Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D Responds:

Fitness DVDs are affordable ways to help you get regular at-home workouts, add workout variety, or help when circumstances don't mesh with your schedule. The key is to choose one you will enjoy. After all, if you enjoy it, you will use it. Some other tips to consider:

• Match it to your goals. Are you looking for endurance, strength training, flexibility, calorie burning? Whatever category you choose, stick with your current fitness level. As you get stronger, you can move on to a more advanced selection.
• Consider compatibility. Make sure the type of exercise and the music suits you and that you can relate to the individuals featured. Also make sure the workout length matches your schedule needs. Determine if you need to purchase extra equipment.
• Check out the leader's credentials. Look for instructors who show how to modify moves and provide adequate warm-up and cool-down periods to help prevent injury.
• Ask for recommendations. Ask others at your fitness level which DVDs they do or don't like.
• Prescreen. Rent a few DVDs or borrow them from the library.