Choosing a new video workout from jacket copy alone can be a frustrating experience. Many covers describe the workouts in terms that are vague, too all-encompassing or just plain wrong. It makes you wonder if the copy writer ever saw the video itself. I've often bought a workout that sounded terrific on the cover only to be mighty disappointed when I see the workout.

Before buying a video, read the jacket carefully. Usually, DVDs cannot be returned once they're opened unless they're defective. The jacket may give you some hints as to what you'll find inside, but unfortunately many don't give you enough information to help you make an informed choice.

If the questions below aren't answered in the jacket copy (and they probably won't be!), you need to do more research. I hope that my exercise videos reviews will help you choose the best workout for you.

What's the hype? Does the cover promise too much? Is the description too vague... or too good to be true? Are you guaranteed instant results, the flattest abs, the tightest buns? Is the workout described as the "best, greatest, newest, ultimate" workout? You should know by now that one workout that will not magically answer all your fitness needs. But, if you're lucky some of the questions below will be answered.

What's the type? Some jacket copy is so vague (A power-packed, cross training workout!) that you don't know what type of workout you're buying. Make sure that you know what format to expect: step aerobics, floor aerobics, muscle toning, abs only or total body sculpting, a combination of workouts, stretching, yoga, etc.

Is it my level? Is this a beginner, intermediate, advanced or over-the-top tape? Can it truly work for all fitness levels? Is it relaxing and stress reducing or dynamic and energy producing? Is it high or low impact? Is it called an easy introduction or a challenge for the advanced exercise enthusiast? You need to do some detective work here. Read between the lines and pay close attention to the words used to describe the workout. And remember... they're often wrong!

How long will I be working out? The time in fine print next to the copyright date is most likely the total length of the tape and may include an introduction to the workout or promotions for other videos. The length of the workout itself may be indicated somewhere, but quite often it's not. Occasionally the workout time indicated is wrong! Also, a complete aerobics workout should include a warm-up, cooldown and stretching, so a 30 minute video will probably have only 20 minutes of aerobics. If you're looking for a full half hour of aerobics, the DVD needs to be at least 40 minutes long.

Is the DVD programmable? Does it have chapters or premixes? Chapter markers make DVD workouts very versatile. You can skip ahead or repeat quickly. Chapter selection menus let you go right to the section that you want. Programmable DVDs allow you to rearrange the chapters in the order you want prior to beginning the workout. Some DVDs to the rearranging for you by providing premixes. Sometimes the cover will tell you about all these options, sometimes you won't know until you play the workout.

What equipment do I need? The cover should mention whether you need a step, chair, dumbbells, towel, dowel, bands, ball, body bar, barbell, etc., but isn't always correct. Some covers say "no equipment needed" and everyone on screen is using dumbbells! Many workouts include some stretching on the floor, so you need a floor mat to protect your back, but video jackets rarely mention this piece of "equipment."

How old is it? The copyright date is usually placed on the jacket cover as well as at the end of the workout (usually after the credits). Videos more than 10 years old may include exercises that are no longer considered safe. There have been many innovations in fitness training techniques. Safety, adequate instructions and modifications for a variety of fitness levels are now emphasized. Don't waste your time or money renting or buying outdated workouts!

If a video workout is called a classic, read the fine print carefully to see if it had a different title before. Older videos are occasionally recycled and repackaged with an updated cover photo and a new title. The copyright date on the new cover may refer only to the jacket design; the workout inside may be much older. You may already own it! Many old workouts by Kathy Smith, Denise Austin, and The FIRM have had title changes and new cover designs.

Who's the instructor? The instructor's name should be on the cover along with their credentials. If they have a certification or degree it will be a selling point, so it will often be mentioned. If a celebrity is the only one listed, beware. They are often paid to put their face on the cover and go through the motions in the video. You could be paying extra for a lesser quality workout and poor instruction.

Will I get one-on-one instruction or will I watch a larger class that demonstrates multiple levels of fitness or intensity? The cover might mention whether the workout is one-on-one instruction, but often won't. If the cover claims that the workout is for all fitness levels, but only the insturctor is on screen, easier or harder versions of the exercises may not be shown.

Am I inspired by the cover photos? Does a muscle sculpting tape show an instructor with some muscle tone? Does the instructor look motivating and friendly? Do you want to spend a few hours a week watching her or him? Often you can see the set and the size of the class from a picture of a workout in progress, or by watching a preview clip at CollageVideo.com.