Final Verdict
If you’re interested in all types of fitness, the Daily Burn will get you moving with live daily classes and a vast library of diverse workouts. Yogis will appreciate Yoga With Adriene and Adriene's passion for making yoga a part of their daily wellness routine, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a focus on cycling will benefit from Peloton’s offerings.
Guide to Choosing the Best Online Exercise Classes
What Are Online Exercise Classes?
Online exercise classes are instructor-led workouts offered via livestream or on-demand that you can watch and follow along with at home. Taught by certified personal trainers and expert instructors, the classes may include:
Some classes are geared toward beginners, while others are intended for more advanced fitness enthusiasts.
Online exercise classes offer the convenience of working out whenever and wherever you want. Instead of relying on a limited schedule of classes at a gym or studio, you have the flexibility to choose what you want to do at times that work best for you.
How to Choose an Online Exercise Class
Choosing the right online exercise membership can be challenging when you consider the sheer number of options available. However, if you weigh a few key factors, you can find a program that fits your needs.
- Cost: The programs we listed vary in price from free to over a thousand dollars per year. Consider options that offer a free trial before making a financial investment.
- Instructor qualifications: Make sure that the instructor(s) are certified in whatever fitness mode they’re teaching. Example certifications include the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) certification.
- Diversity of workouts: If you intend to stick with a particular program for an extended length of time, be mindful of the range of options available. You want a library of videos that maintains your interest while allowing you to increase the difficulty over time.
- Device compatibility: One of the main benefits of online fitness programs is that you can take them with you. To access this feature, make sure the company’s app works with your phone and/or is compatible with your fitness tracker.
Online Exercise Classes vs. In-Person Exercise Classes
Online exercise classes provide a flexible and private way to improve your health and fitness. They’re often more affordable and offer a more comprehensive selection of classes than in-person classes. Plus, you can get fit on your time with live and on-demand options—ideal for new moms easing into a postpartum workout plan.
In-person classes allow you to ask questions and get feedback. Being surrounded by like-minded people may motivate you to push harder. In-person classes might be safer for beginners or certain populations that require more hands-on instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Online Exercise Classes Worth It?
Online exercise classes can help users start a regular fitness routine, and explore different workouts, without joining a gym or making it to a group exercise class at a certain time. A good online program is designed to challenge you and improve your mental and physical well-being over time.
What Should I Wear for an Online Exercise Class?
Workout clothing should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion. Stick to breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay dry and avoid chafing. Unless you’re participating in a yoga or Pilates class, wear athletic shoes that support and have traction.
What Equipment Do I Need for an Online Exercise Class?
Many online exercise classes don’t require anything more than a device to stream the class. Some classes may suggest using a yoga mat, light handheld weights, or resistance bands. Certain classes do require pricey equipment, such as a stationary bike.
How Long Does It Take to See Exercise Results?
How long it takes to see exercise results will depend on your fitness goals and any underlying medical conditions. Health benefits such as improved blood pressure can be evident in just eight weeks, according to one study of healthy adult males. While you might start feeling emotional benefits from exercise right away, visible changes in muscle tone and weight loss will take time and consistent effort.
How Many Exercise Classes Do I Need in a Week?
How many classes you need to attend will depend on your specific mix of workouts and activities. For good health, adults need at least 75 minutes per week of intense aerobic activity or 150 minutes a week of moderate workouts, along with recommended muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.
Methodology
We looked at 13 online exercise classes to choose those listed in this roundup. To build the final list, we considered monthly membership costs, free trial periods, types of workouts available, fitness levels welcomed, instructor options, customer reviews, and delivery methods. Online exercise classes that did not make this list lacked a free trial or had minimal offerings for all fitness levels.