If there is one thing that has been around since humanity began, it has been the desire to better yourself. While civilization and technology have made it more difficult to be active, they have also made it so much easier to find and access the best fitness classes available.
The 10 best online fitness classes are:
- Yoga with Adrienne
- Blogilates
- Move with Colour
- Sweat with SELF
- HASFit
- Peloton
- Fitbit Premium
- Zombies Run!
- Classpass
- MIRROR
These fitness classes are easily accessible and cover a wide variety of fitness regimens.
Online classes allow you to fit exercise into your busy schedule in a more convenient way. Whether you are a beginner to the scene or a fitness expert, there is an online class for you. Read on to figure out how to choose the right online fitness class for yourself, what you will need, and exactly why each of these programs was chosen for this list.
Article Contents
The Online Fitness Class Revolution!
The internet has made the fitness industry boom.
Fitness instructors are able to reach more people than ever before without having to rely on in-person groups. You now have a world of fitness tips, tricks, and classes at your fingertips. Being the best version of yourself has never been easier!
What Makes a Great Online Fitness Class?
The most important thing about any fitness class is how it fits you. Especially with a class you are taking or viewing online, the class should:
- Fit your schedule
- Fit your expertise
- Fit your fitness needs
These are the questions you need to be asking yourself when choosing an online fitness class.
(For the best online workout programs, check out that awesome article!)
Will This Class Get Me Where I Want to Be?
You should decide whether you want to maintain your current level of fitness or improve in any area. The class you choose should give you the opportunity to achieve your goals.
The easiest way to answer this question is to ask the instructor yourself. This way, you also get a great feel for their character.
With large classes or platforms, you can usually look at the videos available to get a sense of the vibe. The class should have levels of difficulty that meet your needs.
Does It Line Up with My Schedule?
The beauty of an online fitness class is that it is usually available to you on demand. This is fantastic for someone who chooses to work out at three in the morning, for example.
Still, you should check and make sure the live classes that are offered will fit into your schedule. Something specific you should pay attention to is the instructor’s time zone and whether the time difference will be a problem for you.
Can I Afford This Class?
Most classes cost less than a gym membership, but, depending on your situation, that still may be too much.
The great news is that most paid classes still offer free versions, whether that be through a freemium app (a free-to-download app with paid features), a YouTube channel, or a blog.
Utilize what you can afford, and do not think that not being able to pay for a fitness class means you cannot work out. It might be a bit more difficult, but online classes at least make fitness more available.
What Do I Need for an Online Fitness Class?
Most online fitness classes are designed to be accessible and work great from home, so instructors do not often use any special equipment.
For most classes, you will not have to stock up on lots of special supplies. Still, there are some basic things that you will need.
Basic Requirements
Make sure you have clothing that is appropriate to the type of workout you will be doing. Because you will be working out at home, there is less pressure to stay up to date on the current fitness fashion trends, so that is one thing that can save you money. Just make sure the clothing is breathable and not too loose or tight.
At the minimum, you need something to watch the class on. This can be any of the following:
- A phone or tablet
- A laptop or desktop computer
- A television
Generally, the bigger the screen you have, the easier it will be to watch your fitness class. Televisions with internet or screen mirroring capabilities are especially useful.
While some classes are available to download, most require an internet connection to view them in real-time. If your online fitness class of choice is heavy on live classes, you should make sure your internet can handle it.
You do not need an in-home gym for fitness classes, but make sure you have appropriate free space to move and lay down. This might require moving furniture in some smaller areas, but it is important that there is nothing you can trip over or hit. You want to avoid injuries, of course!
Equipment
If a class requires any specific items, they should tell you beforehand, but you can always have basic equipment available in case you end up needing it. The equipment you need will depend on the type of class you are taking.
Yoga is not an equipment-heavy program, but at the least, you should have a yoga mat. Yoga socks are useful to help you grip as you pose. More advanced techniques use things like blankets or blocks to ensure proper alignment, and yoga straps can be helpful for holding certain poses before you are flexible enough to do so.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more a specific program style that alternates between cardio and recovery, but there are certain items that can improve your experience tenfold. Resistance bands, kettlebells, and weighted jump ropes add to your fitness class.
