Is there any use watching DVDs at all?

My spouse ridicules my looking out for DVDs on yoga, pilates, tai-chi and other exercise-related stuff. "Just walk, do your yoga regularly and eat sensibly instead of wasting your time, energy and money looking around for all sorts of magic pills. Today it's tai chi. Tomorrow pilates. Day after tomorrow something else. Don't get sucked into this mania about physical well being and overdo things. These are also part of your scheme to avoid working out," she says. Is she right?

Sat. Mar 4, 4:16am

No, I mean, are you doing the exercise while watching them, or just watching? I think variety is great in any plan, and if you're doing each different exercise (say, Tai Chi 2x, Pilates 2x, Yoga 2x) per week, I think it's great.
Consistency is key- so if you keep at all these different forms of exercise I'm sure you'll do very well.

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 9:42 AM

I think maybe she has a somewhat valid point. I have spent so much money on weightloss things in the past - books, dvd's, equipment, etc. and I am sick to death of how much I have bought and never really put into practice. I have come to a point where I am motivated to lose the weight without having to buy any gimmicks. I already have plenty! :<) I think it's good to try new things to keep yourself motivated, but why not plan them instead of being impulsive. Get yourself a new item once a month. I don't see how she could find that unreasonable.

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 10:20 AM

I'm in the same boat as the above poster... I've bought a ton of "stuff" thinking this will be the thing to get me going... this is going to work... etc... I use them for a short time, then lose interest.
I agree with your wife.... if you just walk and eat healthy, you can and will lose weight
Now, if you're actually using some of these dvds, that's another story. I would say find the one(s) that you like best... is it yoga? pilates? tai chi? what do you most enjoy? narrow it down and focus on that for a while. If you're buying and not using, then you are wasting money.
My humble suggestion... watch what you eat, and walk. try to get a couple hours of walking in a day. drink lots of water. do this for a couple wks and I bet you'll see results. Ask your wife to join you on walks. do you have kids? take them. Do you have a dog? take the dog for walks. walking truly is one of the best exercises you can do. and best of all, it doesn't require any special training, or any expensive equipment, or dvds. LOL

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 10:28 AM

I think the "stuff" can be good, if it helps make it FUN. You shouldn't have to get your exercise by gritting your teeth and being bored.
Also, I had accumulated stuff I never used -- weights, a ball, a yoga mat, dvds, those stretchy bands. Then I finally started using them -- the trick I think is after I'd been to enough classes at the gym that used them, I felt more comfortable knowing what to do. Things like Tai Chi I think would be hard to learn from a video (it's supposed to be more focused and intense than what it looks like from a naive viewer) -- take a few classes and then you'll use your stuff more at home.

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 12:02 PM

i use my videos for the winter time when i can't get outside to walk. make sure not to go crazy w/ each new gimmic that comes around . getting the most basic one that you can do at your own fitness level will be enough to keep the bordom at bay. ie.. weights-use cans/ resistance bands- panty hose most everything that is out there you can use your imagination to find a substitute. so dust off the products you have already have and give them another shot before turning to the next item.

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 12:07 PM

Everything in moderation. She is right if you constantly purchase "the latest fad." However, if you are consistant with your walking and want something different there is nothing wrong with that, just don't go over board with "the latest fad."

Saturday, March 4, 2006, 5:14 PM

To an extent she is totally right--spot on in my mind actually. I think that DVDs, etc can serve as aids to lead you to a healthy lifestyle, but they are somewhat of an unnatural way to induce activity. Making choices like taking the stairs, passing on that second helping of candied sweet potatoes, and avoiding the stop at Dairy Queen on the way home are way more important than Billy Blank's and his boot camp kicks and punches. The most success comes, in my opinion, when you stop searching for these aids and simply realize that health and fitness have become a part of your life.

In all fairness, videos as such may be what some need to get on the right track, but I can't help but really appreciate the wisdom in your spouse's words, and I think we can all benefit from them.

Sunday, March 5, 2006, 3:02 AM

I'm the one who posted the question. My weight is now normal (after a year of dieting and exercise), I walk an hour almost every day (summer or winter), do yoga two or three times a week, eat mostly healthy stuff and am in good health. I don't own any health/fitness DVDs or any gizmos. After signing up on Peertrainer i began reading tons of stuff on it. Every time my wife sees me, I'm logged on to peertrainer!!! My wife says i should not be obsessed with it especially since i don't have any problems and exercise regularly. i just thought it might be fun to add other stuff that people seem to be raving about. Or is it also to do with the fact that she's skinny as hell and eats anything and can't put on weight (she's underweight). She ate a banana split every day for a month and didn't put on a pound. I can look at the stuff and add a ton! I thought the DVDs might make exercising more interesting and motivate me to be regular.

Sunday, March 5, 2006, 4:38 AM

Sure, a few DVD's can be fun - variety is key, but obsession in the absence of real activity isn't good of course. The real question is - do you think you are too obsessed or spending too much time on this activity? What do you think she is trying to say - is she feeling she's not getting enough attention? Do you need to sit down and have a talk with her in a calm way about your activities. I think too many posters are way too judgemental without knowing enough information. Yes, it's hard for naturally thin people to realize how hard things are for those of us who must struggle with our weight. Good luck!

Sunday, March 5, 2006, 7:48 AM

Related Content: How To Lose Weight- The Basics Weight Watchers Points System The Fat Smash Diet The Eat To Live Diet The Beck Diet Solution How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight		How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer How To Burn Fat Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Tips On Using PEERtrainer Visit The PEERtrainer Community Diet and Fitness Resources
Fitness Weight Watchers Meetings Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are Writing Down Your Daily Workouts Spending Money On A Personal Trainer? How I Became A Marathon Runner		Preventive Health How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot? Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer? Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy Reversing Disease Through Nutrition
New Diet and Fitness Articles: Weight Watchers Points Plus How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program		Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne: Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough How To Delay Short Term Gratification How To Stay Motivated How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule
Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight? Are Protein Drinks Safe? Nutrition As Medicine?		Everyday Weight Loss Tips How To Eat Healthy At A Party How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight The Three Bite Rule Tips On How To Stop A Binge