Choosing the right online fitness class for you
The year 2020 brought many things into our thought process that hadn’t been before. One was our workout routines. The pandemic shut a lot of fitness and Pilates studios down or caused them to open, close and open enough to make your head spin. Many fitness participants wondered is it possible to get a workout without going into the gym or studio? Suddenly it seemed as if new digital fitness classes were popping everywhere. Is this a better way than going into a personalized session live? Was this now a replacement for that one on one live workout? How do you choose which Digital classes are for you? I have some great tips to help you find that Digital Class platform for your needs and your workout.
The spring of 2020 saw this huge trend sweep across for all that were used to going to the gym or Pilates studio with live zoom classes and the recorded Digital Class. For many this was all a new thing but, for some gyms and studios this was an offer we had for clients already but, now it seemed many were now interested. It is not a replacement but more of an addition for our participants to deepen their practice and in a sense have “homework” when they are away from the studio.
I have always had an online studio for my clients and students as an option. It is a way for them to get that extra workout in between their in studio lessons, that quick workout at lunch or after work to just move between sessions. It was always a nice option for those that due to time or finances could only make it into the studio once a week or traveled and live Zoom sessions were not an option for them.
Digital Classes have been around for years but, in 2020 they got a closer look at by many as they sat at home unable to go to their gym of studio. Many fitness gyms and Pilates studios started adding them to their menu of services. The term Digital and Online classes was a hot Twitter trend all of the sudden. Yet, how could someone choose the one digital class platform that worked for them.
I have some tips to help in choosing a digital class platform and they are very similar to what you would want to look at if you were going to go into a studio or fitness center for your private workout. You want your online workout to give you just as much challenge, focus and meeting your workout needs as if that trainer was right with you in the room guiding you.
Studio/Fitness gym you are already taking classes/privates - The number one tip is to see if the teacher or studio you already take from has an online digital platform to join. You are more likely to take the classes with teachers you are familiar with, understand their cues, like their personality and style of teaching.
Type of classes offered - Look at the classes that are offered. Do they interest you and motivate you? How often are new ones added? Do they have specialty classes that maybe are dealing with an issue or challenge you would like for your own body?
Membership types - Do they have different options for membership or is it one option? What all does that membership include?
Is this a place or person you would want to work out with in person? - This is important as it goes to how this person makes you feel in terms of motivating you. If it is someone that you want to be around, work with and enjoy your fitness journey with in person then it makes the online digital something you will most likely make time to do.
I know for my Hilary Opheim Online Demand studio , it is important to have weekly additional workouts, tutorials and variety of workouts that are full hours to quick and effective. Different memberships that offer different options gives participants a way to really cater the experience not only to what they can afford but, commit to as well. Even getting specialty discounts for live options is always a great perk and I know my students and clients love that!
2020 opened the door for the Digital options for many and even as things go back to a more normal routine in the future these Online Demand studio’s are here to stay. Another way to incorporate ways for those who want to workout whenever and wherever they can more accessible. Choosing the right one for you will keep you committed and taking class as part of your weekly routine.
If you are interested in exploring Online Demand classes check out my OnDemand Studio below.