Not everyone loves the gym. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to get healthy that don’t include leaving the privacy and comfort of your home – especially online. Online fitness can help homebodies get fit without getting into their car or being in a crowded space.
There are plenty of reasons why people prefer working out online. Maybe you can relate to one of them:
- Gyms are expensive
- Gyms are germ infested
- Gyms can be crowded and there’s not enough equipment
- Class schedules conflict with other duties
- Confidence issues
- Childcare issues
- And More!
Now, more than ever, online resources are changing the way people get fit. It’s no longer necessary to brave the crowds and pay high fees to have access to high caliber coaching and equipment. If you’ve got Wi-Fi and the desire, anything is possible.
Free Online Classes Are Everywhere
If you’ve got a smart television, PC, or smartphone, you’ve got access to all sorts of classes. Resources like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and others offer no-cost courses that you can watch on-demand. You can also go old-school with timeless DVDs or videos that work as well today as they did when they were released.
Equipment and online resources go hand-in-hand: Vendors like Peloton, NordicTrack, and Bowflex all offer equipment and virtual training from coaches so you can have the experience of being coached in the gym without leaving your home.
Memberships Make Fitness Fun
Online memberships make it easier and more fun to get fit at home. Sites like YogaDownload.com offer a wide variety of yoga classes for all ranges of fitness. The benefit of memberships can include personalized workouts and the luxury of working out at your own pace on your own schedule.
There’s no doubt that online resources are plentiful, and it’s never been easier to work out from home. Having a smartphone may be all you need to get online and get yourself fit while being a homebody. Explore your options. Start small and see what works best for you then challenge yourself and continue to broaden your horizons until you’ve got the routine and resources that work best for you.
How to Create an Online Fitness Program That Works for You
The online fitness world is as wide as the web. There are so many options it can feel overwhelming – or a lot like a kiddo unleashed in a candy store… where do you begin?!
Creating an online fitness program that works for you should feel natural and get you excited about working out. With so many options, how do you narrow them down and settle on one? Use these steps to get headed in the right direction.
Determine Your Fitness Goals
Determine what you want out of your fitness program and what your goals are. Are you looking for ripped abs and buns of steel, or are you after a clear mind-and-body connection?
Knowing what you want out of your fitness routine can help you sort through the options and look in the best direction for your goals.
Explore Your Options
Once you’ve narrowed down your fitness goals, a simple keyword search will help you discover what’s available and appealing to try.
You may come across timeless standards like yoga or discover something entirely new like Barre classes or Pilates. Chances are, you’ll discover even more fine-tuned options like hip-hop dance for fitness or meditation-based yoga.
Explore the options and click links to unlock the websites and details that will help you determine which fitness program will work for you.
Start a No-cost Trial
Most memberships have a trial period where you can experience classes and add-ons for free while you decide if the membership is right for you.
There is so much competition that most sites want you to see first-hand what they have to offer before you commit. There may be limited access to their programming or resources while you use their freebies, but you can generally unlock other resources when and if you decide to join.
Many membership sites offer discounts and other incentives that cut up-front costs. Be sure to check into online coupons before you pay any fees.
Commit to 30 Days
It’s pretty hard to see results in a short period of time. Be sure to commit to a trial for at least 30 days to see if the program is right for you.
Sometimes the going is rough in the beginning. Don’t jump off the fitness train too soon before you see how capable you are. Also, don’t get bored and miss out on what could be an awesome adventure if you stick with it. If, after 30 days, you decide a program isn’t for you, start the exploration process again and try out another opportunity.
If you already know what sorts of fitness and exercise classes you love, it’s easy to connect and find a resource online. If you don’t, there’s a world of opportunity online. Exploring your options and taking things for a test drive is a fun way to try new ways to get fit and have fun online turning your home-body into a hard-body.
Apps That Keep You Fit Wherever Your Are
Avoiding the gym isn’t such a bad thing when you have options. Working out at home can save time and money but you aren’t always home. Isn’t it great that you can literally keep fit wherever you are?!
Smartphones and accessories like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and other resources make it possible to use apps and take your fitness routine with you everywhere you go. Here are some top apps that you can try for yourself.
My Fitness Pal
This app is a well-rounded app that targets all aspects of health and fitness. From food to exercise to a community of like-minded people, the app offers free and premium memberships.
Noom
This app is part of a membership program that’s revolutionizing the way people lose weight and get fit. Noom uses the psychology behind everyday choices to help change behavior and educate members about nutrition and fitness. This app is another well-rounded approach to fitness.
Map My Run
This app is all about getting out and moving your body. The app integrates with most smartphones and accessories and includes training information, can show you routes to run in your area, and other challenges that help you grow as a runner. Information is interactive and can be stored and tracked over time to monitor your progress.
Rock My Run
This app helps get you moving and motivated by using DJ-quality mixing and songs that you can choose to match the style, length, and intensity of your workout.
