Fitness expert Reena Vokoun explains hybrid fitness: mixing home workouts with in-person gym sessions. Exercise reduces inflammation and boosts immune cells, especially important during Omicron. Livestream classes, Peloton, and online communities help people stay consistent without isolation.
Many people are rethinking their fitness routines in the midst of the latest pandemic surge. Reena is here with us with suggestions to help us stay fit. Reena, great to see you. Thanks for joining us today.
Thank you, Carrie. It's great to be here.
Okay, so how do you define hybrid fitness? What is this?
Yeah, you know, the word hybrid has been thrown around a lot lately, right? There's hybrid work, there's hybrid conferences, there's also hybrid fitness, which basically means that it's kind of a balance between virtual virtual workouts at home or in different locations using online technology and tools versus the traditional in-person workouts that you do at a gym or a studio.
Okay, I see. Now, what are the pros and cons of working out at home? Because there can be both, right?
Absolutely. I think right now in the midst of the pandemic and the Omicron surge, working out at home is safer. So that's definitely a pro. Um, you don't have to get dressed and drive yourself to the gym, so it's definitely a little bit more convenient, which is good for motivation. And it's very It's something you can do on your own time in the comfort of your own home, which is great. I would say the cons of working out at home could be technology issues. Maybe Wi-Fi issues could make it difficult to get your workout in if you're using an app or a livestream class potentially. And it might be a little bit more lonely. You might not have that in-person camaraderie that you would with an in-person class.
Very true. Okay, speaking of that, let's talk about the pros and cons of working out at a gym.
Yes, so the pros of working out at a gym is just the motivation, right? To have an instructor or a personal trainer right there there with you, to have a community of people in class where you're working out together. It can really feel like you've got that support right there in person. I would say the biggest con right now to working out at a gym or studio is just the safety with Omicron. So you want to watch out for classes that are too crowded, poor ventilation, not following COVID safety protocols and things like that.
Very true. Okay, speaking of that, there are ways that exercise can actually help protect our immune system, right?
Absolutely. Exercise really helps to reduce inflammation in the body. It helps with your immuno-enhancing cells, and it's also good for relieving stress. And as we know, being stressed, which most of us are with this pandemic, yep, can really weaken our immune system. So it really helps to give us that mental strength and helps us sleep better so that we can repair all of ourselves and be healthier and really protect that immune system for each day.
So true. Okay, how can technology positively and safely impact our approach to fitness?
Yeah, there's so many great options now with technology, right? There's livestream classes, on-demand classes, many YouTube channels and great mobile apps out there. There's home equipment like the Peloton, the Mirror, and Tonal. So there's really no shortage of opportunities to get your workout in at home. And then there's online communities that you can connect with so that it doesn't feel as lonely as it might when you're just home by yourself.
So true. There are so many options now. We really have no excuse, right? And you have a special offer for our viewers. Tell us all about it.
I do. If you go to my website, passionfit.com, and go to passionfit.com/classes, you can get a free livestream workout with PassionFit. I offer HIIT and strength training, yoga, Pilates, different styles of dance as well. And then I have a new book out called "The Wellness Empowered Woman," which is available on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com. And it really covers holistic wellness, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, work-life balance, productivity, and more. So it's a great way to kick off 2022 if you've got some New Year's goals.
Absolutely. You are so amazing and inspirational. Thank you, girl, for joining us. Have a great day, and we'll see you next time.
Thank you so much. Take care.
