We all know how hard it is to keep that New Year’s resolution of exercising and getting back into shape after the holiday season. Many people, however, struggle to keep this resolution for a variety of reasons. Gym memberships can be costly and there is just not enough time or energy in the day for a workout. For these reasons, more and more people are beginning to turn to YouTube fitness channels to workout.
YouTube Hits
YouTube reported that within the last year, exercisers watched over 5,500 years-worth of yoga videos alone. Popular fitness channel instructors have millions of subscribers with over hundreds of thousands of hits per video. Why are these fitness videos so popular? The attraction to these videos is the convenience and the low cost. Fitness videos allow people to work out in the convenience of their own home, whenever they choose and at a low cost. Another attraction is the variety of classes offered online. Some popular classes have been Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and even martial arts and kickboxing.
Carol Garber, professor of movement science at Columbia University, reminds those who choose to workout via YouTube to make sure their instructors hold a reputable fitness certification. She says, “A lot of what’s out there is being done by people with no formal training and they may not be giving you a workout that is safe.”
Below are some YouTube fitness channels with reputable, certified trainers:
- Jessica Smith Fitness
- Fitness Blender
- Acacia TV
- Blogliates
- Zuzkalight
Stay Active
According to the American Heart Association, physical activity is essential to prevent heart disease and stroke. But how much exercise is needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle? The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Aiming for thirty minutes a day is an achievable goal that can have long lasting benefits to the body. If thirty minutes is hard to set aside, try breaking up the time in three ten-minute intervals.
These guidelines are also true for those adults over the age of 65. Even those with chronic conditions and have limited activity should strive to be as active as they can. Studies are finding fun, innovative ways for seniors to improve their balance and stay active such as yoga. It is so important for older adults to do balance exercises and other strengthening activities to prevent deadly falls as they age.
So for this year’s resolution, strive for an achievable, workout plan. Use reputable, online resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle at a low-cost convenience.
