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How do I Choose the Best Cardio DVD?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Choosing the best cardio DVD means choosing one that is right for one's skill set, and includes workouts in the kind of cardio exercise that one finds most interesting and fun. There are lots of types of cardio exercises from step aerobics to dance routines to yoga programs that are good cardio workouts. It is important to choose a cardio DVD with workout types that one likes. Otherwise, it will be difficult to get motivated to do the workouts and the purchase will be a waste.

Each kind of cardio DVD offers exercises for different skill sets. Someone who is just beginning to learn cardio salsa, for example, will need a DVD with workouts for newcomers to this kind of cardio exercise. Someone who has been practicing cardio strength training for quite a while, on the other hand, can choose a DVD that includes advanced and complex exercises for this kind of cardio workout.

If you have a DVD player and a good cardio DVD, there's no need to ever pay for a gym membership.
If you have a DVD player and a good cardio DVD, there's no need to ever pay for a gym membership.

Some people believe that the best kind of cardio DVD is one that includes a number of workouts that span different levels of complexity and difficulty. These kinds of DVDs allow people to progress from beginning level workouts to more difficult workouts as their abilities and strength increase. Also, even people who have advanced skills and high levels of strength can benefit from the easier workouts. These can be used as a warm up or as an exercise routine to follow when one's energy level seems low.

Cardio DVDs may include ballroom dancing routines to get in shape.
Cardio DVDs may include ballroom dancing routines to get in shape.

When choosing a cardio DVD it is important to consider whether or not the routines require equipment. Some kinds of cardio workouts such as step aerobics do require equipment. Floor aerobics, on the other hand, do not require any equipment. This is a consideration for some people who do not want to have to purchase any equipment in order to use a cardio DVD. Other people who are interested in types of cardio exercises that require equipment may want to purchase a set of materials that include both the cardio DVD and the equipment.

Someone interested in yoga might try a routine offered on a cardio DVD.
Someone interested in yoga might try a routine offered on a cardio DVD.

If it is hard to choose between one cardio DVD and another, perhaps the best choice is a set of DVDs that include workouts in a number of different kinds of cardio exercises. Having access to a few different types of cardio routines is a great way to get some variety in one's exercise plan and work different muscles. These sorts of cardio DVD sets are available from fitness equipment stores and online retailers.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • If you have a DVD player and a good cardio DVD, there's no need to ever pay for a gym membership.
      By: StockPhotosArt
      If you have a DVD player and a good cardio DVD, there's no need to ever pay for a gym membership.
    • Cardio DVDs may include ballroom dancing routines to get in shape.
      By: Dancer01
      Cardio DVDs may include ballroom dancing routines to get in shape.
    • Someone interested in yoga might try a routine offered on a cardio DVD.
      By: michaeljung
      Someone interested in yoga might try a routine offered on a cardio DVD.
    • Cardio DVDs allow people to work out in the comfort of their own home.
      By: toocan
      Cardio DVDs allow people to work out in the comfort of their own home.
    • Step aerobics routines are often available in DVD form for home use.
      By: .shock
      Step aerobics routines are often available in DVD form for home use.
    • Cardio DVDs may be used in conjuncture with a treadmill.
      By: MaxRiesgo
      Cardio DVDs may be used in conjuncture with a treadmill.