How much time do you have to exercise? How important is it that you have access to a gym? Do you like being able to work out in the comfort of your own home? Do you have the equipment you need to work out at home? If any of these things matter to you, then online exercise might be something worth checking out. But how do you know which are the best websites for working out at home? Here are the three most important factors to consider when choosing an online workout program, so that you can find one that works well with your lifestyle and preferences.
A solid plan
No matter what type of online exercise you choose to do, a solid plan is key. You need to have a good idea of how long your sessions will be and why you're doing them in that time period—that way, you'll never feel shortchanged when it comes to logging workouts. We’re all busy these days, so figuring out what makes sense for your schedule (and your life) is an important first step in ensuring success with online exercise. So: What are your goals? How much time can you dedicate to exercise? Do you want to mix things up between cardio, strength training and flexibility work? How often can you fit in a workout? Not sure? It's okay! This is where setting SMART goals can help; take some time to figure out exactly what you want from your fitness routine before moving forward. When you have specific, measurable goals set in place, it's easier to track progress and stay motivated as you move forward.
Motivation
Perhaps unsurprisingly, motivation is one of the most important factors in online exercise. You can have all of your tools and resources set up perfectly but if you lack motivation, you won’t exercise consistently. This makes it crucial to find an exercise program that speaks to you, whether that’s running with friends or watching fitness videos. If you like a personal touch, go for a real-life workout class at your local gym or even just a social group that encourages workouts and healthy eating together. Staying motivated is key! And if you don’t know where to start, read more about some motivational exercises here.
You may also want to consider focusing on body image, or how you feel about yourself. Body image issues often become apparent during times of weight gain, so if you are experiencing fluctuating weight loss goals or body image concerns, online therapy may be a good option. Not only will therapy help you resolve these concerns, but it may also help keep you accountable to your workouts as they are typically required by therapists during sessions. (But always make sure to consult with a medical professional before starting any type of new exercise routine!)
Many people try starting a new workout regime by setting unrealistic expectations for themselves: Don’t do that!
Results tracking
To track your results, you’ll need to know a few things: How much weight you started at, how much weight you ended up losing, and how long it took you to lose that weight. If you don’t have a scale handy (or access to one), write down everything that can be measured before and after starting your diet and exercise plan. Bodyweight measurements, number of push-ups completed in two minutes (full description), circumference measurements around key areas such as chest, waist, hips and arms. This will give you an idea of what kind of progress you made over time, even if you didn’t weigh yourself during your journey. Don't forget to take pictures too!
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