untitled

Combination DVDs

These circuit-training or boot-camp DVDs combine an aerobic workout with a

full-fledged muscle-toning routine. The rules for both apply here, so review

the two preceding sections.

Stretch, yoga, and Pilates

The introduction should cover how to stretch, how to breathe, and what

stretching, yoga, and/or Pilates can do for you. You typically start with simple

exercises that prepare your muscles for more-challenging moves later in the

workout. The main workout may not be much different from the warm-up,

except that the moves are more advanced. Also, you may hold the positions

longer. The instructor should tell where you should feel the stretch and offer

constant technique reminders. Expect suggestions for people with back,

knee, shoulder, and ankle injuries and for those who are less flexible. The

cooldown may include meditation or relaxation exercises.

Specialty DVDs

Specialty DVDs include ballet, country line dancing, pregnancy workouts,

chair dancing, workouts for those with osteoporosis and arthritis, and rou-

tines for those starting out after breast surgery. Some of these tapes are

designed to teach you a new skill rather than take you through an actual

workout. Use your judgment: If the workout doesn’t feel right, return the

DVD to the rental store.

Our favorite instructors

These aren’t the only good DVD instructors around, but they’re among the

instructors who we think produce high-quality tapes on a consistent basis.

Many of them have their own Web sites. Among our favorite sites are Cory

Everson’s (www.coryeverson.com) and Cathe Friedrich’s (www.cathe.com).

Beginning

Check out these instructors’ tapes if you’re a beginner:

Gilad Janklowicz

Cynthia Kereluk

Leslie Sansone

Richard Simmons

300 Part V: Conquering the Gym (Even at Home)