Editor’s Note: Irene Lewis-McCormick is a graduate student in health and human performance. To ask her a fitness-related question, submit an e-mail request to [email protected].

Q: I enjoy your show “Cyclone Fitness,” but I want more variety. There are so many videos for sale, I can’t decide which ones will be good. I don’t want to waste my money. I get confused when I see celebrities teaching exercise. Can they be qualified to do this? Can you recommend any fitness videos?

A: First, thank you. I appreciate the fact that you watch and use the exercises I do on “Cyclone Fitness.” I agree, there are a lot of potential mistakes to be made when attempting to make a video purchase.

I believe that just because someone (celebrity or not) has an “ideal” physique, that does not mean they are qualified to make and sell exercise videos.

Usually the fitness videos that feature people like Cher or a “Baywatch beauty” have qualified fitness professionals who are actually doing all the instructing. It’s just that the name of the celebrity tends to peak the interest of consumers more so than a qualified fitness professional.

However, I do have some suggestions if you are interested in making some video purchases:

• Check the date on the video. Anything prior to 1995 probably has some outdated exercise techniques. Try to purchase newer videos.

• Check out some of the larger discount stores, such as Target or Wal-Mart. They actually have a large selection.

• Watch the video once before trying it. This may increase the likelihood of following along.

I really like the Reebok instructor video series. Gin Miller (the inventor of the step concept), Petra Kolber and Kathy Kahler are very qualified instructors. Other video talents include Donna Richardson, Karen Voight, Kathy Smith and Tamilee Webb.

Whatever your video choice, if you invest the money, do the workout!