Adult education in Germany is undergoing a rapid digital shift. Volkshochschulen (community adult education centers) and private academies now offer more than 800 live-streamed courses through the VHS webinar portal, with many designed to fit into a working day.
The push toward flexibility is clear. Free “After Work Workouts” in July target employed people who struggle to find time for exercise. Relaxation methods such as Qi Gong and Pilates are also available as livestreams. Regional providers are following the same path. The VHS Rhein-Sieg offers short online sessions called “Digitale Mittagspause” (Digital Lunch Break) and hybrid formats like “Yogilates.” In North Rhine-Westphalia, the VHS centres in Krefeld and Gelsenkirchen have already published their autumn 2026 programmes online. Krefeld is focusing on educational leave and cultural events, while Gelsenkirchen prioritises digitisation and sustainability.
One new format gaining attention is Wall Pilates, which can be done in an office or at home with minimal space. Two to three sessions per week improve core strength, posture and balance, though visible changes usually take time to appear. The method highlights the potential of space-saving digital exercise.
Professional training is expanding in parallel. The Akademie für Sport und Gesundheit (ASG) runs multi-day live online courses. A Pilates trainer licence costs €440, a fitness trainer B-licence €800, and a beginner C-licence €208. Participants need a stable internet connection, a camera and a microphone. The MFZ Leipzig coordinates specialised further training for sports and gymnastics teachers, with online seminars covering anatomical topics such as diaphragm function in yoga and Pranayama exercises. Information evenings for alternative medicine (Heilpraktiker) training are also held digitally.
Older adults are not forgotten. The VHS Frankfurt has published the brochure “Aktiv im Alter” for the winter term 2026/27, featuring over 200 large-format courses aimed at seniors. In Bavaria, “Yoga im Sitzen” (chair yoga) is offered for people aged 60 and above. Some course fees are reimbursable through health insurance.
A broader picture comes from the WIFI in Austria, which presents a portfolio of more than 32,000 courses for 2026/27. Besides health programmes, the focus lies on MBA courses and continuing education in artificial intelligence and management.
Universities are also opening their sports programmes digitally. The Centre for University Sports at Leibniz University Hannover starts registration for its vacation sport programme in July, with courses beginning early August. In Switzerland, the Department of Health at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is informing about new degree programmes in gerontological nursing and family systems nursing, accompanied by online information events.
