Virtual Fitness at Home

What is Virtual Fitness?

Virtual fitness is a way to work out in your comfort zone, or from one’s house, using digital platforms such as YouTube, mobile apps, and live streaming from a gym. The virtual fitness market has grown drastically in the past few years, but more in the past year with the pandemic. While there are multiple platforms to use, make sure you understand the pros and cons of virtual fitness before beginning your journey.

Working out at home Virtual Fitness at Home

Pros

Convenient: Workout without having to leave your home and pick your favorite classes day or night. It is also easier to do in a time crunch and people are more apt to stick with a program they can do at home
Classes you like: With the many ways of finding virtual fitness classes, you are able to choose what classes you want to take and when you want to take the class. There are multiple workouts that are easily done at home that work for what you want to target without having to own equipment.
Affordable: A gym membership can be expensive. There are many mobile platforms that are free or have a monthly pass which are discounted since it is a virtual class.
Comfort in your own home: Some people get nervous about exercising in front of others. Having the option to workout at home with virtual classes allows people to be more comfortable in what they are doing.

Cons

Too many videos to choose from: With the amount of videos that pop up after a google search, it can be a bit of an information overload. It can be daunting to sift through the plethora of videos to find something you like and is right for your fitness level.
Anyone can post a video: With YouTube being an open site to post to, anyone can post a video even if they are not professionals. This can lead to misinformation about the exercises you are performing and can lead to improper form.
Exercising without supervision: The biggest con by far is doing these exercises without supervision from a professional. This can lead to improper form and increasing the risk of injuries.

What are Some Tips to Get the Most Out of Virtual Workouts?

Getting the most out of your workout is important, even when you are doing it at home. Even though the space may feel comfortable, there are some things that you should do to make sure it is worth the time and effort. Below you will find some great tips for getting the most out of your virtual workout.

Designate a space to workout, but cleanup your equipment daily.
Do research on the classes you want to join, do not join a random class.
Use a TV, not a phone or laptop to avoid eye and body strain trying to see the small screen.
Live instructors mute their viewers, so make your own playlist that inspires you during your workout.
Pick a good time for you to work out, and make it a habit.

Which Virtual Fitness Classes are the Best for Beginners?

When starting out with virtual fitness, you want to make sure to pick a class that is right for you and your fitness level. The best way to do this is to research the platforms you are looking at and make sure they have class levels on their videos. It is common to see “for beginners” in the title or description of the videos. It is also recommended to look for videos on a site that is being run by professionals to avoid finding classes taught by those without training.

When starting out with virtual fitness, you want to make sure to pick a class that is right for you and your fitness level. A woman watching a video to complete a workout from home.

How to Avoid Virtual Workout Injuries at Home

Making sure to pick professional videos and to avoid picking classes above your fitness level is a great way to avoid injuries while performing virtual fitness. It is also best to make sure you have enough space around you to avoid hitting any furniture. Make sure to always wear proper footwear, even though you are at home, and remember to hydrate.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

To schedule a physical therapy appointment at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute has a team of highly specialized orthopedic doctors and therapists to help you with your injuries. To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Specialist, call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.