Choosing a Workout DVD for You
This article was brought to you by Truestar Health: The World's Most Comprehensive Nutrition, Fitness & Healthy Lifestyle Resource
There are many different types of workout DVDs available on the market that attempting to rummage through the various titles and authors can be exhausting and frustrating. Below, I answer some of your questions and offer tips on how to select the right workout DVD for you!
What should a beginner look for in a workout DVD?
First and foremost, look for a workout program that fits within your comfort zone. This applies to what you like to do and what you are capable of doing at your current level of fitness. For instance, if you are new to formal exercise or haven't been to a fitness center for six months to a year and want to get started at home, buy a DVD that provides various workout levels, so that whether you are beginner, intermediate or advanced you can exercise at your own pace and in your own way. Also purchase a DVD that is fun, that will keep you motivated and that will allow you to exercise by performing an activity that you enjoy. In other words, if you are not a huge fan of dancing, purchasing a hip/hop or aerobic dance DVD is not appropriate for you regardless of the fitness and health claims made on the package.
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Are there any workout DVDs that should be avoided?
If possible, avoid workout DVDs that require large pieces of equipment that cannot be easily moved around the home or workouts that require a lot of jumping. Most people have their entertainment systems in their living room so you want to make the transition from Oprah to the workout DVD an easy one. A few dumbbells, possibly a mini step and a stretching mat are all that are really needed. Avoid DVDs that are too long (over 60 minutes) and don¡¯t purchase a DVD thinking it is going to be the last workout you ever need. The best DVD workout is one that can fit into your lifestyle and complement your workout program.
Are there any trends in the fitness DVD industry?
The 1980s and 1990s were big on aerobic workouts that stressed "intensity all the way." Today, with science supporting the benefits of moderate intensity activity workouts that combine core conditioning with stretching and muscle tension release, different types of yoga and Pilates workouts have become all the rage. People have become tired of step aerobics and basic resistance training and are always looking for something new and exciting such as the popular dance DVDs, striptease DVDs and the various subsets of boxing and martial arts combined into a workout. With the popularity of yoga, Pilates and dance/martial arts videos, in the future, we will see a trend in shorter workouts that combine all popular forms of movement.
All sorts of dance workout DVDs are available on the market. Are these workout DVDs just as effective?
Of course! There is merit to anything that gets someone off the couch and moving. Dance moves work the entire body from both a muscular and aerobic standpoint. Once again, you have to consider why you want the dance workout DVD. Don¡¯t judge by the dancers or instructors body build because they have been doing this type of activity (and other types) for years. Purchase the DVD because you are looking for something fresh and new and maybe even a form of exercise that you can share with your partner. The main reason for selecting your workout DVD should be choosing an activity that you enjoy doing and can physically perform.
Are there any DVD workouts to be on the lookout for in 2006?
Truestar Health recently released a workout DVD with their best-selling book, Total Health and Weight Loss the Truestar Way. Along with the book, you receive a circuit training workout DVD that combines cardio training (either dance/step) with resistance training exercises (dumbbells and body weight) in a fast paced but comfortable 20 to 40 minute workout. The workout DVD features programs for various levels of fitness and provides an opportunity for progression. The workout DVD demonstrates a standard workout, but also provides short workouts (special features) for strengthening the core (short 5 to 10 minute abdominal routine) and a stretching/muscle relaxing routine.
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