• Don’t judge the content by the DVD jacket. Make sure to preview it prior to purchase.
• Make sure the instructors fitness credentials are solid.
• The video should have a tutorial. This is critical for beginners.
• Determine what motivates you. Drill Sergeant? Cheerleader?

Here are the exercise DVD WebMD recommends for beginners:

1. Gin Miller’s Build Up Your Muscles. Shows how to use weights, tubing and exercise balls emphasizing good form.
2. The “For Dummies” series. The videos go slowly and show the exercise clearly and from varying angles.
3. The Firm’s Super Body Sculpt. Short exercises for upper, middle and lower body.
4. “10-Minute Solution” series. Short exercises in yoga, toning or cardio. Good for mixing exercise programs.
5. Minna Lessig’s One-Minute Workouts. Randomly select from 127 exercises for different body parts.
6. Crunch Fitness Pick Your Spot Pilates with Ellen Barrett. Well-taught and easy for beginners.
7. Crunch Candlelight Yoga. Slow pacing.
8. Videos by Leslie Sansone. Instructor is very motivational.
9. Debbie Rocker’s Walking for weight loss. Basic moves easy to pick up. Great Hawaii scenery.
10. Crunch’s Cardio Salsa. Fun for the younger set.
11. Gin Miller’s Everybody Steps. Learn how to do step without being intimidated by the moves.
12. Kari Anderson’s GO: Step for Beginners. More advanced step movements.

Personally I like going to the gym. Something about being in a room full of people keeps me motivated to push through to the end of the class. My friends are there and there are instructors that I enjoy taking classes from. I would say that even beginners would benefit from finding the right exercise class. I realize it can be intimidating but it’s not as bad as you think. The instructors have a n interest in seeing you in their class and succeeding. And your fellow classmates will be far more supportive than you might give them credit for.

However, if you just can’t find your way to the gym then by all means give these videos a try. Get some confidence. At some point you may find working out at home kind of boring and decide you’re ready for a gym class.