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Logon To A Better Workout

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Feb 19, 2008 2:04 pm US/Eastern

Logon To A Better Workout

Online Classes Offer Benefits Of Gym

 CBS News Interactive: Diet And Nutrition

BOSTON (CBS) ― Exercise classes can be a great way to get into shape, but many newcomers can be intimidated by the whole gym scene.

Now you can get the benefits of an organized class without leaving your home.

Like many people, Nicki Bragg has little time to spare each day, so finding the time to work out can be tough. "When I actually get a little bit of free time, it's not necessarily the first think I want to do is go throw on, you know, sweat clothes and go to the gym."

That's why she thinks new online sites that offer fitness classes over the Internet are a great deal. "This is like going to an exercise class where there is a new instructor every single day."

And you don't have to download them. Sites like Slim Tree and Target Workouts make new videos available every day that you can stream on your computer on demand. You can take a class any time-day or night-and you don't waste the time it takes to get to the gym. "A half hour commitment took about an hour and a half of time out of my day."

These sites offer aerobics, pilates, yoga and more, but fitness experts say be selective about the sites you choose.

"You want to be careful of the content that you're getting," said Clark Bartram of the International Sciences Association. "Make sure that the trainers are qualified to teach you how to exercise."

Check to make sure the sites list their instructors' qualifications and remember, the instructor can't see you, so listen to your body. "Don't push yourself beyond your body's ability," said Bartram.

The sites aren't free. They run between $5 and $20 a month. Nicki loves the fact that she can work out whenever there's a computer. "I love the fact that there's a hotel workout option, and an office workout option."

And if you have a video iPod, you can download a workout and take it almost anywhere.

There are some free sites out there, but their videos are generally just a minute or two long.





(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.