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The best fitness apps with live and on-demand workout classes
Group fitness classes are some of the most effective movement motivators. Especially if you're someone like me who thrives on structure and instruction. However, my gym's schedule doesn't always line up with mine. The only thing worse than not getting the satisfaction that comes with closing my Apple Watch rings is getting hit with a $15+ cancellation or no-show fee. If your day-to-day schedule varies, but you want to fit workout classes in wherever you can, whenever, like many things these days: there's an app for that.
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I personally turn to fitness apps to get my workout class fit -- either on-demand, which has more of that "live" feel to keep you accountable -- or in the app's usually stacked library. As a self-proclaimed class junkie, I've made my workout app rounds, and these are the ones I find pretty comparable to in-person.
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- Extensive class library
- Instructors are motivational and high energy
- 30-day free trial
- Less than $20 a month for membership
- Offers a personalized quiz to fit your exercise preferences
- A lot of classes require extra equipment
- Classes can be fairly advanced
Peloton Digital app features:
- Pricing: 30-day free trial, $12.99 per month after
- Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, Android TV, AppleTV, FireTV, Chromecast, Roku, LG TV and AirPlay
- Workouts available: Strength, boxing, running, cycling, yoga, meditation, rowing, row bootcamp, bike bootcamp, tread bootcamp, pilates, barre, cardio, stretching, walking, hiking
Even though Peloton is most famous for its in-home bike revolution, you don't need to own Peloton equipment to benefit from the Peloton Digital app. The app features on-demand and live classes of all kinds, led by Peloton's renowned high-energy instructors, and ranging from quick 10-minute cardio to an hour-long sweat session.
"I love the Peloton app and I've only used an actual Peloton bike once," said ZDNET's Emery Wright. "Even though it's a bit pricey, I love how you can choose between so many types of classes (I love the strength and bootcamp ones), with or without equipment."
The only downside is with the more advanced classes, extra equipment is often required. If you have access to a treadmill or rower, the app also serves as a great running and rowing guide to prevent workouts from becoming monotonous.
And if competition is a major motivator in your group fitness classes, Peloton Digital also lets you follow other members so you can see their workout stats.
The Peloton Digital app offers users a 30-day free trial before charging the $12.99 monthly fee. Between the high energy feel, class range and availability, and under $13 per month cost, Peloton Digital easily gives that endorphin-high feeling and keeps me accountable without excessive fees.
- Effective bite-sized workouts
- Whiteboard classes provide structure for those who don't like classes
- App is free
- Trainers, doctors, and nutritionists give digestible, practical tips
- Netflix partnership provides even easier streaming access
- Navigating the app isn't the most intuitive, user-friendly experience
- Some bodyweight-only classes aren't very challenging
Nike Training Club features:
- Pricing: Free
- Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, TV via HDMI or Apple AirPlay, and Netflix
- Workouts available: Strength, yoga, stretching, HIIT, whiteboard workouts, pre and postnatal
Nike Training Club's app might be free, but it's definitely high-quality. With around 500 workout classes to choose from and healthy lifestyle tips, it's kind of like having a 24/7 coach in your pocket.
If I don't have a class to go to or a structured workout planned, finding the motivation to get off the couch and get in physical activity is even harder, especially after a long day and a busy schedule. Nike Training club provides bite-sized workout classes that are guaranteed to get your heart rate up.
These quick classes have also made their way over to Netflix, giving me encouragement to fit at least five minutes of movement in before binging the new season of Love is Blind.
Nike trainers, doctors, and nutritionists give advice on how to make small changes to lead a healthier lifestyle. So if you don't find yourself with free time often, Nike Training Club is a free option that can help you make room for some simple yet effective habits.
My only quibble is that the app doesn't have the easiest UX. The time I save in a quick workout, I waste trying to find the perfect class to do. Same with finding tips -- I have to do a deep-dive to find one.