Aaptiv
This app gives you access to high-level instructors and simulates the experience of being in a fitness class no matter where you are or who you’re with. If you want the energy that comes from a group setting without the group, this app is for you.
C25K
This app, aka Couch to 5k, takes you from sedentary to running your first 5k in no time. You can control how fast you progress, and the app offers plenty of advice, feedback, and encouragement to change anyone from a couch potato to a full-fledged runner.
Your fitness is no longer determined by your location. Your smartphone, PC, tablet, or smartwatch can guide you to any fitness goal you set. Search for apps that get you excited about getting fit and exploring new ways to stay in shape and have fun.
Switch things up, join a community, go solo, or find a few good friends to explore with. You can’t go wrong with so many options out there.
Using Social Media as a Virtual Gym
People love going to the gym for two main reasons:
Variety and community
The gym offers an assortment of equipment, classes, and opportunities to work out in varied ways. Accessing classes taught by high-end coaches helps fast-track fitness, weight loss, and overall health.
The gym also attracts like-minded people who want to connect and engage and find a community. Being able to make and meet friends at the gym enhances your social life and your motivation.
Even though the gym offers a place to work out, make and meet friends, and a ton of variety, it can be hard to coordinate gym time with a busy schedule that includes work, family, and other commitments. Luckily, there are alternatives to the gym!
Social media is great for many things. Staying connected to friends and family, sharing images and videos, and keeping connected but can also be an excellent way to create a virtual gym from home. You can easily keep the variety and build the community from your smartphone or computer that rivals a brick-and-mortar gym.
Great Resources for Using Social Media as a Virtual Gym
YouTube
YouTube is a wonderful way to subscribe to channels that teach, promote, or train. No matter what you’re into, there’s likely a YouTuber who is putting out content. If not, maybe there’s a niche for you to fill! YouTube can be interactive by subscribing to a channel and using the comments section. Finding people who share your same interests can lead to a community that loves the very same activities you do.
IG TV
Instagram is more than imagery. Instagram has become an excellent way to connect with people who share similar interests. Hashtags and content searches unlock a world of people who either have the expertise or are searching to influence and connect with others who have the same enthusiasm.
IG TV is a video option that enhances the experience. Instagram allows people to direct message and engage with each other as well as a link to other content that can further the connections.
Facebook groups
Facebook uses groups to connect with like-minded people. Facebook groups can be highly interactive and an excellent way to share content and form relationships. As a matter of fact, the 2020 Super bowl featured an ad for Facebook groups that highlighted how diverse and specialized groups can be.
If you don’t have the time or the inclination to go to the gym for socializing or activities but really want the sort of connection that comes from a group setting, you can achieve the same vibe through social media. Consider connecting with people who love the same activities and discover how you can use a virtual resource to create meaningful connections.
Lose Weight with These Online Health and Fitness Resources
Losing weight has never been easier. Being able to go online and research information or find resources to support healthier eating is turning the tide for people who need support.
In the past, losing weight required a lot of energy, planning, and adding extra work to an already busy schedule. Nowadays, people can get information, support, and nutritious foods with a simple click. Losing weight has never been easier!
There are two ways the game has really changed online
- Wildly popular programs like Weight Watchers and Nutri System have kept up with the times and made joining in on their tried-and-true programs easier and virtual, making things “virtually” impossible to fail.
- Online meal delivery has taken the guesswork out of meal planning, meal prep, and making sure you have access to high-quality fresh foods.
Take a look:
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is bigger than ever. When Oprah gets behind a program, you know it’s good. Weight Watchers have been around for generations and their model has evolved over time. Members used to meet in groups near their homes to encourage, educate, and motivate each other. While groups still meet locally, the WW community spans the globe. Thanks to social media, apps, and online access to membership, WW offers a wide variety of education, support, and encouragement online.
Meal delivery services
People are busy. They don’t have time to research meals, source ingredients, shop, and prepare a wide variety of meals. This can derail the good intentions to eat better and lose weight. Being too busy results in backsliding and grabbing take-out when time is tight. Meal delivery services make it bulletproof when it comes to eating healthy.
Green Chef
Meal delivery services like Green Chef allow you to go online, build a profile, and select meals that are healthy, properly portioned, ready to eat, or ready to prepare right to your doorstep. How much easier can it get?
Amazon pantry
Amazon pantry is a great alternative to running to the store, which can save time and money. You can set some items on recurring status, so they magically show up on your doorstep just as your previous item runs out. It takes the stress out of managing your time and can keep you from impulse buying items that sabotage your weight loss.
Online resources are a great way to stay healthy and lose weight. From programs that target weight loss to vendors who take the guesswork out of preparing healthy foods, you can easily support a clean and healthy lifestyle right from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Final Thoughts
These online fitness options are just some of the best you'll find online, but maybe there are others that deserve a shout out too. Tell us in the comment section below!
