How we work—and take care of our health—is changing. With employees prioritizing work-life balance, convenience is the name of the game. Forward-thinking employers are responding by offering on-demand fitness programs that fit seamlessly into busy lives and can be done at home. These programs not only meet employees where they are —literally — but also provide personalized plans, making exercise more enjoyable. Learn about the evolution of at-home fitness and how it’s shaping the future of workplace wellness.
From VHS to Virtual: The Evolution of At-home Fitness
Remember the peak of VHS workout tapes in the 80s and 90s? That’s when at-home fitness exploded as fitness icons like Jane Fonda transformed living rooms into personal gyms (with the required leg warmers). A wave of fitness personalities followed, making home workouts both popular and effective.
The cultural obsession with fitness videos hit another high during the pandemic when millions turned to virtual classes and apps to stay fit. While the tech-savvy younger generations may not recall the VHS era, they’ve fully embraced this digital fitness shift.
The Phone’s Role in Fitness
Fueled by the rise of smartphones, fitness apps have emerged as powerful tools for building healthy routines. Apps can offer personalized guidance, track progress, and provide constant motivation. Research, including a review of 15 studies, demonstrates that these apps can significantly increase physical activity levels and help develop healthier habits.
Convenience is King
Whether using a fitness app or not, people are most likely to exercise when it’s convenient, engaging, and seamlessly fits into their lifestyle. A recent poll on where people choose to exercise revealed a strong preference for home workouts, with 52% of U.S. adults exercising regularly at home, compared to 28% who frequent the gym. Convenience is the primary driver behind this trend.
Ashley Summers, Vice President of Customer Success at PEAR Health Labs, the company behind the AI powering the Aaptiv app, explains, “On-demand fitness programs are highly popular for corporate wellness programs because of their unparalleled convenience. Employees can exercise anytime, anywhere with just a smartphone.”
Aaptiv: All-inclusive Fitness for All Levels and All Interests
In addition to convenience, Ashley highlights four key reasons why Aaptiv is a preferred option for corporate wellness programs:
Fitness for First Timers
“Stepping into a gym or joining a group exercise class can feel intimidating, especially for someone new to exercise,” says Ashley. “Aaptiv takes away that intimidation by offering a wide range of beginner-friendly programs that employees can do at home, at their own pace, and in a comfortable environment.”
Certified Personal Trainers
“Our programs are led by professional trainers who bring expertise and enthusiasm to each session,” explains Ashley. “Classes include videos that demonstrate proper form and provide continuous encouragement, creating a supportive and engaging experience for employees.”
On-Demand Fitness for Every Interest and Goal
“Not everyone enjoys running, and not everyone can lift weights,” says Ashley. “Aaptiv offers a wide variety of on-demand classes from yoga and stretching to strength and high-intensity interval training. This ensures there’s something for everyone. Employees can experiment with different options, discover new passions, and stay engaged with programs that evolve with their interests.”
Personalized to Each Employee
AI-powered fitness platforms like Aaptiv are enhancing corporate wellness by offering personalized, data-driven programs that meet each employee’s unique needs. Ashley explains, “We’re all different, and so are our fitness journeys. As a comprehensive tool, it delivers coaching experiences that meet each individual where they are at. This ensures everyone gets the support they need to achieve their unique health and wellness goals.”
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
