The 7 Best Online Exercise Classes for Working Out Anywhere

Online exercise classes are here to stay as a result of technological advancements, an increased number of streaming options, and the distribution of fitness equipment. And it’s not just major corporations that are shifting their focus to online sessions: The in-studio experience is increasingly being made available via live streaming from boutique fitness studios and gyms located all over the world.

And to make matters even better, the proliferation of online exercise classes has led to an increase in both variety and the willingness to try new things. You can now easily transition between exercises such as burpees and backbends by simply changing the video that you’re watching. This is made possible by on-demand platforms, which provide a variety of different workouts.

Where do you even begin when there are so many options for your thumb to scroll through? In the following, we will provide you with a list of the top online exercise classes that you can participate in.

The 7 Most Effective Online Workout Courses of 2022

Alo Moves is the winner all around.
Best for Yoga: Gaia
The most recommended method for Pilates is Pilates Anytime
AKT GO is the best workout for cardio and HIIT.
The Sculpt Society is the best club for combining dance and strength.
EverybodyFights is the best platform for boxing.
The Hitting Room is the Best Option for Live Classes

Best Overall: Alo Moves

Reasons Why We Chose It: Alo Moves provides an impressively large selection of classes at a reasonable price.

What We Like:

Comes with a sizable library where users can learn new skills and practice them.
Videos can be downloaded, and access is provided through mobile devices, tablets, the web, and AppleTV+.
Extensive selection of material, with brand new courses being added every week

What We Don’t Like:

There are currently no live classes.

A significant portion of the material is aimed primarily at readers with intermediate and advanced knowledge.

If you want to take your fitness routine to the next level, Alo Moves has every type of workout you could possibly need, and even more. The content can be filtered easily, and there is a great deal of variety in it. You can keep yourself busy every day of the week by enrolling in one of the many classes that are offered, ranging from Power and Chill Yoga and Power Barre to Fit and Strong or Sweat and Tone. This varied selection provides more than enough incentive for you to keep coming back for more.

You will have access to a library of content within Alo Moves, which will allow you to learn new techniques and improve your stretch game. For instance, its Beyond Flexibility 7-part video series guides you step-by-step towards harmonizing balance in the body and breaking through any mental and physical barriers, which may be preventing your stretch sessions from being as effective as they could be.

The on-demand content provided by Alo will have you finding your inversions and bending over backwards in no time. Additionally, the restorative videos direct your attention to problem areas of the body, such as the thighs, hips, and hamstrings, in order to alleviate tension in the body and improve the effectiveness of your workouts.

The provider offers a free trial period of 14 days, during which users have plenty of time to become familiar with the various courses. After that, the monthly subscription will cost approximately $20, which is equivalent to approximately $200 when paid annually.

Best for Yoga: Gaia

Why We Chose It: Gaia is distinguished by its large community of yogis, its group of knowledgeable experts, and its seminars.

What We Like:

Super affordable, on-demand service
We offer classes that are appropriate for yogis of all levels, styles, and lengths
Documentaries on topics such as healthy eating, edits, original series, and films are included among the available content.

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

There is likely an excessive amount of content options, each of which requires additional effort and time to navigate.
The cost of live access classes is in addition to the base rate.

Gaia is an inclusive platform for yogis of all levels, with a wealth of more advanced options available for the more seasoned practitioner. Gaia as a brand really goes above and beyond to provide value in terms of the variety of classes offered, the quality of the instructors, and the difficulty of the practice levels.

The Morning Ritual Collection, Yoga Philosophy, and Meditation classes are just some of the options available to students, all of which can be easily filtered based on the instructor, level, type, focus, and length of the class. Gaia gives you the ability to set an intention for each session, and you can choose to focus on developing your strength, energizing your body, or calming your mind. In addition, Gaia offers a vast selection of Pilates classes in addition to a variety of other types of classes.

You can choose to pay the monthly fee of approximately $12 or pay the annual fee of approximately $99, but first you should take advantage of the free trial that lasts for one week so that you can become familiar with the features that are available. The Live Access membership, which costs approximately $299 per year, grants subscribers ad-free access to a library that contains more than 8,000 shows, interviews, and other types of content, as well as access to expert-led workshops, live events, multi-day seminars, and the ability to interact with hosts. Those of us who take our yoga practice very seriously can take advantage of all of these benefits.

This all-encompassing approach is a surefire way to achieve a spiritual balance between one’s mind and body, because it takes into account both.

