you think that virtual training is just a fallback, you’re wrong. Clubs and personal coaches are developing tailor-made programs that have nothing to envy to those in the gym
Before it was a niche phenomenon for fitness freaks, then it became the last chance for anyone who wanted to get some exercise during the first lockdown, today online training has become the new way to keep fit . The official consecration came from none other than Apple: the hi-tech giant, in fact, has just announced the launch by the end of the year of Apple Fitness +, a digital fitness platform that, at a price of about 10 dollars a month, gives access to hundreds of online workouts held by the best trainers in the world, it recommends the most suitable courses to achieve your goals and allows you to fine-tune your personal playlist to be associated with each workout to “pump” to the maximum.
The secret of the success of these remote workout formulas? «They allow you to train where and when you want, conquering both newbies and gym regulars thanks to a variety of proposals and packages suitable for every need, at low cost» explains Luca Ercolani, digital marketing consultant for fitness.
Are you crazy for classes?
The latest are digital subscriptions, such as Revolution, by Virgin Active. Just sign up online, download the My Virgin Active app and, with € 9.99 per month, you can choose from 600 on-demand and 70 direct classes each week, from Pilates to running. “The former are part of a” library “to be browsed and followed at any time, a bit like Netflix, and are ideal for those who want a super flexible and schedule-free training” explains Ilario Volpe, training experience director of Virgine Active. «The second courses are highly recommended for those looking for the“ feeling ”of a live course. In the studio with the coach there are also 2-3 students, appropriately spaced: between a joke to push hard and a tip to correct the execution of the movements, you can breathe the energy of a real lesson in person. And soon there will also be the possibility to chat with the trainer from home ».
Because for those who focus on online training, the biggest challenge is to achieve the same effectiveness and the same atmosphere of training in the gym . «We record in a real television studio, with eight cameras that record the teacher’s movements from all angles and the live trainers follow acting courses, to learn how to“ pierce the screen ”and create super enthralling workouts» explains Volpe. In short, the qualitative level of the platforms is now light years away from the wild direct on social networks in the name of unstable connections and unlikely viewing angles.
Is the group workout not for you?
Don’t worry, there is also one-to-one training online . And those who think that it works only in presence, is very wrong: this is demonstrated by the success of the virtual sessions of Sara Ventura, former Serie A tennis player and fitness coach (look at the before and after photos of the customers on her social networks to believe!).
“Since I started the online lessons, I have also clients from the States, London and Switzerland,” he says. «The most important skill is communication: effectiveness is based on indications, feedback and corrections. Difficult without touching! This is why a good personal trainer must be able to explain exactly what you need to hear and where, with an easy and immediate language ». Therefore, technicalities are banned: «The expression ‘contract your abs’, without my being able to put a hand on your stomach, makes no sense» he says. “‘Suck in the navel as if you were wearing tight jeans”, on the other hand, you understand immediately, even through the screen ”
Of course, having a personal trainer connected just for you has its costs and hundreds of euros go away for a cycle of lessons. But this is an evolving world and new formulas are being studied that allow savings, such as one-to-one training to be performed independently, all strictly remotely : “It involves a first consultation session via Face Time in which they are I set goals and a “customized” program with exercises and training frequency »explains the coach. “From home you train alone, with the help of ad hoc videos, but there are always periodic checks via chat to discuss doubts, progress and any pains”.
But what’s the biggest benefit of virtual fitness? «Total privacy, which allows people who, for embarrassment or insecurities, would not venture to the gym, blocked, for example, by a few extra pounds, to get to train. But from behind the screen they find the courage to start ». So will we say goodbye to clubs and gyms in the future? “Absolutely not,” replies Ercolani. «The future is in the hybrid workout that mixes physical and virtual. The first, in company, keeps the motivation to the maximum, the second allows constant and effective training ». To be fitter than ever.
These things make a difference
Do you want to train online but, between apps and direct social networks, you don’t know where to start? Here are the tips of Maria Silvestri, founder of the Wellcam Fit online training platform (www.wellcam.fit).
→ Prefer Live Classes Live
group training is more engaging. Better if they are limited number courses, with a maximum of 10-12 people: so the trainer can see you from the screen and give you instructions on how to follow the workout.
→ Choose the discipline
Start with Pilates, yoga and stretching: they are effective because they work on the muscle groups in depth and are mostly done without tools: so you can evaluate if you like the course without extra costs.
→ Pay attention to the details
Pay attention to the soundtrack for example: the right playlist has a strong motivational effect and a serious trainer knows it!
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