9 Best Online Fitness Classes of 2023

Obé Fitness is the best online fitness class, with a huge variety of workouts for all fitness levels.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

A regular fitness regime has numerous physical and mental health benefits, including overall health, strengthening, and body positivity. But nothing defeats your best intentions when it comes to working out more than a busy schedule

While exercise videos certainly aren't a new concept, the current boom in on-demand fitness classes makes it even easier to get in a good workout, no matter how packed your schedule is. So whether you want to try a stress-relieving yoga flow, target muscle growth, or find alternatives to cardio, there's a class out there for you.

We've rounded up some of the best online fitness classes available to make creating a workout routine easier for people of all experience levels and exercise goals. Keep scrolling for the digital sweat sessions that are worth trading in your gym membership.

Best Online Fitness Classes of 2023

Best Overall Online Fitness Class : Obé Fitness


Key Specs
  • Price: $25 per month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly or yearly
  • Types of workouts featured: Yoga, barre, sculpt, Pilates, dance, HIIT, and strength training
Why We Chose It

Obé Fitness classes are designed for all levels, from kids to seniors, and can be taken live or on demand. Choose from over 20 different exercise categories including cardio, barre, boxing, yoga, HIIT, Pilates, and more.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Search based on difficulty level and length of time

  • Bodyweight-only classes available

  • Cheaper than a typical gym membership

Cons
  • Live class schedule is mid-day for most time zones

  • Music might not be your vibe

  • Free trial period is only a week long

Overview

We love Obé Fitness for its vast list of on-demand classes, live class schedules, training programs, age-friendly offerings, and cost. With a searchable library of more than 10,000 on-demand workouts, a robust schedule of live classes, and themed training programs, you'll never run out of fun, inspiring classes.

Class types fall into four categories:

  • Cardio: HIIT, Dance HIIT, Dance Cardio, Cardio Boxing, Bounce, Jump, and Ride
  • Strength training: Sculpt, Pilates, Strength, Power, and Barre
  • Yoga: Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Restorative Yoga, and Meditation
  • Activate/Recover: Warmup, Cool-down, Stretch, and Foam Roll

For the most part, you won't need equipment, but a foam roller, yoga mat, chair, and some hand weights could come in handy. Thanks to the kid-friendly classes and low-intensity workouts for older adults, you can get the whole family involved.

Obé Fitness is available on the web and iOS and Android devices, and is compatible with Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. You can also take advantage of the Tracker feature that lets you see your progress over time.

Obé Fitness is also perfect for those who love attending live classes, thanks to new live sessions that take place seven days a week across various categories. Live classes are available as early as 6 a.m. Eastern Time and as late as 6:30 p.m. ET. If mid-day classes don't suit you, live classes are posted upon completion, so you can catch them at a time that works better for you.

If the community feel of going to the gym is your thing, Obé Fitness has an active Facebook page where you can talk with other members and share workout faves and tips for surviving those high-intensity cardio butt-busting sessions.

Best Online Personal Trainer : Future


online fitness classes
Future
Key Specs
  • Price: $149 per month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly
  • Types of workouts featured: Varies
Why We Chose It

Future is an online service that matches you with a certified personal trainer who will map out exercises, provide personalized training plans, and support you through every stage of your fitness journey.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Platform's quiz matches you with a trainer

  • Daily access to your trainer included

  • Risk-free for the first 30 days

  • Trainer can follow your workout stats via smartwatch sync

Cons
  • No option to work out independently without a trainer tracking your progress

Overview

Future was created to bring the human connection to digital personal training by inspiring and engaging people in lifelong health. It uses a combination of technology, content, and elite personal trainers to empower members through fitness.

There are over 130 personal trainers to choose from on the website. Each has a profile you can read to learn about their education, certifications, specialties, and coaching style, plus there's a little personal information to get a feel for their personality.

Workouts may include a gym session, group fitness classes, an outdoor run, or a virtual workout on Future's app. The monthly flat rate includes daily access to your trainer, so if you need to update your training plan, ask a question, or modify a workout, you don't have to wait for your next session. It's also risk-free for the first 30 days, allowing you to try the service out before making a long-term commitment.

You will need a smartwatch so your trainer can monitor your workouts, heart rate, and progress to tailor workouts and keep you on track. It's important to note that a personal trainer is constantly tracking your progress and holding you accountable, so if that sounds like too much micromanaging, Future is probably not for you.

