Virtual Or Live Fitness Workouts: Which Is Better?
The pandemic pushed us all into the virtual world; none more so than in the fitness industry. When in-person training was no longer an option, live stream and on demand classes took off providing us with another way to incorporate fitness into our lives. Prior to the pandemic, I think my clients would have laughed at the notion of training over a computer screen. Now though, the necessity to stay fit during the gym shutdowns of the pandemic coupled with advances in at-home fitness solutions, like Peloton® bikes, MIRROR, personal training apps and other virtual options enable us to maintain some semblance of fitness, doing fitness at on our own schedule and in our own space, adding a high degree of convenience and flexibility to staying fit! Even though my own gym is open, many clients continue to train virtually, which does work well when guided one-on-one with a personal trainer.
Feature image of What’s more effective, live, or virtual fitness training
As the trainer that once used to train these same people live, I do see a major benefit not seen by training live in the gym with us and that is repetition. Repetition using the clients’ own equipment in their own home, giving them techniques and practice needed to gain confidence using their own equipment, even if it’s just a cleverly designed workout with simple resistance bands or dumbbells. This translates into the client being more likely to use this equipment on their own because they are well trained at how to use it, which could make that elliptical or treadmill in the bedroom less of a “clothes rack” as many pieces of fitness equipment often end up as!
While we firmly agree that virtual training has its benefits, recent research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) conference in June 2022 reveals the limitations of virtual training and highlights the benefits of live participation in group classes. Their findings show that virtual exercise options are most effective when used for yoga, meditation, and other low impact activities or when a trainer can one-on-one guide the session versus doing group classes.
If you want to take group fitness classes to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, get stronger and get the best results, in-person training wins hands down. Recent research by Penn State University demonstrated that participants in live group classes had on average 14% higher heart rates and 13% higher stated enjoyment rates than virtual participants in the same class. Scientific research and my own anecdotal observation are convincing evidence that working out as a group (groupness as Penn State University coined it) influences participants to push themselves harder and thus achieve greater success. While virtual and hybrid solutions are great in a pinch, to build and maintain fitness, the far better choice is regular in-person training with a professional.
If you want to improve stamina and cardio fitness, build strength, and increase overall health with top-tier professionals, call or text me today at 831.236.6199 to arrange a personal consultation. We offer one-on-one, group and hybrid fitness solutions.
The pandemic pushed us all into the virtual world; none more so than in the fitness industry. With in-person training no longer an option, live stream and on demand classes took off providing us with another way to incorporate fitness into our lives. For people who lack access to in-person fitness solutions, or limited time and resources, at home gym equipment like Peloton® bikes, apps like MIRROR, and other virtual options enable them to maintain some semblance of fitness.
Recent research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine reveals the limitations of virtual training and highlights the benefits of in-person training. Livestream, on demand and other virtual exercise options are most effective when used for yoga, meditation, and low stress, low impact activities.
On the other hand, if you want to lose weight, improve your cardio health, get stronger and maximize performance, in-person training wins hands down. Recent research by fitness leader, Les Mills, corroborates earlier research by Penn State University demonstrating that participants in live group classes had on average 14% higher heart rates and 13% higher stated enjoyment rates than virtual participants in the same class. Scientific research and my own anecdotal observation are convincing evidence that working out as a group (groupness as Penn State University coined it) influences participants to push themselves harder and thus achieve greater success. While virtual and hybrid solutions are great in a pinch, to build and maintain fitness, the far better choice is regular in-person training with a professional.
If you want to improve stamina and cardio fitness, build strength, and increase overall health with top-tier professionals, call or text me today at 831.236.6199 to arrange a personal consultation. We offer one-on-one, group and hybrid fitness solutions.
