What To Look For
If you prefer to work out in the comfort of your own home rather than at a crowded gym or one-on-one with a personal trainer, then a fitness DVD is right for you. According to Joey Atlas, M.S., Exercise Physiology, "The best fitness DVDs are structured to incorporate principles of gradual progression and ability-specific fitness programming for all levels of fitness." If you are a beginner or a fitness veteran looking to get back in shape, then the fitness DVD should cater to your individual needs. Also, consider the type of workout you prefer. You may prefer gentler exercise like yoga to a high-impact cardio routine.
Common Pitfalls
Many first-time buyers make the mistake of buying a fitness DVD that is not designed for them. If you are a reluctant exerciser, then you may not follow through with a slow-paced yoga routine or a long circuit-training workout. Unconventional exercise, such as dance and hula-hooping, may be appropriate for you. If you stress about having time to exercise, several fitness DVDs with shorter workouts--just don't forget to first warm up and stretch.
Where To Buy
Before committing to purchasing a fitness DVD, check out your local library and Netflix to see if they have the DVD you're interested in. This will allow you to test a fitness DVD and see if the instructor's style and workout is right for you before committing to a purchase. If you would like to purchase the DVD, read consumer reviews on Amazon.com to see how the fitness routine worked for other people. If you see a fitness DVD in Target, Wal-Mart, Dick's Sporting Goods or an electronics store, do not buy spontaneously. Do your research and make sure you are able to return the DVD if it doesn't work out for you.
Cost
Fitness DVDs at Target can cost anywhere from $6 to $35 (Richard Simmon's "Sweating to the Oldies"). The same goes for Wal-Mart. If you choose to try a Netflix account, it costs anywhere between $5 per month (plus tax) to have one DVD out at a time with a limit of two rentals a month, up to $23.99 (plus tax) for four DVDs at a time, unlimited. Also, ask friends if they have fitness DVDs you can borrow.
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