How long to get through your first workout video?

michelleepotter

Ok, before three months ago I never really exercised in my life -- not counting a few half-hearted attempts that didn't last beyond a couple of weeks. I've never really been fat, but I've also never been in shape. The last 90 days I have done some form of exercise every day -- walking, jumping rope, pushups, crunches, squats. Finally I got myself an actual workout video called, Kettlebell for Beginners. I've been working at it for a week, and pushing myself really hard, and today I managed to get through 1/3 of it for the first time, LOL. It's a 10 minute routine that you go through three times, and I was finally able to get through it once!

I'm kind of surprised that workout videos don't seem to account for this. Are most people able to get all the way through a new workout video the first time they try it? Especially people who are new to exercise, or new to a particular exercise? And even people who are more advanced, wouldn't you want to buy something a little beyond you, so you'd have a challenge?

MB_Positif

I found that in the past when I hadn't been exercising at all that I would give up pretty quickly. This time around I had started Couch to 5k before I did any workout videos so I think that I had already built up some physical endurance before trying the videos. That said, a couple of weeks ago I got Jillian Michaels Kickboxing Fast Fix and while I did make it through the first 20 minute segment I had to quit halfway through the second segment. I would just keep working at it and you'll eventually make it through the whole thing!!

contingencyplan

Routines like that (kettlebell training) are meant to be done according to the timeframe. If you can't keep up or go for the duration then the kettlebell/weight you're using is too much. keep lowering it until you find a weight range that will allow you to (albeit just barely) keep up with the video while using proper form.

The first workout "video" I ever owned was a 15 minute workout DVD that I got for free with an issue of Men's Health magazine that took you through a dumbbell routine involving offset training. Meaning you do bilateral exercises but with a different weight of dumbbell in each hand (Ex: Do two arm bicep curls with a 5 lb weight in one and a 10 lb weight in the other). I had no problems keeping up because I went into it knowing I needed to use a weight I could manage for the duration of the video. You're just using too much weight.

MB_Positif

Routines like that (kettlebell training) are meant to be done according to the timeframe. If you can't keep up or go for the duration then the kettlebell/weight you're using is too much. keep lowering it until you find a weight range that will allow you to (albeit just barely) keep up with the video while using proper form.

Excellent point!

TeaBea

collagevideo.com has video clips, reviews and tons of information about fitness level required, choreography level, impact level, etc.

I never buy a video without checking here first. I need low impact because of a "wonky" knee. I need basic choreography because I have 2 left feet. I'm intermediate level (won't ever be advanced 50+)

..... I learned by trial and error thru Netflix RENTAL (not the meager few Instant videos available) - I figured out what I could do before buying many videos.

Basically - look on Collage Video to see if a DVD is chaptered ..... this means you can skip around ... make the workout as (long) or short as needed. So I guess to answer your question .... yes some makers of videos DO consider who their audience is ... some others don't.

michelleepotter

Routines like that (kettlebell training) are meant to be done according to the timeframe. If you can't keep up or go for the duration then the kettlebell/weight you're using is too much. keep lowering it until you find a weight range that will allow you to (albeit just barely) keep up with the video while using proper form.

The first workout "video" I ever owned was a 15 minute workout DVD that I got for free with an issue of Men's Health magazine that took you through a dumbbell routine involving offset training. Meaning you do bilateral exercises but with a different weight of dumbbell in each hand (Ex: Do two arm bicep curls with a 5 lb weight in one and a 10 lb weight in the other). I had no problems keeping up because I went into it knowing I needed to use a weight I could manage for the duration of the video. You're just using too much weight.

It's not the weight, it's the squats. I can't do that many squats even with no weight at all. All of the other exercises I can do, no problem, but squats are HARD!

cutmd

Well my first workout video was 30 day shred and Jillian made me feel like I HAD to finish, no matter what. I think I may have skipped a rep or two, but I did it. I've never quit on an exercise video, I feel it's all mental. Do some Jillan so she can train your mind! Biggest loser contestants survive their first workouts, and so can you!

crazy8ts

Routines like that (kettlebell training) are meant to be done according to the timeframe. If you can't keep up or go for the duration then the kettlebell/weight you're using is too much. keep lowering it until you find a weight range that will allow you to (albeit just barely) keep up with the video while using proper form.

The first workout "video" I ever owned was a 15 minute workout DVD that I got for free with an issue of Men's Health magazine that took you through a dumbbell routine involving offset training. Meaning you do bilateral exercises but with a different weight of dumbbell in each hand (Ex: Do two arm bicep curls with a 5 lb weight in one and a 10 lb weight in the other). I had no problems keeping up because I went into it knowing I needed to use a weight I could manage for the duration of the video. You're just using too much weight.

It's not the weight, it's the squats. I can't do that many squats even with no weight at all. All of the other exercises I can do, no problem, but squats are HARD!

A bunch of the videos have folks with various levels of fitness, and suggest that you work at your own pace until you become more comfortable. Far be it from me to be discouraging, but consider that kettlebell training might be a bit of a tough go as the first video you do. I hear it's a great workout, but I would suggest poking around and looking at other strength training workouts... for your squats, don't go too low until you become more comfortable. We all have to push ourselves uncomfortably from time to time for progress, but don't push so far that you hurt yourself. Slow and steady wins the race... soon enough, you'll be swinging that kettlebell around like it's a paperweight!

antiwings

For some I can get through the DVD, like I can do 1 section in Bollyrobics, but I can not get through the 5 step fat attack by Claire Richards!

Just work on it, I get a little further every time!

contingencyplan

Routines like that (kettlebell training) are meant to be done according to the timeframe. If you can't keep up or go for the duration then the kettlebell/weight you're using is too much. keep lowering it until you find a weight range that will allow you to (albeit just barely) keep up with the video while using proper form.

The first workout "video" I ever owned was a 15 minute workout DVD that I got for free with an issue of Men's Health magazine that took you through a dumbbell routine involving offset training. Meaning you do bilateral exercises but with a different weight of dumbbell in each hand (Ex: Do two arm bicep curls with a 5 lb weight in one and a 10 lb weight in the other). I had no problems keeping up because I went into it knowing I needed to use a weight I could manage for the duration of the video. You're just using too much weight.

It's not the weight, it's the squats. I can't do that many squats even with no weight at all. All of the other exercises I can do, no problem, but squats are HARD!

One of the key things to remember with squats is that until you get your FORM down (meaning be able to go through full range of motion and use your glutes/hips to thrust yourself back up, NOT your back or knees) you NEED to limit yourself to bodyweight squats ONLY. When done incorrectly, weight-bearing squats WILL destroy your knees.

1. Weight should be on your HEELS, never your toes or the balls of your feet.

2. You need to go deep, as in deeper than 90 degree angle. The reason being is because if you stop short of that point you're putting a lot of weight on your knees that will totally destroy them. By going deep you're making your hips, a much stronger and sturdier joint for bearing weight, bear that load and not your knees. If your flexibility or balance is not yet up to the point where you can go this deep, then DO NOT attempt to do squats bearing any additional weight on top of your bodyweight. Practice bodyweight squats until you can do this.

3. When you're standing back up from the squat, your weight, again, should be on your heels. When done correctly you will feel the balls of your feet lift off the ground just slightly at some point. To aid yourself in doing this correctly, you need to thrust your hips forward as you are standing up. This will aid your form.