The 10 best virtual fitness classes in Chicago

Missing your morning BODYPUMP or cycling class? Chicago Athletic Clubs offers a stacked rolodex of virtual content, with options ranging from the relatively low-commitment (like a $15 one-off pilates class) to monthly memberships for group classes or personal training sessions. The livestreamed classes are accessible on more than 1,000 devices, which means you're free to work up a sweat on your phone, computer or—in some cases—even your TV.

Pricing: $15 a month limited-time offer for group fitness; $130 for 10 pilates classes

A virtual membership at this Near West Side studio provides unlimited access to a weekly assortment of livestreamed cardio, core and stretch classes, with morning and evening options perfect for slotting into your WFH routine. This option is especially good for those seeking an approximation for the energy and guidance of in-person classes, as your instructor—and fellow students/fitness enthusiasts—will be able to see you through the Zoom call.

Pricing: $59 a week

You can choose from yoga classes at a variety of levels at this Lincoln Square studio, from beginner and gentle sessions to more advanced options that incorporate guided meditation practice. Classes are available in single, five-, 10- and 20-session packages as well as via unlimited monthly membership; there's also a pay-what-you-can option for those who need it.

Pricing: $39 a month; $9 single class, $60 10-class pack

With three locations throughout Chicago, this cardio and strength-training gym now offers a monthly virtual membership program with access to 20 endurance-building livestreamed classes each week. Early risers will appreciate the schedule's sprinkling of 6am classes, but sessions are also available in the morning and afternoon.

Pricing: $40 a month

Tune into a variety of livestreamed Zumba, pilates, cardio and strength training classes from the YMCA as part of the fitness center's new online programming, which is free for members. Bonus for shy folks: Since the classes are held via Zoom in a webinar format, no one else will be able to see or hear you while you huff and puff during cardio.

Pricing: Included with membership

The compact (i.e. 10- to 30-minute) and high-intensity workouts at this Lakeview studio can be completed individually or stacked for a longer session. They're all hosted on a private Instagram account and broadcast on IGTV for 24 hours, which means you have a little bit of leeway time to catch up if you can't make a livestreamed class while it's happening.

Pricing: $60 a month, $25 a week, $10 one-day trial

It's not a Chicago-based chain, but you can reap the benefits of CorePower's signature heart-pumping yoga workouts online via this on-demand subscription program. Browse a massive cache of classes—ranging in difficulty from beginner to the more advanced vinyasa and sculpt sessions—and work out on your own time, as all of these classes are pre-recorded.

Pricing: $20 a month

Chicago fitness club Studio Three—which focuses on the fitness disciplines of interval, cycle and yoga—provides a digital membership alongside its in-person offerings, with a series of livestreamed and on-demand cardio and strength classes each week.

Pricing: $125 a month unlimited, $80 10-class pack, $45 5-class pack, $10 drop-in class

The cardio classes at this Wicker Park dance studio use Bollywood dance and upbeat music to help you work up a sweat (and learn a little bit about Indian culture along the way as well). Keep an eye out for the occasional free workout on Facebook, too!

Pricing: $10 a month

You probably won't be hopping into the boxing ring anytime soon, but this national fitness chain—with four locations in Chicago—grants you access to a collection of on-demand boxing workouts from home, from kickboxing to strength training.

Pricing: $20 a month, $219.89 a year