1) Use what you have

You can use a cellphone, GoPro, DSLR, Zoom Q2N, or other device to do your recording. The amount of memory required will depend on both the device and the recording settings. For example, a cellphone may require 1 GB for an hour of recording while a GoPro may require 4 GB for 12 minutes. Also, the longer the video, the longer it will take to upload your content. Note that DSLR gear is typically limited to maximum recording times of 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 29 minutes and 59 seconds. Check your equipment to ensure that you can record for the amount of time required. It also helps to use equipment that allows you to cast or directly connect the output to a monitoring device.

2) Quality video requires lighting

While good quality videos require key, fill and back lighting whether the recording is being done inside or outside failing to light scenes properly indoors can lead to pixilation and cause colors to “dance” aggressively, making the videos difficult to watch. Indoor video quality can be greatly enhanced by shining a single light source on the main subjects, similar to what is done to broadcast television quality images on the move.

3) Have lots of remote power

Running out of power during a recording session can be disastrous and bringing extension cables and multiple AC adapters can be cumbersome. Try to buy recording equipment that can be powered using a USB cable and configure your camera rig to run from a single USB power bank. I attach a USB hub to my camera rig and connect each of my devices to the hub. Unfortunately, my current wireless audio receiver only works with batteries.

4) Set up your camera and work around it

When watching fitness videos, your audience is interested in seeing what to do, how to do it, and variations: the audience will not have the time to watch every second of the video. It is best to position your camera in a stationary position and record for the duration. Remember that the goal is to provide content that will be effective for the user. The moves may be complex but the video should be simple. If you have an expensive tripod, great, use it. If you have a small tabletop tripod, great, use it. If you don’t, a microphone stand is great, inexpensive choice for holding your camera rig. Simply put an adapter, typically 5/8” to ¼”, on the stand and connect your camera rig using standard attachments, for example, the mounting hole on a cellphone mount.

5) Monitor the output

Make sure that your subjects are always positioned properly in the frame, cast your video to a television, phone or other device that is within their view.