Fitness Gear Apps, Classes, and Memberships Best Online Exercise Classes These digital classes let you work out with ease By El Wilson Updated on September 29, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Tara Laferrara, CPT Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Sean Blackburn Fact checked by Sean Blackburn LinkedIn Sean is a fact-checker and researcher with experience in sociology and field research. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Online exercise classes are changing the way we think about fitness. Instead of getting in line early at the gym to secure a spot in your favorite HIIT class or cutting your time short to get to work, you can log on and get fit without ever leaving your house. The best online exercise classes offer variety, multiple difficulty levels, experienced instructors, affordable subscription plans, free trials, and minimal equipment. They also give users the option of taking live or on-demand classes. Here, we take a look at the best online exercise classes available to do, the pros and cons of each, and what to consider before signing up for a membership. Best Online Exercise Classes of 2023 Best Overall: Daily Burn Best for Yoga: Yoga with Adriene Best in-Studio: Classpass Best Live: Tracy Anderson Best With Community: Alo Moves Best for Cardio: Booya Fitness Best for Meditation: Glo Best for Cycling: Peloton Best for a Time Crunch: Obé Fitness Best Online Exercise Classes View All Best Online Exercise Classes Our Top Picks Daily Burn Yoga with Adriene Classpass Tracy Anderson Alo Moves Booya Fitness Glo Peloton Obé Fitness See More (6) Final Verdict How to Choose FAQs Methodology Best Overall : Daily Burn Daily Burn Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $19.95 per monthTypes of Classes Offered: A wide varietyFree Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It Daily Burn is our pick for best exercise routines due to its comprehensive library of fitness classes, daily live classes, and focus on having fun access to tracking apps. Pros & Cons Pros Comprehensive workout app with hundreds of classes available 24/7 Easy to sign-up and navigate Offers daily live classes Cons No individual training options Can be difficult to reach customer service Requires additional fees to access certain programs Overview If you want the freedom to work out at home but don’t want your workouts to get repetitive, try a premium online streaming service like Daily Burn. Daily Burn offers a 60-day free trial, so you can get a feel for the classes and instructors before you make the financial commitment of $19.95 per month. The monthly price is not available on the website, however. Daily Burn offers more than 1,000 classes ranging in difficulty level and length from options for beginners to advanced athletes, all taught by expert trainers. In addition, through Daily Burn’s 365 program, a new workout routine is offered each workday. Some classes are 10 minutes or an hour, so you can find an appropriately challenging workout that’s perfect for your schedule. Best for Yoga : Yoga with Adriene Yoga with Adriene Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: Free Youtube channel or $12.99 for the paid serviceTypes of Classes Offered: Yoga onlyFree Trial?: Yes and a library of free YouTube videos Why We Chose It Yoga with Adriene nails the balance between offering challenging workouts for all levels and providing a yoga practice built on mindfulness. Pros & Cons Pros Both free and paid options available All yoga levels welcome Beginner-friendly 30-day challenges available Cons Videos can feel repetitive Free trial of paid service is short Only one trainer on YouTube Overview It can be hard to make it to the yoga studio on top of a busy schedule. But you only need a few minutes on the mat to reap the benefits of an asana practice. Plus, since yoga uses practically no equipment, you can easily do it anywhere. When you’re looking for a little instruction, follow along with Adriene Mishler. Adriene offers both a large library of free online YouTube workouts on her Yoga with Adriene channel as well as a paid membership program called Find What Feels Good, enabling you to delve into yoga at an accessible level. The YouTube Channel offers videos ranging from “Yoga for Grief” to “Yoga for Core (and Booty!),” so you can choose exactly the class that you’re craving regardless of your mood. While some of the movements can feel repetitive over time, Adriene’s emphasis on mental well-being brings metaphorical resonance to every practice. Find What Feels Good, on the other hand, not only includes all of her YouTube videos ad-free, but also an additional library of content including seven-day challenges, vlogs, and workouts from other yoga instructors. A monthly payment plan costs $12.99 per month, and an annual payment plan is $129.99 per year. Additionally, you can join Kula, a moderated, online community platform that enables members to talk to each other about their yoga practices, lives, and love of Adriene’s work. Kula is entirely free regardless of whether or not you are a Find What Feels Good Member.If you’re hesitant about starting a yoga practice, check out one of Adriene’s beginner videos and see what valuable lessons you can learn on the mat. Best in-Studio : Classpass Classpass Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $49 per month for 23 credits, $89 per month for 43 credits, and $139 per month for 68 creditsTypes of Classes Offered: A wide variety, including wellness services Free Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It Classpass offers subscribers access to online and in-person exercise classes, allowing users to try a variety of exercise routines, making it our best pick for in-studio exercise classes. Pros & Cons Pros In-studio and online classes Access to a wide variety of workout types Strong community following online Cons Classes cost different “credits,” making it confusing to track In-studio classes not available in all areas Some online classes offer minimal instruction and technique Overview ClassPass is perfect for people that want access to a wide variety of in-studio experiences. Here’s how it works: subscribers buy credits online that can be redeemed for workout classes. Each class is worth a specific number of credits, based on the instructor's popularity and