It’s been almost a year since we were encouraged to shift our activities in order to “flatten the curve.” For many of us, it’s also been almost a year since we jumped into taking virtual fitness classes from our homes. And just like anything else, what started out as exciting and novel may start to seem stale after a while. Let’s talk about how to keep your virtual fitness routine fresh and fun!

Eventually, I too found myself in a fitness rut. It was time to get creative. I decided to sign up for Mindbody Flex, an online gym membership that gives you access to thousands of fitness classes located all over the country. After seeing classes available from hundreds of different studios, I challenged myself to virtually “travel” to 50 remote fitness classes across the country. It was both challenging and enlightening! 

When it comes to staying motivated with your fitness and supporting the studios you love, I’m offering six tips based on my virtual fitness tour of classes to help you keep the virtual fitness flame alive. 

1. Challenge yourself. 

Just like collecting stars in our Starbucks app or closing the rings on our watches, having a simple goal is a fun way to encourage a certain behavior. If your studio is having a challenge, jump in on the fun! However, you don’t have to wait for someone to invite you to a challenge—create your own! Whether it’s attending a certain number of classes in a set time period or taking a virtual class in a different city, set your goal and make a commitment to it.

2. Treat yourself.

What’s the fun of a goal without a little reward? When you’re setting your goal, think of a reward that could help support your healthy habits. Perhaps it’s a recovery session, like a massage or an at-home spa kit. Maybe it’s a new addition to your home gym, like a new yoga mat or heavier kettlebell. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but make sure to create an incentive that gets you excited. 

3. Hold yourself accountable. 

You know the goal you just set? Time to talk about it. Do it in a way that feels motivating and supportive for you. For some, that could mean posting a post-workout selfie on social media. For others, this could mean sending a check-in text to a close friend after you complete your workouts. Take the time to determine who in your network will be your best cheerleader.

4. Get a virtual workout buddy.

Your best friend who moved to a different city? Your college roommates who are spread all over the country? Thanks to virtual fitness options, your besties can now be your virtual workout buddies in your fitness classes. Take turns choosing the studio or type of workout, giving your pals an opportunity to share what they love (or what classes they’d like to try). Having trouble finding a class that fits your shared schedule? Use the Mindbody app’s time filter to find the perfect class.

5. Push yourself.

Shake it off...and by “it,” I’m talking about “gymtimidation” here. You know, that nervous feeling you may get when a friend asks you to try a new class with them. If you haven’t felt it, there’s a good chance that a friend has felt the feeling of insecurity when trying something new. The beautiful thing about virtual classes is that there is a sense of security in trying something new on your own turf (and you always have the option to go camera off if you’re shakin’ what your mama gave you). Even if it’s uncomfortable to try something new, know that discomfort is where growth happens!

6. Continue to challenge yourself.

Sticking to any routine can be exhausting. Anyone can become stuck, hit a plateau, or face a creativity block. For me, taking classes from 50 different studios around the country widened my perspective, enabling me to see the world through the lens of studio owners and instructors in a variety of communities. It was rejuvenating! You can break out, too.

Continue to challenge yourself, getting out of your routine and your comfort zone. Take it to social media and ask your friends what fitness workouts they’ve been loving lately. You don’t have to complete 50 remote classes as I did, but you can find your own way to keep yourself passionate about your fitness goals. Be open to sharing your experiences. Try new studios, new formats, and new class times. With an online gym membership like Mindbody Flex, you’ll get access to an unmatched selection of live streaming classes right at your fingertips for less than $5 per class to help keep your at-home fitness routine fresh. 

There are a number of reasons to try Mindbody Flex. Get ready to experience a world of fitness—available to you right in the comfort of your living room. Mindbody Flex is your passport to new live streaming workouts you can experience from wherever fits your life, whenever is best for you.