Virtual Fitness: Why It's Popular and Here To Stay

Getting stuck at home brought exercise rates up by 88% at the start of the pandemic, and hopefully, you're thinking of joining the fun!

What Is Virtual Fitness?

Virtual fitness is a popular option for fitness classes in the modern world, especially since the start of the pandemic. It's a Covid-safe option that many have found they prefer over going to the gym.

Essentially, group fitness trainers will lead a video call online with multiple people who may be working out in the park, in their backyard, or in their living room. Most of the exercises will only involve your body weight, but it may help to purchase some limited equipment like a resistance band, dumbbell set, or something similar.

However, typically, all you'll need is floor space and a yoga mat (or comfy rug) to get started. These workouts can encompass any fitness routine that you like, including:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Calisthenics
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Zumba
• CrossFit
• Strength training
• Cycling

The list goes on. Whatever type of exercise you enjoy the most, there's almost certainly a virtual class for it, as long as there's no need for large equipment. If you have a home gym or the money for some new equipment, then this could expand your options even more!

Benefits of Virtual Fitness

There are benefits to attending any fitness class, including meeting new people, extra motivation, and help from trained fitness professionals. However, most of us have tried a fitness class in the gym before, and it isn't for everybody. Let's talk about some of the key benefits of virtual fitness to see why you should start today!

Eliminating Excuses

When it comes to physical fitness, the key is exercise adherence. Most people drop out of an exercise program within 6 months but are far more likely to adhere once they reach the 6-month mark.

Adherence is the key to unlocking all of the health benefits of exercising. It has nothing to do with genetics, workout schedule, meal timing, or the type of workout you perform. The only "bad workout" is the one that never happened.

If you want to take away your excuses, then sign up for a class that you can attend without access to a car, public transportation, or an extended period of spare time. With virtual fitness classes, all you need is WiFi and 30 to 60 minutes that fit into your schedule a few times a week. Once you develop that habit, the sky is the limit! 

For most of us, we don't give up on our goals or hobbies because we don't enjoy them, but rather because of what we have to do to enjoy them. You'd be much more willing to go for a bike ride if it was ready to go outside of your front door, but not if you have to find the key, unlock the lock, get ready, and carry the bike down three flights of stairs first.

The same logic applies to getting dressed, finding your keys, warming up your car, and driving to the gym. It's not that we don't like going to the gym - it's that we don't like all of the other things we have to do before and after.

Virtual workouts can help you avoid these traps and adhere to your program!

Built-in Tracking

Since there are so many fitness apps available that offer virtual fitness services, many of them come with built-in tracking systems that make it easy for you to track your progress. Then, you can look back and see how far you've come later on, which will only help you adhere to your routine even more!

Also, this is great for accountability. If you're able to honestly look back and say, "I've completed a workout 3 times a week for the last six months", then you'll truly deserve a reward!

Mental Well-Being

Especially when we're stuck at home, our mental health is of major concern. Developing healthier home lifestyle behaviors is one of the major keys to mental wellness, especially since many of us are spending more time at home than ever before.

Exercise is one of the best defenses against illnesses, both physical and mental. Some medical professionals go as far as to say that if a pill could do everything that exercise could do for us, it would be the greatest advancement in the history of medicine.

Part of this is because our brains and bodies rely on a delicate balance of hormones, endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally maintain that healthy balance, which can help manage or even prevent mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.

If you feel stress due to "cabin fever", exercise also helps reduce your levels of cortisol, known as the "stress hormone".

In our brains, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin play an essential role in our mental health. Many medications for mental health conditions seek to balance these chemicals, but exercise does it naturally.

If this is a concern of yours, then now is the perfect time to start exercising; no prescription necessary!

Connecting With Others

Do you miss seeing your old coworkers every day since you've started working remotely? Do you have a relative that lives far away? Why not enjoy a virtual workout with them a couple of times a week?

Working out together is a great way to form healthy bonds with anybody, even if you're not seeing them in person. If you find you're spending a lot of time in the house and missing your loved ones, try signing up for a virtual fitness class together so you can develop a routine with them!

Also, what about people you haven't met yet? They say that the only real way to make friends is by going to the same place regularly. What if you could do that in the comfort of your home?

Cost-Effectiveness

Since it's entirely remote, it's a lot easier to shop between classes until you find the right fit for your budget. You may not even need a gym membership to get started, and you may not have to be in the same city as the lead instructor!

Also, because you're sharing the costs with other people in the class, you'll save a lot more money with group fitness than with personal training. However, if you want more individualized assistance, then it wouldn't hurt to sign up for a personal training session once a week!

Getting More Active

Physical activity doesn't have to be such a daunting task. You can start as small as you want and work your way up. Once you find the types of workouts or classes that you enjoy most, it becomes an integral part of your routine that you'd never give up. For our long-term physical health, getting more physically active is essential, as a sedentary life can lead to health complications and increase your risk for serious diseases.

So, how much exercise do you need? Well, you don't need to attend a class every time, but for most adults, it's recommended to reach at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week for optimal health results, which few Americans get. 

Time/Travel Restraints

If you have time constraints due to your work, or if you travel a lot, the chances of you enrolling in a regular fitness class are low. At least, they were low!

Now, no matter where you are or what you're about to do, all you need is the internet to get started and finish a workout. If you live a busy life, your body won't excuse you. Your health can still slip, regardless of your busy work schedule, so find the time to take care of yourself!

Start a Program Today

Now that you know why virtual fitness is becoming so popular in today's world, why not give it a try for yourself? Regardless of what type of fitness class interests you the most, you can find something that meets your needs, schedule, and other restraints! There are apps and fitness classes all over the world to choose from, so find the one for you!

Stay up to date with our latest health and wellness trends and news, and feel free to contact us with any questions!