What are Online Exercise Classes?
Online exercise has become a game-changer for many people, making it easier than ever to stay active and healthy from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re looking for more flexibility in your workout routine or need a more accessible way to exercise, online classes could be the perfect solution.
Here at MOVEability, we believe exercise should be for everyone, no matter their age or ability. That’s why we offer online seated exercise classes. Our classes are all about creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where you can improve your strength, flexibility, and balance from the comfort of your own home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about online exercise, from the different types of classes available to the many benefits they offer.
Let’s get started.
What is Online Exercise?
Simply put, online exercise refers to any form of physical activity or fitness training that is performed digitally, typically from home or another location, rather than in a traditional gym or studio.
It’s a really flexible way to work out, using technology like computers, smartphones, and smart TVs to access workouts.
Types of Online Exercise Classes
There are two main categories of online exercise:
- Live-streamed classes – These are sessions conducted in real time by an instructor via video conferencing platforms like Zoom or a dedicated fitness app. This format allows for direct interaction with the instructor and other participants, creating a sense of community and accountability similar to an in-person class.
- On-demand videos – This involves pre-recorded workout videos that you can access and follow along with at any time. This offers maximum flexibility, as you can pause, rewind, and fit the workout into your schedule whenever it’s convenient. On-demand content is often available through subscription services, fitness apps, or even free platforms like YouTube.
4 Benefits of Online Exercise Classes
Online exercise has become popular due to several key benefits:
1. Convenience and Flexibility
You get to work out whenever and wherever you want, eliminating the need to travel to a gym. This is especially helpful for people with busy schedules, limited mobility, or those who travel frequently.
2. Accessibility
It breaks down geographical barriers, giving you access to a wide variety of instructors and specialised classes that might not be available in your local area. Many workouts can also be tailored for specific needs, such as chair-based exercises for the elderly or workouts for people with certain medical conditions.
3. Cost-Effectiveness
Online exercise often costs less than a traditional gym membership or in-person personal training sessions, and you don’t even need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. Many effective workouts use just your body weight.
4. Privacy and Comfort
For those who feel self-conscious or intimidated by a gym environment, exercising at home offers a private and comfortable space to focus on your fitness goals without feeling judged.
How Do Online Exercise Classes Work?
Joining an online exercise class is really easy and flexible. You can either sign up for a live, scheduled class or choose an on-demand class that you can watch whenever you like. The best option for you just depends on your personal preference.
Live Classes
Live-streamed classes are just like being in a real class, but from the comfort of your own home. They run on a fixed schedule, so you sign up for a specific time and follow along with the instructor in real time. This is great for keeping you accountable, and seeing other people in the class helps build a fun sense of community.
On-Demand Classes
If you prefer to work out on your own schedule, on-demand classes are the way to go. These are professional, pre-recorded videos that you can access and watch whenever you want. You’ll find a huge variety of classes available, from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and gentle seated exercises.
What You Need to Participate
To join an online exercise class, you generally need just a few simple things:
- A device – A computer, tablet, or smartphone is needed to stream the class. A smart TV is also a great option for a bigger screen.
- An internet connection – A stable and reliable Wi-Fi or data connection is essential to avoid lagging or interruptions.
- Space – You’ll need a clear area in your home to perform the exercises safely.
- Optional equipment – Many online classes are designed to be done with just your body weight, but some might require simple equipment like a chair, light weights, or a resistance band (sometimes a tin of beans is just fine!).
Try an Online Seated Chair Exercise Class With MOVEability
If you’re curious about online exercise and want to give it a try, our online seated chair exercise classes are a great place to start. We specialise in creating gentle, accessible workouts that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Our classes are designed for all ages and abilities, focusing on improving strength, flexibility, and balance in a fun and supportive environment. If you’re looking for an easy, safe, and social way to stay active, we’d love for you to join us.
Need a little help getting started online? Don’t worry, we provide full support to help you get set up on Zoom and easily purchase your tickets online. We’re here to help you every step of the way, making sure nothing stops you from joining.
MOVEability offers a range of on-site and online seated exercise classes to people of ALL ages and abilities. We believe exercise should be for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
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