Although we are moving to a post-Covid “new normal” I am seeing a consistent shift to a more online world. This is especially true when it comes to virtual fitness. People are still hesitant to get back in the gym. Who can blame them? While the gyms are clean they are still overcrowded. Plus, wearing a mask while working out is not ideal.
More and more trainers and clients are finding ways to stay healthy online. But, all the options can be incredibly overwhelming. So, if you are thinking of hopping on the bandwagon of virtual fitness, here are my tips and pros and cons for the most popular pieces of equipment.
TONAL SMART HOME GYM
Let’s start with one of the most popular pieces of equipment: The Tonal System. I have not tried this piece of equipment but from my research I can assure you that it’s versatile and offers a full body workout. Plus, it’s a great space saver. Additionally, it has some cool technology that helps you count reps, weight, range of motion and time under tension.
The best part of this virtual home fitness system is that you do not need a lot of extra weights, you can literally lift up to 200 lbs with what is included in the system. One of its best features is that it has over 100 hundred workouts with certified trainers. I also like this piece of equipment because it offers cross training (cardio mixed in with strength training) which is also time efficient.
The Tonal Smart Home Gym is $2,995.00 (they offer a payment plan) with the accessories for an extra $495. In addition to the cost of the equipment you still must purchase a membership to have access to more workouts. Currently the household membership is $49 per month.
Overall, The Tonal virtual fitness system offers a space-efficient way to workout at home. And, although it is an investment over time the cost will definitely outweigh paying a gym membership.
PELOTON
Another awesome new popular virtual fitness system is The Peleton system. Peloton offers stationary exercise bikes and treadmills with access to certified personal trainers and workout programs. Many athletes have endorsed this particular brand as well.
The Peleton bike starts at $1895 ( monthly payment plan $49 per month). Like the Tonal System there is a membership fee for the workout programs. At the time of this writing, the memberships start at $39 per month. You can also purchase free-weights on their site. I love this because I like a more traditional workout style of weights and cardio.
The app that is included in the membership offers strength training, yoga stretching cycling, bootcamps, running and meditation, etc. An extra advantage of this app is that it is available without the purchase of a bike, treadmill or membership. You can steam it on your television or mobile device for $12.99. Plus, it comes with a 30-day free trial.
BEACHBODY
I currently have a Beachbody account. No, I do not use the shakes, nor am I coach. When I got pregnant it was winter and I ABSOLUTELY HATE working out in the cold. Plus, I was getting a little burnt out with my traditional gym workouts. I found that the Beachbody streaming membership offers hundreds of different programs that include strength training, traditional cardio, HITT Cardio, Dance classes, yoga, Pilates, and pre-and post-natal workouts.
An extra advantage of this system is that big pieces of equipment are not needed to participate. You will need some various sized dumbbells, a jump rope,an exercise mat and a safe and clear space to move about.
I enjoy this home fitness app because I have been able to get a great workout in 40 minutes or less. I also like that the programs usually last 21 to 60 days.
The yearly fee for Beachbody is $99 plus tax which makes it super affordable if you are on a budget!
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Individual Personal Trainers
Virtual Personal Trainers are a little bit different from purchasing equipment. I recommend starting with research. Here are a few tips for researching and determining who to hire as a virtual trainer. Remember they may ask you questions but you are the one paying for the experience and have the right to know who you are investing in.
- First know the difference between virtual personal training and online program terminology because they are definitely two different things.
Virtual personal training: These are one-on-one (individual) sessions with your trainer. You may meet on Zoom or through another app. This is where your trainer is watching you as you work out. Because your session is live with your trainer it is great for that extra accountability and making sure you are moving properly. This type of training is going to cost more than an online program.
Online Program: This is a more hands-off approach in the trainer/ client relationship. Basically, you are paying for an exercise program (workouts and sometimes meal plans) that you would complete on your own. You may have weekly calls or another form of checking in with your trainer to ask questions and for accountability.
- Ask the trainer what type of equipment you will need or if they can tailor the program to what you already own (this is for both virtual training and online programs).
- Do they offer beginner, intermediate and advanced programs?
- What type of app do you need ( if you are virtual personal training)?
- Anything virtual can be hard to stick to. One excellent question to ask is do they offer an accountability group or a way to connect with others.
A FEW TIPS ABOUT HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENT
As more people are staying home, they are creating home gyms and buying up gym equipment. Here are my top tips to keep you from overspending or buying lower quality products.
Personally, I like equipment that is versatile. Not only is it a space-saver but it’s always a money saver (which is my favorite part). Right now, gym equipment is at an astronomical price due to demand, so buying only what you need is essential.
With versatility in mind, I really love dumbbells because you can do so much with them. My advice to you is to buy a set of 3 different sizes. This will allow you to have a low weight, mid weight, and a heavier set for different exercises.
Slam balls are great ( I suggest a 20lb to start) if you have a safe space to slam them down.
Definitely add an exercise mat for core and other floor exercises to your shopping list.
Also, a jump rope is an excellent and cheap piece of equipment that can help you get cardio into your workout.
For those of you who need a little bit more, like cabled exercise machines (i.e. lat pulldown), I have one golden rule….. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!! If you see something on Amazon that seems like a steal of a deal, be ready with the duct tape.
Also, I “nay nay” any type of specialized exercise equipment like hip thrusters, you can do those same hip thrusters with dumbbells.
As you begin to build your home gym, I hope these tips and pro’s and con’s help you make an informed decision about what type of equipment will work best for you!!!
Lyndsey Bobola understands the struggles of losing weight and getting healthy. She has lost over 65 pounds through her fitness journey. Breaking through the fad diets and exercise routines and giving up excuses, Lyndsey created goals and developed nutrition plans that worked! She gained a healthy lifestyle and now feels better than ever before. As her life improved, Lyndsey developed a passion to help others discover the path to a healthier life.
Now, Lyndsey is here to help clients cut through the noise of Instagram fitness models and fad diets to find real, lasting change. She is here to help people who are ready to improve their life through fitness, health, and life goals.
Scrolling through Instagram accounts of so-called fitness models, Pinterest meal prep ideas, and online workout programs with no scientific backing, Lyndsey realized a majority of fitness ideas online are wrong. They are designed for quick but not lasting results, to make you feel inadequate, or to get your money and leave you hanging. Lyndsey wants to change that through education and hands-on training. Taking no excuses, she provides honest and effective guidance for people who are ready for change.
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