Rent Before You Buy - The World of Exercise DVDs

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

03 Jan 2007 12:42 PM

When it comes to picking up a new exercise DVD or fitness workout, you should always rent before you buy. Whether the purchase price is $3 or $30 - there's no reason in the world to spend that much money when you aren't even certain you want to work out to that exercise video.

Rental Programs

Whether you download a copy through iTunes or rent via Netflix or Blockbuster - check out the selection you are interested in. The nice thing about a Netflix rental is that you can keep it for as long as you like. So whether you are interested in aerobics, tae bo, strength training, yoga or pilates - they have a huge selection available. In fact, I plan to take advantage of this over the next few months to rent a few titles that I have been interested in.

You'll see reviews for these workouts posted here and if you are interested in seeing a particular workout DVD reviewed - send me a note and I'll add it to the queue for reviewing. If you've used a workout DVD or other item that you really enjoy, let me know about that as well - I'd love to hear about what you like and what you don't.

When Reviewing a DVD

When you rent a fitness DVD or video, you should always begin by sitting down and just watching it from beginning to end. You want to do this so you can get a feel for the workout before you start it. You also want to get a feel for the instructor on the video.

• Are they clear when they give instructions?
• Can you envision yourself listening to this instructor day in and day out?
• What do you think of the overall workout?
• Do you feel like it will challenge you without overwhelming you?

After you've enjoyed the review of the workout and if you're still interested in it - dive in and give the workout itself a shot:

• How did you feel about the workout? Did you enjoy it?
• How did you feel afterwards? Exhausted? Pleasantly tired? Recharged?
• Did it hold your interest or did it bore you?
• Interested in doing the same workout tomorrow?

If you feel you enjoyed it a great deal, give it another workout or three - if you're still enjoying it and want to continue - you may consider purchasing it. If you just want to use it for a few workouts and move to another - go for that too.

Have you ever rented an exercise DVD?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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