Fitness always seems to be in a constant state of flux, perhaps more than any other industry. Every new year brings with it the promise of a hot new exercise craze, a reimagining of an ancient workout technique that you thought for sure you’d never see again, or some new wearable fit technology that lights up all the biggest tech publications (for a few months at least). But as with all oversaturated markets, most of these fads tend to disappear as quickly as they burst onto the scene. But one new fitness trend seems to be here to stay — virtual workouts. 

According to a study by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), online fitness training (also known as virtual or streaming fitness) was the hottest fitness trend in 2021 — up 25 positions from the previous year. And when one looks at the vast and far-reaching benefits of virtual fitness — it’s no wonder it’s become so popular, both for individual consumers and large corporations. These benefits are also key to its longevity, so let’s take a look at why virtual workouts seem to be the one fitness trend that isn’t going anywhere. 

Pandemic-Proof Reliability

The last year and a half has proven that no business is safe from the onset of another lockdown. Unlike traditional, in-person gyms, which are susceptible to closure based on potential future lockdowns, virtual fitness programs can conveniently be done anytime, anywhere. 

Classes for Any Schedule

For those who do not have time to take the typical hour-long workout, virtual fitness classes offer the ability to craft a workout routine around any busy schedule. With class lengths ranging from quick 5-10 minute stretches, high intensity 20-30 minute explosions, or extended 60-minute (and longer) workouts, virtual fitness delivers flexibility that anyone can use. 

Exercise for Every Body

Whether you’re an elite athlete or just getting started, most virtual fitness apps have workouts for every fitness level and mood. Yoga for Beginners, High Intensity Cardio Sculpts, Circuit Strength Workouts, and more, ready to be played on your time, not theirs. And some apps, like Studio SWEAT onDemand, even offer classes for special populations like those that are hearing-impaired or that can’t stand. It’s truly exercise for every body!

Travel-Friendly Workouts

Along with scheduling conflicts due to their jobs, many people have to contend with a life on the road, which can really make a workout regimen hard to stick with. Fortunately, for the jet-set types, online fitness programs offer classes that can be done with little-to-no-equipment, so no matter where a person travels, they will always have a workout available for them when they arrive. 

Repeatability 

A big plus of taking virtual fitness classes is the customization element – the fact that when you find a class that you love and enjoy, you can save it for later, and given your online fitness plan, you can replay it as many times as you’d like. There’s even the option, with many streaming fitness services, of creating your own library of workouts that suit your personal taste and preferred workout equipment.

Endless Variety

Another benefit of streaming workouts is the wide variety of classes that participants have at their disposal. Here at the SWEAT Force, powered by Studio SWEAT onDemand, users can choose from Indoor Cycling, HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Bootcamp, Body Sculpting, TRX®, and many, many more. It’s probably why our streaming fitness service was named the  ‘Best Fitness App for Variety’. To learn more about our virtual fitness platform, visit https://www.studiosweatondemand.com/the-sweat-force/