As much as we hate to admit it, convenience is the driving force for many of our daily decision-making processes. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Technology has given individuals the opportunity across the world to act smarter, not harder. For example, when purchasing workout clothes online, you know exactly what you’re ordering and how much it’s going to cost. You also don’t have to factor in any of the travel costs associated with driving to the store or arrive just to find out that they are out of your size.
When you sign up with a fitness trainer at the gym, you don’t always know what trainer you’re going to be working with, what coaching style they have, or what the program entails. What if you could combine the same tactic of shopping online for your favorite gym clothes as you would with finding a fitness trainer?
When the world of virtual fitness training was born, online trainers and workout plans became accessible to fitness industry enthusiasts at their fingertips. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of online workout plans and what these could look like in achieving your fitness goals.
What Is Virtual Fitness Training? Working Out With A Personal Trainer Online Right From Your Own Home
Redefining the industry to continually promote and attract healthy lifestyles is an important part of the fitness world. Gold’s Gym and Crunch were among the first two corporate fitness health clubs to offer virtual, high-quality exercise experiences outside of the standard gym setting.1
Whether you have a computer, laptop, smartphone, or another electronic device, you can connect with a health coach to support you in working toward achieving your fitness goals. This can be done through a personalized workout plan, nutrition plan, or weight loss program – all through live fitness classes or an outlined fitness app.
Pro: You Can Find Private Personal Training Sessions As Well As Live Exercise Classes For Group Fitness
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness, so it makes sense that personal training sessions with fitness professionals don’t have to be centered around a fitness studio in order to achieve health and well-being. Virtual fitness classes can actually help promote inclusiveness and connect you to groups of individuals you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to connect with otherwise. There are live exercise fitness groups that allow you to work out alongside others.
You can find the experience you are looking for online – and even build a support system while doing so. If you prefer to exercise alone or have a one-on-one virtual personal trainer, that type of coaching is also readily available. With virtual fitness, the options are limitless and can be customized to fit your specific needs and goals.
Here are some of the popular types of workout programs available in the virtual personal training setting:
Full-body- Pilates and Barre
- Yoga
- HIIT
- Home-use equipment
- CrossFit
- Body Building
- Accessible workouts
- Gym workout with a virtual trainer
Pro: Virtual Fitness Classes With Online Training May Be Less Intimidating, And More Convenient And Affordable
Virtual fitness training provides a layer of convenience to our busy lifestyles. Online training programs often come with supplemental resources such as program materials, customized workout plans, and personalized dietary guidelines to help you meet your fitness goals. Online training also allows you to pick exactly who you want to coach you through the process so that it aligns with your overall fitness goals and what you are looking to achieve. You can pick a coach who is an expert in the category of fitness you want to build into your routine and do so in a way that meets the needs of your schedule.
Working out in a gym packed with people waiting for the same machine is not an efficient usage of your time or resources. It can also be intimidating and, most importantly, more costly. Why make things harder than they need to be? Most online programs range between $10 and $20 per month due to low overhead expenses.2
Many people who are new to the world of fitness may be unsure about what type of program they want to join, and that is perfectly fine. Virtual fitness classes give you the opportunity to test out different programs from the comfort of your home with a certified personal trainer, so you can give yourself the time you need to make the right choice for you and your schedule.
Con: Some Say That Online Fitness Programs Can Hinder Motivation and Accountability
Now that we’ve discussed the pros to online fitness programs, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks:
- A reliable internet connection – If you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, either in your home or desired virtual exercise location, then virtual training may not be the right choice for you.
- Proper form – You don’t have an in-person trainer to check your mechanics in real-time to ensure you are maximizing the workout by doing the steps accurately.
- Performance – Did you cut any corners or end the exercise early? Did you have trouble staying motivated and give up on the exercise?
- Education – Is your fitness instructor licensed or have the proper knowledge to be conducting fitness training?
Is Virtual Fitness Training Right For You?
Reading reviews is extremely important. Do your homework before deciding the workout plan, program, or trainer you decide to take classes from. This is a helpful piece of advice and recommended with both virtual and in-person fitness training. Evaluate what is important in your life and whether or not you need the convenience of working out in the comfort of your living room.
If you have young children or a difficult work schedule, virtual fitness classes may be the best option for you. If you don’t mind the time, gas, and mileage associated with going to a physical gym and have trouble with self-motivation, then you may need to work with a traditional personal trainer.
Before deciding to commit to any exercise plan, and especially if you have an underlying or chronic medical condition, it’s important to discuss your fitness goals with your doctor, as well as your trainer, in order to safely maintain or improve your health.3, 4
Learn More:
Why Rest And Recovery Is Just As Important As Exercise And Workout Training
Dancing As A Workout: It’s A Great Way To Stay In Shape And Make Exercise Fun
The Perfect Lazy Day Workout Plan: An Easy At-Home Workout
Sources
1 https://www.ihrsa.org/improve-your-club/is-gym-provided-virtual-exercise-the-next-big-thing/
2 https://www.verywellfit.com/online-fitness-benefits-drawbacks-86048
3 https://movewell.healthy.ucla.edu/2019/11/14/online-vs-in-person-fitness-training-which-is-right-for-you/
4 https://share.upmc.com/2014/02/see-a-doctor-before-starting-exercise/