Pilates uses items from both styles mentioned above, but there are some pilates-specific items. When pilates uses equipment, it is typically to activate muscles that are not usually used, so items like a pilates ring or a stability ball can be great for upping the difficulty of your workout.
(If you need to shop for some equipment, check out these online fitness equipment stores!)
The 10 Best Online Fitness Classes Out There!
There are thousands of fitness classes available online. However, not all online fitness classes are created equally. Below are 10 of the best online fitness classes you can take in the comfort of your own home.
1. Yoga with Adriene
Adriene Mishler offers several international online fitness classes. Yoga with Adriene is an excellent way to connect with yourself: mind, body, and soul. Starting on YouTube, Yoga with Adriene now has its own website to both serve you and keep you up to date.
You can find a class that suits your experience level, whether you are just starting out or you have been at it for years. She provides information regarding yoga basics, different workout lengths and has even curated playlists for various needs.
She works hard to ensure that there is a video for everyone, creating routines like:
- Yoga for When You Feel Dead Inside
- Yoga for Chronic Pain
- Yoga for Brain Power
The value on her page alone is remarkable.
2. Blogilates
If you are the type of person who wants workouts that are both down-to-earth and energetic, Blogilates is a fantastic place to check out.
Cassey Ho’s Blogilates is popular for a number of reasons, but her bright and bubbly personality is what brings the experience to life. She reinforces the idea that your best life is not dependent on what your body looks like; it is the confidence that comes along with being the best version of yourself, both mentally and physically.
Blogilates is renowned for its high-energy Pilates workouts, and it is especially beneficial if you want to focus on your arms or core. You get a one-on-one vibe with Cassey’s videos in the best, most personable way.
The Blogilates YouTube page also functions in small part as a lifestyle blog, helping you expand your exposure to other health subjects and connect with Cassey. Her transparency with videos like 9 tips to start running when you hate it let you know you are not alone in your fitness struggles.
3. Move with Colour
This online fitness class is excellent for people who love to get up and dance. Move with Colour is a dance-centered education resource blooming out of Australia. They are quick, high-energy workouts designed to improve your dancing knowledge and skills.
While most of their workout videos are 10 minutes or under, Moving with Colour does have a few twenty and even 45-minute videos. These workouts can be great pick-me-ups when you are feeling down, with workout titles like Beyoncé, Punk’d, and 90s Club letting you know exactly what you are getting into.
4. Sweat with SELF
This platform offers a series of workout videos that you will love. If you are looking for more than just workout videos, here you’ll find healthy eating tips, nutritional recipes, fitness advice, workouts, beauty tips, celebrity cameos, and most importantly: fun and useful videos to help you feel your absolute best. SELF has everything you need to have the body and health you desire.
Each episode of this series offers 10–minute-long workouts with top trainers and fitness professionals. Whatever your fitness goal is, whether it’s cardio or no equipment, this series will help you become healthier and stronger.
5. Heart and Soul Fitness
If you are looking for something down-to-earth and simple, Heart and Soul fitness is the best online fitness class for you.
While their website has plenty of information on other fitness subjects, Coach Kozac and Claudia fill their YouTube page with well-defined workouts. The videos have titles like 40 Minute Total Body Workout with Weights that tell you
- How long the workout is
- What part of your body you are going to be working out
- What supplies you need (if any) for this workout
While they do not have the same burst of color and energy as some of the other fitness classes, HASFit does have the backdrop of a traditional brick-walled gym. Their workouts are not flashy or intricate, the moves do not require much space, and having two instructors allows you to see different moves and modifications.
6. Peloton
You should know right off the bat that you do not need a Peloton to subscribe to the Peloton App.
- Price: $12.99/month (with a 30-day free trial)
- Platform: Peloton app
- Type: Strength, yoga, meditation, boot camp, toning, running, cycling, and more
While you do not need the Peloton bike, it definitely serves as a great companion to what classes are available on the app. If you do decide to purchase the bike, you are looking at spending another $1,895 (or more) to start.
