The Internet Junkie's Guide to Exercise

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It’s easy to assume that folks who spend extended amounts of time online aren’t exactly sparkling specimens of fitness and exercise. But as Gizmodo’s Andrew Tarantola writes, the internet is quickly becoming ground zero for a new wave of fitness media. Now that the DVD is following its forebear VHS into extinction, exercise videos are finding new homes on Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. Other sites like Workouts for You offer members the opportunity to create customized workout plans and access personalized advice.

Tarantola’s article lists about a dozen online resources for staying in shape. Many of these exercises are doable at home with minimal equipment and some, such as the Be Fit YouTube channel, give you free access to professional trainers such as Jillian Michaels.He also notes that the web features myriad sites dedicated to meditation and yoga for achieving fitness in both mind and body.

The big idea here is that it makes sense that the fitness industry is building its digital and social media presence. They know the best way to get people invested in exercise is through these means. And with alternate sources of revenue such as ad sales entering into the equation, this transition could mean savings for the average joe who wants access to professional routines.

It also means those of us who spend a whole lot of time on the web are running out of excuses for for all this extra flab.