Get in Shape, Virtually: The Impact of Fitness Apps
Lucky for us, 2020 brought with it a new wave of fitness options that couldn't have come at a better time. From personal trainers to virtual workout classes and everything in between, there's an app for just about every kind of workout imaginable.
In this article, we'll explore the impact of fitness apps and discuss how they are changing the way we work out. We'll discuss the pros and cons of virtual workouts versus in-person sessions as well as some best practices when working out online. Let's get started!
Understanding the Fitness App Industry
These days, it seems like everyone is into fitness apps and virtual workout classes. This isn't surprising—they're convenient, easily accessible, and help save time in a hectic schedule. Whether you prefer to start your day with an at-home HIIT session or love the idea of joining a yoga class virtually, fitness apps are here to stay.
But what is the current state of the fitness app industry? Well, one thing's for certain: it's going strong. In 2019, global downloads of health and fitness apps reached 3.9 billion—a major increase from 2018's 2.6 billion downloads. What's more, a recent survey showed that about two-thirds of people who use exercise apps are likely to continue using them for at least six months post-download.
These numbers show that fitness apps are gaining traction among users and staying there—a great sign for anyone looking to get healthy and fit in their own homes!
Different Types of Fitness Apps are Available
Thanks to the prevalence of fitness apps, you now have more workout options than ever before. Whether you're looking for a challenging HIIT routine, easy beginner exercises, or something in between, there's likely an app to fit your needs. Let's take a look at some of the different types of fitness apps available:
HIIT Workouts
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a type of exercise that combines intense periods of work with short rest periods. Fitness apps make it easy to include HIIT workouts into your routine from the comfort of your own home. Many apps feature audio or video guidance to keep you on track and assist with form.
Guided Exercise Classes
Nowadays, there are plenty of virtual fitness classes available via the app. Whether you're looking to try yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, or more traditional cardiovascular classes like cycling and aerobics—there's something for everyone! The audio-visual aspect of these workouts often provides just as much motivation as an in-person class can offer.
Pay Per Class Model
Many fitness apps allow users to purchase single classes one at a time instead of committing to a full membership plan. This can be a great option if you only have time for occasional workouts here and there throughout the month but still want access to high-quality content from reputable instructors.
Benefits of Using Fitness Apps
You may have heard about fitness apps, but do you know the benefits of using them? Well, there are actually a lot of great reasons why you should give them a try.
Convenience
One major benefit of using fitness apps is convenience. It can be so much easier to access your workouts and classes when they're available at your fingertips. No need to travel anywhere, or adjust your schedule around class times - you can do it all from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
Variety
Another benefit is variety - there are dozens of different apps available, each offering unique workouts and classes tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're looking for yoga, HIIT, dance classes, or something else entirely, you're sure to find an app that fits your needs.
Motivation
Finally, fitness apps can provide you with that extra motivation boost when you need it most. With built-in features like progress trackers and leaderboards, as well as access to virtual communities with other users, you can keep yourself motivated and achieve success on your fitness journey.
So if you're looking for an easy way to get in shape while still having fun and staying motivated, why not give fitness apps a try? With their convenience and variety of offerings, they make it easier than ever before to reach your fitness goals!
Reasons People Use Virtual Workouts
If you haven't hopped on the virtual workout train, consider the reasons why people are loving it.
One of the main advantages is convenience. You don't have to get all dolled up and drive to a gym—you can just log in from your home and do a quick 10-minute workout before lunch or take a yoga class lives from your living room. And with so many great apps out there today, you can find workouts for every budget, taste, and experience level, so no matter what your fitness goals are, there's something that fits the bill.
Plus, tracking your workouts is easier than ever before with fitness apps. Whether you love seeing the numbers go up or like having an easy way to keep track of your progress and share it with friends and family, this kind of data tracking can be really motivating and encourage you to stay on top of your fitness journey.
And finally, if you're feeling competitive or just want a bit of friendly accountability, there's nothing like virtual coaching to take it up a notch—many people find that working with a remote coach is just as effective as in-person coaching. Not only will they give you support and guidance when it comes to getting in shape—they can also provide valuable insights on nutrition and holistic wellness too!
How to Pick the Right Fitness App for You
If you're ready to take the plunge and join the world of virtual fitness, it's important to know how to pick the right fitness app for you. There are countless options out there, and making the wrong choice can be a complete waste of time and money.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to pick a fitness app that meets your needs.
Set realistic goals
First, set some realistic goals for yourself. Do you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or both? Knowing what you want to achieve will help narrow down the options.
Consider difficulty level
Second, consider your difficulty level. If you're a beginner, it's important to start off with something easy and gradually work your way up as you get more comfortable with fitness. If you already have some experience in the fitness world, you may want something that challenges you more than a beginner's class would offer.
Look at other features
Finally, look at other features that apps offer such as nutrition guidance, built-in reminders, and tracking capabilities. These types of features can help motivate you and keep your workouts on track.
By following these simple steps, it's easier than ever to find the perfect fitness app for your needs so that you can get in shape with virtual workouts.
The Future of Fitness Apps and Virtual Workouts
Fitness apps have already had a big impact on the way we view fitness, but what will the future hold? For one, there's no denying that virtual fitness classes and personal trainers will likely become more and more popular.
There are several reasons why this could be true:
Fitness apps offer convenience — you can take classes from anywhere, whenever it's convenient for you — and there are countless options, from yoga to P90X and HIIT.
Virtual class instructors can customize fit exercises to individual needs and preferences — something you don't get in traditional classes at your local gym.
Virtual classes are more affordable than traditional training sessions because they're usually sold on a subscription basis.
Apps provide users with better accountability, monitoring their progress and helping them stay motivated and committed to their goals.
The fitness app world is ever-evolving, so it's exciting to see what new features will come next to make our workouts easier, smarter, and more enjoyable!
Conclusion
All in all, fitness apps are quickly becoming the go-to method for many fitness enthusiasts to stay in shape and stay motivated. With virtually endless options for every fitness need, it’s no wonder that these apps are becoming increasingly popular. Whether you're just starting out on your fitness journey or have been in the game for years, fitness apps are the new way to stay in shape. So what are you waiting for? Get downloading and get your workout on!