Exercise Videos

Exercise videos are an economical way to exercise at home. A video can be found to fit just about any exercise goal, music style or favorite celebrity. Videos require some coordination and familiarity with the routine in order to exercise most effectively. If videos are your mode of exercise, rotate among 2 or 3 different ones to help keep up your motivation.

Think about your health and fitness needs, and decide on your goals before shopping for a video. (If possible, rent the video and try it out first. Don't select a video just because a friend recommends it or because it features a particular celebrity. Everyone has different fitness levels and body types. Most celebrities are not qualified exercise leaders. The best celebrity videos are the ones in which the celebrity stays in the background and has a real exercise professional lead the routine.

Do not buy a video that incorporates fast, ballistic (bouncing) movements, regardless of what type of video it is. This could lead to injury, which delays your program further.

Types: Although there is an almost infinite number of different music styles, settings and performers, most videos will fall into three general categories: Aerobic videos include both low and high impact routines. Step videos utilize an adjustable-height step (purchased separately) along with the exercise movements. This allows for a routine that is higher intensity while remaining low-impact. Both aerobic and step videos focus on cardiovascular exercise training.

Body Sculpting/Toning videos are designed to strengthen and tone various muscle groups. Do not expect cardiovascular conditioning or weight loss from these routines. They may also require the use of hand weights or rubber bands/tubing for resistance exercises. You might find some videos that combine all of these elements in one workout.

Price Range: $14.95 to $29.95. A step will cost an additional $70-$100.

Desired Features:

• Recommendation that you consult with a physician before starting an exercise program
• Clearly states on the cover (or in the video) the population for which it is intended
• Provides an appropriate warm up, exercise workout and cool down for the intended participant
• Includes explanation of signs of fatigue or exercise intolerance
• Exercise leader shows how to monitor exercise intensity through heart rate, breathing pattern or perceived exertion
• Exercise leader is a qualified professional; video incorporates the expertise of physicians or exercise science professionals
• Exercise leader explains terms of a movement or pattern; does not assume you know the terminology
• Exercise leader that both motivates you to exercise and educates you about exercise at the same time

Examples of Recommended Videos

Aerobic

Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Workout
Kathy Smith's Winning Workout
Slide Reebok:Basic Training Workout
Karen Voight's Power Packed Workout
Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies
Step Reebok: The Video

Step

Step Reebok: Power Workout
Lynne Brick's Power Stepping
Cher�A New Attitude
Kathy Smith's Step Workout
The Step Company (video included with step purchase)
Karen Voight's Firm Arms & Legs

Body Sculpting/Toning

Karen Voight's Firm Legs & Buns
Pumping Rubber with David Essel
Step Reebok: Circuit Challenge
Gilad's Hips, Abs and Arm Toning

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