8 Reasons to Use Streaming for a Budget Workout

Americans are as busy and sedentary as ever, with technology increasingly connecting the various components of their lives. Exercising in this age of connectedness requires great will power and determination, despite its general importance to people’s health. Along with the obvious benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle are an enhanced emotional wellbeing and even higher energy levels.

But going to the gym isn’t for everyone. Between work, school, parenthood, and so much more, fitting a workout in can be difficult and expensive. Looking for an alternative to a gym membership? These are some of the most important (and sometimes hidden) benefits of streaming your next workout:

1. It Saves Money

Chances are you’re already paying for internet service at home. Dropping your gym membership could save you hundreds of dollars per year. Think about all the things you could do with this extra cash. In case you’re still on the fence, just think about how many people sign up for and pay for a gym, only to work out for a month in January and then basically stop going.  Most of these people probably tell themselves they’ll start their gym routine again. This well documented trend leads to people paying for a membership they don’t use. Instead of falling into that cycle of signing up for and then never using the gym, you could use this extra money to splurge on that paid yoga app you have been wanting to try. All you’ll need after that is a yoga mat.

2. The More Convenient the Workout, the More Likely the Follow Through

Most people don’t live right next to the gym. Just the thought of getting your workout clothes on, jumping in the car, and facing traffic to go to the gym is probably enough to deter you on more days than you’d like. Streaming your workouts removes all this hassle from the equation, so the chances of getting your workout in increase every day. All you need to do is carve as little as five minutes, find the workout you want and get to it.

3. Chances Are You’re Already Paying For Options

If you’re one of the millions of people who pay for Amazon Prime, then you’re already paying for access to hundreds of workout videos. While most customers pay for Amazon Prime to save on shipping costs, streaming options on Amazon Prime include popular workouts like yoga, dancing, Zumba, boot camp, and Pilates. As you find workouts you like, Amazon also gives you access to countless paid options that you can stream and continue to do at home. If you subscribe to a conventional cable package, it’s also worth checking out what might be available on-demand.

4. You Can Try Something New

Between the internet, streaming services and good old-fashioned TV, the amount of workout videos available makes it easy to try something new. Perhaps you’re tired of your high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Many people use YouTube to search for something new. Zumba, which is also available on Amazon Prime Video, is a popular choice, as the beat of the music usually makes the whole workout more fun. Perhaps you dream of throwing some punches, in which case a kickboxing workout might be right up your alley. When you’re streaming workouts, the options are limitless.

5. No Judgments

Have you ever gone to the gym and felt like the gym rats are judging you? You are not alone. Sweating at home means the only person allowed to judge is yourself. Working out at home using streamed videos also lets you set your own pace, which is great if you are a beginner and don’t necessarily have the endurance to get through the whole hour without a pause.  

6. Fewer Distractions

Gyms are filled with TVs because it’s simply easier to work out if you are distracted. However, the distraction of other people doing their own workouts can make you lose count of your reps and focus on your own routine. Streaming your workouts enables you to cut down on distractions to ensure you get your sweat on. Even better, you’re fully in control of switching instructors and there’s no guilt trip associated with walking out of a class that simply isn’t right for you.

7. Comfort

One of the best perks of streaming your workouts is that you can wear whatever you want. Prefer to do mountain climbers without your shoes on? No problem when you’re streaming at home. You’ll get odd looks if you try going to the gym in just your underwear, but streaming workouts at home gives to you the freedom to wear whatever you want to your sweat sessions.

Staying healthy and active has a ton of benefits. But don’t go thinking going to the gym is the only option. Streaming your workouts at home is good for your wallet, and has tons of other perks like comfort level, flexibility and making efficient use of your schedule. 

8. Fully Customizable

Gone are the days of monotonous treadmill workouts and going to the same workout class every day. Now more than ever, people are finding value in switching up their workouts. When you stream your workout, you’re not limited to what one class can offer. Want back-to-back gym sessions? No problem. Need to skip parts of your yoga class because of a bad back? You can do that. Interested in half a yoga class plus half a boot camp class? Streaming is the answer to optimizing your workout on your terms.

Next Steps

Whether you’re new to working out or looking for an affordable alternative to your gym membership, streaming your workout has some surprising hidden benefits. Our suggestion? Check out any streaming services you’re already paying for first. Amazon Prime is one of the best sources for workouts streaming, but you can also explore workout-specific apps for classes like yoga, spin, and even cross training and weight lifting.