Best Online Pilates Class : Alo Moves


Key Specs
  • Price: $20 per month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly or annually
  • Types of workouts featured: Yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, meditation
Why We Chose It

As the sister company to the beloved-by-celebs fitness apparel brand Alo Yoga, Alo Moves offers online fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, and even mindfulness, helping you build muscle while improving your coordination, concentration, and posture.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 14-day free trial for new users

  • Any-time videos make classes super convenient

  • Can create a playlist to personalize your workout sessions

Cons
  • Some classes require equipment

  • More expensive than other services

  • No option to subscribe to your favorite instructors

Overview

Whether you have 10 minutes to squeeze in a workout or 30, Alo Moves classes are sure to help you meet your fitness goals. You can choose classes that target specific areas, such as building whole-body strength, improving posture, or zoning in on certain muscle groups.

Another standout feature is the search function which allows you to search for classes based on type (Pilates, HIIT, core barre), difficulty level (beginner, moderate, intermediate, advanced), and intensity level (1, 2, 3, or 4).

We tested several Alo Moves fitness classes and quickly fell in love with the wide range of workouts available on the user-friendly app. The Pilates full-body and targeted upper- and lower-body classes were great for a quick and intense workout, and we also enjoyed the stretching videos to cool down after a run.

Alo Moves costs $20 a month or $199 for the year. The on-demand classes are accessible on nearly every device from Apple to Android to desktop, laptop, and tablet. You can cancel anytime, but we recommend checking out the free version, then taking advantage of the free trial before dropping your cash on something that may not fit your needs or schedule.

Best Online Yoga Classes : Yoga Download


online fitness classes
Yoga Download
Key Specs
  • Price: $10 to $18 per month
  • Billing cadence: Standard monthly, unlimited monthly, or unlimited yearly options
  • Types of workouts featured: Yoga
Why We Chose It

Yoga Download has over 2,400 on-demand Yoga sessions available spanning over 25 different types of yoga, plus a few barre and Pilates classes. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better yoga selection for the price.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Over 2,400 videos available for all skill levels

  • Cheaper than studio classes

  • Filters make it easy to find the videos best for you

  • Easy to use on any platform

Cons
  • No option for personal attention from instructors

  • Website is not user-friendly for all

  • May not be the best option for those looking for more variety

Overview

Yoga Download is a virtual yoga studio that offers online classes, fitness programs, and multi-day challenges for beginning yogis and experts alike. Whether you're looking to relieve stress or start your day off with a quick morning flow, Yoga Download has tons of options to choose from. Improve your balance, strength, and flexibility on your schedule from anywhere in the world. And with over 2,400 available classes, you could try a new class every day for several years.

In addition to popular yoga flows like Anusara, Ashtanga, hatha, and vinyasa, targeted classes are available on themes like "Detox & Cleanse," "Relax & Restore," "Wellness & Therapy," and prenatal and postnatal yoga. Yoga Download also has specific class categories for every age, level, and even profession, including kids, older adults, snowboarders, desk jockeys, and runners. Class times range from five minutes to an hour.

In addition to yoga, Yoga Download also offers classes focusing on barre, Pilates, and chakras. The only downfall is the way the packages are offered. You can only buy individual standard class packages or splurge on the unlimited package. For example, if you only wanted to take power yoga classes, then a standard package ($12 per month) would work well. If you want to enjoy multiple types of yoga and take a Pilates class in between, an unlimited package ($18 per month, or $120 per year) will be best.

International retreats are also available starting at around $2,200 per person, but they sell out fast. So if you're interested, reserve your spot early.

Best Running Workouts : Aaptiv


online fitness classes
Aaptiv
Key Specs
  • Price: $14.99 per month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly or annually
  • Types of workouts featured: Training plans, guided workouts, and strength training for running
Why We Chose It

Aaptiv's trainer-led audio workouts support you as you run and track your progress with in-app statistics after you finish.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Dedicated to running fitness

  • Race training plans available

  • Workouts can be done on a treadmill or outdoors

Cons
  • Referring to the demo can disrupt the flow of the workout

  • Strictly focuses on running

Overview

Aaptiv adds its own twist on on-demand classes by using audio-based workouts to keep you moving and motivated. You stay focused on your form and workout instead of a screen. This fitness subscription service offers training plans, guided workouts (running, elliptical, yoga, Pilates, and more), and strength training exercises that you can access online or through the app at any time—but note that these are all targeted to runners.

