When it comes to exercise, there are so many ways to achieve one’s fitness goals. Whether it be trying to gain weight, lose weight, build muscle, or increase motivation, exercise and eating right is guaranteed to have an impact. Exercise releases endorphins, a chemical that reduces the body’s perception of pain, so it triggers a positive feeling in the body. Working out can not only have a positive physical effect on the body, but it can also benefit mental health. 

With the Internet, it is now possible to exercise from the comfort of one’s home. Fitness influencers on websites like YouTube post videos with exercise routines. These videos are usually free, and viewers can follow along with the workout. Chloe Ting, a popular fitness influencer, posts on her YouTube channel with exercises that workout specific parts of the body. She also has a website where she outlines free workout programs. She has gained much popularity since the national Covid-19 lockdown in March, when most people were stuck inside without a gym to workout in. Her most well-known program, the Two-Week Shred program, encouraged people to whip out their yoga mats and sneakers and follow along with her intense workouts. 

Junior Elizabeth Di Fiore is a fan of Chloe Ting’s videos. She said, “I do her workouts often. Because her videos are so short, I feel like it is easy to make time to work out. Also, there is not much equipment involved, so I can literally exercise in my bedroom.” 

Along with at home workouts, there have been many other trends popping up in the fitness world. A treadmill trend, known as “30, 12, 3” has become increasingly popular. The workout is 30 minutes long, on a treadmill set to a 12 incline, at a speed of 3 miles per hour, and it is said to burn more calories and build leg muscle when done consistently. Junior Victoria Martorano incorporates this trend into her workouts. She shared, “Whenever I exercise, I do at least 30 minutes of cardio. Setting the treadmill to a high incline helps me get a worthwhile workout.” 

Growth in virtual fitness has been seen throughout 2020. Apps like Aaptiv Workout and Nike Training are designed to fit individual lifestyles; rather than there being a general workout, app users can take a quiz to personalize their fitness experience. When asked her preference regarding virtual fitness programs versus in-person ones, senior Tess Rechtweg said, “I absolutely love virtual fitness. It helps me keep organized and stay on track with my goals. For the past eight months, I have done only virtual fitness, and it really helps. My mental health has improved, and my body has gotten better and stronger.”

Along with exercise, eating correctly is key to a healthy lifestyle. Depending on one’s fitness goals, diets and eating habits may vary. According to the ChooseMyPlate website (choosemyplate.gov), it is recommended to consume food and beverages that are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Drinking water is also important in maintaining a strong body, and there are apps, such as Plant Nanny, which can help keep track of water intake. Users enter their weight and exercise habits, and the app recommends how many ounces of water should be consumed daily. 

With so many new options for exercise, it is easier than ever to achieve fitness goals and improve general health. Youtube exercise videos, Internet workout trends, and health-oriented apps are a great way for anyone, anywhere, to get into shape and stay healthy, even when all the gyms are closed.