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Beginners

We all know that it is important to exercise regularly. Exercise can make you look great (or at least better), but one of the most important benefits is the way it makes you feel, not only physically but mentally. It is bar none the best stress and depression reducer I have ever found. Regular exercise also helps me stay motivated to eat healthy. Working out to videos is a great way to exercise; it's cheap, you can workout regardless of the weather, it's convenient and there are tons of great videos with excellent instructors. On the downside, working out with videos can get a little boring and there are plenty of awful videos out there. Here are some tips to make the most out of your fitness program.

1. Start Slowly
   Don't get discouraged if you can't do the whole workout when you begin, do what you can and increase gradually. You'll be surprised at just how quickly your level of fitness increases.
2. Set realistic goals
3. Decide how much time you have to workout.
   Before you put your hard earned money down for a video, find out how long the workout is. Will you really do a video that's 90 minutes long? Probably not, if you have a busy schedule. The total time listed in the video description usually includes an introduction, a warm up, the workout and a cool down. If you only have a few minutes a day to exercise, consider getting a circuit training workout, a DVD that allows you to mix and match workouts or a timesaver series.
   Look for tapes of varying lengths so you can fit your workout into whatever time you have available. A short workout is also better than no workout at all. Having a variety of shorter tapes can allow you to customize your workouts, which also hlps fight boredom. For instance, combine a short 30 minute aerobic tape with another tape that focuses more on toning
   If you exercise first thing in the morning, it helps to raise your metabolism for the entire day, thereby helping you to burn more calories, long after the workout is done. Once again though, late day or evening exercise is better than no exercise at all.
4. Determine your exercise level
   Get tapes in a variety of levels (ie: beginner, intermediate, advanced) even if you are an advanced exerciser. There are some days you may not be feeling as energetic. These are the times it's easy to slip and skip your workout. A light workout than no workout at all, so having some easier tapes can help you going on days like these.
   Be sure to modify any moves to suit your level of fitness. Most tapes will give modifications for people at varying levels of fitness. Don't try to do too much, there's always tomorrow.
   Also, when choosing a new video, beware of descriptions on the videos. Some claim to be beginner workouts, but turn out to be intermediate or vice versa. Read reviews before you buy anything
5. Choose your activities
   Decide what you want to accomplish. Are you looking for a cardio workout or strength training? Yoga or Pilates? Kickboxing or Step? There are hundreds of videos on the market and some combine elements of different workouts while others focus on one specialty. Using a video catalog, like Active Videos, can help you choose videos to fit your needs and schedule. Be sure to read the reviews.
   When choosing tapes, keep in mind there are three main types of exercise: aerobic training or cardiovascular training (activities that raise your heart rate), resistance training or toning (firms and tones muscles, can include weight training), and flexibility training or stretching (lengthens muscles and improves flexibility and posture). To stay fit, its important to do all 3 types. Mix and match workout types to meet your personal fitness goals, but try to do some of each activity, several times each week.
6. Do Your Research
   Before you buy a video, check to see that you have the necessary equipment. Make sure the instructor is well-known and certified. Also, make sure you're not buying a 'new' video that has been repackaged from an old video, which means it may be outdated or unsafe. Use common sense when reading the video description. For example, some yoga videos promise 'fat burning' workouts. Yoga is not a cardiovascular workout and isn't necessarily meant to be fat burning.
7. Get good quality equipment
   Before buying a new workout tape, check to see if there is any special equipment you'll need to complete the workout. For example, some tapes use light dumbbell weights or an aerobic step. Videos are also a cost effective way of working out. No expensive gym memberships to pay, and even if the tape uses extra equipment like weights or a step bench, these are usually quite reasonable priced (you can weights, step benches and other fitness equipment for next to nothing at thrift stores and garage sales).
8. Chart your progress
   It will help you keep motivated. I have a calendar on which I write down each and every workout I do. It helps to keep me motivated to keep going as too many blank spaces make me feel guilty about neglecting my body. If you're looking for great rotations, or a way to make your own with the videos you have, check out: www.fitnessvideofanatics.com.
9. Rent It
   Before you buy a video, check at Blockbuster or other local video rental store to see if they have workout videos you can try. There are also other websites that rent videos and DVDs (including workout videos) for a monthly sum...might be worth a try before you shell out money for a video you don't like.
   • Blockbuster
   • Netflix
10. Have Fun!
    Last, but definitely not least, choose tapes that appeal to you. If you are bored, you will be less likely to continue the program.