We all know that it is important to exercise regularly. For years I tried to get into this healthy habit, but it never seemed to stick. For the most part, time was an issue. By the time I got to the gym, worked out, then showered and restyled hair and applied makeup afterwards, it was just too large a block of time taken out of my day. While I love outdoor activities such as skiing and scuba diving, these are just not practical for everyday exercise, at least not where I live.

Then I discovered exercise videos and everything changed.

I now work out religiously. I even look forward to it (really, I do!). Well, OK. Most days I look forward, but there are the occasional times when I feel lazy or bored. Then I make myself do it anyway. First thing every morning I just pop in a video and do a workout before I even shower and dress for the day. There are such a wide variety of video workouts available that I never get bored and the results have been remarkable. I have lost nearly 50 pounds and kept them off for the last 2 years. I'm still losing, but I'm doing it slowly and painlessly.

Exercise can make you look great (or at least better), but one of the most important benefits is the way it makes you feel, not only physically but mentally. It is bar none the best stress and depression reducer I have ever found. Regular exercise also helps me stay motivated to eat healthy.

Videos are also a cost effective way of working out. No expensive gym memberships to pay, and even if the tape uses extra equipment like weights or a step bench, these are usually quite reasonable priced (you can weights, step benches and other fitness equipment for next to nothing at thrift stores and garage sales).

Here are some tips I have found to help make the most of video exercise. Try them, they may just make the difference for you.

• In order to fight boredom, have a wide variety of tapes available and vary your workouts. The variety available is astounding - everything from traditional aerobics and toning to kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, dance (Latin, African, bellydancing and ballet to name but a few). Varying your workouts also helps condition different parts of your body, so it's a good idea to vary your routines.
• Get tapes in a variety of levels (ie: beginner, intermediate, advanced) even if you are an advanced exerciser. There are some days you may not be feeling as energetic. These are the times it's easy to slip and skip your workout. A light workout than no workout at all, so having some easier tapes can help you going on days like these.
• Look for tapes of varying lengths so you can fit your workout into whatever time you have available. A short workout is also better than no workout at all. Having a variety of shorter tapes can allow you to customize your workouts, which also hlps fight boredom. For instance, combine a short 30 minute aerobic tape with another tape that focuses more on toning.
• Before buying a new workout tape, check to see if there is any special equipment you'll need to complete the workout. For example, some tapes use light dumbbell weights or an aerobic step.
• Be sure to modify any moves to suit your level of fitness. Most tapes will give modifications for people at varying levels of fitness. Don't try to do too much, there's always tomorrow.
• Don't get discouraged if you can't do the whole workout when you begin, do what you can and increase gradually. You'll be surprised at just how quickly your level of fitness increases.
• The same advice goes for choreography. I have friends who try a new tape once and if the choreography is too complex, they just give up. Be patient, once you learn the steps, choreography can make the workout more interesting and fun. Take your time and learn the steps.
• Have plenty of water available to keep yourself hydrated during your workouts.
• Be sure to stretch before and after the workout. This usually isn't a problem as most video workouts include stretches, but some skimp on this portion, so you might want to do a little more.
• I personally like to work out alone, but you may find greater motivation with a workout buddy. If so, enlist a friend and help each other get into shape.
• If you are just starting to exercise, start with a tape meant for beginner exercisers. If you try to do too difficult a tape, you might get discouraged and give up entirely. Start slowly and work up from there.
• If you exercise first thing in the morning, it helps to raise your metabolism for the entire day, thereby helping you to burn more calories, long after the workout is done. Once again though, late day or evening exercise is better than no exercise at all.
• Chart your progress, it will help you to keep at it. I have a calendar on which I write down each and every workout I do. It helps to keep me motivated to keep going as too many blank spaces make me feel guilty about neglecting my body.
• Know the difference between muscle soreness and a more serious injury. Click here for more tips on this.
• Balance your workouts with aerobics one day, strength training or toning the next, etc.
• Check thrift stores or garage sales for videos or exercise equipment. Since so many people start exercise programs and don't follow through on them, these items are easy to find (that won't happen to you though).
• If you have friends who also enjoy video exercise, trade tapes back and forth for added workout variety.
• Have fun! Choose tapes that appeal to you (personally, I don't like dancey aerobics, but I love Step aerobics). If you are bored, you will be less likely to continue the program.
• When choosing tapes, keep in mind there are three main types of exercise: aerobics (activities that raise your heart rate), toning (firms and tones muscles, can include weight training), and stretching (lengthens muscles and improves flexibility and posture). To stay fit, its important to do all 3 types. Mix and match workout tapes to meet your personal fitness goals, but try to do some of each activity, several times each week.