Video Conferencing Software

In the interviews we conducted, users indicated that they used video conferencing software to facilitate their remote group exercise sessions, which encouraged them and helped them maintain motivation. However, they gave the impression that these apps were somewhat jerry-rigged into serving that purpose, mentioning awkwardness in setting up the technology, troubleshooting technical issues during the call, and internet issues disrupting their workouts.

Pros	Cons
Very familiar to users	Not explicitly designed for synchronous exercise
Face-to-face synchronicity	Latency and disconnections interrupt the workout
Easy to add exercise times to people’s calendars	Small interface takes attention away from the workout
	Awkward troubleshooting when technical issues arise

Asynchronous Methods

Individuals looking to exercise together but unable to do so synchronously often reach for other options. Several mobile apps are intended to inspire the user to exercise by comparing their progress against others’. These apps offer a number of  features like tracking exercise, customized training programs, and enabling users to view their performance both with their local contacts and on a global leaderboard. These apps offer flexibility in letting users work out when they want to, while keeping tabs on how their friends are performing. However, these applications ultimately require the users to exercise independently, leading to significant differences in duration and intensity of their exercise. Lastly, some users report battery issues when using these applications.

 

Pros	Cons
Scheduling flexibility	Lack of synchronicity can be unmotivating
Easily track user progression	Differences in duration and intensity of workouts between users exercising together
	Increased battery consumption during use

Gamification

Existing gamified fitness systems receive a lot of positive feedback from users. They offer easy access through mobile devices (provided Wi-Fi and data are present). They also leverage gamification as the main element of motivation or training; some use fictional storytelling, while others use virtual trainers or curated playlists to encourage users. Like other asynchronous methods, these apps are flexible in scheduling exercise, but also offer flexibility in customizing workout intensity, which is friendly to beginners. However, these applications require headphones, and do not offer built-in support for synchronous exercise. Similarly to the other asynchronous methods listed above, users ultimately exercise alone. In addition, the gamification can encourage poor posture or form, which is not corrected by these applications.

 

Pros	Cons
Accessible through mobile devices	Need for Wi-Fi and data to work effectively
Flexibility in workout intensity and duration, beginner-friendly	Requires headphones
Motivation through gamification (storytelling, virtual trainer, playlist)	No support for asynchronicity
	No feedback on exercise form

Curated / Pre-recorded exercise videos

Modern video streaming platforms like YouTube host a number of different exercise videos. They’re free to sign up for, which lowers the cost of entry for users unable or unwilling to invest money into training programs. They’re also often easy to access and search. Users can access them anytime, anywhere with a device and internet connection. They offer plenty of choices for users to pick from to fit their personal needs and goals. Lastly, self-conscious users can exercise in private without concern of judgment from others.

However, again, these videos lack interpersonal interaction, which some users mitigate by introducing third-party video conferencing tools. Another shortcoming is the lack of content verification: users are uncertain if certain videos are approved of by trainers or fitness experts. In addition, the number and variety of choices available can lead to the paradox of choice. Additionally, users find it difficult to stay motivated or stick to a rigid schedule.

Pros	Cons
Free to sign up for, low-cost-of-entry	Lack interpersonal interaction
Easy to access and search	Unverified content
Lots of choices to fit individual user needs	Paradox of choice
Privacy while exercising	Lack of motivation and rigid schedule

Live Streaming

Fitness studios and trainers utilize a variety of online conferencing, social media, and video platforms to live-stream free workout classes. Most workouts are catered to home or office space; they either utilize available resources such as furniture or forego equipment entirely. This form of synchronous virtual workout offers a few notable advantages over other methods: firstly, the sessions are more interactive, where trainers can potentially offer personalized fitness advice. Secondly, they provide a sense of community and accountability, alleviating social isolation and contributing to both mental and physical health. Lastly, they provide a structured experience and the motivation to adhere to a routine.

However, these systems also have their shortcomings. Participating in live sessions requires a stable Wi-Fi connection, and lack thereof can cause workout disruption and frustration. Though most instructors try to host workout sessions outside of work hours, life might get in the way for some users and prevent them from exercising. Others may find early or late workouts exhausting and inconvenient. Finally, fitness studios may ultimately require users to become members in order to access more advanced classes or continue participating.

Pros	Cons
Free and accessible	Could potentially end up in mandatory subscription
Synchronous	Potentially scheduled at inconvenient hours (pre- or post-work)
Lots of choices to fit individual user needs	Require stable Wi-Fi connection
Interactive (trainer can provide feedback)