Boost Your Fitness Online

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

No, I don’t mean sitting at your computer and “working out.” I’m suggesting that you use health-specific websites and social networking to track and share your exercise routines. While it seems automatic for many of us to log our food intake, we’re less inclined to include physical activity in our online cruising.

I’ve written before about sites like SparkPeople.com and MyFitnessPage.com, that are helpful for so many people – and now I’d like to add some more, that are more activity-specific. Even if you only take a look, it might be just the boost you need to try something new and different.

Keep in mind that aerobics, strength training, flexibility, and mind/body activities are all part of a well rounded fitness routine. While it’s not always possible to do all of these, consider some new additions to your own activities.

Interested in yoga? Try YogaTailor.com, with a virtual instructor showing you correct alignment. This is a big help for those who like the idea of yoga, but might not be ready to enroll in a class.

Are you a swimmer or want to be? Totalimmersion.net. This site is devoted to your inner fish: it’s all about swimming, and uses videos, user forums, blogs, and other ways to learn to swim (at your own pace) or improve your current skills. Pool not included!!

Is golfing your thing? GolfAnalytix.com might be for you. Imagine a golf pro evaluating your swing in the privacy of your own home. On this site, you email a video of your swing to the instructor, and receive a personal lesson in return, with tips on how to improve, including indoor exercises you can use for practice.

And don't forget, UPMC Health Plan members have their own personalized activity trackers, health coach chat and more. If you're reading our blog after you signed in, click this link to see these resources.

What other online workouts have you found? Share your thoughts!