Why celeb workout DVDs may be dangerous

Experts say that beneath their glamorous veneer, such unsupervised videos can trigger off several physical ailments
Cindy Crawford did it, and so did the sensual Carmen Electra. And how could Bollywood be far behind? Following in the footsteps of scores of actresses and supermodels around the world, Shilpa Shetty too has a fitness video to her credit.
But Daily Mail, UK, reported last week that almost 14,000 exercisers are treated at hospitals each year due to injuries arising out of working out at home.
Health and exercise experts believe that celebrities become catalysts in driving women into becoming obsessed with exercising and overlook personalised needs to suit respective fitness levels.
Celebrity fitness expert, Leena Mogra says, “Women are psychologically tuned to copying sexy bodies, and naturally inclined towards following in the footsteps of popular actresses. These are generic exercises that definitely do not meet personal requirements.”
Prameet Kotak, certified body guru who trains actors like Kunal Kapoor and Purab Kohli, says that though it is important for them to promote fitness, actors often “lie” on their exercise videos. He explains, “Unsolicited advice from actors must stop. There are Bollywood actors who say they swear by power yoga to maintain their size zero frame. They are lying outright.” Is Kareena listening?
Sophie Choudry says it is better to hire a personal trainer than buying a celebrity workout DVD. “A trainer makes sure that your personal needs are met. Celebrity workout videos are generic and can backfire on your health.”
Kotak explains, “People are desperate to look good. But they do not realise that the actresses who are promoting their yoga videos have had cosmetic surgery to get into the body shape they are endorsing.”
Actor Shruti Seth, an avid yoga follower, says that yoga may not be the best exercise to be performed on tape. “If done incorrectly it can trigger negative effects.”
Fitness experts warn that viewers risked injury including pulling muscles, dizzy spells. Kotak says, “Blindly copying workout videos can take a toll on your shoulder joints; lead to spondilytis and imbalance of core muscles.”