As one of the top 2017 health and fitness trends, social media workouts are becoming more popular with not just the 20-somethings, but with stay at home moms, working professionals, and retirees, says fitness coach Jennifer Desantis, who does just that: #workout #home #fitness #video

“I prefer to workout at home because it’s comfortable and I can take breaks whenever I need! There is no one there to judge me. It’s budget friendly and you have many options to choose from - thousands of online fitness workouts are at your fingertips. From full body workouts to fast 30-minute high-intensity interval training.”

Home or outside workouts are easy to search, save and mimic. Choose what best works for your schedule and goals. Just take a look at these popular outlets: (you’ll need to create an account for each):

YouTube Fitness Channels – Use the Browse Channels menu and type “home workouts” in the search bar. Or, be more specific with “strength training workout,” “total core workout,” “lower body workout.”

Instagram workouts – Click the “magnifying glass” to search for a specific fitness word, tag, or for a specific person. Look for more hashtags in each post to find even more cross-references. #makesense?

Beachbody On Demand – Here you have a consistent and flexible program for a small cost. Search by time, type of workout, trainer, beginner. This platform is great for someone who wants a specific schedule. Workouts can be done as a stand alone or for a 21, 30, or 60-day program.

Like the hundreds of generous fitness gurus, DeSantis creates her own workouts and healthy food choices, then posts and shares them online, for example at @desantisfitness

“How do I get started? I don’t want to buy expensive equipment.”

As you can see from posts or videos, you really don’t need any. But you need to choose a day and time – make it a priority. You wouldn’t skip out on a meeting with your co-workers or boss, so don’t skip this meeting. Further, decide what type of workout you want to try.

Most workouts can be done without any equipment – you use your own body weight, which is perfect for someone just beginning or coming off a fitness hiatus. If you do find a program that requires equipment, I would invest in a pair of light weights and heavy weights (5 lb and 10 lb) or a nice resistance band. I use resistance bands that have a cover over the band, so when it breaks, you don’t get hit in the face, which hurts!

“You’ve been doing this for a while. What are the keys for home workouts?

Like diets or any workout:

1) You need a plan, accountability, and consistency. I have found that I need the support and accountability to stay consistent with my healthy lifestyle journey. I am fortunate to have found that support through the Beachbody On Demand platform. Having an accountability partner(s) is key for me.

2) Do shorter workouts. Choose videos that are 10-30 minutes to start. This is your time and schedule.

3) Start slow and small. Short workouts for just 2-3 days a week. Make it a habit. As been said, “Slow and steady wins the race.”

4) Commit for one week at a time, or go long for 30 days. It’s your choice, your goals.

“What if I want to video my workout and track my progress, or share with others?”

This is a definite way to stay on top of your fitness goals. It’s not difficult to do, but I plan on having a Part Two series for how and why fitness videos work. In the meantime, check out the filming elements in my workouts, or others, if you wish!

I hope these tips are helpful with your healthy lifestyle journey. If you would like to speak in more detail about the workouts, Beachbody On Demand, home videos, and/or nutrition, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Jennifer DeSantis is regular contributor to our FitLife column. She is a health and wellness coach, PiYo LIVE and Insanity LIVE instructor, RRCA Certified Level 1 running coach. For more information, visit her FaceBook page: desantisfitness, or www.desantisfitness.com, or even better follow her on Instagram @desantisfitness (#socialmedia #fitness #desantisfitness).

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