After signing up for an Aaptiv account, you'll be asked a series of questions about your fitness goals, preferred workout length, and music tastes so the app can curate workouts that challenge you with music that motivates you. From there, you will have an entire workout library coupled with tunes right on your phone.

The greatest benefit to Aaptiv, and what sets it apart, is the audio classes that let you choose where you want to work out: the gym, at home, or the great outdoors.

The classes are fully guided from the first step of your warm-up to the body-blasting workout to the cooldown. It's truly like having a personal trainer running right alongside you.

Best At-Home Workouts for Beginners : BODi


Beachbody
Beachbody
Key Specs
  • Price: $15 to $30 per month
  • Billing cadence: Quarterly, every six months, or annually
  • Types of workouts featured: Strength training, barre, Pilates, yoga, cardio, and HIIT
Why We Chose It

For beginners, personal trainers can make it easier to follow along and avoid an injury. You can pick from a wide selection of classes to find the workouts you enjoy most and even receive immediate feedback from trainers during live classes.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Also has nutrition plans, supplies, and supplements

  • Members get free shipping on products

  • Free trial runs for 14 days

Cons
  • Must have a reliable internet connection during workouts

  • Group classes only; no one-on-one training

Overview

Kickstarting your fitness journey for the first time can be daunting, but one of the best ways to begin is by signing up for an online fitness class. BODi's live classes and on-demand workouts are led by top personal trainers who teach you the moves as you go. The service also includes personalized nutrition plans, recommended workout classes, and access to BODi's two million-strong community, which provides workout accountability and encouragement as you work toward your fitness goals.

Just the BODi website alone will motivate you to lace up your shoes, grab the weights, and get moving. On the home page, you'll see a scrolling video of people of every race and body size working out hard. Further down the page is a glimpse at the over 1,500 fitness videos and BODi's nutrition packages. The website is a one-stop shop for a complete body and diet overhaul.

Choose from individual classes (cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and more) or challenge yourself to complete one of the 20-, 30-, or 60-day challenges like the 21-Day Fix, 60-day InsanityMAX30, or 60-day Piyo challenge.

No equipment is needed for most workouts, and you get a 14-day free trial to make sure this is the program for you.

Best Jump Rope Workout : Crossrope


online fitness classes
Crossrope
Key Specs
  • Price: $129 to $288 for a rope and 30-day all-access membership
  • Billing cadence: One-time payment (payment plans are available)
  • Types of workouts featured: Rope jumping
Why We Chose It

You can track your workouts over time and sync the Crossrope app with your fitness tracker to log metrics like heart rate.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Workouts are super user-friendly

  • Ropes have comfortable grips and sweat-resistant handles

  • Ropes are adjustable for length and weight

Cons
  • Equipment can be pricey

  • Exclusive focus on jump roping may lose its appeal after a while

Overview

If you're looking for an effective cardio workout but running isn't your thing, jumping rope might be more your style. Great for burning calories and building muscle in your legs, abs, and shoulders, jump rope workouts on Crossrope's app make it easy to stay motivated and see results. The app features hundreds of on-demand jump rope workouts, tutorials, and HIIT or Tabata classes that combine cardio with bodyweight moves.

Sign up for a free account to receive access to 10 of the most recent workouts, or upgrade your subscription for full access to Crossrope's library of fitness programs and challenges.

If you're new to jumping rope, Crossrope offers a few different types of jump ropes to get you started, ranging in length and weight. These are not your elementary gym class jump ropes; these are jump ropes on steroids with names like, Get Fit, Get Lean, and Get Strong. The ropes are weighted to increase the intensity of your workout.

If you're thinking this is all about jumping rope in place until you fall over from exhaustion, think again. Well, you might fall over, but it will be from the high-impact moves and constantly changing body motions. And, if you're a parent, this is one workout that you can rope your kids into doing with you!

Best HIIT Workout : ClassPass


online fitness classes
Classpass
Key Specs
  • Price: $19 to $199 a month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly
  • Types of workouts featured: HIIT, yoga, barre, and meditation
Why We Chose It

ClassPass's on-demand HIIT classes make it easy to find a short, high-energy workout. And a subscription to ClassPass lets you book in-person and online classes in addition to accessing its full library of workout videos.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Flexible membership options

  • Can try a variety of fitness workouts

  • Workouts vary in length

Cons
  • Some classes filmed in studios aren't available 24/7

  • Workout intensity may not be suitable for all

Overview

For people with a hectic schedule, short but effective bursts of activity are often the only way to squeeze in a high-quality workout. And HIIT (high-energy interval training) classes have been shown to burn more calories and keep your metabolic rate elevated for a longer time compared to other workout styles.

