In recent years, virtual fitness classes have gained popularity, offering flexibility and convenience for people to work out from home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, these tips will help you get the most out of your virtual fitness class experience.

TIPS FOR TAKING A VIRTUAL FITNESS CLASSES

If you’ve never been to group fitness classes before, now is a really good time to get started. With virtual classes, you can take away the nerves of having other people watching you, and you can see what it’s like to do a workout run by a coach who is motivating you while you exercise.

Not to mention, taking a class coached by someone else removes some of the pressure on you to count and come up with moves. I also think it’s a great idea to take a virtual class at scheduled times, because it will keep you consistent with your routine, and you’re less likely to put your workout off once it’s on your calendar. Here are a few best practices for taking virtual fitness classes …

Choose the Right Virtual Fitness Platform

With countless online fitness platforms available, it’s essential to pick the one that suits your fitness goals. Some platforms focus on yoga, others on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), while others offer a wide range of class styles.

THE BIGGER, THE BETTER FOR YOUR VIEWING DEVICE.

If you can stream your workout on the TV, do it. If you can stream your workout on your laptop, do it. It’s not ideal to try to watch a workout from a tiny phone screen, because you’ll have to get up close to it and may have trouble seeing everything you need to do. Chromecast and AppleTV are just a couple of options for this, but you can investigate your situation.

POSITION MATTERS.

Set your viewing device up on an elevated surface, not on the floor, for standing work. One of the biggest offenses I see is people looking all the way down at a phone on the ground to do their virtual workout. This is bound to cause neck issues and movement issues for you. Try to set up your viewing device at eye level. This can be tough when you’re on the ground and then transitioning to standing — so this is where a larger viewing device is helpful again. 

Do NOT look to the side while doing core work on the floor. Whatever you do, do not strain your neck to look to the side while doing crunches or other core moves on the ground. This is a recipe for an injury. You may need to move your device when you’re doing floor work, so keep this in mind.

Here’s what I recommend: Stop what you’re doing, turn to watch the instructor demo the first couple of repetitions, then get into the moves and use your listening muscles to make your body adjustments moving forward, without straining your neck to watch the screen.

Stay Hydrated and Stretch Before Class

Even though you’re working out from home, it is a good idea to stay hydrated and stretch before your class to avoid injuries. Pre-class stretching helps warm up your muscles and improves flexibility.

BE MINDFUL OF IMPACT.

Jump with caution. If you’re used to doing high-impact jumping workouts in a group fitness studio, you may notice that your knees start to hurt when doing the same workouts at home. That’s because group fitness studios have a little “give” for impact, and they are safer for a lot of jumping than the average tile or wood floor. I recommend wearing supportive sneakers for any jumping. You can go barefoot for other workouts though.

Create a Comfortable Workout Space.

Move things out of the way to have plenty of space for full-out movements. I get it: It’s a pain to move furniture. But it’s way better to give yourself all the space you need to complete a workout, rather than limiting your range of motion and risking kicking, punching, or falling on a coffee table because you didn’t feel like rearranging things. I also think it’s great to use a mat for all floor work to, so you don’t sweat on your floor and you have a little extra grip under you to avoid slipping.

SEEK VARIETY.

Make sure your workout routine is well rounded and never skip your rest day. Once you find a workout that you like, I know it’s hard not to want to do that workout every time you exercise. However, it’s usually not a good idea to repeat the same type of movement every day of the week. Your body gets used to it, you get fewer results, and you risk overworking the same muscles and getting injured. It’s ideal to do a mixture of cardio, strength, and flexibility each week, which may mean you need to find a couple of good virtual class sources. 

Interact with Instructors and Other Participants

Engage with your virtual instructors and other participants to build community and accountability. Many platforms offer chat or video options, allowing you to ask questions or share your progress.

Set Achievable Goals

Set small, achievable goals to stay motivated during your virtual fitness journey. Whether it’s increasing the number of classes per week or improving your form, tracking your progress can make a huge difference.

Take Breaks When Needed

Don’t be afraid to pause and take breaks during intense sessions. Listen to your body and pace yourself, especially if you’re new to a fitness routine.

Virtual fitness classes offer great flexibility, but success depends on how you prepare and engage. By choosing the right platform, setting up your space, and staying motivated, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals from the comfort of your home.

If you are also looking for motivation to workout at home check out my blog post here: how to get the motivation to work out at home.

Ready to crush your virtual workouts? Share, your favorite tips or join us in our next online fitness challenge! Don’t forget to subscribe for more fitness tips and tricks.