The most effective name for Pilates is “Pilates Anytime.”

Why We Chose It: Pilates Anytime allows you to target specific muscle groups, build strength, and increase flexibility. However, it is best suited for those who already have a fundamental understanding of Pilates.

What We Like:

An extensive collection of Pilates classes to fulfill any and all of your needs
Directed by some of the most qualified instructors in the business
Extra exercises that will get you motivated, as well as informative tutorials to help you improve your practice

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

Those who are new to Pilates may find the extensive variety of exercises to be overwhelming.
The utilization of supplemental materials is a prerequisite for some classes.

Pilates is a form of exercise that can be performed on a daily basis and is well-known for the core-stretching movements and postural improvements they provide. Pilates Anytime, which is led by some of the best trainers in the business, has become the gold standard in the field.

There is content for every goal, including increasing strength, improving flexibility, and aiding in rehabilitation, and the site features more than 3,700 different Pilates videos (with new ones being added every week). The videos range in level, style, and length. You’ll be able to sculpt your glutes or triceps with the help of an easy-to-use service that lets you filter through workouts that focus on a particular muscle group. You’ll also be able to choose the length of your classes. In addition, the service is an excellent resource for practitioners of all skill levels, whether you want to perfect your roll-up or take your corkscrew to the next level.

As an additional benefit, Pilates Anytime provides classes that range from pre- to post-natal, as well as Barre Fusion and challenges that are designed to rev the body up or relax it.

After your initial free trial of 15 days, the monthly membership fee will be approximately $18, and the annual fee will be $198. In spite of this, the total price winds up being lower than what some studios charge for a single class.

AKT GO is the most effective workout for both cardio and HIIT.

Why Did We Pick It? Because it will cause you to break a sweat and keep your body moving consistently throughout the high-energy interval sessions, AKT GO was our top pick.

A user-friendly mobile app with a variety of filtering options
A diverse selection of exercises to ensure that your workouts remain interesting.
A more cost-effective alternative in comparison to those offered in-studio

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

Some classes require equipment
In order to stream videos, you will need to download the AKT GO mobile app.

Cardio enthusiasts can now participate in heart-pumping classes thanks to the fact that AKT GO has brought the workouts from its New York studio to the screen.

The organization provides participants with access to more than 1,500 minutes of workouts, ranging from 10-minute bursts to an entire 90-minute experience, and a variety of signature classes that are led by the dancing queen Anna Kaiser. Members can also mix up segments and class lengths with on-demand services, which is ideal for sorting through HIIT blasts or longer sessions.

Expect to leap, kick, spin, and punch your way through every workout; classes are filmed to emulate the experience of being in a studio, and were meticulously designed to move the body in every which way. Classes are also accompanied by rhythmic music that is designed to get you moving.

For those who are interested in trying out cardio for the first time, the beginner’s guide will help ease you into the more intense sessions. During each circuit, interval, and dance session, make sure to follow the instructions given by the trainers. A monthly membership will cost approximately $30, and new content will be added on a consistent basis.

The Sculpt Society is the best club for combining dance and strength.

Why We Chose It: Because The Sculpt Society gives you the celebrity fitness treatment by focusing on specific parts of the body, you will be able to sculpt muscles that you weren’t even aware you had before you started going there.

What We Like:

A trustworthy app, according to the feedback of a number of users
A diverse selection of live and on-demand classes, as well as on-demand programming
Incorporates a wide range of forms of exercise, including cardio, strength training, and dance.

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

It will be necessary to have equipment such as light weights and floor sliders
Since the instructor is the only participant in most workouts, you may not experience the sense of camaraderie that you would in a group setting.

Megan Roup, a celebrity trainer, is responsible for developing a tried-and-true method that keeps your mind active while also keeping your body moving. Building a strong body can be accomplished through the use of bodyweight exercises, light weights, and sculpting exercises; however, athletic dance workouts will push you further each time.

Customers are always raving about Roup’s approachable teaching style, which combines straightforward direction with an upbeat vibe to create an atmosphere that is almost identical to that of a private studio session. The on-demand service’s classes include full-body blasts that last anywhere from five minutes to twenty-five minutes, while others are spaced out over the course of an hour. Each of these classes combines sweaty bursts with strength intervals to target specific muscle groups for an overall body burn.

