Skip the Gym: Online Workout Options
By Meaghan Falconer
The hardest part of working out is often not the workout itself; sometimes it is more difficult to just get yourself to walk through the gym doors. Many people struggle with what has been coined “gymtimidation”, or anxiety around navigating the gym. Anxiety around the gym can come in many different forms: it can be fear about appearance and body image, over navigating equipment while having proper form, or simply of being watched and judged by others. Both beginners and experienced gym members can experience anxiety. Besides anxiety, it can also be a struggle to make time for the gym between busy schedules filled with classes and extracurriculars.
At home workout videos are a great option for those who find themselves struggling to get to the gym for whatever reason. There are countless fitness instructors and influencers that post free, accessible, and uncomplicated content. Many instructors also offer equipment free videos that are both attainable and easy to complete in a dorm. Workout videos allow you to tailor your routine to every need. You can set time length, target certain spots of your body, and practice different types of exercises like HIIT, Barre, yoga and breathwork, or Pilates.
My favorite subscription-based instructor is Chase Willman; she offers both virtual livestream classes and on-demand. Her workouts are barre-inspired, low-impact, and high-intensity, 45-minute classes. Her infectious enthusiasm and lively playlists make me look forward to working out. Chase is also an outstanding source for establishing correct forms and practicing proper movements for the body. Her classes do require equipment, like light weights and bands but many of the exercises can be adapted to be done with body weight.
Madfit instructor Maddie Lymburner is another great online resource. She offers a large variety of videos, with a range of times and workout styles on her Youtube. She offers engaging HIIT, Pilates, strength based, and even dance party workouts. Many of her videos are equipment-free and can easily be done in the small space of a dorm. Her videos are extremely customized, as she offers quick 10, 15, 20-minute videos as well as longer, more extended workouts. There are quick 10 minute ab workouts, 15 minute Pilates, and 20 minute beginner workouts that are all convenient and enjoyable options.
Yoga instructor Adriene Mishler provides videos to practice both yoga and mindfulness. She creates a welcoming and calming environment that encourages self-love and authenticity. Adriene has countless playlists on YouTube and offers hundreds of options. She offers yoga classes for experiencing heavy emotions and feelings such as being stressed, scared, or for when you need courage or joy. She also offers soothing guides in mediations. Adriene talks you through each yoga step, down to which arm or leg to move, making her workouts extremely easy to follow. She offers shorter 10-minute yoga practices up to longer hour-long classes. Her guided meditations and yoga sessions are a great resource for destressing. Adriene’s positive energy is infectious and uplifting, and her content is a great addition for a healthy lifestyle.
At home workouts are a great and accessible option for anyone looking to fit fitness into their life. There are hundreds of options available that allow you to customize the length and style of workout. Online workouts can be both accessible, effective, and enjoyable; they make the hardest part of working out deciding what video to choose!
