Quite often I get asked questions from clients or class members that make good blog topics. I’ve started writing these suckers down and plan to be making a whole bunch of blog posts on each question. One question I was asked recently was: “Have you ever done a home workout video yourself?” Heck Yes, I’ve done home workout videos, but first let’s weigh up the pros and cons of doing home workout videos.
Pros and Cons of Home Workout Videos
Fitness is already a 10 billion dollar a year industry and a big chunk of that is home workout videos. It’s definitely a part of the industry that’s seen a significant increase over the last 15 years. Is it right for you though?
Pro’s
- No gym fees – huzzah you can save some moolah!
- No travel to gym/studio – save time and money on this one!
- Ease of use – just press play, everyday!
- Good if limited on time – only got 20 minutes? Cool Pause it and do the rest later!
- Do it on YOUR time – you aren’t at the mercy of a gym schedule!
- Good for stay at home moms – need childcare services? Those gym childcares get BUSY!
- No fashion police – You can workout in your PJs, or naked, without makeup!
- Consistency – it’s easy to make excuses to not get to the gym, harder to not press play!
- Privacy – self conscious? Workout in the comfort of your own home where no-one can judge.
- Cleanliness – you know the environment is clean and no sharing equipment (and sweat!)
Cons
- Motivation – The motivation to hit PLAY may be harder when you know housework etc needs doing
- Quality – Not all workouts are created equal, quality may vary
- May need to buy equipment – there are some bodyweight DVDs but they are gonna get boring quick!
- Boredom factor – need to buy MORE DVDs to prevent boredom
- No trainer checking technique – big issue here!
- No community feel – sometimes nice to get out the house and meet people!
- Cost – Some of these programs cost $100+. Though streaming options are available on a monthly fee basis now too.
- Distractions – great being at home but if the phone rings, the dog pukes on the carpet or the kids start yelling it’s easy to get distracted.
As you can see there are a lot of pro’s and cons to home workout videos. They do make a lot of sense for those with a limited time. Not having to get ready, to drive to the gym can save you 30-60 minutes out of your day. However if it’s still out of your budget but you like the idea of home workouts don’t forget I have a home workout series available. My 31 day bootcamp is perfect for anyone looking to spend 30-40 minutes a day working out, but had no money or equipment.
Home workouts can be great. They can save you time and money. However, nothing comes close to having your program individually tailored to you by a certified and experienced professional. Form and technique are PARAMOUNT when it comes to fitness. If you have muscle imbalances they could be due to incorrect form (and vice versa!). I’ve had to completely retrain technique for some clients due to prolonged bad form, or muscle imbalances. So please ensure if you are working out from a DVD at home that your perform the exercise correctly, use the modifications when needed. Remember I also offer nutrition and fitness coaching so if that’s something you’d like to take advantage of because you’ve hit a plateau then Email Me.
My first home workout video experience – Jane Fonda
My first workout video memory was back in the 1980’s. At the height of the Jazzercise trends I attended an aerobics class and I did Jane Fonda videos on a couple of the other days. Let’s face it Jane Fonda revolutionized fitness when she released her workout videos. Now we didn’t have to go to the gym to workout. We could workout in our living rooms. I remember I had two different video tapes. Looking back, the workout was awful. Lots of moves that are contraindicated today. It kept me entertained though and was a decent workout at the time.
Fitness Fashion of the 1980’s!
Oh boy, the things you can find through Google? Leslie, the brunette below in purple outfit with the pink undies (weird fashion statement!), randomly bust out into song during the workout! Thinking about it, this might has something to do with me singing along to the music in classes I teach? Also, check out the outfits. Damn! I remember having matching leotard, legwarmers and headbands too. And I remember thinking I looked so freaking trendy. The 1980’s fashions were fun huh? I also recall there was a LOT of clapping and “wooooo”ing! Now that I think about it, the video was awful, lol.
In the last few years Jane Fonda has reinvented herself as the queen of workout videos and re-released the old workouts along with some newer ones. I admit, I’m tempted to get that original workout and give it a go. Trips down memory lane can be fun. Not sure I’ll be reinvesting in matching leotard and leg warmers though!
P90X workout videos
My second experience with home workout videos was around 2008 when I did P90X. At the time I didn’t have a greencard, and didn’t have a gym membership. So this was a way to give myself some accountability, and to drop some weight. I did P90X strength workouts on the days I didn’t run. The women on the DVD’s were fit, ripped, strong, lean and fierce. After a few years not working in the fitness industry P90X helped me rekindle my passion for fitness. I even met P90X creator Tony Horton at the IDEA World fitness convention in 2011.
P90X+ and certification
The original P90X was released in 2003 and there were a couple of exercises in the original that are now contraindicated. Thankfully, I knew enough about fitness to modify some of the moves, and change the schedule up to accommodate my running. After P90X I did P90X+ which I prefered as it was more interval style workouts. In 2012 I became a P90X certified trainer, leading classes at Gold’s Gym.
Bottom line – While the home workout DVDs are good, there are moves that aren’t suitable for everyone, modify where you need to! This applies to ALL home workouts.
Questions
Do you prefer the gym, outdoors or home for your workouts?
What home workout videos (if any) have you tried?
Anyone remember doing Jane Fonda Workout Videos?
Did you own leotards and legwarmers?
What’s your favorite workout outfit?
Disclosure: Links in this post may be affiliate links. Meaning I earn a small commission on sales made through those links. This means you get to support the website at no extra cost to you. Thanks for the support.
Fire the Posterior Chain – Interval workout #4
Kecia | OnlineIncomeMom
I would rather work out at home with videos, but I tend to find 1,000 reasons (excuses) not to turn on the DVD and actually do it. So, my husband and I have a gym membership. The accountability and fact that my money is going toward my health motivates me to get up and get active.
