What to Buy Workout Equipment and Subscriptions Best Online Fitness Classes of 2023 Obé Fitness is our pick for the best online fitness class. By Samantha Jones Updated on December 9, 2022 Medically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmD Medically reviewed by Beth Thomas, PharmD Beth Thomas, PharmD, RPh, is a medication therapy management pharmacist and founder of BMT Coaching. learn more Share Tweet Pin Email We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info. A regular fitness regime is known to have numerous physical and mental health benefits for bodies of all types and sizes, including overall health, strengthening, and body positivity. But nothing defeats your best intentions when it comes to working out more than a busy schedule. With so many different things vying for your attention throughout the day, it's tough to squeeze in time for yourself even a few days a week. While exercise videos certainly aren't a new concept, the boom over the last two years for 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. Even better: There are tons of benefits to working out from home. 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. 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 Overall: Obé Fitness Best Online Personal Trainer: Future Best Online Pilates Class: Alo Moves Best Online Yoga Class: YogaDownload Best Running Workouts: Aaptiv Best At-Home Workouts for Beginners: Beachbody Best Jump Rope Workouts: Crossrope Best HIIT Workout: ClassPass Best Barre Class: Barre3 Online Fitness Classes Review Best Overall Online Fitness Class: Obé Fitness Best Online Personal Trainer: Future Best Online Pilates Class: Alo Moves Best Online Yoga Classes: YogaDownload Best Running Workouts: Aaptiv Best At-Home Workouts for Beginners: Beachbody Best Jump Rope Workout: Crossrope Best HIIT Workout: ClassPass Best Barre Class: Barre3 Best Online Fitness Classes of 2023 View All Best Online Fitness Classes of 2023 Our Top Picks Obé Fitness Future Alo Moves YogaDownload Aaptiv Beachbody Crossrope ClassPass Barre3 See More (6) Final Verdict Guide to Choosing an Online Fitness Class Frequently Asked Questions Methodology Best Overall Online Fitness Class : Obé Fitness Obe from $27/month; obefitness.com Key Specs Price: $27 per month, $65 quarterly, or $199 per yearBilling cadence: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly depending on subscriptionTypes of workouts featured: Yoga, barre, sculpt, Pilates, dance HIIT, and strength training Why We Chose It Obé Fitness is an all-in-one spot to find your favorite workout classes and a few you'll want to try. Classes are designed for all levels, from kids to seniors, and can be taken live, on your schedule, or both. Choose between 19 different exercise categories including cardio, barre, boxing, yoga, HIIT, Pilates, and more. Pros Filters allow you to find classes based on difficulty level and length of time Opt for equipment or bodyweight-only classes Subscription is cheaper than a typical gym membership Cons Live class schedule is mid-day for most time zonesWorkout music might not be your vibeFree 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 more than 8,000 on-demand workouts in its digital library, 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. Classes include: HIIT, Dance HIIT, Dance Cardio, Cardio Boxing, Bounce, Jump, and Ride. Strength training. Classes include: Sculpt, Pilates, Strength, Power, and Barre. Yoga. Classes include: Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga Sculpt, Restorative Yoga, and Meditation. Activate/Recover. Classes include: Warmup, Cool-down, Stretch, and Foam Roll. For the most part, no equipment is needed, but a foam roller, yoga mat, chair, and some hand weights could come in handy. Thanks to the kid-friendly classes and low-intensity senior workouts, you can get the whole family involved. Obé Fitness is available on the web, iOS, and Android, 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 only at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. EST. 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 Future From $149/month; future.co Key Specs Price: $149Billing cadence: MonthlyTypes of workouts featured: Varied Why We Chose It Get one-on-one expertise and accountability as you work towards your fitness goals with the help of a personal trainer. 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 Platform's quiz matches you with a trainer based on your personal preferencesMonthly flat rate includes unlimited access to your trainerRisk-free for the first 30 daysWorkouts are synced with Apple watch, allowing your trainer to follow your workout stats Cons Future only works on iOS systemsNo option to work out independently without a trainer tracking your progress Overview Future was created to bring 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 200 personal trainers to choose from on the website. Each has a profile you can read to get an idea of their education, certifications, specialties, coaching style, and 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 unlimited 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 an Apple watch (you can use your own or rent one from Future) so your coach 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 fitness micromanaging, Future is probably not for you. Best Online Pilates Class : Alo Moves Alo From $20/month; alomoves.com Key Specs Price: $10 per month, or $99 for an annual subscriptionBilling cadence: Monthly or annualTypes of workouts featured: Yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, meditation