Peloton has both on-demand and live classes to fit you, allowing you to filter through them based on things like class type, mood, music preference, experience level, and your schedule.
The Peloton community is another great feature intrinsic to this app. Instead of working out looking at a screen, you have access to a worldwide community that is going through the same motions you are. This can be useful if you are the type of person who works best with accountability and extra motivation.
7. Fitbit Premium
Fitbit is another product that has become a staple in the fitness world, and they have created an app that pairs perfectly with the functions of their smartwatches and trackers.
- Price: $10/month or $80/annually (with a 7-day free trial)
- Platform: Fitbit Premium app
- Type: Running, HIIT, barre, strength, and more
Fitbit Premium has two tiers of paid programs: Premium and Premium + Health Coaching.
Premium is great if you want a companion to your Fitbit, or you just want a professional array of online fitness classes. With Fitbit Premium, you have access to advanced insights and details coming from your smartwatch or tracker, along with features like advanced stress management tools and mindfulness sessions.
Premium + Health Coaching gets pretty close to working with personal training. You obviously get all the features that come with Premium, along with personalized tools like an action plan tailored to you, one-on-one online fitness coaching, in-app messaging, and data-driven guidance.
Premium + Health coaching does run an extra $45 a month, but that is a steal for all the personalization and availability.
8. Zombies, Run!
You are either the type of person who refuses to run, the type of person who runs for fun, or the type of person who runs to train for the zombie apocalypse; there is no in-between.
- Price: $6/month (with a free version available)
- Platform: Zombies, Run! app
- Type: Running
Zombies, Run! is developed for all three types. It functions through a storyline (a game, if you will) where you roleplay as a supply runner on your way to one of the last remaining outposts amidst a zombie apocalypse. The more you move, the more material you acquire, and the further the story progresses.
Zombies, Run! works no matter your preferred movement method, so you can be walking on a treadmill and still moving forward, but it works best with headphones. Through them, you hear music, mission, and zombies. When they get closer, you know to pick up the pace. Otherwise, you will be swept up by the hoard.
Overall, this is an incredibly unique online fitness experience that deserves recognition.
9. Classpass
Classpass is another interesting choice because it offers you the opportunity to take classes both online and in-person, along with giving you access to other self-improvement features like beauty and wellness.
- Price: $15-$159/month (with a 30-day free trial)
- Platform: Online, app, in-person
- Type: Yoga, barre, HIIT, strength training, cardio, and more
Through their website, you select a subscription level that gives you a specific amount of credits each month. These credits are then used to book classes, and each class can cost a different number of credits based on its popularity and requirements.
Credits do roll over, so you always get the chance to use what you pay for, and you can purchase more credits in a month period if you need more.
Classpass is a great online fitness option for someone who is not sure they want to commit to online-only classes. Instead of paying for a month of something you do not end up using, you can use your extra credits on something that works for you.
10. MIRROR
The last online fitness class on this list is MIRROR. Like Peloton and Fitbit Premium, Mirror workouts were developed to work in conjunction with a fitness product offered to consumers.
- Price: $39/month (with a 30-day trial)
- Platform: MIRROR app
- Type: Strength, Cardio, Yoga, Barre, and more
If you have not heard of the MIRROR, it functions as a smart feature in your home. With a 40” full HD 1080p display, you have the ability to see your workout in front of you while being able to observe your own motion and form.
Workout classes are included in the MIRROR membership, which is required for the MIRROR to function beyond simple reflection. Classes are available in over 50 genres, with class lengths ranging from five to 60 minutes.
While it is definitely the most expensive option on this list, the MIRROR offers a great opportunity for several different groups of people. If you do not have access to a gym, your local gym is too expensive, or you want to have better eyes on yourself without other people having eyes on you, the MIRROR offers fantastic opportunities for all of the above.
In Conclusion
As difficult as life can be, having the right fitness routine can improve your mind, body, and spirit in as little as 30 minutes a day. During this short period of time, you can focus solely on yourself, where you are, where you want to be, and how you will get there.
Choosing the right online fitness class may seem like a small task, but you would be surprised how much things can change with just one workout a day in the comfort of your own home.
