Online workout sessions are hailed as a new fitness trend. Health websites offer a number of attractive online workout modules. You can even see videos of your “trainer” (or fitness model) demonstrating how he/she can make you go from flab to fab in no time. Are you tempted to try one of these? Before you invest your hard-earned cash in this, take a look at these questions:
Are you a fitness trainer? How do you know the person in the video is really a fitness specialist? What if the programme does not give you the results advertised? What if sessions get too repetitive? What if you get injured? What if you are doing it all wrong?
Now compare this with a traditional workout session in a gym. Here’s what you get:
Ease of access v/s following a routine; Guidance in person v/s an e-mail or chat. A training plan after studying your fitness level and health concerns v/s a generic training plan that may not suit your fitness strength.
With an online workout, the chances of incorrect biomechanical movements are higher, as there will not be an instructor to correct you. An incorrect technique can lead to strained joints or stiff muscles.
A person’s fitness is actually measured by five parameters: cardiovascular strength, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. In a gym, your instructor considers all these parameters and then recommends a training plan that can be altered depending upon the level of intensity and pushing limits. With online workouts, you don’t have this choice because once a plan is bought you have no choice but to stick to it.
A trainer also keeps an eye on your technique and assesses your progress. In an online module the e-trainer cannot judge the effects on your body and clarifications will be through e-mails or chats.
If you are serious about including exercise in your routine and you have practical fitness goals, then invest your time and money carefully because going from flab to fab does not happen in ‘no time’.
The writer is Director, GFFI Fitness Academy.
neeraj.gffi@hotmail.com
