Personal Training in a Pandemic - Instagram Live Workouts (Part 3)
Getting fitter, healthier and building immunity has never been more important. With so many barriers to entry into fitness now removed, there are so many ways you can get fit, from the comfort and safety of your own home!
The first two parts of the ‘Personal Training in a Pandemic’ blog series looked at the pros and cons of home workouts and online coaching. This third part will focus on ‘Instagram Live’ workouts, which have been an increasingly popular way to exercise during this period of lockdown.
When the pandemic first hit and gyms, leisure centres and studios were forced to shut, motivation levels for many of us dipped. Very quickly we saw a surge in real-time workouts taking place ‘live’ on Instagram, which we could access from anywhere in the world and participate in. Personally, these have been an excellent way for me to get closer to my followers on the social media app, and help to inspire and empower the nation to stay fit whilst we all had to ‘stay safe, and stay home.’
Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re new to this:
Pros:
Free! - Who doesn’t love something for nothing?! As long as you have the Instagram app downloaded, you can access a live workout by your favourite trainer or fitness influencers.
Maintain social distancing - It is a safe way to get fit from the comfort of your home, whilst adhering to social distancing restrictions.
Variety - There are so many live workouts to choose from – high intensity sessions, flexibility & mobility, yoga & pilates, bodyweight exercises with no weights needed, resistance sessions with weights etc. There really is something for everyone.
Engaging – In these difficult times of separation and isolation, coming together virtually, sweating and laughing together has huge physical and mental benefits. It’s provided a way for us to feel part of a community. Attendees can post comments in real-time, which can be incredibly motivating for me as the coach to read, but also a fun way to do shout-outs and just show appreciation and gratitude to one another.
Motivation – Motivational levels definitely dropped at the start of the pandemic. All of a sudden most of us had to motivate ourselves to exercise at home, despite all the uncertainty happening around us. Live workouts can be incredibly motivating and inspiring. Trainers give you that extra push first thing in the morning, or evening when perhaps you’re not in the mood or need some encouragement. If you’re someone who needs that extra push, I recommend giving it a go!
Train with an expert – You have the ability to train with a trainer in real-time, meaning real time coaching tips & cues to help guide you.
Privacy – Just like with online coaching, you have the ability to exercise at home privately. If you’re someone who needs that privacy, or perhaps you lack confidence to attend a gym, this is another added bonus.
Accommodates time zones – Time zone barriers are lifted, which gives you access to trainers globally! I was actually surprised by the number of people who attended my live workouts from all over the world! – India, South America, France, Spain, Australia, USA, Italy etc.
Replays are available – The live feature also allows for videos to be streamed for 24 hours afterwards, so if you miss one, or the time doesn’t suit you, you can always catch up!
Cons:
Form & technique – One thing I make sure to do in my lives, is provide a lot of coaching tips and modifications. I do this to try and keep people as safe as possible whilst exercising, and give people options depending on their level. Live workouts aren’t optimised for ‘personal’ training. We can’t provide tailored coaching tips to just one individual or correct form specific to an individual. If you’re a beginner or have injuries, this is something to be mindful of.
Overwhelming – For a beginner especially, it can be overwhelming. There are so many live workouts taking place, and it’s not always clear if all levels will be catered to. My guidance would be to try a few different workouts and trainers to see what style you like. Live workouts are free, so it costs nothing to try and if you don’t like it, you can just drop off the live with no impact to your pocket! Take your time, it may take a few workouts before you find what suits you.
Similar to online coaching, the following cons also apply:
Internet connection – Technology is not always on our side! I had one live workout not run so smoothly, because my internet decided to play the intermittent game that day! If you’re looking forward to attending a live workout, and the trainer’s internet decides to drop, you just have to be willing to catch a replay or perhaps have a back-up exercise program to hand you can follow.
Environment not optimised - Home environments can be challenging sometimes! You just have to adapt and go with it. My cats love to get on the camera or sabotage my workouts sometimes, or the doorbell might ring with a parcel being delivered you need to go and sign for (this has happened to me!) so just be willing to embrace it all in real time!
