1.28.2014

Building Your Own Fitness Library




Whether you’re a runner, a swimmer, a stretching class attendee, or a gym-regular, most of us know the types of activities we enjoy doing the most.  We find that one thing that combines fitness with fun for us, and we build our routine around it. 

But what about those days when the weather is bad and we don’t want to get out?  Or what do you do when you just need to do something DIFFERENT for once?  I suggest building your own library of fitness DVDs.  It may seem like an investment of sorts, but in the long run it will be much cheaper than any class or gym membership.  Of course, if you’re really strapped for cash (or if you just want to sample different types of DVDs first), your local library probably has a fitness section with many options to choose from.  You can also find some great workouts that go with the latest video game consoles, like Just Dance, Jillian Michaels, etc.  There are so many choices!

Some home fitness programs don’t require any kind of equipment, while others have their own special accessories.  For example, there are workouts that require aerobic steps, jump ropes, hand weights, or balls.  So before you check out a DVD, make sure you look to see what equipment is required for the workout.  Sometimes you can make homemade substitutions, but other times you really need the specific accessory that was designed for the workout.

Once you’ve got the materials you need, move your couch out of the way and set up a good space for your workout.  I’ve found that as long as I have a rectangular-shaped area where I can move side-to-side easily in at least one direction, it is usually sufficient.  Just make sure there are no objects in the floor or around you that might trip you up or injure you if you were to bump into them.


Then, go for it!  You never know, you may find that working out to DVDs at home is something you enjoy doing all the time.  Or at the very least, it’s something you can add to your workout routine occasionally to keep things varied.  Whatever you do, have fun!