I’m one of those people that feels off when I don’t get a workout in. I like to start every day with some morning movement and feel lost when I can’t — but I wasn’t always this way. When I was in my early 20s, I was stuck in a continuous cycle of breaking promises about going to the gym. Each Saturday, I’d have every intention of waking up early to go to the gym, only to be tempted by an over-indulgent brunch instead (and a subsequent afternoon hangover). After two years of repeating this process, I finally came to terms with the inevitable: I’m not a gym person, and that’s okay. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still make good choices for my body.
As it would turn out, I am a workout person — I just prefer to do so in my own living room. I was never going to be the kind of person that would wake up at 6 a.m. to go to the gym, and the sooner I came to terms with that, the sooner I was able to find movement I actually enjoy. Everyone is different, and no workout is “better” than the others — the best fitness routine is one that brings you joy.
Whether your experience sounds like mine or you’re just avoiding the gym during the pandemic, rest assured that you can still get an incredible, effective workout from certified trainers — all from the privacy of your living room. Whether you’re a dance cardio buff or a functional fitness fiend, there’s a workout platform for everyone. Ahead, I’m sharing the top five that I’ve had success with; and a word of warning—these are genuinely fun workouts that you won’t be able to quit.
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Best Overall: Obé Fitness
If you haven’t heard of Obé Fitness, you will soon. This is one of the fastest-growing workout streaming services (and, in my opinion, one of the most fun). With Obé, you can stream a huge variety of workout classes, from HIIT, to dance cardio, to barre, to pilates, to boxing, and beyond. The instructors are upbeat, body-positive, and 100 percent non-intimidating. (Basically, after three months of taking these classes consistently, I want them all to be my best friends.) The classes take place against a colorful pastel backdrop — affectionately referred to by members of the Obé community as “the box” — which perfectly sets the tone for what these workouts are like. Yes, you will sweat. But these classes will also make you feel so grateful for movement, for your beautiful body, and for the ability to work hard.
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Best For Dance Workouts: 305 Fitness at Home
If a dance party sounds like your idea of a good time, look no further than 305 Fitness. Originally a studio-only experience, 305 — like many boutique fitness experiences — has had to adapt during the pandemic. The brand officially launched 305 Fitness at Home shortly after stay-at-home orders took place, and it’s now a thriving platform that releases new dance-inspired classes every single day. These classes definitely feel more like spending time on the dance floor than they do an actual workout, but the payoff is definitely that of a workout. You’ll finish these 45-minute sessions feeling sweaty, inspired, and confident — all while burning an average of 500 calories per session.
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Best For Beginners: FitOn App
Those that are new to fitness, feeling uninspired, or just looking for something new will often find success with FitOn. For starters, these classes are short, and they’re taught by some of your favorite celebrities, like Juliane Hough, Gabrielle Union, and Jonathan Van Ness to name a few. Imagine Jonathan Van Ness telling you to get those knees up a bit higher and you can understand why so many users come back to FitOn, again and again, to get their workouts in. And while FitOn provides challenging full-body workouts for all fitness levels, it’s extraordinarily beginner-friendly. All of the platform’s instructors place an emphasis on form and instruction over caloric output, so it’s a great platform to turn to when you want to learn through movement.
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Best For Yogis: Alo Moves
If you’re a yogi who doesn’t like to do the same workout twice, Alo Moves is the fitness streaming platform for you. Made specifically with yoga lovers in mind, Alo Moves features workouts from over 50 instructors (with all different teaching styles and sequences), so you’ll never get bored. Take one class and you’ll understand why this platform has transformed the minds, bodies, and souls of thousands of users in this community.
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Best Low Impact: P.Volve
If you’re into low-impact, functional strength workouts like pilates and barre, step the right way. But P.Volve isn’t just about getting a good muscle burn going — these workouts are designed to improve your performance in areas of your life outside of the gym (like, *ahem*, sex). You’ll need P.Volve’s unique, signature line of equipment to complete these workouts, but believe me when I tell you the starter kit is worth the splurge. These workouts are genuinely fun, challenging, and unlike everything I’ve ever tried. Don’t be intimidated by all the bells and whistles — just come to your living room dressed in your favorite matching leggings and sports bra duo and you’ll be feeling sexy and sculpted within minutes.
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