You may have caught sight of hundreds of workout DVDs at the local store or movie rental outpost, but how do you know which one is the best fit for your fitness goals?

From kickboxing cardio to hip-hop dance workouts, there's a workout for all fitness levels and tastes. However, you need to select a routine that will elevate your heart rate enough to qualify as a real workout and challenge you to stick with the routine for the long-term. Here are some tips for selecting the best workout DVD from the latest fitness collections:

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Determine the duration of the workout routine. The length of the workout will give you an idea of what type of commitment you will need to make each day. Are you looking for a total-body workout that gives your metabolism a boost all day long, or do you need a quick and simple exercise routine just get going in the morning?

A workout DVD that lasts less than 30 minutes is ideal for those days when you just don't feel like working out, while the longer sessions are most suitable for those days when you want to challenge yourself and push yourself to the next level.
Find out what fitness equipment you need. Some workout DVD collections require you to invest in special fitness equipment such as resistance bands or a step aerobics platform to complete ach exercise. However, others don't require any fitness equipment at all and will simply rely on your own body weight for resistance. Decide if you want to invest in additional equipment or stick with a back to basics routine as you explore different choices.

Cardio or resistance training? Many workout DVD collections are focused on increasing strength and improving muscle tone, while others are designed to elevate your heart rate and burn off excess calories. Decide what your fitness goals are so you know which type of DVD to invest in; if you're looking for strength training, you'll need to steer clear of "fat-burning" workouts and look for sculpting and toning exercises that challenge your muscles.

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If you want to lose body fat and get in shape, you'll need to focus on high-cardio, high-impact routines that will get your heart pumping. Many dance workouts and kickboxing routines fall into the fat-burning category.

Determine the level of difficulty. Many workout DVD collections are broken up into beginner, intermediate and advanced DVDs so that you can work your way through each fitness level. It's a good idea to begin with a beginner-level DVD to gauge your current fitness level and learn the basic moves.
Whether you're trying a cardio kickboxing routine or getting started with upper body weight training, you'll learn all the basic movements so that you can practice good form and then increase the intensity level slowly.

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Making the right choice for your next workout DVD may involve some trial and error, but you can get started by trying a beginner's level DVD and practicing the key movements. If you enjoy the workout and feel confident about the routine, move onto the intermediate or advanced level for a fun fitness challenge!