Virtual Fitness: Benefits and Drawbacks
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted just about every aspect of ordinary life, and exercise routines are no exception. Staying active is now more important than ever in this pandemic due to the risk of inactivity. Efforts to reduce the spread of the virus have forced people to adapt how and where they should move, driving an explosion of online fitness classes. Today, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Zoom are transforming ‘fitness at home.’
Online fitness is one of the fastest growing industries during the COVID-19 pandemic as health-conscious people and fitness-freaks have rapidly shifted to innovative video exercise platforms.
According to Research Dive, the global virtual fitness market accounted for US$6,060.0 million in 2019 and is expected to surpass US$59,650.3 million by exhibiting a CAGR of 33.5% by 2027.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Fitness Training
Streaming programs such as Crunch Live and Grokker are popping up all over the internet. Startups such as HealthifyMe, Fitternity, and Fittr are gaining more customers, in services related to fitness programs such as corporate wellness and others. However, like any other training format, there are pros and cons to consider when determining if it is right or not.
- Benefits
There are many reasons that online fitness training is beneficial.
- Easy Access
As long as there is a WiFi connection and/or an access to pre-downloaded videos, workout can be possible at home or anywhere. Online fitness programs are almost offered at one’s convenience without being locked into a specific class schedule at a local gym.
- Broad Offerings
With online fitness programs there is no longer need to take a class from the one Pilates instructor at the local gym. When a person head online, he has Pilates instructors from across the globe, all willing and ready to help in mastering favorite exercises. And same goes for different types of exercise where one can learn every possible exercise at home or with home-based equipment.
- Less Expensive
There are various online fitness programs that are much less expensive as compared to the similar offline programs, which brings greater opportunity to these programs to reach wider audience. In fact, many programs are offered free of charge, mostly if there is not any specific need for personalized attention.
- Provides Privacy
If anyone is new to exercise, and they aren’t sure what type of exercise they like, or feel intimidated when walking into a new exercise or workout environment, online fitness training is an excellent reprieve from the traditional studio or gym. They can test different programs from the comfort of their living room and learn the basics before taking the practice into the real world of gyms or clubs.
- Drawbacks
Although the growth of the online/virtual fitness industry is incredibly positive, but it’s not without problems. Listed below are a few cons associated with online fitness programs.
- May Be Less Motivating
‘Know thyself’ is the first thing to think about when considering an online fitness program. If anyone struggles with self-motivation, don’t like working out at home, and prefer a social workout environment, then online fitness programs may not be for them.
- May Be Overwhelming
The sheer volume of online fitness possibilities may feel paralyzing. If anyone finds hard to choose which gym or studio to go to in their neighborhood, it’s also going to be a lot harder to choose which online fitness program to follow when sifting through the millions of results after searching on internet.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, physical activity or exercising at home is one way to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. There are many available online fitness opportunities which can be overwhelming. Online fitness programs can help all to start or maintain our fitness routine. It is giving us all an opportunity to try out new activities with local as well as international instructors and thereby create lasting behavior change to keep moving more.