time, with more in-demand time slots costing more credits. Longer classes may also cost additional credits. Classpass credits are accepted in 40,000 studios in over 30 countries around the world, so while it’s not available everywhere, it’s becoming more widespread, especially in major urban areas. For those that don’t live in participating areas, Classpass recently announced that they are launching the in-home system Classpass Live, where subscribers will be able to work out live in their own homes with a heart rate monitor that pits them against other participants, so you can let your competitive side shine as you work to climb the leaderboard. Best Live : Tracy Anderson TA Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $90 per month to $130 per monthTypes of Classes Offered: Cardio and muscle toning Free Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It Members of the Tracy Anderson Online Studio can access high-energy live classes that feel like an in-person experience. Pros & Cons Pros Live classes give fans a way to access the popular TA Method from home Classes grouped by level and include a program to follow New classes weekly Cons Costly monthly membership Classes limited to dance cardio and muscular structure Overview While lucky residents of New York City, London, and Los Angeles are able to work out at a Tracy Anderson Method studio, the reality is that most of us aren’t able to get there. The best compromise: streaming the live classes online, so you can work out with the famous studio from the comfort of your living room. If you want to limit yourself to the on-demand classes, there are three payment options offered: $90 monthly, $457 semiannual, or $808.50 for an annual subscription. If you also want access to the live classes, you’ll have to pay much more. The Online Studio + TA Live plans cost $130 per month, $663 for six months, or $1,170 per year. Although this plan comes with additional perks, such as access to monthly Ask Tracy sessions, it’s a hefty price. However, if you’re invested in the Tracy Anderson Method, it is well worth the cost since it enables you to dive into Tracy’s world without traveling to one of her studios. Best With Community : Alo Moves Alo Moves Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $20 per month or $199 for the first yearTypes of Classes Offered: A wide varietyFree Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It The Alo Moves app goes beyond fitness and focuses on connecting members with each other and their coaches. Pros & Cons Pros Category dedicated to beginners Live and on-demand classes Over 30 styles of classes available Strong online community following Cons More expensive than similar online exercise subscription programs Might be better suited for intermediate to advanced levels Overview If heading to a yoga class with a friend or team helps keep you on track to meet your practice goals, you’ll love the community support you get with Alo Moves. Through this app, you are given the opportunity to connect with encouraging coaches and other hard-working members, and you can take more than 3,000 diverse yoga, mindfulness, wellness, and fitness classes. You can even take classes with any of your friends online. At a price point of $20 per month, or $199 for the first year, it’s definitely one of the more reasonable at-home options on this list. Alo Moves' videos are compatible with a web browser, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Apple TV, so you can move freely from one device to another. With Offline Access, you can take your devices on the move and practice when it works best for you. Best for Cardio : Booya Fitness Booya Fitnes Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $9.99 per month, $26.99 for three months, and $99.99 for one yearTypes of Classes Offered: A wide varietyFree Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It We chose Booya Fitness due to its extensive offering of cardio-related workouts like HIIT, sports conditioning, dance, and bootcamp. Pros & Cons Pros One of the most affordable online exercise class subscription plans Minimal equipment required Sample workout plans Cons Selective with the music they play Do not add new classes as often as other online programs Overview If you love the high intensity of a group class but hate bumping elbows with the person next to you, take the group experience to your living room with Booya Fitness. Classes offered include barre, pilates, cardio kickboxing, HIIT, sports conditioning, dance, yoga, body weight sculpting, and more. Even with that variety, Booya promises that 75% of their workouts can be completed with just a yoga mat. Booya selects their music carefully because they know a good song can make or break a workout. Every cardio workout is set to live-streamed pop music to keep you upbeat and moving throughout the class. At only $9.99 per month and a free trial offer, there’s no reason not to at least test out Booya’s offerings. Best for Meditation : Glo Glo Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $24 per month or $245 for the first yearTypes of Classes Offered: Yoga, meditation, Pilates, fitness, and education Free Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It This online program is packed full of various yoga and mindfulness classes to help clear your mind and boost your well-being. Pros & Cons Pros Difficulty levels are clearly labeled Educational classes and lectures to improve yoga knowledge Live and on-demand yoga, Pilates, and mindfulness classes Cons Shorter free trial period than other online exercise subscription programs Limited number of strength classes available Overview If you’re aiming to include more mindfulness in your workouts, Glo is a great starting point. Not only do they have the traditional yoga workouts you would expect, but they also feature twelve meditation classes and twelve educational classes emphasizing concepts such as maintaining healthy boundaries. They also have a daily mindfulness series to kickstart your practice. Glo’s videos range from five to 120 minutes and span from incredibly slow to fast-paced vinyasa flows. Best for Cycling : Peloton Peloton Sign Up Now Key Specs Fees: $12.99 to $44 per month (not including equipment) Types of Classes Offered: A wide varietyFree Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It If you’re