Online fitness classes and apps are in no way new, but are certainly on the increase. There are endless workout apps, online fitness classes, and websites that let you exercise from the comfort of your own home. It allows us access to free and paid online trainers, classes, workout plans, and so much more.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of working out online and whether it’s the best option to achieve your fitness goals.
The Pros of Working Out Online
Even if you choose to do at-home classes in real-time, download an app, or stream, you need to know that it’ll pay off in the end. Let’s dive into the pros of working out online.
1. Exercise on Your Own Time
Finding the time to go to the gym is one of the reasons so many of us don’t go! Whether you get home late from work or have to pick up the kids from school, it’s really hard to fit exercise into a tight schedule. When you work out online, you can do it from home at any time you like.
Pop in a quick exercise while dinner’s in the oven, when you’re on your lunch break, or during the little one’s nap time. Working out online is flexible and convenient, ensuring you have one less thing to fuss about.
2. It’s More Affordable to Work Out Online
Gym membership fees can burn a hole in your pocket, and while they do provide exercise equipment, machines, and other facilities, is it worth the money when you can just exercise at home?
If you’re on a budget, it’s possible to find fitness classes that only cost a small fee; although most of them are free, especially if you’re looking on YouTube or using a fitness app like Workout for Women.
3. Working Out Online Provides Privacy
It can be uncomfortable for some to exercise in front of other people. You might feel self-conscious about your weight. Or, if you’re new to working out, you might not be sure how to do certain exercises.
When you walk into a gym, it’s like starting a new job or joining a new school—it’s intimidating. So, why not use online fitness classes or an app as a solution? You can still do all the basics from your living room without feeling uneasy.
4. Access a Wide Range of Exercise Classes
Choose what kind of exercise class you like, whenever you like! Many gyms offer different classes, but they often have a set timetable, and chances are that it’s the same instructor and the same type of exercise daily. Feeling stressed out? Find a yoga course or app.
Looking to get sweaty? Choose a workout like HIIT, Tabata, or kickboxing. The options are boundless when you decide to work out online.
The Cons of Working Out Online
Working out online allows you to stay active on your own time, which is vital these days. But even though it is a great way to stay healthy and fit, it still has some drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the cons of working out online.
1. All the Possibilities Can Be Overwhelming
Because of the enormous volume of different types of fitness classes online, it can be a bit of an overload of information. It becomes challenging and confusing to find an exercise class or app that suits your fitness goals.
If you find it difficult to be enthusiastic about exercising, it’ll probably be a lot more discouraging when you have to filter through millions of fitness videos to find the right one for you.
2. There Can Be Technical Issues
Using the internet to exercise means you need a solid connection, otherwise technical issues involving your network and bandwidth can prevent you from working out. It’s important to know the little tricks you can use to improve your internet connection. If you don’t, technical glitches may discourage you from working out altogether.
3. Online Exercise Classes Lack a Personal Touch
If you’re just starting your fitness journey and you’re thinking about exercising using online classes or a workout app, then you might want to stop and consider how having one-on-one interaction with a professional trainer would make a huge difference.
Having a professional help you in person ensures that they can check your form, offer corrections, and judge your performance. Without their help, you could do an exercise incorrectly and end up seriously injuring yourself.
4. It Won’t Work If You Lack Motivation
Working out online is easier, cheaper, and much more convenient than going to a gym. However, if you lack the motivation and the discipline to stick to an exercise schedule, then working out online may not be for you. Before you join an online exercise class or download a workout app, consider how lazy you are and whether you can follow a routine without the help of a professional.
Exercise Online to Live a Healthier Lifestyle
Life can be hectic, so it can be difficult to fit exercise into your daily routine. Yet, it’s essential to keep your body fit and healthy. Working out online is a step ahead and it will possibly be the way most of us work out in the future.
That said, it’s always best to consider your fitness goals first and research all the options available.
