Workout videos for beginners bring the gym into your home so you don't have to worry about how you look exercising in front of strangers. A good beginner video should focus on strengthening the muscles, increasing flexibility and elevating your heart rate. You can choose from a variety of workout videos to suit your individual needs and abilities.
Benefits
A workout video is an affordable way to exercise with the help of a motivational trainer. You can work out on your schedule and at your own pace. As a beginner, you can slowly work your way through the video, increasing the time you work out each day or week. After working out regularly, you may sleep better, have increased energy, feel better emotionally and feel physically stronger and more flexible. Additionally, health benefits include weight loss or weight maintenance and a reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
Types
Workout videos for beginners come in all varieties. You can dance, kickbox, jazzercise, do step aerobics, yoga or even go to boot camp. Some videos are aimed specifically for beginners while others allow you to choose the degree of difficulty of your workout. Trainers vary from by video. Some trainers bark orders like a drill sergeant, while others offer friendly words of encouragement. Many videos organize their workouts by the area you want to exercise or by the type of exercise, such as strength training and cardio.
Selection
Select a video that speaks to your interests. If you don't like the exercises or the trainer, you won't stick with your workout plan. Look for a video that has warm-up and cool-down sessions, and breaks down the exercises step by step, so you can safely perform each movement. Think timely. Older videos may use outdated techniques, such as bouncy stretches that can cause injuries. Consider additional equipment costs, such as weights or a step mat. Choose a video that has a variety of workouts, or buy two videos so you don't get bored repeating the same routines day after day. Use a workout video from an accredited trainer or backed by an accredited fitness or medical organization.
Recommendations
Every person is different, but in general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults ages 18 to 64 get 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, combined with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities that work all muscle groups. Alternatively, you can do 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, combined with two or more days of muscle-strengthening activities for the whole body. You can break your workouts down into segments of just 10 minutes at a time.
Warnings
Working out, even to a beginner video, poses the risk of injury. If you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. Forget "no pain, no gain," says Family Doctor. While you may feel a little sore after exercise, you should not be in pain. Stop if you feel pain, dizzy, faint or nauseous, or have shortness of breath. To avoid injury, always warm up for at least 10 minutes by stretching and doing light aerobic activity. Wear the proper exercise equipment, including supportive athletic shoes and clothing.
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