loss.
Warning
Following a workout DVD can sometimes be dangerous. The instructor is on the DVD and not with you in person. She can instruct you on the exercise, but is not able to correct you. Performing exercises incorrectly can lead to injuries--especially regarding resistance training work outs. If you have doubts about an exercise, show the DVD to a fitness expert to learn the correct form. Resistance exercises may sometimes require a spotter--someone to assist your movements and prevent injury. Watch the entire DVD before attempting to perform the workout to prevent confusion or injuries.
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