That’s something I never expected to hear. Think about it: we join gyms and studios because of their equipment, instructors, space, community (and AC, of course). But who’s to say we can’t get all that—or at least most of it—with virtual and online classes, too? In this new wave of wellness, we’ve all been changing our fitness routines as we switch up our everyday schedules and habits. It’s not just in-studio or at-home anymore. It’s in-studio, at-home, at the park, beach, parking lot, rooftop...virtual, hybrid, Instagram Live, online, on-demand, and so much more. As we’re adapting, adjusting, finding our groove, etc., online gym memberships enter the fray—specifically, Mindbody Flex.

So what is an online gym membership, and why should we care? 

There are tons of benefits to an online gym membership, especially right now.

Let’s break this down: 

1. Scheduling convenience 

A virtual/online fitness membership is a monthly subscription that gives you access to tons of live stream workout classes you can take anywhere, from studios across the globe. These fitness studios offer tons of at-home workouts, group exercise, and one-on-one training sessions to choose from, no matter your exercise program or fitness level. With so many options, it’s easy to find one that fits your schedule. Take Mindbody Flex for example: you get 10 fitness classes per month to use virtually at top-tier studios, all bookable right from your Mindbody account. Whether you want to fit in a morning flow before work, combat that afternoon slump with some cardio, squeeze in some strength training before dinner, or wind down with an evening barre class, you can pick and choose classes to fit your fitness routine. 

2. Minimizing exposure to COVID-19 

And because they’re online, you can take these classes from the comfort of your home (or wherever you are), thus minimizing your exposure to COVID-19 and eliminating your commute to the gym or studio. By now, many of us have our designated “workout spot,” whether it’s an actual weight room, a quick scooch of the coffee table, or a grassy area in the backyard. Maybe you’re comfortable here... maybe you’ve even learned to love it.  

With an online gym membership like Mindbody Flex, you can stay in your safe space/comfy workout spot. Or, you can go somewhere new (local park, beach spot, a different area of the house, you know). You can access these virtual, live stream fitness classes from any device, so you can prop up your phone, laptop, or tablet wherever you want to go, or roll out your mat in front of the big screen TV in your living room. 

3. Variety 

We all have our favorite, go-to workouts. But sometimes, it feels good to switch it up (especially right now). Working from home all day, many of us are craving some variety and excitement, and an online gym membership can definitely help with that. According to our recent poll about COVID’s effect on our fitness routines, 64% of you have tried new online workouts since the start of the pandemic—I know I have. Maybe it’s because trying new things is easier in the comfort of our homes, maybe we’re finally able to try some classes we normally can’t find locally, or maybe we’re all just bored out of our minds...I don’t know. But I’m excited about it.  

With an online gym membership, you can get that spice you’re looking for easily. Mindbody Flex makes it easy to browse different fitness categories to try each day. Start out your Monday by hitting some HIIT, ease your sore muscles with some Restorative Yoga, and end the week with some dance cardio to pretend you’re at the club. The world is yours. 
 

4. Working out without a commute 

My favorite part? No commute. There are literally no more excuses when it comes to skipping workouts. No traffic, no schedule conflicts, no fear of returning to the studio. You don’t even have to worry about packing a gym bag with a change of clothes and shower supplies or prepping a snack or protein shake to bring to work. Just shut your computer, throw on some leggings, and get to work. 

5. “Traveling” to new studios far away 

With the rise of virtual, came a world of opportunities (literally). In addition to taking classes hosted by the local studios we know and love, we gained the chance to get outside our comfort zones—and our zip codes—and “travel” the world to try out new studios. In 2020, I’ve gotten to take classes from studios in Oregon, LA, Colorado, Ohio, and more. (Check out the top cities for virtual yoga if you’re curious). For just an hour or so of my day, I get the chance to jump into a new community.  

Often, I’m greeted by the instructor as soon as I log on, and others in the class will introduce themselves as well. Lately, I’ve noticed some groups going around the room and saying where they’re located (which is super cool, because many of us are in different states!). These experiences are ones I never could’ve had without physically visiting these places. 

6. Finding local studios to eventually try in person 

On the flip side, while you’re browsing around looking for virtual classes across the globe, you might end up finding one right in your neighborhood that you’ve never tried before. Jamie Younse, Mindbody’s acquisition marketing manager, took a local class without realizing it: “The cool thing about this class is I signed up because the time worked for me. I just noticed it's a Pilates studio in Santa Monica, where I've walked by a handful of times with friends and they always say, ‘we should try that place!’ ...and then we end up at brunch instead.”  

If studios near you are still closed, you don’t yet feel safe going back, or you just want to try the class from the comfort of your home before braving unfamiliar territory, virtual fitness memberships are a good way to do it. Try a bunch of local studios, get to know the instructors and the community, and then take your pick, so you can head in as soon as you’re ready.  

7. Community 

Community—the element of online fitness memberships we don’t often think of. When we go into studios, we understand the beauty of a fitness community. We’re greeted by our instructors, we chat with others in the class, and we all sweat together and encourage each other throughout. But working out at home is different... or is it?  

We can do workouts on our own at home all we want, but we’re definitely going to miss out on the community aspect we all know and love. But, with live stream classes, we can create a different kind of community. The beauty of it? It’s not just your neighbors anymore. 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—now that’s something I can get behind.

8. Great value 

The other great thing about online fitness memberships is the bang you get for your buck. For less than $6 per class, Mindbody Flex gives you a sweet deal on adding to your fitness routine. At that price, you can keep heading into your favorite studios when in-person fitness is allowed and add in some virtual on the side to keep things fresh. It’s a win-win.