While we don't condone New Year, New You fitness resolutions, we do think working out is important for your overall physical and mental health. And after the disruptions and uncertainties of the last couple of years, it's even more important to find enjoyable workout routines that will challenge your body and restore your mind. One thing the pandemic has taught us is that you don't have to set foot in a gym or an independent studio in order to get a good sweat on. These days, the classes come to you.
We've rounded up the best online workouts to help you build muscle and get your heart pumping at home. While a lot of gyms and studios are still broadcasting their classes online (support your local studio if you can!), this list is all about online fitness plans and apps which can help you exercise consistently and track your progress along the way. Whether you're an athlete-warrior who lives for high-intensity cardio and burly strength training, a practitioner of yoga, pilates and dance, or a newbie trying to build good fitness habits, there's something here that will help you reach your goals.
RECOMMENDED: The complete guide to wellness in the United States
If traditional workouts aren't your thing, there are still lots of ways to get your body moving this winter, including at the best places to snowboard and ski. And, if you're in the half of the country that won't be inundated by snow, the best hiking trails and awe-inspiring national forests are at their most serene when temperatures drop.
Workouts: HIIT, sculpt, yoga, pilates and more
Why download it: Fans of HIIT, this is for you: obé offers 28-minute high-intensity classes set to an awesome soundtrack that switches up moves often so you don't get bored. You'll have access to 20 live classes a day and 6,000+ on-demand workouts, which all take place in a pastel-colored workout box.
Price: Seven-day free trial, then $19 per month or $199 per year
Workouts: Everything from dance to HIIT
Why download it: Class Pass offers a full library of workout videos with every membership, as well as access to in-person classes and beauty and wellness services. Choose from 4,000 free online workouts in HIIT & strength training, cardio, yoga, barre and more, so you can get moving from the comfort of your living room.
Price: 14-day free trial then $15–$159 per month
Workouts: Running, strength, yoga, elliptical and more
Why download it: Aaptiv is audio-only so you don't have to worry about fiddling with your computer or phone screen during a sweat sesh and you can take it along on a run. You can also filter by skill level, workout style, duration and even music choice. What's more, dozens of new classes are added every week.
Price: Free seven-day trial, then $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year
Workouts: Boxing, kickboxing, core
Why download it: If you have the space and the means, this boxing setup, which comes with Bluetooth-enabled trackers in your boxing wraps and a punching bag, is totally worth it. Follow along with elite trainers on the boxing or kickboxing paths, or tune into the workouts of the day, all while trying to hit the punch goal every round.
Price: $999–$1,219 for initial setup, then $39 per month
Workouts: Everything from HIIT to strength to meditation
Why download it: glo's on-demand classes won't just help your body to stay fit, they'll help to keep your mind ship-shape too with guided meditation. Both types of classes, which include full-body strength training, cardio, yoga and pilates, are available in multiple lengths and challenge levels to fit a wide variety of users.
Price: 7-day free trial then $18 per month or $162 per year
Workouts: Various full-body including pilates, yoga and dance
Why download it: As part of this famously body-positive program, you master a new 25-minute routine (meant for all skill levels) every week so that by the end of the week it's almost meditative. After the new routine is released on Mondays, you can submit questions about the positions and sequences performed and Bethany herself will answer them on Wednesdays.
Price: 10-day free trial then $35 per month
Workouts: Bodyweight, yoga, stretching and more
Why download it: This app's extensive library lets you stream workouts, commit to a training program, get tips from elite athletes and can even help you sleep better. Multi-week programs include a prescribed series of workouts, nutrition tips, and wellness guidance to help you build healthy habits in the long term.
Price: Premium membership is currently free
Workouts: Yoga, barre, pilates, meditation and stretching
Why download it: This isn't your basic yoga app. True yogis will love that Alo offers vinyasa, ashtanga, kundalini, hatha, restorative and other varieties. Those looking to get more flexible in the new year or just add something to their skill set will love the guidance on how to do a handstand or stretch into the splits.
Price: 14-day free trial then $20 per month or $199 per year
Workouts: Bodyweight, high-intensity strength and yoga and barre
Why download it: This women-focused app comes with a dedicated community and follow-along guides so you can finally learn how to properly do burpees, squats and other moves that make up the 21-minute interval workouts. Choose from different workout tracts like strength, yoga, postpartum and barre.
Price: Seven-day free trial then $19.99 per month or $119.94 per year
Workouts: Cardio, barre, strength, yoga, kickboxing, postpartum and more
Why download it: Consider this your membership to thousands of different boutique studios across the USA. NeoU offers just about every kind of workout, with both live-stream and pre-recorded versions led by some of the country's top trainers, that you can easily stream on your TV, phone or tablet simultaneously.
Price: Free seven-day trial, then $4.99 for a month or $34.99 for a year
On-the-up-and-up wellness practices that we're excited to incorporate into our 2021 routine (when it's safe, of course).
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