It has been said that physical fitness is directly tied to good mental health. However, with the country shutting down, getting to gyms and meeting with personal trainers has come to a grinding halt. Thankfully, there are many ways you can maintain physical health throughout the pandemic through three different solutions. They include online fitness programs, virtual gym programs, and basic exercise.

Online Fitness Programs

If you do best with a personal fitness instructor guiding you through a workout program, technology is making it happen. Fitness instructors are now using social media to reach people stuck at home. Generally, you will need to pay for a subscription for their instructional videos.

Pros –

• Most have mobile apps that provide exercise and diet programs with journals to track your progress
• Accessible whenever you have time to workout
• Guided workouts
• Often provide online stores to purchase necessary at-home equipment

Cons –

• Require subscriptions
• Open to everyone so less one-on-one support
• Can be costly

Virtual Gym Programs

Members of gyms benefit from classes that provide instruction and socialization. However, they have had to turn to online video chat programs to provide the class in a safe environment. People who thrive on group accountability can find great success from this fitness program option.

Pros –

• Guided workouts with a social atmosphere
• Included in a gym membership
• Set times to create routines

Cons –

• Need to purchase the equipment they once provided at the gym
• Times available may not match your needs with kids at home

Basic Exercise Programs

Finally, if you are looking for fitness programs that do not require money and are flexible, basic exercises are available. You will not have the benefit of having set classes, but you can still get professional guidance. Activities such as running with C25K, walking, playing with the kids, and doing exercises inside your home are all ways to workout without spending money. You can find helpful videos online for ideas on what routines you can add to your workouts.

Pros –

• Minimal equipment needed to workout
• Works on any time schedule
• No technology needed, but can be helpful when starting

Cons –

• No accountability
• Minimal guidance on new exercises
• Easy to get stuck in a rut

With all of the options available, there is no excuse not to continue working out while stuck at home. Every workout program style has its pros and cons, so knowing what works best for you will help you decide which route to go. Fitness instructors are continuing to adjust to things going virtual and coming out with new ways to reach people.

To learn more, reach out to a local instructor or gym that offers personal fitness programs.