When you hear the words “workout video” there is a certain
image that comes to mind. Whether it’s Jane Fonda in her hot pink leotard doing
knee lifts like a madwoman or Tony Horton shedding his abs in P90X, there is an
unmistakable sense of corniness.
Then when you combine the perfect hard wood floors and
gym-like vaulted ceilings, you really begin to question just how reasonable any
part of that workout would be.
Well, I decided that despite the painfully resilient smiles and
the fake tans, I was going to trust the instructors of a workout video and see
just how bad it could be. As it turns out, working out to a video is kind of awesome!
Firstly, you never have a chance to think about how many
more reps you really feel like doing
or for how much longer you want to
hold that plank. Instead, you’re completely engrossed in keeping up with the
fast tempo, so reps are just a requirement and you’re following right
along.
Secondly, the bizarre moves actually work. At first it seems
completely unnatural to be on the floor with one arm behind you and one leg up in
the air trying to crunch. But once you get your mind past the idea that you’re
twisting yourself into a pretzel, you start to really feel the burn! That’s
because the moves are designed to shock your muscles into learning a new
movement. It not only improves your coordination, it also wakes up your muscles
and challenges them to react to the new exercise, making you more toned.
Third you have a personal trainer anywhere you go. You may
not be able to pack all of the equipment, but throwing a DVD into your suitcase
is easy. You don’t have to feel like your sacrificing a quality workout for a
weekend trip. Plus, some videos can be as short as twenty minutes. It really
becomes easy to get a great workout with little time or space.
You don’t have to go out and buy a whole DVD collection or
make a pack to follow a routine for the next six months. But, a workout DVD really
is a great way to squeeze in a quick and demanding exercise, without having to
hit the gym or the studio.
