COVID-19 has affected us in a very profound way. The degree of worry might not be the same for everyone but it’s safe to say that our respective anxieties increased as a result of its spread and the more knowledge we gained as the coronavirus revealed its more sinister symptoms.
Of course, these worries extend not only for our sake but also for our loved ones. Now more than ever, we need to follow health guidelines, not least of which is strengthening our bodies.
And, indeed, one good thing that arose from the virus’ spread is that it made more people more aware of the importance of keeping ourselves physically and mentally fit for COVID-19.
However, how can we ensure this if there are no gyms open? And if they are, can you really be sure that they’re safe?
It doesn’t have to be a dilemma, though, because there’s a very clear, safer route that you can take. Virtual workouts alone can already become your go-to option for fitness even if you and your loved ones are stuck at home.
WHAT ARE VIRTUAL WORKOUTS?
What can be deemed as a “virtual workout” is no longer limited to a single concept?
For one, virtual classes and online personal training are but two of the main areas of online exercises that directly deal with virtual workouts. They’re essentially exercise done with technology as a primary medium.
With the use of a platform where video conferencing can be done or any other software that makes remote collaboration possible, virtual workouts can be performed remotely. This applies to both live exercise sessions and recorded sessions that you can take part in on your own anytime and anywhere.
Since we are talking about working out from home, you will certainly be asked to have a device through which you will be able to access the workouts or online personal training services.
ONLINE PERSONAL TRAINING
We mentioned online personal training before and for good reason. This is arguably one of the best virtual workout options you can avail at present because it actually lets you procure the services of a professional personal trainer.
The difference between online personal training and virtual workout sessions that you can join anytime is vast.
For one, you will be guided in real-time when you opt for online personal training. Not only will this make sure that you are doing the workouts correctly, but it would also mean you won’t have to worry about potentially harming yourself while trying to perform a specific workout.
Of course, there’s also the further benefit of gaining full support from your personal trainer.
Motivation can be difficult to maintain while you are already putting up with the stress of getting through the day in a pandemic.
But with online personal training, you will still manage to maintain that human connection with your personal trainer, without putting yourselves at risk.
Practically any kind of fitness goal can be reached this way even if you will be relying solely on virtual workout regimens. An added consolation is that your personal trainer will be there for you from start to finish.
HOW VIRTUAL WORKOUTS ARE USUALLY PERFORMED?
In most companies, virtual workout services are usually made available as package offerings. A couple of organizations like Iron Orr Fitness are very active in social media as well, particularly in Facebook groups where remote communication and collaboration can be done with relative ease.
After expressing our interest in availing of their services, your overall fitness will typically be assessed before you begin taking part in the sessions.
So what does a virtual workout look like? How are the exercises done?
Whether you are doing it with a professional personal trainer or just casually with your friends, a virtual workout can be done with any kind of app or software you have that enables video conferencing.
If you have commissioned the services of a personal trainer, you will often be given a walkthrough and demonstration of the proper form and technique of each workout.
Otherwise, you can select a leader among your group of friends who has more experience or knowledge about each exercise. You will then be able to start performing each workout similar to in-person training Stay Fit and Safe at Home With Virtual Workouts .
TIPS TO MAKE YOUR VIRTUAL WORKOUTS MORE ENGAGING
If it happens that you are planning your virtual workouts yourself, here are a couple of suggestions so you can make each one more interesting and can even give you results that will exceed your expectations.
Without a doubt, most fitness companies will approve of these recommendations as well (if they are not using them already).
Share your fitness goals with one another. Chances are, you will find areas where you will meet a lot. This way, you can come up with a virtual workout plan that you can all share as a group. One undeniable benefit of this is that it encourages you to stay connected throughout. It can also be easier to motivate everyone this way.
Come up with a challenge that you need to fulfill on a weekly or monthly basis. Working out is all about pushing yourself, after all, and doing your best to conquer activities and exercises you are weak in.
This can be anything like increasing the number of pushups you need to do or burning a set number of calories as you progress.
Think of pre-session activities you can do that are related to fitness. It can be a quick discussion about health, nutrition, or diet that you can incorporate into your day-to-day activities.
CONCLUSION
With virtual workouts, you will always be able to have plenty of opportunities to boost your fitness without worrying about your safety.
That fact alone should be enough to convince most of us to start doing more virtual workouts as we weather this pandemic storm.
Without a doubt, its physical benefits will immediately give way to that much-needed reduction in stress and peace of mind we all need.