looking for an online cycling class that builds stamina while having fun, Peloton is a solid option. The app also features yoga, Pilates, HIIT, stretching, and strength workouts. Pros & Cons Pros World-class cycling instructors Can use any stationary bicycle Digital app includes yoga, Pilates, cardio, running, strength, and stretching Ability to personalize your practice Cons Several fitness classes require equipment Peloton bike is expensive Overview Pelton provides users with the motivational and exciting atmosphere of an in-person cycling class without the need to travel to a dimly lit studio. If you have a Peloton bike and pay the $44 per month all-access membership fee, you’ll get access to daily live-streamed classes, their catalog of thousands of on-demand classes, and even their innovative gaming program, Lane Break. If you want to opt out of the expensive fee and costly equipment, their app-only membership is only $12.99 per month and includes a library of classes that require little to no equipment. Those that do require equipment, such as the cycling classes, don’t require the equipment to come from Peloton itself. Not only does the app offer traditional fitness classes such as yoga and strength training, but also more unique offerings such as power walking. Peloton's range of membership options makes them accessible to a broad audience whether you’re ready to financially invest in a home gym or simply want to dip your toes in. Best for a Time Crunch : Obé Fitness Obé Fitness Sign Up Now 50% Off Your First Month of the Monthly Membership with code VERYWELL50 Key Specs Fees: $24.99 per month or $169.99 per yearTypes of Classes Offered: A wide varietyFree Trial?: Yes Why We Chose It We chose Obé Fitness because their class line-up includes 10-minute workouts that are easy to fit into any busy schedule. Pros & Cons Pros Extensive library of no-equipment classes Classes accessible offline More than 5,000 classes available Cons More expensive than other online exercise class subscriptions Intermediate and advanced classes require equipment for maximum results Classes limited to floor workouts Overview If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of squeezing a workout into your hectic day, an Obé Fitness subscription may be crucial to your wellness goals. Focusing on quick, 10-minute, and 28-minute long classes that fit into any schedule, the workouts emphasize muscle definition, cardio, and flexibility. Tapping some of the best instructors in New York City to lead the classes, Obé Fitness encourages users to vary their classes throughout the week, offering all three types of classes daily. Classes typically start live streaming at 6 a.m. and end in the early afternoon, but guests can stream classes on-demand at any moment. Final Verdict Online exercise classes make squeezing a workout into a busy schedule more manageable. Online classes also introduce people to the fitness world without the potential intimidating factor of having to exercise in front of other people. With that in mind, the best online exercise classes offer a variety of workout styles and difficulty levels, live and on-demand classes, and come with a free trial. If you’re interested in all types of fitness, the Daily Burn will get you moving with their live daily classes and a vast library of diverse workouts. Yogis will appreciate 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 Peleton’s offerings. Guide to Choosing the Best Online Exercise Classes Are Online Exercise Classes Worth It? Online exercise classes can help users start a regular fitness routine without the big initial step of joining a gym or a group exercise class. They can also provide access to a much wider variety of workout styles so that you can experiment until you decide on a routine to maintain or an in-person program to join. Furthermore, a good online program will offer advancement opportunities so that you can feel your mental and physical well-being improve over time. Remember that the goal of the exercise is to build muscles, improve cardio fitness, and increase flexibility, all while also improving mental health. Online exercise programs can offer all of these benefits if you choose one that works 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 varied 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. 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 What Are Online Exercise Classes? Online exercise classes are instructional 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 yoga, Pilates, cycling, barre, cardio kickboxing, HIIT, strengthening, and more. 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 Much Do Online Exercise Classes Cost? Some online exercise classes are free, but others require a paid subscription. Most memberships range from $10 to $30 per month, with discounts available for longer subscriptions. Prices vary based on the number of classes offered, the quality of instructors, and the level of instruction. Most services offer a free trial or let you download classes for a small fee to try out the program before committing to it. 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 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 special equipment, other than a device such as a tablet or a computer that can stream the class. Some classes may suggest using a yoga mat for floor exercises or light handheld weights or resistance bands for strengthening, but they’re usually not necessary to complete the exercises. If you regularly do online exercise classes at home, you may want to get some basic equipment such as dumbbells or a medicine ball to boost your workout intensity and calorie burn. Of course, certain types of classes do require equipment, which can be pricey. For example, to take online cycling classes, you’ll need to invest in a stationary bike. Methodology We looked at thirteen online exercise classes and settled on 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. The 11 Best Workout DVDs for Convenient Home Fitness Neustockimages / Getty Images Edited by Ally Hirschlag Ally Hirschlag Ally is a senior editor for Verywell, who covers topics in the health, wellness, and lifestyle spaces. She has written for The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Guardian, BBC Future, and more. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit