The Firm Ultimate Fat Burning Workout... help

I am 100% new to at home workouts, I prefer the gym but I don't have the time or money with school this semester so I decided to pick up a workout video. I got, The Firm Ultimate Fat Burning Workout.
I HATE it! The instructor, I think her name is Alison, goes way to fast for me to keep up. There is no transition time in between the moves for me to figure out what she's going to do next. She gives directions for the moves only once she's started them. I'm not sure if I'm just really uncoordinated or what.
Does anyone else have trouble following along with cardio workout videos? Do you have this one? Will I get any better after doing it more or should I just put it on the shelf and move on to a different one?

Hello!

I would suggest that you don't even try to keep up at first.  Use her 1st rep to transition into that move.  Does it have any instruction on how to do the moves right?  I have heard that if you  don't do the moves correctly you really aren't getting any benefit...although, maybe that was about pilates....

Good luck to you!

Angie

I know what you mean!  I AM quite uncoordinated, so I always feel overwhelmed in new classes at the gym or with a new workout video... so, exactly like angimage said, don't TRY to keep up - you'll just get frustrated and look dumb doing it.  At first, just focus on perfecting each move they are doing.  It will get easier as you learn what moves are called and you catch on to the rythym... Keep trying, you can do it!

When I get totally confused while following those videos, I just jog in place.  At least it keeps the heart rate up until I can figure out the next move.  Each time you do it, you should get better at it.  I think that so long as you are moving and keeping your heart rate up, you are getting a work out.

For the first 2 or 3 times, just study the movement.
Do it SLOW and don't worry about how many reps you are doing. You can just do 1 or 2 reps while the DVD move along with 8 reps before moving on to the next movement.
Have the DVD player remote handy to pause so you can study the posture. Doing this in front of a mirror helps.
This way you minimize injury from twisted ankle or such, and you will be able to focus on the right muscles for the routine.
Even if you have mastered the movement, always do the routine at YOUR OWN PACE. Again, doesn't matter that the instructor is plowing along with 8 kicks while you can only put out 5. You will gradually build your endurance and strength to follow it. Of course, you need to push yourself a little each time, but to the point that you become flabbergasted at what to do that your movements are out of the window, that is not exercise anymore. That's more like panicking & you could hurt yourself.

Most important thing in getting all those home workout DVDs: Get the kind that suit your style best and offers some challenge to your fitness level but not too far beyond your current level (some DVD has different difficulties).
A lot of people tend to overlook this, and just go for the most enticing title and promise of the result.

Thanks for the tips ladies. I'll stick to it but at my own pace! Wish me luck!!