Fitness DVDs are a popular way to start getting fit if you are beginning an exercise plan. They often provide instructions for a full cardiovascular workout involving several different types of exercises. Some beginner fitness DVDs include a resistance training (weight-lifting) component to help tone your muscles.
Types
Fitness DVDs for beginners usually depict low-impact workouts.That means the exercises do not involve jumping or having both your feet off the ground at the same time. Low-impact workouts minimize the strain on your joints, especially your knees, and reduce the likelihood of injury. Some fitness DVDs for beginners will show you both the low-impact and high-impact ways of doing the exercises, so you can work up to higher-impact workouts as your fitness improves.
Structure and Frequency
Most fitness DVDs follow the same general structure: a 5-minute warm up including gentle movement and deep breathing; 20 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular and/or resistance exercises; and a 5-minute cool down that includes stretching to help improve flexibility. It is especially important for beginners to follow the format, because the warm-up and cool-down periods help make sure your heart rate transitions smoothly from rest to exercise and back to rest. Doing a 30- to 40-minute fitness DVD three or four times a week can help get you started safely on a fitness plan.
Modifications
There is nothing wrong with modifying the exercises in a fitness DVD to suit your fitness level. Many instructors on fitness DVDs will show you both the beginner and advanced versions of the exercises and encourage you choose the exercises that are at your level. For example, if the exercise involves doing lunges, the instructor will tell the beginners not to go too deeply into the lunge. Your goal should be to work at an intensity level so that you can complete the fitness DVD without getting tired before the halfway point.
Sources
Many department stores have electronics sections where you can find fitness DVDs for beginners. Check your local video store or library for a fitness DVD section; that way, you can try a workout before you buy the DVD for yourself.
Benefits
The main benefit from using fitness DVDs is privacy. The DVD allows you to push yourself in the comfort of your own home without being self-conscious about how others may perceive you. Other benefits include: saving time, as you don't have to wait in line to exercise or spend time traveling to the gym; saving money, as you pay for the fitness DVD once, not by the class or by the month; and convenience, as you can do the workouts around your schedule.
Considerations
Although fitness DVDs for beginners are a great way to get started, they also come with important considerations. When choosing a beginner fitness DVD, find out if you require additional equipment, such as an exercise stepper, dumbbells or special equipment that is unique to the DVD series. Consider the duration of the workout; most beginner fitness DVDs are about 30 minutes long. You should have two or three different fitness DVDs to rotate through so you won't get bored with the same workout and your body won't get used to the same set of exercises too quickly.
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