The Pros and Cons of Exercise Videos

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 piece, 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.

About the Author

Dr. Lanny Schaffer, an Exercise Physiologist, is also the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more savvy fitness ideas go to http://www.aerobics-exercise-coach.com Courtesy of www.healthcrazed.com