The Pros And Cons Of Exercise Videos
- Date: 2007-03-25 - Word Count: 404
Share This!
New exercise videos are being released every week. The volume and diversity can leave consumers overwhelmed. While many current videos stress the importance of good instruction there are some that don't. Further, there is always the question whether it is just as beneficial to do an aerobics video at home versus a class at the gym.
PRO'S OF USING HOME VIDEOS:
* Privacy: Unlike working out in a gym, videos give you total privacy. Many beginners or those who are overweight find this a real benefit.
* Timing: With videos, you can choose the length of your workout as well as the time you exercise. You are not bound to a gym's class schedule.
* Variety: There are thousands of videos to choose from with all sorts of speeds, types of classes and levels of choreography. It's a great way to see what you like and they are never redundant.
*Economy: Most videos run around $10-25 a peice, but they can also be rented from a library or video store. Overall, they are cheaper than a gym membership or home cardio equipment.
CON'S OF USING EXERCISE VIDEOS:
* Choosing appropriate skill and intensity level: Buyers must be careful to choose a video that matches their skill and fitness level. Intensity is not always readily apparent on the covers of many videos. If the workout is too easy you won't benefit and if it's too hard you could become frustrated or injured.
* Poor instruction: Many videos do not offer quality instruction. Several years ago there were many that fell into this category. Fitness knowledge has progressed to a point where poorly instructed videos are not seen as often.
* Boredom: Some people find a tape they swear is the best and do it repeatedly. It's better to use a few tapes to keep you motivated and decrease overuse injuries.
* Lack of accountability: When you use home videos you have noone to answer to but yourself. When you take a structured class at your health club you have some accountability to your instructor and the class. Studies have shown greater improvements when a person is help accountable for his/her physical performance.
Most websites and articles showcasing exercise videos really don't evaluate them or identify their strong and weak points. You'll have to do a little extra research to find reputable videos. If you can't decide between home videos or classes there's always the option of combining both to get the best of both worlds.
PRO'S OF USING HOME VIDEOS:
* Privacy: Unlike working out in a gym, videos give you total privacy. Many beginners or those who are overweight find this a real benefit.
* Timing: With videos, you can choose the length of your workout as well as the time you exercise. You are not bound to a gym's class schedule.
* Variety: There are thousands of videos to choose from with all sorts of speeds, types of classes and levels of choreography. It's a great way to see what you like and they are never redundant.
*Economy: Most videos run around $10-25 a peice, but they can also be rented from a library or video store. Overall, they are cheaper than a gym membership or home cardio equipment.
CON'S OF USING EXERCISE VIDEOS:
* Choosing appropriate skill and intensity level: Buyers must be careful to choose a video that matches their skill and fitness level. Intensity is not always readily apparent on the covers of many videos. If the workout is too easy you won't benefit and if it's too hard you could become frustrated or injured.
* Poor instruction: Many videos do not offer quality instruction. Several years ago there were many that fell into this category. Fitness knowledge has progressed to a point where poorly instructed videos are not seen as often.
* Boredom: Some people find a tape they swear is the best and do it repeatedly. It's better to use a few tapes to keep you motivated and decrease overuse injuries.
* Lack of accountability: When you use home videos you have noone to answer to but yourself. When you take a structured class at your health club you have some accountability to your instructor and the class. Studies have shown greater improvements when a person is help accountable for his/her physical performance.
Most websites and articles showcasing exercise videos really don't evaluate them or identify their strong and weak points. You'll have to do a little extra research to find reputable videos. If you can't decide between home videos or classes there's always the option of combining both to get the best of both worlds.
Related Tags: overweight, variety, beginners, exercise videos, intensity, aerobic videos, fitness class
Dr. Lanny Schaffer, an Exercise Physiologist, is also the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more savvy fitness ideas go to www.aerobics-exercise-coach.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 3 Day Diet Reviews Forthright Opinion About The Program
Are you considering going on the 3 day diet? Reviews are hard to come by, but I'm going to give you - 3 Day Chemical Breakdown Diet What It Is And Is Not
The 3 Day Chemical Breakdown Diet has been called by many other names such as the 3 day heart diet, - The Biggest Lose Weight Program At Jillian Michaels
Although it seems almost unimaginable, nearly incomprehensible, a few people in the United States do - Essential Marathon Accessories
Short distance runners have an idea of what their essential kit is - trainers, shorts and a vest. A - Maintaining Health And Fitness With Exercise And Nutrition
Nowadays remaining fit and healthy has become very important. We all lead such a fast-paced life tha - Flatten Your Stomach Exercising Just Minutes A Day!
Are you missing the flat, six-pack tummy that you had 10 years ago? Or have you been fighting the ba - Get Rid Of Cellulite With Exercises
Cellulite is a common condition in women; it is not a result of being fat or overweight. Cellulite o - Why Do I Need A Personal Trainer? (part 2)
Following on from points one to five, we continue to look at why hiring a personal trainer could tra - Why Do I Need A Personal Trainer? (part 1)
Anything in life worth having takes effort and when it comes to getting the body you want, never has - How Do I Choose The Best Whey Isolate Easily Guide
As the owner of a supplement company, I get many questions about what makes our Whey isolate better
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Can A Treadmill Supercharge Your Life?
You know it. That person staring at you in the mirror knows it. You need to lose weight. But with - Training with Free Weights Will Not Get You Toned
Oh, and Santa Claus DOES exist.Well, it's safe to say both statements above are false.One of the mos - The Secrets of a Killer Ab Workout
Out of all the body parts that you can exercise, your abs are one of the most important muscle group - When Should I Do My Cardio, Before or After Strength Training?
Friends I actually stumbled on the answer to this in a very interesting, yet eye-opening way.See her - So How Can I Really Get Ripped Abs?
Next to the 'bi's' and 'tri's' in the arms, the next region that almost every body in the gym may se - A Good Exercise Routine Is Vital To Your Fitness Quest
At the beginning of every New Year, the local Leisure Centers, Sports Clubs, Gymnasiums, etc etc, ar - I'm New at Working Out with Weights, Any Suggestions?
The popularity and importance of strength training is becoming more and pronounced wherever the issu - Choosing the Correct Home Exercise Equipment
Exercise schedules should include three parts: Strength training, aerobic exercise, and flexibility - Tips and Tricks on How to Exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is necessary for better health and a better sense of well-being. Howeve - Hey, Some Teenagers Would Like to Pump Iron too
The average male, even from childhood, instinctively knows that perhaps very little else attracts th