Today, you can find a fitness video that covers any type of training or workout that you would like to do. These videos are produced and sold across the globe and, according to The New York Times, some fitness instructors have sold millions of copies and made millions of dollars.
History
Fitness videos have been around since 1982, when Jane Fonda released a workout on VHS, according to The New York Times. Since then, video production and sales have boomed. Today, aerobics DVDs and videos are still being produced, but videos of weight training, cross training, kick boxing, dancing and everything in between flood the market. According to Jill Ross of Collage Video, 8.5 million fitness DVDs were sold in the United States between July 2006 and June 2007.
Benefits
Fitness training videos offer flexibility as their main benefit. You can exercise or train when you want, where you want, with whom you want. Many women find it not only more efficient to exercise at home but also more comfortable, according to The New York Times. Gyms often focus attention on weight lifting and perfect bodies, and The New York Times notes that some women feel intimidated in the public gym setting. With workout videos, women can feel comfortable while training and not worry about people or things around them.
Cost and Benefit
Workout DVDs may be making fitness instructors and trainers rich, but they are an affordable option for people looking to work out. Yoga instructor Kimberly Fowler of Venice, California, charges video prices of $20 to $25, depending on the mode of delivery, according to The New York Times. That fee, which includes an hourlong workout, is much cheaper than an hour with a personal trainer, which can set you back $50, The New York Times notes. For fitness instructors, videos are an inexpensive way to reach a lot of customers and make plenty of money.
What to Look For
Registered Dietitian Karen Collins says that you should look for fitness videos that are safe, suited to your level of fitness and that meet the elements of training that you need. There are so many training videos in all subjects that you may have to test them out, and Collins advises renting videos from a store or library or even borrowing some from a friend. Furthermore, Collins says to avoid false promises and to look for videos with an experienced instructor that meets your goals.
Future
We are likely just scratching the surface of the video fitness craze. The cost benefits both instructors and customers, so production is not likely to slow down anytime soon. With the inventions of smart phones, workout plans and videos are already showing up in platforms and apps for the Apple iPhone. The New York Times notes that video downloads are now becoming popular and cheaper alternatives to DVDs. Websites selling downloadable workouts are popping up, and so are audio workout instructions to take along for an aerobics workout, according to the New York Times.
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