"Dotcom Cash: Workout Online" originally appeared on Fox Business May 06, 2011 © FOX News Network, LLC.

We are watching a vast natural experiment. Take millions of Americans off of farms and manual labor. Add sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs, and automobiles. 

On top of that, we have major improvements in sanitation, immunization, and antibiotics. As a result, Americans are living longer but not necessarily better.

Nearly two-thirds of the population struggle with obesity-related health problems, like diabetes, heart problems, and certain forms of cancer. Being overweight or obese is detrimental to your health, vitality, and mobility.

Good news is that there is a solution to this hypothetical experiment: Exercise, namely resistance training.

Nowadays you can slow aging, from anywhere you have an internet connection, by following a smart training plan, eating mindfully, and getting quality sleep. 

The internet has revolutionized the fitness industry, empowering everyone with a computer or smartphone to take charge of your health like never before.

I'm very passionate about fighting the obesity epidemic with education and technology.

It's a tough battle that can be won with health-and-fitness content, science, and habit change via telehealth (virtual coaching, tracking, and community).

In 2011, way before the surge of virtual fitness solutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was interviewed on Fox Business News.

We discussed how the internet has changed the way you exercise. You can watch the talk on this page.

How the Internet Is Changing the Way You Exercise

In recent years, the internet has become an indispensable tool in every aspect of life.

From communication and entertainment to education and shopping, the World Wide Web has fundamentally transformed the way humans interact with the world.

One domain that has experienced a profound impact is exercise. 

In this lesson, you'll learn how the internet is helping you manage aging, examining its role in fitness motivation, access to information, personalized training, and fostering supportive communities.

1. Muscle-building motivation at your fingertips

When you hold more muscle, your body needs higher amounts of energy to survive. Muscle is 3-5 times more metabolically active at rest, which means muscle tissue burns significantly more calories at rest than fat. But in order to build and maintain muscle, you must do the work.

One of the primary challenges you face when starting a fitness journey is finding the motivation to stick with your workout routine. The internet serves as an endless source of inspiration and encouragement.

Social media platforms such as Instagram, FaceTube, and TokTic are filled with fitness influencers and athletes showcasing their routines, progress, and success stories. Seeing others achieve their fitness goals can drive you to achieve your own objectives.

Moreover, fitness apps and websites offer various challenges, such as the "12-Week Challenge" or "14-Day Fat Flush," which set clear goals and milestones, making your body-transformation journey feel achievable and rewarding.

Additionally, fitness tracking apps enable you to record your progress, providing a sense of accomplishment as you witness tangible improvements in your performance over time.

2. Access to abundant information

Let's say your goal is to improve insulin sensitivity, which means you want more control over blood sugar levels, less risk of diabetes, and better blood-glucose management.

In other words, less dietary glucose (sugar) will get stored as bodyfat and you’ll have more energy overall.

Gone are the days when you had to take a trip to the public library or rely on some random advice-giver at your gym for guidance.

The internet provides a wealth of information on exercise routines, nutrition strategies, and methods to increase longevity. Countless fitness websites, blogs, and social channels offer expert advice, workout plans, and healthy recipes.

This accessibility to information allows you to educate yourself about various fitness regimens, enabling you to tailor your workouts to specific goals and preferences.

Whether you are interested in resistance training, yoga, or marathon running, the internet offers comprehensive resources to help you achieve success.

3. Virtual coaching

Customized coaching is a key factor in slowing the natural aging process. 

For example, sarcopenia is age-related muscle loss. You begin to lose muscle tissue around the age of 30.

However, if you want to maintain your independence when you’re older and be strong versus frail, focus on strength training to build and maintain muscle.

With the advent of virtual coaching and fitness apps, individuals can now access personalized training programs that cater to your unique needs and capabilities.

Fitness apps often include features that consider factors like age, fitness level, body composition, and specific objectives to create tailor-made workout plans.

These apps guide users through exercises, provide real-time feedback on form and technique, and adjust the difficulty level as you make progress.

Moreover, virtual coaches are available 24/7/365 and provide consistent support and motivation throughout your journey.

4. Fostering supportive communities

It's common knowledge that excess body fat causes a variety of serious health conditions. One of the best ways to reduce disease risk is to achieve healthy levels of bodyfat.

But it's tough to build muscle and lower bodyfat without a supportive team. The internet has given rise to virtual fitness communities, where like-minded individuals come together to share experiences, knowledge, and encouragement.

Online forums, social media groups, and fitness-specific platforms connect people from all over the world, forming a sense of camaraderie and accountability.

These communities foster an environment of positivity and support, where you can openly discuss your challenges and successes without fear of judgment.

Through these interactions, you can gain valuable insights, discover new methods, and receive emotional support during tough times.

5. Online training classes

When you are strong and have athletic levels of bodyfat, you have more confidence. This self-assurance will spread across all areas of your life, as a better version of you emerges.

You’ll inspire those around you as you become more positive, fearless, and proud of the body you’ve created.

Problem is, the traditional approach to getting strong and lean at a gym often limits people due to geographical constraints, scheduling conflicts, or budgetary limitations.

However, the internet has democratized fitness-and-nutrition classes, allowing anyone, anywhere, to access virtual coaching sessions and exercise programs.

Numerous fitness apps and platforms offer live-streamed or pre-recorded classes led by certified coaches and industry professionals.

Whether it's a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session, dance workout, or calming yoga-style practice, you can participate in your preferred classes from the comfort of your living room. This accessibility has made fitness more inclusive and convenient for people with diverse lifestyles and responsibilities. 

Much of the challenges you face when you’re older can be reduced or prevented by the choices you make now. 

You’re giving yourself a gift every time you complete a training session or practice mindful nutrition, so don’t forget that. 

Your decision to get healthy will help you create your ideal body and life. 

Summary:

Thanks to the internet, you can get results 24/7/365, from anywhere on the planet, because your fitness program is delivered 100% online. Other important factors include mindful nutrition that supports building muscle, sleep, hydration, stress management, and mobility work too. However you choose to get healthy, online or in-person, you must take action and follow the habits of health. Not just for today, but for life. Don’t put it off because everyone is counting on you to be your best.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women lose weight, gain strength, and slow aging. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to increase longevity with the best online age-management program, or you want to visit the best longevity program in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.