Are You Fit or Online Fit? The Good & the Bad of Online Fitness
As much as we hate to admit it, convenience is the driving force for many of our daily decision-making processes. On top of that, all thanks to the tech whiz’s we actually have the option as well as the resources to make almost everything happen when wherever we want it to. Technology has given individuals the opportunity across the world to act smarter, not harder. Think about it, is there anything that we can’t do really?
The stats also agree Online Fitness is one of the fastest-growing segments of the fitness industry. In fact, according to a report, health and fitness app usage rose 330% between 2014 and 2017, and the app category grew 9% between 2016 and 2017 and post the pandemic these numbers have gone off the roof.
It’s not just fitness apps that are growing in popularity. Streaming programs, such as Grokker and Crunch Live, are popping up all over the internet, and full-length fitness videos abound on YouTube. Let’s not forget the hundreds and thousands of Fitness bloggers bearing the fruit of Online fitness.
Traditionally, when you sign up with a fitness trainer at the gym, you don’t always know what trainers you’re going to be working with, what coaching style they have, or what the program entails. While the post-pandemic virtual flood of Online trainers and gyms have changed the ball game altogether. Be it Zumba, Karate, Strength training, CrossFit or Yoga, everything has taken a 360-degree twist and embraced the virtual life in its entirety.
If you’re ready to test the waters of online fitness, here’s the good.
Login Anywhere
As long as you have access to pre-downloaded videos and/or a WiFi connection for streaming videos, you can workout wherever you are.
Workout for Less
Most online fitness programs are much less expensive than similar offline programs—most range in cost between $10 and $20 per month. This is due in part to lower overhead expenses, and in part to the wider audience and the greater opportunity to sell programs to more people. In fact, many programs are offered free of charge, particularly if you’re not hoping for personalized, one-on-one attention.
Exercise According to Your Schedule
Instead of being locked into a specific class schedule at your local gym, online programs are almost all offered at your convenience.
Access Limitless Opportunities, Trainers & guidance.
You’re no longer required to take a class from the one Pilates instructor at your local studio. When you head online, you have Pilates instructors from around the globe, all ready and willing to help you master your favourite moves. Same goes for different types of exercise. Just because you don’t have a Krav Maga class in your area doesn’t mean you can’t go online to find a Krav Maga training program led by certified instructors.
Skip the Gym or Studio
If you’re new to exercise, you aren’t sure what types of exercise you like, or you feel intimidated when walking into a new workout environment, online training is an excellent reprieve from the traditional gym or studio. You can test different programs from the comfort of your living room, learning the basics before taking your practice into the “real world” of clubs and gyms.
Now, the bad!
The first thing to think about when considering an online fitness program is “know thyself.” If you struggle with self-motivation, you don’t like exercising at home, and you prefer a social workout environment, online fitness may not be for you.
Other than those three “biggies,” there’s one other major drawback for online fitness: nobody’s there to check your form.
Very few online fitness programs enable the instructor to see you, check your form, and offer modifications or corrections based on your performance. This means you could inadvertently perform exercises incorrectly, or even unsafely, without knowing it. This is particularly concerning for beginners and those recovering from injuries, as they’re more likely to perform exercises incorrectly.
Now, having said that, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. So, if you are thinking of taking up online training for venturing into it, this is definitely the time to think about it.
