What To Look For
There are a variety of exercise videos marketed to seniors and those with limited mobility. When selecting the right one for you, consider if you want to sit or stand or both during your workout. All three options are available. The best-rated and most popular of the videos available feature longtime fitness celebrities and methods. Sit and Be Fit and Richard Simmons are two longtime standards in the fitness world. Pilates, Tai Chi and yoga are also popular with seniors and those looking for minimal to no-impact exercise routines.
Common Pitfalls
The amount of material available is the primary pitfall in shopping for the best exercise video for you. Consider your specific needs and priorities and narrow your search to videos that fit your parameters. If you work with a trainer or physical therapist, you might consider consulting that person for some direction in your search. Often health-care and fitness professionals have good recommendations for home workout videos, and can offer you advice based on knowledge of your body and physical condition.
Where To Buy
You can purchase workout videos at most bookstores, video shops and general merchandisers, such as Target or Walmart. You can also find almost any title at Amazon.com and other online retailers. Once you decide what kind of workout you want to do, you can search for titles on the web, or order them from a local video store.
Cost
A single-disc workout DVD costs between $10 and $30. You can still find VHS tapes, but they are often more expensive, costing up to $40. On the used market you can find DVDs at a steep discount. Previously viewed workout DVDs can cost up to 75 percent less than their new price, although this does no include shipping costs if you order online.
Comparison Shopping
In addition to exercise videos, there are many books that outline effective workouts for seniors. Guides to activities like Tai Chi and water aerobics are available, and may be a great use to those who prefer to learn a few exercises at a time, rather than perform many different movements in a single session. If you are looking to get into a new exercise routine, taking a few classes from a live instructor can help you get started in a safe, educated manner. Your teacher will have suggestions on which home workout videos are best suited to your needs.
Accessories
Depending on what kind of workout you decide to do, you may need a few accessories. For aerobics, Pilates and yoga, a soft mat made of high-traction material is helpful. Choose one with enough padding to keep you comfortable on the floor, but not so squishy that you cannot balance when standing. Hugger Mugger is one brand of exercise and yoga mat that is well regarded by students and professionals. If you will be doing your workout in a chair or bench, be sure you have one with no arms and that has a comfortable seat without too much padding. Proper shoes are imperative if you are doing any kind of walking or standing exercise.
Insider Tips
There are many videos not aimed directly at seniors that may offer what you are looking for. Gentle and Restorative Yoga are workouts designed for deep stretching in students of all ages. Water aerobics is very popular with seniors, but is often offered to anyone. Tai Chi is another workout that is easily done seated, and is quite accessible to those of any age or people with some movement limitations.
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