Virtual fitness training became even more popular over the last couple of years due to the pandemic. People have been working out at home for far longer but the demand is much higher now for so many reasons.
In the past, I enjoyed going to the gym, training with a coach, and taking classes. Times have changed. There still is so much value in going to a gym or fitness center and I am not knocking it. However, many people just aren’t comfortable doing that anymore and there are so many other fun options to consider. It is all about preference!
For so long, I believed I couldn’t get a good workout without using the equipment at a gym. What I found is that working out at home was a much better option for me personally. I experienced a 40-pound weight loss by doing it! Here are some benefits I noticed from my fitness journey and the decision to not return to the gym.
5 Benefits of Virtual Fitness
Variety of Options
There are endless ways to use virtual fitness to your advantage. From online paid memberships like BeachBody to the thousands of options on YouTube, there is a workout to be found for everyone at every level. Discovering new coaches who I enjoy listening to is always a fun experiment.
Occasionally, I will try new ones, and if I don’t like the workout or the trainer I just turn it off and switch to someone different. That’s the best feeling when you are in control of who is training you at that moment.
I have been working out at home for a while so I have a long list of my favorites which I will share. Name one type of exercise and I promise you will be able to find it online. And the bonus is that most of the at-home options have free content so there are no extra bills to worry about!
My Go-to favorites when I am not on my stationary bike:
Walking Workouts:
Strength Training and Cardio:
Home Workout Videos | Team Body Project
Penny Barnshaw, Garage Fitness Girl – Fit | Lean | Strong
Destination Fitness- private Facebook paid membership group with my coach
Convenience
What is better than being in the comfort of your own home. The fact that you don’t have to drive to a gym or fitness center is a bonus in my eyes. In addition, being able to choose whenever you work out is a plus. No class times or trainer schedules to figure out.
Work around your schedule and be comfortable in your surroundings. Some people just are not comfortable working out with other people around. I get it. I do enjoy working out alone. Usually, I work out right in my living room and choose something from YouTube or work out with my coach on her private Facebook page. Move over the coffee table and get to it!
Clean Environment
In my opinion, nothing is worse than being in a filthy gym around all sweaty people who are using the same equipment as you. Especially in these times, people are super aware of germs and being in a clean environment. Being at home doing a virtual fitness workout will allow you to control what germs you are exposed to.
Wear Whatever You Want
When you work out at home, there’s no need to buy expensive leggings and a cute sports bra. To be honest, half the time I exercise at home I am still in my pajamas and not wearing a bra. Feel free, with no judgment, to wear whatever you please. You know you will be more comfortable!
Work Out with Your Partner & Kids
If you battle with your family to be more active, then these at-home options may just do the trick to get them moving. Think of it as family bonding. Getting kids to exercise is hard enough. Coaxing them out of their rooms is possible if they don’t have to make the effort to leave the house. Try it. It works sometimes in my house so there is hope!
More Time With Your Pets
Staying at home to work out will give you the luxury of not leaving your pets by themselves. When I work out, my dog sits right beside me. However, sometimes he gets in my way, I don’t mind because he gives me so much joy. Even when he thinks it’s playtime when I go on the floor to foam roll or do ab exercises! I love being with him. It always makes me feel guilty when I leave the house so this way I don’t have to and that’s what I prefer.
Enjoying Virtual Fitness at Home
So, tell me which benefit you would enjoy the most about working out at home. You never know until you try it. You may be surprised that you don’t miss getting into your car and traveling to a gym you have to pay for in order to be surrounded by a large crowd of people you don’t know. Save on gas too. This introvert loves the option of not having to leave the house for my workouts so I highly recommend it!
Another fitness-related post you may enjoy:
10 Gentle Ways to Stay Active with Chronic Illness
Stay Well 🙂
xoxo
Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.