Virtual Fitness

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While part one of our virtual fitness tips focused on adapting typically outdoor activities to the indoor—or at least featuring how to continue them outside safely—part two has an even stronger focus on the virtual. In this article, we’ll feature some strictly stay-at-home classes that require nothing more than to turn on your electronic device and find some floor space. We hope they’ll be a source of positive energy during this difficult time.

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Virtual Yoga Sessions

From YouTube yogis to college yoga instructors, virtual yoga classes seem to be offered around every corner nowadays. While some of these sessions are simply videos to watch and follow along with on your own, others are live streams where you can practice with the instructor in real-time while other yogis comment and share their experience. Even more personal, some instructors are taking their typical daily classes onto video chat where everyone can actually see and interact with each other. Not only can these sessions help you stay in shape, they promote accountability and community, a few things that you may feel are lacking while we are all staying at home.

Group Workouts from Home

Are you used to attending your regular group workout at the local gym or YMCA and feel that you need those instructors to get what you need out of your workout? Fitness coaches and organizations everywhere have gotten creative, realizing that their classes may not return to in-person workouts for longer than they originally thought. From emailing and texting routines, to live-streaming class from their home on social media, these fitness gurus have found ways to keep their community together. We encourage you to check with your fellow exercisers, fitness instructors, and local organizations to see what they’re doing to help you stay active. We’ve even heard of gyms lending or renting basic equipment to their members for use at home while the gym is temporarily closed. Check to see if your gym is doing the same.

Programs and Classes

Let’s end with the basics. At a time like this, or anytime, you may find it more convenient to exercise at home. And you’re in luck because there are innumerable free and fee-based online programs to join at the click of a button. Especially because many are home right now, several programs are offering extended free trials so that you can try several to see what you like. Everything from a basic solo ab workout to a full group cardio dance routine is offered, and your experience is fully customizable. Whether you want to follow a specific class/instructor schedule, or if you’d rather search for whatever you’re feeling each day and create your own schedule, it’s up to you.

As we stressed in part one, we sincerely hope you can stay motivated and fit during your time at home. We’re so inspired by the way the fitness community has come together in light of the global situation. UPMC Sports Medicine will still be here for your performance, prevention, and treatment needs when you emerge from your home. Until then, we wish you well and a wonderful workout.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about UPMC Sports Medicine, please call 1-855-93-SPORT (77678) or visit UPMCSportsMedicine.com.

About Sports Medicine

An athletic lifestyle carries the potential for injury. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, UPMC Sports Medicine can help. If you are looking to prevent, treat, or rehabilitate a sports injury, our multidisciplinary team of experts can help you get back into the game. If you are seeking to improve your athletic performance, we can work with you to meet your goals. We serve athletes and active people of all ages and experience levels. Our goal is to help you keep doing what you love. Visit our website to find a specialist near you.