10 tips to maximize results with your Virtual Membership

Life as we all know it changed drastically in March of 2020. The start of the pandemic changed the way a lot of businesses run, and Downs Fitness was no exception. Between quarantines, restrictions and the endless lists of unknowns, we knew we had to pivot our business model FAST.

Creating our virtual programs has been an amazing journey. Having people join from different cities and states has strengthened our community and challenged us to continue evolving our programs. We know you have tons of options when it comes to virtual fitness and we work hard to constantly improve our nutrition guides and keep our workouts unique, motivating and engaging.

It is particularly rewarding to see the transformations of our virtual fam because it shows their incredible sense of accountability. Whether near or far, your location should not limit your progress. Here are ten tips to maximize your results from a distance!

1. Create and commit to a schedule. 

If you keep a calendar, you probably have slots blocked out for work meetings, family events, doctors appointments, your kids’ schedules, and all of those other important commitments to keep straight. Your workout should be just as important. Find the times that fit nicely in your schedule and block it out for the week. If something comes up that may bump your workout, do your best to prioritize your fitness the same way you would a work meeting. 

2. Designate a space.

Having space for your workouts is essential. Make sure there is enough room for you to kick, jab, squat, and shuffle around the world for Cardio HIIT step. Have a variety of dumbbells organized and easy to reach. Keep all of your supplies in one place so all you have to do is show up at your scheduled workout time. And don’t forget comfortable, supportive clothing! 

3. Optimize how you stream.

If possible, figure out how to stream your workouts to your TV. Most computers will simply connect with an HDMI cable or dongle. There are also lots of apps that will allow you to screen mirror or airstream from an apple product to a smart TV or amazon fire stick. Reach out if you need a little tech help. 

4. Show up live when you can and turn on your camera!

One of the best things about the virtual program is the flexibility it allows. So if the live schedule doesn’t fit yours - don’t stress. Fit it in when it's best for you!

BUT… when you are able to show up live on zoom, and turn on your camera - you may be amazed at the energy and influence other members have on your performance. Sometimes working out alone gives us permission to plateau.  Let your trainers push you harder, that's what we are here for!

5. Get your household involved.

Downs Fitness classes are approachable for everyone. Grab your spouse, kids, roommate or whoever is nearby and tell them to join you! Instead of streaming another episode, take an hour to do something active with one another. Shake things up and get healthy together.

6. Find a buddy to hold you accountable.

“Did you do your workout today?” Whether this text is a friendly reminder or an opportunity to brag, it is going to help you stay on track. If you don’t already have a buddy in mind, reach out to us.  We would be so happy to pair you up with another fit fam member!

7. Join the virtual fit fam. 

Perhaps this is starting to sound redundant but we want you to have the support you need! Having a community of people who are committed to getting healthy could make or break your progress. Getting your household involved = support. Having an accountability buddy = support. Virtual fit fam = a whole community of people waiting to celebrate YOU! Post that selfie after your workout, ask a question about your meal portions, show us your new garage gym. Social media doesn’t have to be mindless scrolling. Our private facebook group is full of positivity and meaningful motivation.

8. Don’t ignore your diet.

You can’t work off a bad diet. If you are working your butt off every workout and not seeing the results you want, your diet needs adjustment. Our three meal plans are designed to give you the flexibility and options to maximize results. Don’t skip this step.

9. Variety is EVERYTHING.

Begin with Downs classes have all the variety built in - you just need to show up and work hard! For our Fit in Six members, if you like to mix up the AM and PM schedules, be sure to incorporate cardio, strength training, core, upper body and lower body classes. This will ensure you are targeting all of your muscle groups, strengthening your heart and strengthening your body. When you log on for replay - each class has a key so you know which to choose.

10. Progress over Perfection.

All of our advice comes with an unspoken asterisk. *Progress is everything. Nobody is perfect and life happens. Making small changes each week will equal substantial change after 6 weeks. Putting pressure on yourself to be perfect will only result in stress and eventually reverting to bad habits. Celebrate every single time you make a decision that leads to positive change.