It's been two years since the pandemic started and, like it or not, we have changed. As a former owner of a brick and mortar gym facility, I now teach exclusively online.

There are pros and cons of receiving fitness from an electronic platform that my clients have shared. I'm told that it's easy to be consistent at home. Class starts in five minutes and you can Zoom yourself into it!

What are the benefits of working out at home?

Despite what those resistant to try it may say or think, I have clients who have built stronger versions of themselves exclusively online from their homes.

Many of them I have not met or seen in person for a few years. Joining a live online class provides you with accountability and community.

There are many benefits such as saved time, less travel, no carbon imprint and no parking needed. You can take your virtual training to the park, on vacation or anywhere you find yourself needing to be.

I have had a small group of clients that are caregivers and feel isolated at home in this role. For them, going out to a class is not possible or realistic given the caregiving responsibilities they have. The flexibility and convenience of training at home has made a huge difference to their health and wellbeing.

What to Consider about home workouts

Besides being just a few steps away from your shower after class, here are some variables to consider for home based online fitness training: 

• Your Space:  Big or small works. I have clients with home gyms to those with only the space of a yoga mat, and everything in between. What I see mostly is people training in a small space, and it works.
• Your Goals: Most fitness levels can be challenged from the beginner to the advanced client. There are limitations though if your training goals require heavy equipment that one does not have at home. That said, there are always ways to get creative with some kettlebells and resistance bands.
• Your Equipment: How much do you have or need? The answer is: it depends. Building movement skills, competency, form and fitness can be done with bodyweight. Once you are really to add load, an investment in some dumbbells, kettlebells, and bands is all that is needed.

Building Community through online home workouts

One more thing on that list is community.

Did you have a pre-pandemic gym routine? Part of the gym rat vibe is to feel part of a community. That community keeps you accountable - great friendships have formed in the rest periods of a group class!

It's not the same online as in person, but that’s not to say there isn’t a strong community online. It’s just a little different.

Considering all the benefits of the virtual environment there may be a place in your life for both online and in person training. At least at home, you can wear your favorite shorts/tights and t-shirt - even if they have holes in them!

How does personal training compare with working out at home?

There are a lot of free workouts on the internet but I like to call what I do training and not a workout.

A workout can be downloaded off the internet. It’s not an ongoing specific plan that is programmed by professionals to get you results.

A live instructor can provide you with feedback on your posture and form, then tailor the exercise to your fitness level. This can’t be achieved by a recorded session. 

PERSONAL AT HOME WORKOUTS GET RESULTS

How do you complete 10 push ups when you can’t do one?

What to do and what to skip. It becomes confusing until you enter the world of having a fitness professional with you (Live on Zoom) to give you the feedback, progressions or regressions that would be appropriate for your fitness level.

Group classes have a training plan that is delivered and changed every 6 weeks. This addresses the principle of adaptation that we call the SAID principle. (Specific Adaptation to the Imposed Demand).

If we keep doing the same thing over and over, the body adapts and we stop making progress. Training plans use various programming variables to challenge your body and make new adaptations. This is so exciting because this is how we build stronger versions of ourselves.

Some of our programs are sponsored and so there’s no cost to you ever. Removing the barrier of cost is a great way to kickstart your fitness and build the stronger version of yourself that you envision. 

Motivation is fueled by a community of like minded people online who also want to grow and change the way they age. It’s very important to find a way to incorporate fitness into your life for your health. Your future self will thank you. 

 it’s time! to start. 

Written by: Sheila Hamilton