Can't get to the gym? No problem. Head to your television set instead. (Yes, you read that right: television set)
If you have Comcast cable service, hours of FREE exercise instruction are just a remote click (or two) away.
EXERCISE TVOn Demand, a feature from Comcast cable service, offers dozens of instructional exercise videos for you to use -- and they are all FREE! Comcast calls this feature Exercise TV.
WHY USE EXERCISE TV? "There is so much variety," says Mary Kate Keyes, an avid exerciser and a graduate student in the Nutrition Communication program at Tufts University. "It is like having a group exercise studio in my apartment!"
Exercise TV has nine different sections of workouts to choose from. It offers everything from a beginner Pilates lesson to a high-energy belly dance routine.
Mary Kate uses Exercise TV primarily for the Yoga workouts. "I don't stretch enough," she says. "The Yoga workouts are great! They are easy to follow and there are so many to choose from. I never get bored."
The features in each section of Exercise TV are rotated on a regular basis (usually every 30 to 60 days) so you always have something new to try.
HOME VIDEOSWatching a program on Exercise TV is like watching a video -- you can fast forward, rewind, and pause it at any point.
"I love that," says Keyes referring to the rewinding capabilities of Exercise TV. "I like to be able to go back and re-watch some of the yoga poses that I couldn't get when I saw them the first time. Plus, I like to fast forward through the advertisements."
"I can't find any more excuses not to exercise!" replied Mary Kate when asked what she didn't like about Exercise TV. "It doesn't matter what time of day it is or what the weather is like, I can always get to my TV."
CHECK IT OUT!Interested in taking a peek at Exercise TV? Check out our mini-reviews of the workouts that are offered.
CardioIf you are looking for a fun aerobic workout, choose a cardio workout. It includes 10 different routines; you can find everything from belly dancing to kickboxing. The routines range in length from 10 to 20 minutes. Do one workout or combine a couple of the shorter routines to add some variety!
Dance Don't want to "get jiggy" in public? Here is your chance to shake your groove thing in the privacy of your own home! Choose from AfroBrazilian, Reggaeton, and Urban Beat routines. Or, choose the Combo Hot Dance to combine all three. For those of you who are more adventurous, try the Exotic Dancing routine!
YogaDo you need a few minutes of relaxation? Try out one of these yoga routines. Several different kinds are offered: Beginners Yoga, Yoga for Better Backs, and Yoga for Weight Loss (to name a few). Whether you are new to yoga or you are an old pro, these short routines (10 to 16 minutes) are great.
Power WorkoutsIf you are looking for a full-length exercise class without the hassle of trekking over to the gym, choose a power workout. These 30-60 minute high-intensity routines include Power Cardio, Power Dance, and Power Pilates.
Body SculptLegs, arms, abs -- you name a section of your body and you will find a workout for it in the body sculpt section. These short workouts are a great way to change-up your strength training routine.
Quick WorkoutsThink you don't have enough time to exercise? Think again. These quick workouts are all 10 minutes long (there is a timer at the bottom of the screen that ticks away as you exercise!) If you can't fit in a complete workout, choose one of these. Keep in mind -- mini-workouts throughout the day are just as beneficial as one long workout!
Beginners FitnessNew to exercise? Check out some of the basics in the beginner fitness section. You will find workouts like Beginner Tai Chi, and Easy Pilates. These videos allow you to learn the basic poses, etc. associated with each workout before you give the more complicated versions a try.
Walk to FitnessWant to go for a walk, but don't want to head out into the cold? Check out the Walk to Fitness routines. Follow the instructor through a one-mile jog without leaving your living room. Routines involve walking or jogging in place, in addition to some basic aerobic steps.
PilatesPilates is the perfect combination of stretching and strengthening! You can choose to do a routine focused on one specific body part (Pilates for Abs) or you can choose a total body workout (Perfect Pilates), either way you are sure to get a great workout.
HOW TO ACCESS EXERCISE TVClick the "On Demand" button on your television remote. A menu will appear on your screen. Scroll down to the Sports & Fitness tab and press the OK button.
Another menu will appear on your screen. Scroll to the "Exercise TV" tab and press the OK button one more time.
This will bring you to the menu of exercise choices that are offered on Exercise TV.
If you are interested in learning more about Exercise TV, check out Comcast on the web at www.comcast.com.
Mary Kennedy is a graduate student in Nutrition Communication at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She has a BS in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Boston University and is certified as a Health and Fitness Instructor through the American College of Sports Medicine. Kennedy is also the editor of Balance.
