At the start of the year, the idea of online fitness coaching was an interesting way to train at home. Many of us would have signed up with an app or started coaching sessions on a new stationary bike or rower. Today, they have become more of a necessity and we can overlook any downsides for the benefits offered. The question is, will online video fitness coaching continue to be beneficial and popular? Are the advantages going to continue and will video coaching prove to be the best way to motivate your workouts throughout the year?
Online fitness took on a new meaning
Video coaching has become a popular way to stay fit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Those that would normally head to the gym and take a class can find a form of substitution in these classes. Those looking to get more from their regular workout might turn to these tools and apps to create a more interesting workout. Then there are online coaching videos from those teaching basic exercise for their first-timers. Right now, these video coaching sessions offer a few benefits to users. They can:
At the moment, this is all great and it works for the situation we are in. Although, there was a point where Peloton had to suspend live classes due to a trainer testing positive. But, eventually, many people stuck on their stationary bikes will be able to train outdoors and gym classes will resume. The question here is whether video coaching will still play such an important role in fitness once the pandemic is over. Are users going to find that this is the best approach for them and stick with it? Or, will the fad crash and burn?
Video coaching was always meant to be a big deal before any of us had to conform to self-isolation.
The end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 saw many brands bring in many compatible apps and consoles that allowed for video coaching. The idea was that these online connections would give users a different option for staying fit and competing with others in the comfort of their homes. The outbreak of Coronavirus just meant that the need for online coaching and its impact shifted. Video coaching was seen as a beneficial alternative for those that:
If you log in to online video content in your own time, you can access great tutorials and guidance from experts whenever you want. This means that you can set up a session at any time of day from your own home – instead of trying to fit a specific class around a busy schedule. If your classes don’t involve specific machines or equipment, you can log in anywhere that you can get a good Wi-Fi connection. This has great potential for those on busy schedules.
The right apps and coaching can also allow experienced riders and runners to enhance their performance. Those that feel that they have plateaued a little bit can pick up a session with an expert trainer on their fitness machine and find ways to make gains. This can also be advantageous for those that may fear that they are falling out of love with a sport or discipline they have been part of for years.
Drawbacks to fitness video coaching
One of the problems in relying on a video coaching session is that there is the risk of generalised, crowd-friendly content. The makers of these videos need to appeal to everyone that is going to use it. They can’t start doing anything too advanced or technical for those that are new to the activity. Everyone watching is equal because the content creators don’t know who will be watching most of the time.
This then leads to problems with feedback and any sort of relationship with the instructor. When you go to a gym for a live class, you can ask questions, get feedback and alert trainers to any problems. There is that connection that leads to personalized responses and a greater sense of accomplishment in the end. In real life, coaches can also pick you up on poor form or any dangerous habits.
Will video coaching work?
There is no reason why the best video coaching tools and apps won’t continue to offer these benefits in the future. While many of us will be glad to get back to a normal gym setting and resume activities with classmates, others still won’t have the confidence to do so. It is important that engaging, effective video coaching sessions continue for this demographic. Sessions that prove to be helpful, with the right teacher, aren’t going to lose those advantages post-corona.
Some people using these tools for something new and to diversify their workout regime could turn away from online coaching after lockdown. It will be a novelty to get outside to train or to head to the gym. Fitness lovers may instead turn to outdoor pursuits and more community-driven fitness trends instead simply because they can. Staying indoors and exercising via a web link isn’t going to seem quite so appealing after a while.
But, there could also be a blend here. Some people may decide to take their video coaching hobby outside with new disciplines and ideas. If they find that the approach worked indoors for yoga and cycling then they might find other helpful coaching tools for outdoor pursuits. Therefore, we probably haven't seen the last of this trend for a while yet.
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