As of publication of this article, it has been a full year since we were forced to re-vamp our workout routines to rolling out our mats at home instead of visiting our beloved yoga studio several times a week.  

Throughout this time, we’ve seen our favorite studios get creative to continue to provide an exceptional wellness experience for their clients. Some studios have taken the route of going completely virtual to protect their communities while others have opted to hold socially distanced classes outdoors. And while some studios have reopened, the people have spoken: virtual is here to stay. 

This is precisely why it’s the perfect time to try out Mindbody Flex—an online gym membership that allows you to take virtual classes anytime and anywhere.  

Here are the actual benefits of signing up for Mindbody Flex: 

1. It makes working out from home easy. 

Before COVID hit, our online options for working out at home were minimal—and dare I say—a tad bit boring. However, in this new wave of wellness, studios all over the world have adopted a hybrid business model and have made their classes available online to anyone who wants to break a sweat at home.  With so many options, it’s now easier than ever to find a workout class that fits your schedule.  

With Mindbody Flex, you can get up to 20 fitness classes per month to use virtually at different studios, all bookable right from your Mindbody account. Whether you want to fit in a calorie-torching HIIT class before work, energize your afternoons with a virtual barre class, or find your moment of Zen with an evening yoga class, you can pick and choose classes that cater to your lifestyle.  

2. You can mix up your workout routine. 

Aside from the occasional trip to the grocery store or a last-minute toilet paper run, this entire year has forced us all to isolate ourselves from the outside world. One of the things that helped me thrive during this time is by switching up my usual workout routine. Pre-COVID, you could find me at my favorite spin studio at least six days a week—but given our current circumstances (and the fact that my at-home spin bike’s handlebars are so wobbly that I’m scared to use it), I’ve been experimenting with new types of workout classes throughout the week.  

Maybe you’ve seen my blog about trying out virtual Barre or my post about taking a virtual meditation class from the comfort of my living room. Needless to say, having the option of taking these different types of classes has kept life at home interesting and fun. Who knows what’s next? Maybe I’ll finally be brave enough to take that HIIT class my colleague Sara has been raving about. 

3. You can try out new studios/teachers. 

While we’re on the topic of variety, Mindbody Flex also gives you the ability to take classes from different studios and teachers. I’m talking locally and not-so-locally. Have you been wanting to try that Vinyasa class at that uber-popular yoga studio that’s all the way across town? Well, now you can! Or maybe you’re just a small-town gal that wants to check out what the yoga scene is like in New York City—we got you. With a virtual membership, you can transport yourself to a studio in a location of your choice anytime, anywhere—literally. 

And guess what? Some of your favorite fitness studios are already on Mindbody Flex including barre3, Class UFC Gym, exhale, WundaBar, The Dailey Method, Modo Yoga, Jabz Boxing, I Love Kickboxing, and more! Sign up to see who else is on Mindbody Flex. 

4. You can squeeze in more workouts. 

The COVID-19 pandemic turned our day-to-day routines upside down—even our work schedules changed with folks now working from home instead of going into an office. On top of that, with the slew of lockdowns triggered by the coronavirus, childcare, work, and our fitness routines are all now happening in the same place. With so much going on at home at any given time, we're forced to get a sweat sesh in whatever little free time we have.  That’s where bite-size fitness classes come into play. More and more fitness studios are hosting classes that last 30 minutes or less to help accommodate your busy schedule. If you’ve got a half-hour to spare, then Mindbody Flex has a class for you.  

Another way Flex helps you fit in a workout? Instead of hopping into your car to drive to class, all you have to do is walk to your living room. Think about it—how many times have you missed a workout class because you couldn’t make it in time? I know I’m guilty of it. Maybe that 4pm meeting ran a little bit longer than you anticipated, or maybe you didn’t quite expect that traffic jam on your way to Pilates, or maybe you totally forgot to pack your yoga pants in your gym bag (whoops—also guilty). Since virtual classes take your commute (and potential wardrobe malfunctions) out of the mix, there’s nothing standing in your way of getting that workout in.  

5. You can expand your workout community. 

As I’ve mentioned before, one of the toughest parts about sheltering-in-place is the lack of human interaction. One of the things I miss the most is the handful of friends I made from going to spin so often—the energy that camaraderie brought to the class is really what made that experience something I was willing to miss happy hour for. And that's saying a lot—my love of Rosé is well-documented on this blog. 

We can do workouts on our own at home all we want, but it's safe to say that we probably all miss that community aspect we all know and love. But, with live stream classes, we can create a different kind of community. Enter the virtual workout buddy. Now, the folks you’re working out with aren’t just your neighbors. Anyone with an online fitness membership can join these classes, regardless of where they’re located in relation to the studio, so you can be working out alongside people from all over the world. 

6. It’s affordable. 

Last but certainly not least—the other great thing about online fitness memberships is you can get more bang for your buck. With three different tiers available for purchase in Mindbody Flex—you can choose from 5 classes for $39, 10 classes for $59, or 20 classes for $99—you could potentially spend less than $5 per class. At that price, you can keep heading into your favorite studios when you feel comfortable going back for in-person classes and add in some virtual on the side to keep things fresh. Even better? If you’re new to Mindbody Flex, you can try it for free for two weeks. So, what do you have to lose? Nothing—literally.  

Now’s the time to experience Mindbody Flex so you can enjoy new live streaming workouts right from home, whenever is best for you.