- Fun moves and music feels more like a dance party than workout
- Easy to do in a small space or on the go
- Can get strong and lean without heavy weights
- Often requires ankle weights
- No workouts over 50 minutes long
The Sculpt Society features:
- Pricing: 7 day free trial, then $179 annually or $19.99 monthly
- Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, desktop and laptops, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku
- Workouts available: Dance cardio, lightweight, low-impact sculpting, pre and post natal workouts, yoga, stretching, and meditation sessions
Created and led by ex-dancer Megan Roup, The Sculpt Society is truly one of my favorite ways to get my body moving. The dance cardio classes combined with Megan's high energy and clear instruction makes it feel more like a dance party in my living room than a workout, but I definitely work up a sweat.
If you're not much of a dancer, TSS still offers pilates and barre-based workouts so you can achieve that lean-dancer look. My only complaint with the sculpting and toning classes is that they often require hand weights or ankle weights that I don't usually have lying around.
The classes range from 5 to 50 minutes and from beginner to advanced levels. TSS also has over 400 classes on demand in the app library and hosts several live classes a week. Low impact and easy to stream from your phone, TSS is a great option for those who travel or live in a small space, like an apartment.
- Programs foster accountability
- Nutrition integration inspires for lifestyle changes
- Classes are effective and high energy
- Classes can take a bigger chunk of time
- Interface isn't the most organized
Beachbody On Demand & Bodi features:
- Pricing: 30 day free trial, then $119.88
- Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku
- Workouts available: Cycling, barre, cardio, core, strength, bootcamp, yoga, meditation, 2B mindset, portion fix
Before Beachbody was on demand, their workout tapes (remember those?) were my first introduction to at-home workouts. My nostalgia aside, Beachbody's classes are still effective, fun, and up-beat on the On-Demand platform.
Like the DVDs, the classes have a slight 80's exercise feel in a good way, making the workouts simple and fun yet effective. Like any good bootcamp, the classes may introduce you to moves that fire up muscles you didn't even know you had. The instructors are great at introducing strength training to safely build up muscle.
With a nutrition integration, gamified activity and progress trackers, and one-on-one support from coaches, I will say this app can be a piece of your overarching fitness journey.
- Designated programs help with accountability and trackable productivity markers
- Nutrition plans help with an overall lifestyle change
- Interface is extremely navigable
- Need equipment for most workouts
Form features:
- Pricing: 7-day free trial, then $22 monthly or $119 annually
- Compatible with: iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku
- Workouts available: Low-impact strength training, pilates, and HIIT
I've been following fitness Instagram influencer Sami Clarke for years. During the pandemic, her easy-to–follow, quick strength workouts on Instagram kept me from being a complete couch potato. She's since started her own platform, Form, which provides structured workout programs that build muscle without a squat rack or crazy cardio. I also appreciate that most of her workouts involve 5-10 pound dumbbells or ankle weights, focusing on building muscle through slow and controlled movements rather than just lifting as heavy as possible.
Form's platform is great for people who want a program to follow along with, rather than playing daily class roulette. But the app also has plenty of on-demand classes you can do individually.
All about overall wellness, the app also features 7-day and 14-day meal plans along with nutritious recipes. Additionally, Form's app might be the most organized, aesthetically pleasing online fitness platform I've seen, making it easy to navigate every workout program, class, and recipe.
- Syncs with display to actively show stats
- Workouts for all levels
- Doesn't require lots of equipment
- Levels up a current workout routine
- Exclusive to Apple users
Apple Fitness+ features
- Pricing: 3-month long trial, then $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually
- Compatible with: iOS devices, Apple TV
- Workouts available: Kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, core, pilates, dance, cycling, running, walking, rowing, audio-guided, workouts for pregnancy
If a workout doesn't count for you unless your Apple Watch tracked it, I feel you and am here to tell you Apple Fitness+ is not only compatible with your Watch, but even tracks your calories more accurately.
Apple Fitness+ is a great fitness service any Apple user should unlock -- especially during the free, three-month trial. So, if you're a new Apple Watch owner, make sure to take advantage while you can.
