Working out where you check your Facebook? That's what lots of people are doing now, but how affective is it? Our Elyse Mickalonis spoke with an expert about the pros and cons of taking your training to the web.

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NATIONWIDE -- They've become the norm for some: online workouts. Just look online and there are countless websites promoting workout regimens.

“Easy access, any way we can get people to exercise is an amazing thing,” said Sarah Thompson, Lecturer Health and Wellness Studies at BU. “To be motivated to track their progress, blog with other people, that is fantastic.”

Many sites allow you to customize and track workouts, watch videos and talk to trainers, some even connect you with workout buddies.

“Sometimes people are motivated to do that via the internet,” said Thompson. “Other people need to be near people. You need to learn what motivates you in terms of exercise; otherwise you won’t stick to it.”

Fitness experts say safety is an issue with online workouts.

"I see a lot of poor posture, incorrect movements,” said Thompson. “From the video perspective it is not always a clear example of what plain the body needs to move in and it becomes a problem of reproducing the movement safely. In addition to that I think some people won’t get the full picture of what they need to do in addition to that workout. They won’t warm up, there may be some lip service, but they won’t elaborate. Might be getting a snapshot of what a good work out is like, but miss out on key things.”

So what's better, online or in-person?

“It all depends on what you’re comfortable with,” said Jesse Fuca, Binghamton University Senior. “Some people are not comfortable with other people around, and then maybe websites are good for them.”

Ashley Aupont, a Binghamton University Junior, added, “You can just watch them online, but when you’re with people and talking to people they can help it, versus when you see it online you may not know how to do it.”

Colin Anderson, a Binghamton University Senior agreed saying, “When you’re in a gym you have friends pushing and watching you and it drives you more.”

Thompson says it’s up to the individual, but nothing beats being around friends.

“Inspiring each other,” said Thompson. “Are my knees higher? Can I do that move? Inspirational. The energy sharing in that is motivational. We are social beings.”

Thompson says if you wanted to try an online workout, you could hire a personal trainer for a day to make sure the website you’re looking at is right for you.