It seems that every Christmas the stores have an influx of fitness DVDs created by that year’s celebrities getting on the bandwagon. A small handful of them are actually quite good (this is where I started in 2000). But, in Vidiot land, there’s a whole range of top quality professional workouts to suit every ability and taste.
I know from experience that those who haven’t tried this form of exercise tend to roll their eyes. Fitness enthusiasts believe the workouts to be ‘girly’. For others, the mere thought of exercise almost brings them out in a rash! But, carefully select a few DVDs, and exercising at home is not only as challenging as you choose, it is also a lot of fun.
Which DVDs?
On my internet travels in 2000, I discovered videofitness.com , which includes reviews (both good and bad) written by other home exercises. There’s a lively discussion forum where you can lurk, ‘talk’ to other Vidiots, or join motivational ‘check-ins’. From yoga and Pilates to weight training, from step aerobics to circuits, and from kick box to dance, I discovered that celebrity fitness DVDs are just the tip of the iceberg.
I was soon drawn to Cathe Friedrich (cathe.com), and over the last 7 years, my ever growing collection of workouts has been dominated by my Cathe vids. Cathe’s diverse workouts bring together excellent instruction, delightful personality, attractive sets, and kicking music. They are mostly advanced, but recently include workouts that cater to the beginner exerciser. I owe much of my knowledge of exercise form to having Cathe as my ‘personal trainer’. Plus, with her own business, two small children, and one of the fittest bodies I’ve ever seen, Cathe is a true role model.
There are men in some of Cathe’s workouts too. So for any males reading this who still think that fitness DVDs are easy or girly, I dare you to try Bootcamp!
What are the advantages?
Well, getting fit is the obvious benefit, but we all know that we need to exercise more. Exercising in the comfort of your home to your favourite DVDs has numerous other advantages, including:
- You don’t need to worry about what you are wearing;
- You can exercise at a time that fits into your schedule;
- There’s no travelling and, for parents, no babysitter required;
- In contrast to the gym, you don’t have to feel self conscious sweating in front of a room full of strangers;
- You can have access to classes that may not be available to you locally;
- Once you’ve built up a small collection (and you will once you get hooked!), you can pick a workout that suits your mood and energy level that day;
- If you have a particular fitness goal in mind, you can put together a DVD rotation to suit.
What are the requirements?
Okay, so what do you need to get started? Space is an obvious requirement. While some Vidiots have a dedicated room, many people manage fine just moving a chair out of the way in the living. Most instructors do understand that space can be an issue, and tailor their workouts accordingly.
My exercise equipment has built up over the years, but for many workouts, no equipment is needed (eg, Pilates, aerobics, kick box). Eventually, you will probably want to add a few sets of dumbbells, a yoga mat, and perhaps an exercise ball, depending on your workout preferences.
A good sports bra and a decent pair of exercise shoes are both must-haves, especially if you are going to do high impact cardio. As for other clothes, you just need to be comfortable, and with the curtains closed, who cares anyway?!
Time is needed, and many prefer to workout first thing in the morning to get in their exercise before anything else gets in the way. But, the great thing about fitness DVDs is that any time you can fit it in, even if its 20 minutes per day, you will reap the benefits.
Are you ready to give fitness DVDs a go?
If you’re still sitting on the fence about whether there is a Vidiot inside you, what have you got to lose by trying it? As Steve Pavlina says (StevePavlina.com), you could always try it for 30 days and see if you like the habit that forms.
Well, outside the window, it’s a rainy day in England. But I’m off downstairs to join Alan Finger in his New York Yoga Zone studio……