FItness+ has a variety of classes with different instructors on demand. The main dashboard is super easy to navigate and filter through what type of workout you want to do and the duration of your sweat sesh. Also, the instructors are high-energy while also coming off as genuine, providing the perfect mix of motivation and relatability.
There are plenty of bodyweight-only based workouts that don't require using or investing in any fancy equipment. If you do have access to a treadmill or rower, however, the walking and rowing classes are a great way to add some fire to a traditionally simple workout.
My favorite part of Fitness+ is that your calories and workout stats from your watch sync up to the Apple streaming display you're working out on (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV). Plus, it's a good way to win an Apple Watch activity challenge.
What is the best fitness app with online workouts?
There's a reason Peloton is my top pick: It easily integrates fitness into your life by adjusting to your needs and schedule, not the other way around. Unlike a traditional gym, Peloton bends to your schedule and brings the high energy to your home.
If you'd like to quickly see how Peloton compares to the other best fitness apps, the chart below summarizes the apps detailed in this guide, making it easier for you to see all the platforms they're available on and their key features.
Fitness apps and services | Compatibility | Features |
Peloton Guide | iOS and Android devices, Android TV, AppleTV, FireTV, Chromecast, Roku, LG TV and AirPlay |
|
Nike Training Club | iOS and Android devices, TV via HDMI or Apple AirPlay, and Netflix |
|
The Sculpt Society | iOS and Android devices, desktop and laptops, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku |
|
Beachbody On Demand and Bodi | iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV, and Roku. |
|
Form | iOS and Android devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku |
|
Apple Fitness+ | iOS devices, Apple TV |
|
What's the best fitness app for workout classes?
I've had a great experience with classes on all the fitness apps above, but ultimately, it comes down to your workout preference -- do you enjoy HIIT or low impact strength training? The chart below summarizes the online workout platforms in this guide, making it easier to decide which is best for you and your lifestyle -- or the one you're trying to achieve.
Choose this workout app… | If you want… |
Peloton Digital | A variety of live and on-demand workout classes with high-energy instructors and competition features. |
Nike Training Club | A free fitness class app that features a variety of classes, in exercise type and length. It's best for people with busy schedules who want to fit in a structured workout. |
The Sculpt Society | An online fitness platform with barre, dance, and pilates classes taught by quality instructors. These classes make fitness fun. |
Beachbody on Demand and Bodi | A fitness platform featuring 80's-like bootcamp classes, gamified progress tracking, and nutrition hacks. It's great for those who also want to make a lifestyle change. |
Form | A fitness platform with an organized UX, low impact strength training classes, and a personable instructor. |
Apple Fitness+ | Fitness classes optimized for your Apple Watch. The classes can guide your next treadmill run, yoga session, or pilates class and effectively close your rings. |
How did I choose these fitness apps and online workout programs?
As a fitness class lover with an often unpredictable schedule, I've started to turn to fitness apps for workout classes, guidance, and motivation. In this list, I compiled my favorite options I think are worth your precious time, money, and consideration.
Are there alternative fitness apps or online workouts worth considering?
Yes, even though I only included my top seven favorite fitness apps, there's a workout program on every online corner waiting for you to start your fitness journey with them. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Tone It Up was my introduction to fitness apps. While primarily for women, the app offers live and on-demand classes led by interactive instructors. It also features long-term workout programs with accompanying nutrition plans.
YouTube fitness platforms
A good alternative for free fitness classes
YouTube is a great place for workout classes -- it just might be a deeper dive to find what you're looking for. But if you're specific with your search or follow a fitness influencer, it'll make navigation easier.
If you're looking for a place to start, some of my favorite YouTube fitness channels include MadFit, Yoga With Adriene, and Move With Nicole.
For more on fitness and workouts, be sure to check out our list on the best smartwatches, the best workout mirrors, the best workout apps, and the best fitness trackers.