The possibility of modifying exercises is also essential. If the workout has several levels of difficulty, it should be clear how to make something easier. For example, instead of squatting from a standing position, start from a seated position and raise yourself up just a few inches before sitting back down.
Finally, make sure the video clearly shows you how to maintain the proper form, which is crucial to safety — especially for your joints — when you’re doing any type of exercise.
“You can get away with poor form at 41, but not at age 61 or 71,” Dr. Phillips says. How can you be sure you’re maintaining the proper form? “Have a buddy tell you if your exercises match the instructor,” Dr. Phillips says. “Working out in front of a big mirror could also help.”
Avoiding falls
Take note if a video includes both standing exercises and floor exercises. Look for videos with gradual changes from standing to seated and then lying positions. “Stay away from videos with excessive changes from standing to lying down. Remember, when you get up from the floor, your blood pressure can drop, increasing the risk for a fall,” Dr. Phillips says. “You should do all of your floor exercises in a row, not jump up and down.”
Important muscle groups
If you haven’t exercised in a while, Dr. Phillips suggests workouts that focus on functional fitness, supporting the activities of daily living such as getting up from a chair. “At a minimum, you want a workout that focuses on large muscle groups that allow you to stand,” he says. “These include the core muscles in your abdomen and back, as well as your leg muscles.”
