Fitness Videos and DVDs
In the world of Fitness Videos and DVDs, cardio-aerobic activity often means step aerobics or a wide range of floor aerobics that do not require equipment. These videos and DVDs include low impact aerobics, kickboxing, and dance workouts. Strength training fitness videos and DVDs usually feature workouts using body weight as resistance along with bands or dumbells. Some videos are set to music, others sound more like a typical gym workout. Some combine both strength and cardio activities in one video in an alternating workout called circuit training. Pilates, yoga, and balance ball videos focus on your core strength and overall functional fitness. Most fitness videos and DVDs will have a stretching or warm-up segment at the beginning and end of the video.
It can be a good idea to choose videos by different instructors because the variety can help you stick to your exercise routine. Using your muscles in different ways for each video can reduce the risk of injuries too. People who are overweight, older or have not exercised recently should stick to low impact videos specifically labeled or rated as beginner videos when starting out.
Some videos with choreography and music can be quite complex, but coordinated people usually catch on quickly to the dance-style routines. Less dance-oriented folks may be better off with beginner/intermediate videos with more basic choreography and fewer dance moves. Fitness videos and DVDs by professional instructors might be a better choice than celebrity videos unless that specific celebrity video has received excellent reviews although some celebrities have teamed up with good fitness instructors to produce good instructional videos. You might want to pick at least one video or DVD that focuses on strength training with free weights to increase strength and improve your body fat to muscle ratio.
Be sure to read the cover on fitness videos and DVDs carefully to get the scoop on the length of the workouts, targeted fitness levels and any equipment that may be required. Regardless of how great the reviews of a video or DVD may be, beginners should not get too ambitious and give themselves plenty of time to build up their cardiovascular endurance before attempting advanced level workouts and dance routines. Attempting routines that are too far beyond your levels of strength and endurance can make exercising frustrating and will make it harder to stick to a regular program. If you buy the right fitness DVDs and videos in the first place, they can help propel you to the next level of fitness safely, quickly and effectively.
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