Remember when Jane Fonda rocked the exercise world with aerobics? Those were the good ole days of double albums, leotards and leg warmers.
Here are a few instructions on the inside cover.
Preparing for your workout:
1) Turn the phone off before you start.
2) You need a place to exercise where there is no draft and the ceiling is high enough to allow you to jump up and clap your hands overhead. You need room enough to swing your arms wide without hitting anything.
3) You need an exercise pad or towel or blanket to give you a little padding for your floor work. If you are on a carpet, put a towel under you to delineate your workout space and keep the dust and fibers out of your nose and hair.
4) Dress for it. An exercise outfit helps because it sets this time apart from the rest of your day and makes it matter more. I prefer a leotard and tights. If I'm feeling overweight, I put on a pair of those baggy sweat pants that feel like parachute silk with an elastic belt. They cover up a multitude of sins and help heat your body faster. I always wear leg warmers to keep my leg muscles warm and because they make me feel like a dancer. You should feel comfortable and be able to move freely.
5) A big mirror to exercise in front of makes it a lot easier. Count yourself lucky if you have one. If not, it is not an essential.
6) You will be stiff at first. You can minimize this by hopping into a hot bath after your workout before your muscles have cooled down. But do your exercises even if you are stiff. This will help dissipate the stiffness, and you will be surprised how quickly your muscles adapt as you maintain your routine. After the first week or so, you will probably not feel stiff anymore.
7) Never eat before exercising. It might nauseate you. Your blood will be diverted to help in the digestive process just when it is needed to carry oxygen to your muscles.
8) Always remember to empty your bladder before starting.
<Ed. note: Number eight needs no further comment.>