Getting Fit From Home
It is no secret that finding the time and motivation for fitness proves more difficult as time progresses. It can be quite overwhelming to try and keep up with the resolutions we have set as the new year comes and goes. With temperatures in the single digits and COVID-19 cases on the rise, heading to a gym or an exercise class seems nearly impossible.
What if I told you it was possible to maintain your goals without leaving the comfort of your own home? Virtual fitness classes are a great way to remain active while keeping yourself and others around you safe.
Health and wellness apps such as MindBody, have noticed a nearly 30% increase since the beginning of last year as people are seeking alternatives to fitness centers amidst the pandemic. There are endless options to begin your virtual fitness journey with apps such as Peloton, Fitness Coach, HomeWorkout, ProFit, etc. In addition to rather generic choices, there are apps created specifically for women, including Alive by Whitney Simmons and StongHer, all of which are free to download and can be found on the app store from your smart device.
It is easy to forget how much we have access to at the touch of our fingertips when it comes to getting active. Another great resource for growing health trends is following tutorials or workout programs via YouTube. Individuals can access anything from strength training to calisthenics and yoga. This is a cost-free alternative, providing you with free access to videos without the commitment to a membership fee.
Additionally, virtual fitness is making its way into school settings. As stated by the International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, an AI based application has been created in order to provide a more personalized program for school students while temporarily replacing an in-person trainer. Intelligent Virtual Fitness Trainer (IVFIT) aims to provide these students with various workout activities ranging from training, dancing and self defense. Many students expressed excitement in this new development as it allowed for them to virtually try out new movements and exercises with their friends.
According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the main causes of inactivity in adults and teens are lifestyle and societal changes (30% of adults and 80% of teens). It is no surprise that we have all endured life-altering changes to our environments due to the threat of COVID-19. This has caused an influx of individuals within the fitness industry to adapt to this new way of life as they consider how important it is to keep one another motivated and decrease the negative mental and physical effects of the pandemic.
Despite the challenges we face, prioritizing health and fitness can become more attainable with the use of virtual fitness classes. Not only does this serve as vital for a healthy lifestyle, it also provides various opportunities to remain connected in these uncertain times. Take control of your mind and body without the stress of leaving your home!
References:
Bloomberg.com. (2021). How Covid-19 Has Permanently Changed the Fitness Industry. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-19/fitness-industry-may-never-return-to-its-old-ways-after-covid-19
Mokmin, N. A. M. (2020, October 1). The effectiveness of a personalized virtual fitness trainer in teaching physical education by applying the artificial intelligent algorithm. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.hrpub.org/journals/article_info.php?aid=9980
Qian, J., McDonough, D. J., & Gao, Z. (2020, June 10). The effectiveness of virtual reality exercise on individual’s physiological, psychological and Rehabilitative Outcomes: A systematic review. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312871/
