1. Work Up a Sweat At Home
Going to the gym or enrolling in exercise classes are the most popular options for working out. But if you are shy and prefer privacy or you're short on time and the gym is far from home, exercise videos and DVDs provide a better alternative. Exercising at home also gives you the freedom to wear whatever you want while working out and if you miss a step, you don't have to worry that someone is watching you. You can also use exercise videos and DVDs to burn calories if bad weather keeps you indoors.
2. Fame Doesn't Equal Exercise Guru
Steer clear of any exercise video or DVD that features a celebrity. Celebrities, not usually formally trained in sports medicine or exercise physiology, may promote unsafe moves. However, if the celebrity is partnered with an experienced trainer and the program has received good reviews, you can feel safe working out to the video or DVD. You're likely to get your best workout from an informative, safe and easy-to-follow program if a well-known, certified instructor teaches it. Avoid any workout videos or DVDs that are over 10 years old because recent exercise advancements can make these videos outdated, ineffective and even dangerous.
3. Do Your Homework
If you're new to exercising, select programs for beginners, and then work your way up to intermediate and advanced programs. You can even find videos that feature all three workout levels, allowing you to customize your program according to skill level. Look for an exercise program that offers modifications, so you can take it easy one day and increase intensity on the following day. Most videos don't require any equipment, but a few that may require you to use weights, mats or stability balls, which you can find at many department stores.
4. Not All Programs Are Created Equal
Workout programs can focus on one area of the body or on multiple areas, so choose wisely. Cardio exercise works best as a total body fat- and calorie-blaster and can include walking, aerobics, kickboxing and dancing. Strength training involves using your body weight, dumbbells or resistance bands to build a lean, toned body. Stress-relieving exercises, such as Pilates and yoga, fall into the flexibility and stretching category.
5. Switch It Up
First, pick a location in your home that will give you enough room to move. Then, start a DVD or video library that gives you a variety of aerobic, circuit training and stretching exercises. Switch your programs at least every few weeks to avoid boredom or a weight-loss plateau.
Member Comments