Are online workout classes worth it?
With the whole world locked down from the covid-19 scare in 2020, most people, if not all, had to continue working out from home. Gyms aren’t allowed to open and there are still a few countries that aren’t open yet due to health protocols. But, we all need to stay healthy and keep our bodies strong by doing exercises indoors, even on our own.
That said, many workout classes went online. The experience is not the same as actually being with your coach and friends to work out with. However, it’s the best alternative one can do given the situation.
Yoga instructors, boxing coaches, and dance class teachers are now available online. That means you can continue your regular workout routines without having to go to crowded places like the gym. It removes the fear and worry if you’re still a little hesitant to go out for your own safety.
Cognitive Health and Wellness Institute is the place where the quality of life meets the length of life. In this article, you can find some of the best online workout classes worth checking out, if you haven’t yet.
Best online workout programs in 2021
You don’t really have to spend too much when looking for online workout classes. In fact, there are even free online subscriptions and apps you can download with 30-day trial periods. Depending on your own fitness goals, there are cardio classes, zumba sessions, pilates meetings, etc. that you can find online.
Read on to help you which of these top ten online workout classes that best suit your needs.
1. The Be.come Project by Bethany C. Meyers
This program focuses on pilates with a 10-day free trial. With pilates routines available every week, you can find modifications of movements based on your body type.
The digital fitness platform is led by Bethany C. Meyers (@bethanycmeyers), who taught fitness classes in Manhattan and Union Square in New York. She brought her workout classes online with tutorials and healthy lifestyle reminders.
The be.come app is so widely popular because the company embraces people’s differences and for them to truly see their bodies as beautiful. In doing so, more people enjoy doing the workouts either on their own or with other patrons, on any level.
Plus, the app has a video player’s music mode which allows you to freely move at your own pace. The online workout classes are even pregnant-friendly.
2. The Class by Taryn Toomey Digital Studio
For this one, live online workout classes are available on the site every day, 7 days a week. You can access the live classes anywhere with your computer, Apple devices, or Android gadgets and apps.
Taryn Toomey’s childhood is strongly connected to music, spirituality, and movement. She taught yoga and learned calisthenics and plyometrics along the way. Later on, she launched The Class Digital Studio which now helps more people by taking her classes online.
If you’re up for dancing to Fleetwood Mac music while doing burpees, this workout class will get your heart pumping. Your bonus? You’re building strength while enjoying the rhythm.
3. Aaptiv
Different people have different learning capabilities. While most people are visual or kinesthetic, there are some who learn better sonically. Aaptiv is a good choice for those who can easily follow audio-only instructions.
You only need your earphones and the app which gives you unlimited access to thousands of online workout classes. The program can be tailor-fit to your specific fitness goals whether it is to lose weight or train for a marathon.
Aaptiv has expert trainers to guide you at the comforts of your own home through each and every workout. You won’t feel bored or miss going out to the gym anymore. Why? Your trainer can still encourage you directly and help improve your technique to achieve the results you want.
4. Gaga
Just watching a Gaga class can help you reconnect to your body. Gaga is Ohad Naharin’s movement language, first popularized in Israel but now known all over the world.
These online workout classes make international dance even more popular. Ohad Naharin’s artistic vision makes the choreography even more attractive. The instructions within the workout routines are filled with rich visuals and creative imagination.
The whole experience becomes multisensory. But don’t underestimate the multi-layered experience, it can also be physically challenging which is precisely what you need in a workout.
Gaga provides exercises that can increase your stamina, agility, flexibility, and coordination. All these combined make working out more fun.
5. Yogis Anonymous
If you want to work out with an amazing roster of yoga teachers who are highly skilled and professional, then Yogis Anonymous is an option. This program should be able to accommodate both your budget and schedule and signing up for that membership is as easy as going to their website.
Be ready for the videos that you’ll come across in this class. Choose from different sessions until you warm up with a teacher that you find is effective for you. If you are busy, you won’t have a hard time squeezing this in your calendar too for the class is short. It’s sustainable.
6. Barre3
Barre3 has built a following for its mind-body workout approach. It implements a combination of yoga, Pilates, and dance (specifically, ballet). The class usually begins with three deep breaths that would require you to reach overhead). Afterward, there would be a cardio warmup which may vary with hamstring curls, squat taps coupled with arm movements. Then, the yoga stretch comes next. This is one routine you can expect.
Whatever the customizations you go about with this online class, you’ll most likely focus on breath control. You can also go for modifications that would fit your capacity. The tools you should prepare for the program are resistance bands, playground balls, gliders, and weights.
7. Crunch Fitness Live
If you are one who does not have the time to research workout videos on YouTube and design a program that is going to work for you, then Crunch Fitness Live is for you!
Going to Crunch Fitness’ website for their workout videos is the best way to pump up your exercise routine. Even if you are on this journey by yourself, you’ll surely get some motivation from Crunch Live with its renowned classes. Whether you are sending a baby to sleep, or sneaking in some workouts in between errands, this can be your go-to place!
8. Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide
Kayla Itsines is the one company you should seek if you are into high intensity without the use of too much equipment. And yes, you can also do this wherever you are, and whenever you want too (but of course, it would be best to exercise regularly!).
The workout guru intends to help women build strength, and eventually confidence in their bodies through 28-minute videos. After all, exercising doesn’t have to be a long, tedious activity. This guide will allow you to maximize what your body can do by exerting your best force in a limited period of time.
9. Tone It Up Fitness App
Working out every day should not be a struggle with Tone It Up Fitness App as this would only take 20 to 30 minutes of your time. To have a feel of what it’s going to be, you can sign-up for their free 7-day to have an idea of what the program will be like.
You can exercise with this application daily. As said, the routines are not long, but that doesn’t mean that they are not productive. You have the option to go for high or low-impact moves. Once you are fully dedicated, there are other options you can also explore. From guided meditation to stretching, advance with Tone It Up!
10. Alo Moves Multi-Class Series
Ala Moves is an established yoga subscription service that has done an efficient job in connecting fitness experts to users who want to make a change in their bodies and lives. This class consists of courses and classes. The features include not only yoga and fitness but also skill and mindfulness training. It’s indeed a holistic approach.
Marco Degeorge and Danny Harris founded the Ala Moves. Today, it has a million followers and is also affiliated with a yoga clothing line. On top of the online fitness and meditation classes videos, the brand has expanded its business. This platform has 2,500 classes with 60 instructors that you can count on.
Do you need equipment for your online workout classes?
Do you need equipment if you are to embark on online workout classes? Well, the answer would depend upon your goals. But, it wouldn’t hurt to own some of the basic equipment that would allow you to optimize your fitness journey.
You can invest in the best athletic shoes, hand weights, resistance bands, and a mat. Having the best pair of footwear is helpful in getting you in the mood when you’re working out. It would also set the environment for you even if you are at home. On the other hand, hand weights are the best for strength training, and if you could make them heavier, that’s going to be much better. Lastly, a resistance band would enable you to perform other types of exercises that would make you fitter and healthier.
In today’s time, online exercise classes have become an option for many fitness enthusiasts, and exercising has never been more flexible and convenient. If you are still adjusting to the changes brought by the pandemic, this alternative may be worth-taking!