So many exercise videos, so little time
By Kat Carney
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- Consumers seeking to add a little exercise into their lives don't have to trek to the gym on a regular basis. These days home exercise videos and DVDs offer workouts in all areas of fitness, including funk aerobics, yoga, Pilates and gym-style strength training.
But with hundreds of titles on the market, where should consumers begin?
The American Council on Exercise recommends that people first decide what type of exercise they're interested in and then find workouts matching their fitness abilities. Beginners might easily become frustrated if they choose ones geared toward advanced exercisers.
Be sure to put together a well-rounded collection of workouts covering all areas of fitness that include strength, cardiovascular training and flexibility. While some videos and DVDs include all three, others might be lacking in one or more areas.
Check out the credentials of instructors, too. Ideally, they should be certified fitness instructors and inspiring enough to keep viewers pushing the play button on a regular basis.
A little word of mouth never hurts either. Ask friends what videos and DVDs they like. If your "real" friends aren't into these, there are always cyber-friends who can help.
VideoFitness.com is an online community started in 1995 by exercise video enthusiast Wendy Niemi Kremer.
Today the site has close to 6,000 self-described "vidiots," who seem to have done every video on the market and are more than happy to point a newcomer in the right direction.
For consumers who believe in trying before buying, CollageVideo.com offers streaming video samples that can be viewed before purchase.
As always, experts recommend to check with a doctor before starting any exercise program.
