With the incredible response to online training programs and fitness classes during the Covid 19 “Stay at Home” protocols you might be asking yourself if it is actually wise to just head to Instagram, Facebook and You Tube to get your daily workouts in. There are thousands if not millions of accounts offering monthly, yearly or pay as you go memberships to online apps, or free workouts just from their account. I myself offer a free 15 minute LIVE core workout twice weekly. When the world was shaken up and in LOCKDOWN mode, I panicked as did every other fitness professional, boutique studio, gym and community centre that was suddenly, completely flatlined with zero income and a very unsure future. Many of us suffered depression, a sense of hopelessness and sadness without a quick solution. Fortunately I was/am using a booking app that enabled me to train my clients virtually one on one, Zoom and other communication Apps were flooded immediately.
You might have asked yourself, what do I do now? For those people that are technically inclined and have been on Social Media platforms for years had no problem checking into the free workouts that were in abundance. many savvy clients really do not mind working out from home with some checking in with a trainer instead and paying for one on one virtual sessions with minimal equipment available.
Fantastic to know that in todays age we have options! Live to our homes! Motivational guidance! However, I will give you a little cautionary advice.
Firstly make sure you look into the person giving the workout advice, are they properly certified, how long have they had experience training or leading fitness classes?
As you are participating do they comment on form and technique? Remember that they cannot see you and I can tell you that as I virtually train my clients I am constantly correcting form, safety concerns to stay injury free is paramount and it should be to you as well.
Be aware that being “in shape” is different for everyone and modifications to the exercises should be given. I watched a fairly out of shape parent doing a very hard workout with his teenage children on his deck the other day all of them following an App, his form was poor and his parlour was bright red and he was clearly struggling. If you have taken this time to get into shape again because you have the time please gain your medical approval or at the very least take it down to a beginner level. Your heart needs to build up to intensity as does your body, especially if it has been years since you have worked out.
I am all for the new “Normal” as we all have to adapt and the digital world is something that we are so fortunate to have. Have a fun time becoming acquainted with all of your options online until you can once again have your social, person to person fitness experiences. I just want you to ‘be safe’, ‘be careful’ and ‘be diligent’ in finding the right fit for you after all you did the research (I hope) on finding your “fitness fit” before the pandemic, why take a chance on your safety now?