How can Netflix help you get up and exercise from the couch?

This text was written by a TecMundo columnist; finally learn more.

Netflix seems synonymous with sitting and watching TV, right? It’s not just that anymore.

Seeking more screen time from its subscribers, Netflix recently released a series of episodes for TV workouts with Nike. It seems to be late for the peak of the epidemic, when could this action start, do you agree? However, below, understand how science supports the practice of such exercises, and learn about the pros and cons.

In science, we call it the exercise mode. web-based physical activity (internet-based physical activity) and social isolation and anxiety to keep people active due to the pandemic in 2020, the increase in online classes and their life on channels and social networks. I wrote about this way of exercising in an article published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Activity and Health, and here I highlight the advantages we can gain from training that way:

The first point is autonomy. This is a basic human psychological need. You can choose practically anything.: type of exercise (modality), days of the week and what time of day you will do it, its duration and intensity, all this because the material is always available. This can also have a downside, as you may procrastinate while exercising. Another advantage is no additional costs, as you must already be a platform subscriber. The ability to reach large numbers of people is a strong point, and even stronger when it comes to Netflix, which facilitates accessibility as people study from the comfort of their own home.

I also observed some interesting aspects while taking lessons in front of the TV: high quality production, scalabilitythat is, training can be done by people of different physical fitness levels, taking into account their individual limitations; which can be visualized in the talk of the instructors giving you the training. Training sessions, usually offered in pairs (1 instructor and 1 student), relaxed and focused on enjoying the moment. For starters, it’s important to reduce uncertainty and build confidence by describing what the athlete may feel during workouts, as coaches have successfully accomplished with Netflix workouts. The lessons are encouraging, how about trying it?

Web-based physical activities overcome some major hurdles this must have prevented you from training anyway: lack of time (this is the main obstacle pointed out in the surveys, but isn’t it perception?), climate and weather conditions, urban violence and the need for transportation.

Among the disadvantages, we can mention the limited audience, because often those who participate in such activities are already sufficiently motivated, young and highly educated. The limited environment can deprive the individual of the synergetic benefits that social connections and contact with nature can bring, which is a disadvantage. It might be a good idea to invite a friend and train together to partially work out the social dynamics.

The Internet can expand the scope of exercise as a self-care tool to improve your health. And that’s exactly what happened the following year (2021) when the #1 fitness trend became online education.

While it may seem like the workouts are late to air on Netflix, they can serve different audiences and may even be the start of their exercise journey for many. However, don’t forget to exercise outdoors with nature and social connections, as these are key factors in a good exercise relationship.

*Fabio Dominski He holds a PhD in Human Movement Sciences and a degree in Physical Education from Santa Catarina State University (UDESC). He is a university professor and researcher at the Sport and Exercise Psychology Laboratory (LAPE/CEFID/UDESC). He is the author of Physical Exercise and Science – Facts and Myths and presents the Physical Exercise and Science program on UDESC Joinvile radio (91.9 FM); The show is also available as a podcast on Spotify.