Choosing the Right Workout DVD for You

There are thousands of workout DVDs out there, so how do you choose the one that is right for you?

Follow your interest

If you are already a fan of a certain form of exercise, be that yoga or Pilates or salsa dancing, then choosing a DVD that follows that discipline could be a great way to stay motivated. Jocelyn, from season 1, has a weightloss yoga video that she really enjoys: "I like it because you are doing a challenging workout but working your body in a different way. I think a lot of people would be surprised by how challenging this workout is. You are panting and sweating and hurting," she says.

Alternatively, if there is something that you’ve always wanted to try, a DVD could be a great way to discover a new interest. Carrie, from season 3, bought a set of Zumba fitness DVDs which she loves working out to. “It's really fun. I like doing it because it is still a workout while you learn Latin dancing,” she says, adding that her daughters enjoy trying to workout with mommy when she puts the DVD on.

Respect your fitness level

Choosing a fitness DVD that is too difficult is just going to get you frustrated and make you never want to use it. Choose something that will be challenging, sure, but it needs to reflect your current level of fitness. Fortunately, many DVDs are labeled as suitable for beginner, intermediate or advanced, and some also have different levels catered for on the disk. Check the packaging to make sure that the DVD you choose is right for you.

For Diane, from season 1, who has always had a high level of fitness and teaches bootcamp classes, Billy Blanks DVDs hit the spot. “I love Billy Blanks because he explains proper form and technique as you work out. He is a "common sense" type of guy, no frills - his workouts are very challenging but he shows options to make them less so. I recommend them to a lot of people,” she says. (Debbi, also from season 1, is a fan of the Billy Blanks' Tai Bo workout.)

Once you’ve been using a workout DVD for a while, usually within a couple of months, the routine should get easier. This means that it is time to step up the pace and try either the next level or get a new DVD. Don’t waste time doing too easy a workout.

Before you spend, borrow

Many libraries have fitness DVDs, and you may be able to borrow one that you're interested in purchasing - this way you can see whether it really works for you before buying it. Ask your friends for recommendations, and borrow any that might be gathering dust on a shelf somewhere.  Trying a variety of DVDs is the only way you’ll really get to see which ones work best.

Ann-Marie, from season 2, has bought 3 pregnancy workout DVDs that she doesn’t like so far. Her favourite non-pregnancy related workout DVD is Windsor Pilates, which she used to do 3 times a week and said it was great for toning up.

Workout DVDs are a great alternative for when you can't make it to the gym, and can help you incorporate more exercise into your life every day.

This post is a repeat, but look forward to more original content to come in the future.