Best Online Fitness Classes of 2022

Best Overall Online Fitness Class: Obé Fitness

from $27/month; obefitness.com

Key Specs

• Price: $27 per month, $65 quarterly, or $199 per year
• Billing cadence: Monthly, quarterly, or yearly depending on subscription
• Types 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 zones
• Workout 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 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, Strength Training, Yoga, and Activate/Recover. Cardio classes include: HIIT, Dance HIIT, Dance Cardio, Cardio Boxing, Bounce, Jump, and Ride. Strength 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, maybe a chair, and some hand weights could come in handy. Thanks to the kid-friendly classes and low-intensity senior workouts, you can get the 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 still catch them at a time that works.

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

From $149/month; future.co

Key Specs

• Price: $149
• Billing cadence: Monthly
• Types 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 preferences
• Monthly flat rate includes unlimited access to your trainer
• Risk-free for the first 30 days
• Workouts are synced with Apple watch, allowing your trainer to follow your workout stats

Cons

• Future only works on iOS systems
• No 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

From $20/month; alomoves.com

Key Specs

• Price: $10 per month, or $99 for an annual subscription
• Billing cadence: Monthly or annual
• Types 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 users
• Any-time videos make classes super convenient
• Can create a playlist to personalize your workout sessions

Cons

• Some classes require props like dumbbells or a resistance band
• Monthly fee is more expensive than other services
• No 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

From $10/month; yogadownload.com

Key Specs

• Price: $10/month for Standard Subscription; 18/month for Unlimited Subscription; $120/year Unlimited Subscription
• Billing cadence: Standard monthly, unlimited monthly, or unlimited yearly options
• Types 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 levels
• Cheaper than studio classes
• Filters make it easy to find the videos best for you
• Easy to use on any device

Cons

• No option for personal attention from instructors
• Expanse of the website may not be user-friendly for all
• May 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

From $15/month; Aaptiv.com

Key Specs

• Price: $14.99 per month or $99 annually
• Billing cadence: Monthly or annual
• Types 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 fitness
• Training plans for race training
• Running workouts can be done indoors on a treadmill or outdoors

Cons

• All classes are audio-based
• 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 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

From $8/month; beachbody.com

Key Specs

• Price: Tiered based at $8 per month, $13 every 6 months, $19 per quarter
• Billing cadence: Monthly, every 6 months, or every quarter
• Types of workouts featured: Strength training, barre and 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 connection
• Workouts cannot be downloaded for use at a later time
• Workouts 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 color 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

From $50/year; crossrope.com

Key Specs

• Price: $119, $169, or $288 includes the purchase of a rope and 30-day all-access membership
• Billing cadence: One-time payment, though 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. 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 friendly
• Ropes purchased with a subscription have comfortable grips and sweat-resistant handles
• Ropes suit a variety of heights and handle clip-on systems allow for easy weight changes

Cons

• Ropes don't track pace or jumping activity
• Equipment can be pricey despite free shipping offer
• 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, 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

From $15/month; classpass.com

Key Specs

• Price: Ranges from $19 to $199 a month
• Billing cadence: Monthly
• Types 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 costs
• Allows the option to try a variety of fitness workouts
• Workouts 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 days
• Workout 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

From $35/month; barre3.com

Key Specs

• Price: $35 per month, $75 for a 3-month subscription, or $240 annually
• Billing cadence: Monthly, quarterly, or annual
• 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

• Accessible almost everywhere: cellphone, tablet, desktop, Apple TV, and Chromecast
• Strong and supportive community both in class and online
• Option 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 work
• May not be suitable for those looking for higher-intensity workouts
• Strong 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, ilates 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 our 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.