Why We Chose It Build muscle while improving your coordination, concentration, and posture with online pilates classes from Alo Moves. As the sister company to the celeb-loved fitness apparel brand Alo Yoga, Alo Moves offers online fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, and even mindfulness. Pros 14-day free trial for new usersAny-time videos make classes super convenientCan create a playlist to personalize your workout sessions Cons Some classes require props like dumbbells or a resistance bandMonthly fee is more expensive than other servicesNo option to subscribe to your favorite Alo Moves 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, Intermediate, Moderate, 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 its 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 daily run. Alo Moves costs $10 a month or $99 for the year. The on-demand classes are accessible on nearly every device from Apple to Android to desktop, laptop, tablet, and Apple TV (4th Generation). 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 : YogaDownload Yoga Download From $10/month; yogadownload.com Key Specs Price: $10/month for Standard Subscription; $18/month for Unlimited Subscription; $120/year Unlimited SubscriptionBilling cadence: Standard monthly, unlimited monthly, or unlimited yearly optionsTypes of workouts featured: Yoga Why We Chose It YogaDownload has over 2,400 on-demand Yoga sessions available spanning 27 different types of yoga, plus a few barre and Pilates classes thrown in for variety. With subscriptions starting as low as $.33 a day, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better yoga selection for the price. Pros Over 2,400 videos available for all skill levelsCheaper than studio classesFilters make it easy to find the videos best for youEasy to use on any device Cons No option for personal attention from instructorsExpanse of the website may not be user-friendly for allMay not be the best option for those looking for more variety in their workouts Overview YogaDownload 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, YogaDownload 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 the standard yoga flows like Anusara, Ashtanga, Hatha, and Vinyasa, targeted classes are available that address everything from "Detox & Cleanse" to "Relax & Restore," Wellness & Therapy" and prenatal and postnatal flows. YogaDownload also has specific class categories for every age, level, and even profession, including groups like kids, seniors, snowboarders, desk jockeys, and runners. Class times range from five minutes to an hour. In addition to yoga, YogaDownload 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 would work well. If you want to enjoy multiple types of yoga and take a pilates class in between, an unlimited package will be best. International retreats are also available starting at around $2,600, but they sell out fast, so if you're interested, reserve your spot early. Best Running Workouts : Aaptiv Aaptiv From $15/month; Aaptiv.com Key Specs Price: $14.99 per month or $99 annuallyBilling cadence: Monthly or annualTypes of workouts featured: Training plans, guided workouts, and strength training for running Why We Chose It Whether you're a newbie runner or accustomed to logging several miles a day, Aaptiv is a great place to find audio workouts tailored to your experience level and preferences to keep you running and motivated every step of the way. Aaptiv's trainer-led audio workouts support you as you run and track your progress with in-app statistics after you finish. Pros Dedicated to running fitnessTraining plans for race trainingRunning workouts can be done indoors on a treadmill or outdoors Cons All classes are audio-basedReferring to the demo can disrupt the flow of the workoutStrictly focuses on running Overview Aaptiv adds its own twist on on-demand classes by using audio-based workouts to keep you moving and motivated so 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. 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 to begin curating 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 : Beachbody Beachbody From $8/month; beachbody.com Key Specs Price: Tiered based at $8 per month, $13 every 6 months, $19 per quarterBilling cadence: Monthly, every 6 months, or every quarterTypes 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 In addition to exercise, Beachbody has nutrition plans, supplies, and supplements Members get access to free shipping on products Free trial runs for 14 days Cons Service operates in real-time, requiring a reliable internet connectionWorkouts cannot be downloaded for use at a later timeWorkouts are group classes; no option to meet with trainers one-on-one Overview Kickstarting your fitness journey for the first time can be a daunting task, but one of the best ways to begin is by signing up for an online fitness class. Beachbody'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 Beachbody's two million-strong community, which provides workout accountability and encouragement as you work toward your fitness goals. Just the Beachbody website alone will motivate you to lace up your shoes, grab the weights, and get moving. You're met with a rolling 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 Beachbody'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 so you can take full advantage of Beachbody to make sure this is the program for you. Best Jump Rope Workout : Crossrope Crossrope From $50/year; crossrope.com Key Specs Price: $119, $169, or $288 includes the purchase of a rope and 30-day all-access