The Era of Online Fitness

Wellness in the Era of Online Fitness

The fitness landscape has changed significantly since the pandemic. We no longer need to commute to the gym, pay expensive membership fees, struggle to secure spots in full classes, feel self-conscious in an environment of revealing attire and toned bodies, fumble around with unfamiliar equipment, share showers with strangers, or worse, run errands or head to work without showering after a workout. Now, with the right online fitness program, we can exercise quickly, effectively, safely, and efficiently in our homes with little equipment!

The Rise of Online Fitness

In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I worked part-time as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Due to COVID-19 employees were furloughed until further notice. The furlough lasted longer than expected, and my manager suggested we find ways to help our clients stay in shape using Instagram.

I distinctly remember feeling nervous when I recorded my first video, wondering if it was effective and if my clients could see and hear me. However, my nerves eased as time passed, and my workout sessions improved and eventually, I enjoyed the newfound freedom and creative outlet. This venture kept me occupied during a peculiar and isolated period!

Technology for your Heart Rate

One fascinating development during the pandemic was the opportunity to connect with a company that developed an app for live heart rate training. The use of heart rate training in the classes was one of the reasons why people enjoyed them. This was an excellent opportunity to create a connection through our heart rates. Regardless of where we live, we all ride with our heart rates displayed on the video and work to get into the appropriate heart rate training zones together!

Finding Community and Motivation Online

Even though we may not be exercising together in the same room, I help my clients feel connected by using live heart rate training in all my online classes. It’s a great way to motivate us while we target the aerobic and anaerobic heart rate zones safely and enjoyably! I appreciate it when my clients text me that their heart rates might be low because they didn’t sleep well, don’t feel well, or, best of all, as in one case, they are pregnant. In such cases, I ensure they stay in the green or briefly reach the orange zones while avoiding the red or anaerobic zone. My extensive experience and knowledge in this area also motivate those who want to avoid putting too much stress on their bodies during a workout due to their busy schedules and desire to achieve a lot throughout their day.

Adapting to Changing Lifestyles (and Budgets)

Gym memberships and personal trainers can be expensive. However, you can find affordable options online. Many fitness experts offer pay-per-class options, allowing you to try before committing. Some also offer monthly or weekly subscription plans. For instance, I charge a small weekly fee, and my clients receive a link to the upcoming live class or on-demand class on the day of or before. This offers a cost-effective solution and serves as a convenient reminder for scheduling their workouts.

The great thing about finding an online fitness program that resonates with you is being able to take it with you when you travel. Even if the instructor travels, you can still access their classes! When I travel, I put my class on my phone, plug in my earbuds, and work out in the gym. I’m also planning to start using a sandbag in my lower body workouts, which could easily be converted to a travel bag in case a gym is not accessible.

The Future of Online Fitness

Online fitness is here to stay. The convenience, accessibility, and variety of offerings make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their physical and mental well-being. I don’t feel the need to go back to a gym unless I’m on vacation because I like getting my workout done quickly and getting on with my day. I believe that fitting in workouts when it’s convenient will help keep people consistent, which is the number one reason why many fitness programs fail and why the name of my business is FITT1IN. Consistency is critical; the easier and faster the program is, the more likely it is to succeed.

In addition, technological progress is anticipated to enhance the online fitness experience. This will involve innovations such as virtual reality workouts, AI-guided personalized training plans, and more interactive features. These advancements will give users a more immersive and effective way to maintain their fitness.

The emergence of online fitness has completely transformed how we approach exercise, making it more convenient, adaptable, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, online fitness platforms offer numerous resources to help you achieve your goals. As technology advances, we can anticipate more opportunities to stay active and healthy, ensuring that fitness remains a vital part of our lives, regardless of location or how busy we are. Embracing online fitness is not just a passing trend—it’s a crucial aspect of modern wellness.