Qhat sets ClassPass apart is its affiliation with thousands of gyms, studios, massage therapy, and even hair salons that you can visit using credits you purchase from ClassPass. So, in one day you can go to the gym and enjoy a high-intensity HIIT class, then grab a massage to soothe your sore muscles, and follow it all up with a little self-care at a hair salon, all for less than you'd pay without the credits.

While the on-demand videos are straightforward and awesome, the credit program is a little more difficult to navigate. You'll start by purchasing a monthly credit package ($19 for 8 credits; $49 for 23 credits; $89 for 43 credits; $159 for 80 credits; and $199 for 100 credits) and then use those credits for workouts, massages, manicures, or haircuts.

Where it gets confusing is that from one gym to the next, the required credits vary by popularity, time, and reservation type. While we are all for taking advantage of the free trial period, it's important to take a look at the affiliations ClassPass has near you before committing to a monthly subscription.

Best Barre Class : Barre3


Barre3
Barre3
Key Specs
  • Price: $20 to $30 per month
  • Billing cadence: Monthly, quarterly, or annually
  • Types of workouts featured: Strength conditioning, cardio, barre, mindfulness
Why We Chose It

Barre3 accommodates every level of fitness, from first-timers to elite athletes. It also targets cardio, conditioning, strength training, and an important focus that's usually not mentioned: mindfulness. If you're looking for balance in your life, Barre3 is definitely one to try!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Many platforms mean it's accessible almost everywhere

  • Strong and supportive community both in class and online

  • Option to check it out in person with a drop-in a class

Cons
  • Barre workouts aren't heavy on cardio

  • May not be suitable for those looking for higher-intensity workout

  • Strong focus on fitness through mindfulness may not be attractive to all

Overview

One of the biggest misconceptions about Barre3 is that it's like ballet. Folks, we are here to tell you this is not a ballet class where you are glued to a bar for an hour. Not even close. Sure, sometimes you are at the bar, but for the most part, you are doing a mix of cardio, yoga, Pilates moves, and strength training. When it comes to balanced, full-body workouts, Barre3 is truly tough to beat. And just like yoga or Pilates, it doesn't put a strain on tendons or ligaments.

Another bonus is that you can take a class at one of the over 170 Barre3 studios spread out across the country, or hit play on one of the over 500 on-demand videos at home or on the go. Classes range from 10 to 60 minutes long and include everything from traditional Barre3 to cardio to strength training, core focus, and pre/postnatal flow.

This is one of the pricier options on the list at $30 a month. That said, Barre3 classes are around $30 for an individual class at a studio, so you could save yourself a ton of money if you regularly take classes online instead. Plus, opting for a year-long subscription drops the monthly cost to just $20.

To sign up for the free trial you'll need to enter your credit card information, but if you cancel before the end of the trial, you will not be charged. If you decide you want to add some Barre3 gear to your workout collections, you can buy core sliders, weights, a core ball, and resistance bands on the website.

Final Verdict

We love Obé Fitness for its class diversity, workouts for every age group from kids to grandparents, quick five-minute sessions, live workouts, budget-friendly price, and killer community support providing accountability and camaraderie.

If you are a gym junkie and not sure you want to keep all your sweat sessions solo, ClassPass may be a better option since you can split your workouts. doing on-demand classes one day and then hitting up your favorite HIIT spot the next.

Whatever you choose, use proper form and equipment to avoid those sidelining injuries.

Compare the Best Online Fitness Classes

Online fitness classes Price  Billing cadence  Types of workouts 
Obé Fitness Best Overall  $25 per month Monthly or yearly Yoga, barre, sculpt, Pilates, dance, HIIT, strength training
Future Best Online Personal Trainer $149 per month Monthly Varies
Alo Moves Best Online Pilates Class  $20 per month Monthly or yearly Yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, meditation
Yoga Download Best Online Yoga Class  $10 to $18 per month Monthly or yearly Yoga
Aaptiv Best Running Workouts  $14.99 per month Monthly or yearly Training plans, guided workouts, and strength training for running
 BODi Best At-Home Workouts for Beginners $10 to $25 per month  Quarterly, semi-annual, or annual Strength training, barre, Pilates, yoga, cardio, HIIT 
Crossrope Best Jump Rope Workout  $129 to $288 for a rope and 30-day all-access membership One-time payment (payment plans are available) Rope jumping
 ClassPass Best HIIT Workout $19 to $199 a month Monthly HIIT, yoga, barre, meditation
Barre3 Best Barre Class  $20 to $30 per month Monthly, quarterly, or annually Strength conditioning, cardio, barre, mindfulness

Guide to Choosing an Online Fitness Class

Starting any new workout regime can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you are going to try a new type of program.

