Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

The big hurdle in activity is boredom. Outdoor activity is usually stimulating enough to keep you interested, but even then, music can be helpful. The immensely popular Sony Audio Walkman is clear evidence.

Indoor activities, on the other hand, require your ingenuity to provide motivation and diversion. Turning on the TV, radio or the CD, tape, or record player for stimulating music the SENSORY ENHANCEMENT is welcome.

Next time you rent a video, ask about the exercise section and go look at some. Blockbuster has a good selection. Most are clearly marked. Start with a beginner's edition. Rent before buying: you may or may not like the people, the music, or the instruction. Occasionally, your library will have them.

Any video should remind you about safety and seeing your doctor, list the instructor's credentials, and offer warm-up and cool-down periods. The program should offer various levels of difficulty. Look for simple, clear movements. You should be told early which motions are not as safe as others. Someone should state the goals for you and for the video tape. The most important guide is your own common sense in starting easily and advancing slowly.

Age-related exercise videos include the Dancing Grannies; Richard Simmons's "Sweatin' to the Oldies" (he also has a beginner's tape); Angela Lansbury's "Positive Moves"; and many others speak to us mature folks. "PACE" (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), from the Arthritis Foundation. Destination Fitness produces videos for exercise machines, as if you were riding, sking, stepping, walking, etc (800-624-4952 for free catalogue.)

Videos showing you how to do t'ai chi ch'uan (both short and long forms), yoga, and other alternatives can be found in video stores or in exercise video catalogues. (Call 800-937-1516 for the "YES! Bookshop and Video Catalogue")

Motivating videotapes don't have to be complex. Pick a favorite travel or scenic video and turn the sound down. Then play the kind of stimulating music you like and have the best of "a la carte" choices!

Send for "The Complete Guide to Exercise Videos", free from Collage Video (800-433-6769), which contains very clear and honest descriptions of hundreds of videos. Personal help available by phone!

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.