membershipBilling cadence: One-time payment, though payment plans are availableTypes 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. While Crossrope sells weighted jump ropes to enhance your workouts, you can also follow along with a regular set of jump ropes. Pros Workouts are super user friendlyRopes purchased with a subscription have comfortable grips and sweat-resistant handlesRopes suit a variety of heights and handle clip-on systems allow for easy weight changes Cons Ropes don't track pace or jumping activityEquipment can be pricey despite the free shipping offerExclusive 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, 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 to break up the tech-time madness. Best HIIT Workout : ClassPass Classpass From $15/month; classpass.com Key Specs Price: Ranges from $19 to $199 a monthBilling cadence: MonthlyTypes of workouts featured: HIIT Why We Chose It ClassPass's on-demand HIIT classes make it easy to find a short, high-energy workout to fit in before work or during your lunch hour. And since a subscription to ClassPass lets you book in-person and online classes in addition to accessing its full library of workout videos, you can plan a few visits to your favorite studio. Pros Flexible membership option lets users freeze memberships without extra costsAllows the option to try a variety of fitness workoutsWorkouts vary in length Cons Restrictions on the number of classes users can take each week (2–3)Some classes filmed in studios may be blocked off at certain times and daysWorkout intensity may not be suitable for all Overview Want to burn more calories in less time? For people with a hectic schedule, short but effective bursts of activity are often the only way to squeeze in a quality workout every day. 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. But what 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 and it's anything but straightforward. You'll start by purchasing a monthly credit package ($19/month for 8 credits; $29/month for 13 credits; $79 for 38 credits; $159 for 80 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 From $35/month; barre3.com Key Specs Price: $35 per month, $75 for a 3-month subscription, or $240 annuallyBilling cadence: Monthly, quarterly, or annualTypes 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 Accessible almost everywhere: cellphone, tablet, desktop, Apple TV, and ChromecastStrong and supportive community both in class and onlineOption to check it out in person with a drop in a class for just $23 Cons Barre workouts are criticized for their lack of cardiovascular workMay not be suitable for those looking for higher-intensity workoutsStrong focus on fitness through mindfulness may not be attractive to all Overview One of the biggest misconceptions about Barre3 is that people think 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 170+ gyms spread out across the country, or hit play in one of the 500+ on-demand videos at home or on the go. Classes range from 10-60 minutes 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 $35 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. 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 cornflower 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 seniors, quick 5-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 between on-demand classes one day and then hit up your favorite HIIT spot the next. Whatever you choose, use proper form and equipment to avoid those sidelining injuries. Guide to Choosing an Online Fitness Class How To Choose the Best Online Fitness Classes for You 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, Apple TV, ROKU). Many but not all of these services take into account the various platforms and devices available today. Expertly designed and driven: 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 instructed 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 What Are Online Fitness Classes? Online fitness classes incorporate gym or studio-style classes with routines suitable for at-home practice. Most online classes are led by personal trainers and fitness instructors and focus on a particular type of workout like yoga, cardio, CrossFit, Pilates, barre, or strength training. Many also offer packaged programs that last 21 to 60 days, help you stay focused, and create accountability to show up for the daily workouts. The overall goal of online fitness classes is to help you reach your personal fitness goals from the privacy of your home, for a fraction of the cost of a gym membership. How Much Do Online Fitness Classes Typically Cost? You'll find a variety of price points, making online fitness classes accessible to many. If you're considering options from our curated list, you can expect prices to range from the low end of $10 a month up to $200+ subscription plans. Prices will vary based on the number of classes offered, levels of instruction, and the quality of the workouts and instructors. Check the websites of each company as you can often find discounts to apply when you sign up for the subscription. 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 they specialize in one type of exercise or if they offer 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? Most 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 would 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. Oscar Wong / Getty Images Article Sources ROBERTS CK, SEGOVIA DE, LANKFORD DE. Effects of home-based exercise training systems, combined with diet, on cardiometabolic health. Int J Exerc Sci. 2019;12(2):871-885.