After you’ve peeled off the outer wrapping of your exercise video all you need to do is stick it in your player and commence working out, right? WRONG! Don’t end up like the many well intentioned at-home exercisers who succumbed to one or all of the 5 don’ts listed below. Avoid them and you are sure to enjoy exercise videos for years to come.
1. Too much too soon.
Don’t attempt to do the entire video or use equipment the very first time. Even advanced exercisers need to first view the routine at least once before giving it their all. Doing too much too soon can lead to injury. Follow the guidance of the instructor which almost always includes a note about starting slow. When you are able to complete a full routine consider using a Polar heart rate monitor to ensure you maintain the desired intensity level during your workout.
2. Incorrect equipment.
Don’t use substitute equipment unless told to do so by the instructor. Using milk cartons or soup cans for weights is just plain ridiculous on so many levels. Milk cartons put the pressure at your wrist which is not the intended target of most weight workouts. Soup cans are simply too light to get any meaningful results.
3. No variety.
Don’t perform the same exercise video more than two days each week. A lack of variety in your workout routine will severely limit results. Have at least five videos available so you are performing a different video each day. Many local libraries allow you to check out workout videos for at least one week. Use this option if you are short on cash.
4. Skipping the cool down.
Don’t stop the video right before the cool down. The cool down is part of the routine. It wasn’t just thrown in there to meet an arbitrary number of workout minutes. Take the time to care for your body with stretches and deep breathing as directed by the video instructor.
5. Modification meltdown.
Don’t ignore the form modifications offered in just about every video made these days. This is especially intended for beginners. As you build strength, you can follow the lead of the instructor. Some people don’t want to perform the modified moves for fear of not burning enough calories. If this sounds like you then I suggest using a Polar F4 or something similar to alleviate your concern.