Yoga, Pilates, bodybuilding or relaxation exercises… You can practice almost any sport at home. Demonstration.
Online gym, what are the strengths?
Yoga, pilates, cardio, bodybuilding… There are thousands of videos online, each more attractive than the last. We go to do yoga on a paradise beach or take a class with a super famous teacher. It is even possible to attend live lessons without leaving your living room! With the apps, you can be coached to run, do sit-ups … It’s often fun and varied. We thus have access to sports that we could not necessarily practice near our home. And then, you can personalize your sessions by opting for classes to firm your stomach, strengthen your arms or sculpt your buttocks. Without forgetting that we choose when and where we want to exercise. In short, no more “I don’t have time” and presto, we take advantage of the kids’ nap to do their pilates session.
Sports lessons: apps, videos, how do you choose?
In order not to scatter in all directions, it is better to first target a sport that we really like, to stay the course. “And also choose a level of practice that matches your current physical capacity”, advises Lucile Woodward, sports coach. We avoid too intense classes if it has been months (or even years) that we have not done sport. And of course, if you have just given birth, you have to wait until you have completed your perineum rehabilitation and have the agreement of your midwife, gynecologist or physiotherapist. Are we breastfeeding? No problem, it is quite possible to resume sport but in this case, “it is better to choose a good bra to avoid pulling on the ligaments of the chest and to prevent the breasts from sagging”, warns the pro.
Sport on the net, how to be sure that the teacher is serious?
Before getting started, it is also better to make sure that the suggested exercises are explained correctly. In the video, for example, it should be made clear how to position your knees, feet, pelvis. It is also necessary to specify the times when it is necessary to inhale or exhale to properly stall your breathing. We also avoid all abs exercises which put pressure on the perineum or which are too difficult for us. To sort through the thousands of courses offered, it is preferable to opt for a qualified sports coach, this mention will necessarily be indicated on the site. It’s even better if you can take a few lessons beforehand with a real teacher who will learn how to position yourself well. And in any case, if it hurts after a workout, we stop and we go to his physiotherapist.
Yoga, Pilates, Online Gym… what efficiency can you expect?
“Online gym is great for building momentum, getting back to sport when you don’t have too much time or a big budget, or if you feel a little self-conscious and need to resume. self-confidence, but that is no substitute for coaching by a real professional, warns Lucile Woodward. For this to be really beneficial, you have to be super motivated and combine this practice with other sports activities such as running, cycling, swimming… ”. And then, as with all sports, the important thing is to bet on consistency. Better to exercise often, even if it’s just a few minutes a day and several times a week, than one long session every now and then.
Home sports, what other precautions?
While most apps or online courses are free and without obligation, there are also subscription systems. Before committing, it is better to read the cancellation conditions because sometimes it is very difficult to retract afterwards.
Our selection of the best online sports sites
Seven. The principle of this app: exercise for 7 minutes every day for 7 months, following personalized training programs. The goal: lose weight, get back in shape, strengthen your muscles… $ 79,99 per year, on AppStore and GooglePlay.
Flat stomach challenge by Lucile Woodward, a complete 30-day program to download with videos, recipes, audio recordings… € 39,90.
Yoga Connect. More than twenty different yogas (400 videos) from 5 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Not to mention, access to recipes, nutritional advice and Ayurveda. From 18 € / month (free, unlimited, without commitment + 2 weeks free).
Nike Running. A partner always available to run with motivating comments, the possibility of following your performances (heart rate, distances…), playlists to personalize… Free on AppStore and GooglePlay.
Shapin ‘. Pilates, running, stretching… Lots of different classes to follow live or in replay. 20 € / month without commitment.