Can Virtual Fitness Be Better than In-Person Fitness Classes?

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“WOW!” I exclaimed as I did my 8th curtsy lunge. Never tried that one before, but I could feel?my glutes and quads working hard. As the teacher moved onto the next pose, I continued with the lunge, exploring my weakness and strength. I now integrate this exercise into my home practice, which honestly is sometimes in front of the stove while cooking and other times in front of the TV.

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Most of us reading this has probably attended one group fitness class at our gym in the past. The energy is motivating, the instructor inspiring, and there’s socializing before and after class.

With a virtual fitness class, it is an entirely new experience, and one that many of us have had to learn to love.

I recognized my mom guilt as I dropped my kids to the gym daycare after being at school all day. Then I felt like I was "making it up to them" for the rest of the evening & spreading myself too thin.

For some of us virtual is paramount. We value other things over live attendance at a fitness class.

So how can we make virtual fitness classes even better than in-person?

(1)? Design your Home Studio Experience

Light a vanilla-scented candle.? Play your favorite folk rock songs.?Lay down foam pads. Create a meditation nook or a fitness area.?Wear funny socks. Wear your middle school spirit wear. Put your hair in pig tails. Devoting a space for your exercise regimen will signal your mind and body to get ready to exercise. I choose to keep my kettlebells & yoga mat in sight in case I have 15 minutes to fit in a short routine.

(2) Short classes

Let's be honest: 15 minutes of exercise a day is easy to fit in daily. 45 isn't always easy to fit in. Choose the length of class that works for you. Even if the class recording is 45 minutes, do 15 minutes per day.

(3)? Accountability

We are here for you.

Online you have a choice: share your audio or video or remain an anonymous black box.? Our instructors love it when you participate in class with your video on! It’s not just motivating to the teacher, but to the others in class who are working hard right along with you.? And we don’t mind it if you are in a stained shirt, oily hair, or your dog howls along to the music.

(4)? Pushing our limits

You may find that your limits are different when we are not together in person.? Practicing at home means you might not do the yoga pose you don't like. It may also mean you push yourself harder without risk of embarrassment. Ask yourself: is this right for me? You may find more freedom to discover what you prefer and what your body can handle. Want to do 20 more squats after the class has moved on because it feels good? Do it! There is a lot of freedom with a virtual class to explore what YOU want and need.

(5)? Trusting ourselves

You may have completely trusted the instructor in the past to guide you through all of the exercises. Now you have the opportunity to trust yourself as your instructor is more of a guide into your own experience.? Being on camera in a group class, our instructors cannot often see your movements. Virtual instruction is different than in-person. Ask questions before & after class and trust what you learn about your body while you practice. ?

(6)? Small talk

Never liked small talk before your in-person class? Call yourself an introvert? Now there’s no obligation to interact! Chat with the participants and instructor before and after class if you want. We love to hear about you: where you are joining from, what you are looking for in class, and what’s important to you right now (even if it’s not health/fitness related).? This is how we create community and accountability within our virtual classes.

(7)? Screen Time

Rather than feel fatigued by staring at the computer screen for another meeting, try casting your fitness class to your TV. Have it more than 5 feet away from you. All you need is an HDMI cord to your TV. Or Apple TV to cast from your phone. Do it on your deck.? Have a friend or family member join you. ?

Even with all the changes we have gone through in the last four years, one thing that hasn’t changed. We need to exercise. It's the greatest pill out there. The immune system responds to how we use our bodies. Stress weakens the immune system, and so does a sedentary lifestyle. Develop the neural pathways to make mental and physical self-care a habit. Get up. Right now. Walk, stretch, find movement that you LOVE and that will keep you coming back!

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By Marla Pelletier

Inward Office

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