Using Tech to Stay Fit at Home

Over the past few years, at-home workout options have exploded. The 2020 pandemic has accelerated that growth more than anyone could have expected. People want to keep up their fitness level but need to do it safely at home. Fortunately, technology makes it very easy and can provide motivation to keep moving.

Home Fitness Options

There is a plethora of smart home exercise equipment that have come on the scene over the years. The Peloton bike jumped into at-home fitness several years ago. Now, the market has expanded to treadmills, rowing machines, strength equipment, and more.
These platforms provide the equipment and the live or steamed classes for a monthly fee through their app. While these options are trendy, they can all add up to a pretty penny.

Luckily, there are less expensive options. You can find streaming classes or apps with free or low-cost home workouts for all fitness levels and workout types. Many don’t require any equipment. From boot camps to yoga, there are so many choices for working out at home.

If you have been taking classes at a nearby studio, check out their website or give them a call. Many have moved to Zoom to conduct courses for folks staying at home. All you need to do is join the Zoom meeting and follow along. You don’t have to be visible at all.

Once you find the app(s) or videos you like, watch them using your phone, tablet, or computer. Using small devices is a convenient option but not always the most practical since they have small screens and low sound.

Device Options Matter

Let’s talk about how to make them more conducive to getting a good workout.

Positioning: Ensure you pick a place where you can see the device, whether on a chair or propped up on the floor. Make sure your device isn’t tilted backward. You need to be able to see what’s happening.

Purchasing a cheap stand for your phone or tablet is a no-brainer. Amazon and other online vendors are full of great options at low prices. I highly recommend something like this tabletop tripod, or if you have a tablet, this works great too.

Sound: If you have a Bluetooth speaker to help hear the instructor, it makes a significant difference in staying engaged and motivated.

Screen Size: Depending upon the type of exercise you want to do, it may be easier to follow along if you can see it on a bigger screen. There are a few different ways to “mirror” (Apple) or “cast” (Android) the screen of your phone, tablet, or computer on your TV.

• For computers, use an HMDI cable to plug it directly into your TV. You will need an adapter to connect it to your computer, most likely.
• If you have an Apple device and Apple TV, you can use AirPlay, which lets you easily mirror your device’s screen onto your TV.
• If you have a newer smart TV, many manufacturers allow you to use AirPlay by downloading the AppleTV app. Samsung, LG, Panasonic have built-in mirroring or screencasting abilities for Android devices.
• Use a streaming device like a Roku or Chromecast, already connected to your television for watching Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc. These devices provide similar mirroring options but use the words “screencast.” Once connected, the screen of your phone shows on the TV.
• Another way to view workout videos on your big screen is with your streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, FireTV, or Chromecast). Download fitness apps, like Peloton, My Fitness Pal, Aaptiv, Fitbit Coach, DailyWorkoutapps, Daily Yoga, to your streaming device.
• You can also search for fitness programs on YouTube (download the YouTube app to your streaming device).

(This article was originally posted on Sixty and Me)