Be honest with yourself about how much time, effort, and money you can commit. From there, consider whether you would like to do more than one type of program (e.g., yoga, cardio, strength training), and the type of results you are hoping for in order to find the right match.

Here's what to look for in online fitness classes:

  • Pricing: Many of the online classes on this list have different purchase options, from monthly to quarterly to annual subscriptions. Consider your budget and how comfortable you are with auto-renewals charging your credit card or bank account regularly.
  • Platforms: Make sure you can watch or listen to the workouts on the platforms (Internet, iOS, or Android) and devices you own (smartphone, laptop, tablet, smart TV). Many but not all of these services take into account the various platforms and devices available today.
  • Expertise: While all the online fitness classes reviewed here are developed with personal trainers and experts, that isn't always the case. Make sure you choose classes taught by educated experts as improper instruction can lead to serious injury.
  • Variety: If you thrive on variety, make sure the online fitness class provider you choose offers plenty of workout options. Variety will go a long way toward keeping you motivated, engaged, and on the road to meeting your fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Home Workouts Worth It?

    There are tons of benefits to home workouts. Beyond the obvious time-saving, cost-effectiveness, and privacy factors, studies show that at-home exercise may be as effective for weight loss and aerobic conditioning as exercising in public spaces.

    Home workouts allow you to get the fitness session you want without investing in an expensive gym membership, and could be a worthwhile alternative to visiting a gym or studio.

  • Is a 20-Minute Home Workout Enough?

    Depending on the intensity of your home workout, 20 minutes could be all you need to enjoy the benefits of exercise. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, which means daily 20-minute at-home workouts would give you nearly the recommended amount.

  • What Type of Shape Do You Need to Be in to Take an Online Fitness Class?

    The beauty of online fitness classes is that they come in all shapes and sizes. But with the wide variety of options available, do your research before jumping in. Note whether a platform specializes in one type of exercise or offers many different types of classes. Keep in mind any personal limitations that you may have, take it slow, and work your way up. No one needs to be an expert or be in tip-top shape to begin. No doubt, there's a class out there for you!

  • What Equipment Do You Need to Take an Online Fitness Class?

    Generally, online fitness classes are designed with the understanding that most people do not have a gym full of equipment in their homes. Still, standard items to have on hand include a yoga mat, small hand weights, a sturdy chair or wall, resistance bands, and plenty of floor space. Of course, if you are enjoying a particular type of exercise, you could always buy equipment to make the classes more challenging, but generally, you can find what you need in your home (think soup cans in place of dumbbells).

Methodology

We reviewed a series of online exercise classes in order to determine the best of the best in their respective categories. We considered factors like the types of workouts available, fitness levels, instructor options, customer reviews, delivery method (live and on-demand), monthly membership costs, and free trials. Online exercise classes that did not make this list lacked a free trial or had minimal offerings for all fitness levels.

woman looking at online class on computer

Oscar Wong / Getty Images

Article Sources
  1. Herbert C, Meixner F, Wiebking C, Gilg V. Regular physical activity, short-term exercise, mental health, and well-being among university students: The results of an online and a laboratory study. Front Psychol. 2020;11:509. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00509

  2. Trecroci A, Cavaggioni L, Caccia R, Alberti G. Jump rope training: Balance and motor coordination in preadolescent soccer players. J Sports Sci Med. 2015;14(4):792-798.

  3. D'Amuri A, Sanz JM, Capatti E, et al. Effectiveness of high-intensity interval training for weight loss in adults with obesity: a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021;7(3):e001021. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2020-001021

  4. Roberts C, Segovia D, Lankford D. Effects of home-based exercise training systems, combined with diet, on cardiometabolic healthInt J Exerc Sci. 2019;12(2):871-885.

  5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition

Related Articles