Have your travel plans been kyboshed? Is your wellness routine under quarantine? I am pretty sure we just nodded our heads in unison. We’re all feeling a little (or a lot) stir crazy as we practice social distancing. If you’re someone who was working on your fitness prior to the pandemic, studios shutting their doors for safety might just be another red X on 2020. #positivevibes from here on out only, please. 

[Read our Guide to Staying Grounded During Life’s Most Stressful Moments] 

Plain and simple—we are in uncharted territory. But in times of uncertainty, we need to be grateful for the little things and adapt to our new norm. Whether you’re worried about your suitcases collecting dust, want to stay connected to your community, or just need to sweat out the stress, Mindbody now offers virtual classes from your favorite (and soon-to-be-favorite) studios to save you from self-isolation. Here’s how you can rack up those air miles while getting your workout on, no passport required.  

[How to Join the Best Virtual Classes in Your Area (and Beyond)] 

Take a class in LA today, London, tomorrow, and Bali the next day.  

If you have WIFI, you now have a world of workouts at your fingertips from the comfort of your home. From barre to HIIT to cardio blasts, choose from thousands of virtual fitness classes anywhere (literally). Maybe you’ve always wanted to check out the hottest HIIT classes in LA or namaslay your namaste in Sydney—now’s your chance to try something new while staying local (and loyal to your well-being).  

All you have to do is change your location on Mindbody.io or the Mindbody app to explore classes in different metros! There’s no jetlag, either, which is a plus, especially now that we have bags under our eyes from pandemic stress. So the only question we have left is, where do you want to go?  

 
Make it a vacation. 

Don’t like “traveling” alone?  When searching for an on-demand virtual class on Mindbody, invite your friends and family to join (because we all know most of us need a break from WFH with our S/Os). Girls trip anyone?  Choose a location that you have all been wanting to travel to, or an instructor or studio that you’ve been eyeing on Instagram—@mindbody has a few good ones. Many of the virtual classes only require a yoga mat (we will get to that later), so your friends don’t have an excuse not to join in! With easy-to-use filters, you can find a time that works for everyone’s schedule and fitness routine. Those who sweat together, stay together. Now, drumroll, please, make it a thing (we promise, it’s an extrovert social distancing dream).  

[Speaking of, Here’s How Extroverts Can Stay Connected During Social Distancing] 

Get into the wanderlust spirit with your group by not only dressing in workout gear that is inspired by the city you’re “visiting” (florescent floral for Miami, all black everything for NYC), but plan your virtual happy hour or dinner, around that city (or country). Make a cocktail (or mocktail) that emulates the region you just worked out in—or your Zodiac sign if all else fails —and cheers over Zoom with your crew. Try planning ahead and find recipes for your virtual meal with friends that is well-known to the place you just booked. Thank goodness for grocery delivery. Not only will you have something to look forward to, you’ll feel even more connected to your friends (and fitness) during isolation.  

Prefer to fly solo?  

Whether you have two left feet and want to stream Hip-Hop Cardio on-demand or you need to disconnect from video conferencing with Vinyasa, the best part about virtual Mindbody classes is that you can do them on your terms.  

Virtual workouts and classes are your chance to try something different or take your workout to the next level because, guess what, no one is watching (or judging) you—well, except for the dog.  

[See Why Right Now is the Perfect Time to Try Pilates, For Instance] 

Challenge yourself to a new workout or a class with a kick-ass fitness instructor that your friends told you made their abs sore for days. Wear your craziest yoga pants with your hair in a crazy bun. Be comfortable and confident and hold yourself accountable. And if you’re scrolling through social, post an after-class selfie and motivate your followers to do the same. Tell us where you traveled to and tag #mindbody. You might learn to love fitness (and yourself) a little more when you do it alone.  

Don’t “overpack”—your workout gear that is.  

Studios from all over the world are going virtual to keep their workout community’s positive, and are welcoming new students, near and far. If you’re worried about what to “pack” (as you travel from bedroom to the living room for class), most studios have modified their classes to work for the equipment you may or may not have at home. Perfect example: Pilates. Use to the reformer? Never wore grippy socks a day in your life?  

Studios are taking their traditional in-studio experiences to the (yoga) mat—and believe us, Mat Pilates is a killer core workout. Don’t have a ballet barre at home? We bet 99% of the population doesn’t. Barre3 is streaming virtual workouts (minus any fancy equipment). You’ll feel the muscle burn without the barre. If your “travel” calls for weights and you don’t have any at home, get creative! Use that heavy book that you were going to read on the flight to Australia. Pack your hiking backpack with some gear for added weight. Raid the pantry for a few pounds. You might just find what you need isn’t so far away.  

From your go-to studio around the block to taking your workout routine to faraway lands, virtual classes on Mindbody enable you to get your workout on, anywhere. While it won’t take the place of the vacation you’ve been planning for months, on-demand workouts can take your mind off the madness and transport you to somewhere you want to be, even if it’s Pilates on the back porch. Just remember to take a deep breath, stay grounded and have gratitude—we are getting through this together. Have a virtual class we need to know about? Share it on Instagram and tag @mindbody! We'll share the love.