Kiwi
Me and an ex lover used to do P90x at home all the time. It worked and it was brutal! We actually did a really good job for month but I was young and got tired easily and didnt think I needed it as much. I could use it now!
Di Hickman
P90X is brutal isn’t it! I prefered the strength days to the cardio personally.
Kerri
Oh my goodness. I started out with Jane Fonda videos. I loved those crazy 80s outfits. Wow, have the workouts changed!
Di Hickman
Yep those outfits were insane right!!!
Amy
I have been wanting to try at home work outs! Exercising gives me asthma so I never want to go out to the gym it makes me nervous.
Di Hickman
aww that sucks. Exercise induced asthma is no fun. But keep active, we all need good health!
Brittany
I prefer working out at the gym for the accountability aspect. I know I have to go because I don’t want to waste the money but as a stay- at-home mom I really don’t have time to go to the gym and I don’t have childcare so I don’t currently have a gym membership. I prefer to run but occasionally I do workout videos. They aren’t my favorite but they can be effective.
Di Hickman
Cross training is important so keep doing the videos!
Nikki
This is some great info! I absolutely love work out videos. Mostly because I’m not a fan of leaving my house to go to the gym by myself haha. I feel its just so easy and convenient. Plus I have a yoga mat and and some weights at home. The biggest plus is nobody is starring at you if you look silly doing the work out haha.
Di Hickman
I love that I can just throw some clothes on (or PJs), no make up, and scraggly hair and nobody to impress!
Haley Bradley
I like at home workout videos since I’m a work from home mom of three. It is so hard to make that 25 minute trip to the gym and even harder to find a gym with a daycare I like.
Di Hickman
Right! That travel to and from the gym adds up!
Jeanine
I can only do home work outs so I tend to watch tons of home work out videos. cant wait to get outside more in the warmer months and cut back a little on the inside, but for now its home workout vids for me.
Di Hickman
Yep summers are for outdoors!
Blythe Alpern
I like working out a home more than going to the gym. While I miss not have access to a lot of equipment, I find it is easier to motivate. Plus, I don’t have to worry about things being broken or covered in someone else’s gross sweat. I agree though that sometimes it can be hard to know if you are doing the exercise right and you do need a lot of videos to keep the variety going.
Di Hickman
Yes I agree on the equipment. I have a TON of equipment at home but there is always stuff I can’t do here.
Cecilia Cannon
this is awesome! good for you for putting this all together and I know it will be a huge success! congrats
Di Hickman
Thanks
Tereza
Totally agree with you no the pros & cons – I’ve tried a few (the 30 day shred and others) but they’ve just never really worked for me. I prefer going to the gym – and watching them there haha! I follow a couple of fitness youtubers and find it really motivating to listen to their videos when working out! Btw – those Jane Fonda videos are the best!!
Di Hickman
Yep I like the gym when I have time, but for “those days” I get in whatever workout I can!
Reesa Lewandowski
I like videos during the winter months. In the warmer months I like to get outside!
Di Hickman
Same Reesa! Summers are for outdoors!
Nicole Feliciano
I have never been able to stick with videos. I love getting outdoors to exercise. But maybe I just haven’t found the right ones yet.
Di Hickman
I love the outdoors too Nicole! Running, hiking and cycling are favorites for us!
Laurie Albanos
I had that Jane Fonda video. LOL! Also, Buns Of Steel. I need to find motivation – can’t buy it anywhere….
Di Hickman
Oh gosh buns of steel! How could I forget that! I didn’t have that one but a friend did. Hey follow me on insta for motivation 😉
Lydia
I use at-home videos I find on Youtube! I totally agree with a few of the cons, motivation can be so hard when you’re not going to a class
Di Hickman
Yep it’s tough to get motivated sometimes for sure. Especially when kids are yelling, or the dog needs letting outside…
Angela Tolsma
Omg those old workouts are hilarious to watch now. Boredom is huge for me when doing videos at home. Biggest reason for turning to YouTube when I do, do it. Otherwise I’m at the gym!
Di Hickman
hahaha I know they look so funny! But damn I used to do Jane Fonda 2-3 times a week!
Amanda Love
I used to like working out in the gym. You have everything you need there. These days though, since I have kids, I prefer working out at home. It’s definitely convinient. I really appreciate home workout videos.
Di Hickman
Yes they both have pros and cons. For convenience and time you can’t beat home workouts!
Heather
Our local cable provider offers a lot of workouts on demand. I love this as I don’t have to purchase them and they change out monthly so no boredom.
Di Hickman
Nice! I haven’t had cable for years so I didn’t know they still did this.
Cynthia @craftoflaughter
I like using home dvd workouts for not only variety but when I am not able to get out for a workout. I’m currently use a jillian michaels workout and love that its kicking my ass, HA
Di Hickman
Yep a lot of time is eaten up driving to and from the gym!
Debra
I am really having a hard time getting the motivation to work out, at home or at the gym. I wish I could figure that out.
Di Hickman
Start with 15 minutes. Often it’s because we try and do too much too soon. That’s why home workouts are great, we all have 15 minutes. Failing that start with the 2 minutes you spend brushing your teeth and jog on the spot, or do squats
Jessi
I have always preferred working out at home. The gym always just skeeved me out lol. It might be irrational, but I always thought Iwould be the person who got video taped looking dumb and plastered all over social media.
Di Hickman
Well there are supposed to be rules against that. But yep some gyms can be a little sketchy. I just like the convenience of working out at home.
karen
Currently I have no room to do a workout tape at home. But, I used to do them all the time! From Jane Fonda to Tao Bo to Reebok Step to dancing ones! I loved how I could do it on my own time…
Di Hickman
Oh my, I think I tried Tae Bo once or twice too! Billy Blanks!!!