Members have the ability to select classes based on the desired length, with Megan’s Friends Workouts, yoga, stretch, pre-natal, and post-natal classes thrown in for good measure. Those who are just starting out can benefit from her more relaxed sculpting classes before moving on to the more challenging ones. In addition, throughout the week there are bonus live classes that last for thirty minutes. Keep an eye out every Monday for a new video to be added to the collection.

A free trial period of 14 days is provided by The Sculpt Society, after which a monthly membership fee of approximately $20 or an annual membership fee of approximately $180 is required to continue using the service. Alternately, if you would rather commit to a particular program, there are a few available for you to choose from. One of these programs is a ten-week program that provides a structured sequence of workouts.

EverybodyFights is the best platform for boxing.

Why Did We Go With It? EverybodyFights is a good option to consider selecting in the event that you are seeking for a multi-faceted and cross-training experience taught by professional fighters.

What We Like:

Free trial for the first 30 days
Participating in multiple types of physical training simultaneously
A combination of on-demand and live classes, which may be reserved through the app
Simple to use mobile app

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

You will need various pieces of equipment, including weights.

“Exercise like a boxer would. At any moment, in any place.” This is EverybodyFights’ motto, and they take it to heart in everything they do.

You will be well on your way to developing the stamina and composure of a boxer if you participate in an on-demand fitness program that brings the boxing ring to your television screen. There are over five hundred different workouts that are led by professional boxers and coaches from the United States Amateur Boxing Association (USA Boxing). These workouts will condition you in the areas of boxing, strength, cardio, yoga, and recovery, giving you an experience similar to that of a professional fighter.

EverybodyFights provides new members with a tailored service by personalizing its training camp based on the member’s individual goals, hobbies, and preferred training styles. To get you started, EverybodyFights provides a free 30-day trial membership. A membership costs approximately $30 each month thereafter and grants access to daily live courses like as boxing, strength, and recuperation. This provides an experience that is virtually identical to that of working out in the actual studio.

Aside from this, the service provides weekly challenges that are meant to keep you on your toes, techniques that are meant to teach you perfect form, and tutorials from professional boxers themselves. In addition, there are recipes and recommendations for maintaining a healthy diet provided by registered dietitians.

The Hitting Room is the Best Option for Live Classes

Why We Chose It: We went with Fhitting Room because of the variety of live HIIT and strength training classes that it offers, in addition to the adaptability of its live sessions.

What We Like:

An in-studio class experience that can be had from the comfort of home with daily live lessons
Changing workouts are used to keep the sessions interesting.
Personalized sessions, as trainers are able to adapt workouts to accommodate individual injuries

What Doesn’t Satisfy Us:

Why The cost of classes is significantly more than that of on-demand memberships.

Certain exercises necessitate the use of apparatus.

Fhitting Room’s live exercise schedule is second to none, boasting a roster of more than ninety high intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength courses on the weekly calendar. The service is divided into those that use equipment and those that do not use equipment. It also offers pure strength, a kettlebell skills class, agility and conditioning, and caters to those over the age of 65 as well as pre- and post-natal ladies.

Classes are held on Zoom and are provided at various times throughout the day, alternating between the east coast and the west coast. A host of the Fhitting Room is present and ready to handle any problems that may arise prior to or during the workout. And before each session, trainers will make a note of any client injuries in order to alter the activities they have planned for you.

If you would rather work out at a time that is convenient for you, Fhitting Room offers an on-demand service that includes more than 36 hours of HIIT and strength workouts to keep you occupied. The service costs approximately $20 per month or approximately $160 annually, and it comes with a free trial period of 14 days.

Final Verdict

You will have lots of opportunity to leap, punch, kick, and twist your way into tip-top shape, both physically and emotionally, if you take online workout programs. Whether it’s a fusion of styles with Alo Moves, Gaia’s movement series, or even a punch session with EverybodyFights before work, the range and diversity of exercises available at your fingertips makes it easier than ever before to break a sweat anytime you want. There are many other kinds of online exercise classes available, and if you want to step it up a notch with AKT GO or try out The Sculpt Society’s dynamic on-screen workouts, you can do either of those things.

What Are the Best Qualities of an Ideal Online Exercise Class?

Some on-demand services offer more value for the money than others, particularly in terms of the level of knowledge provided by the instructors, the quality of the videos, and the breadth of the content that is offered. But this entirely depends on your individual objectives and preferences, such as whether you want to exercise in real time or on demand. One of the factors that motivates some people to get out of bed and work out is participating in an actual live class. If you want to keep up with your workout regimen but your schedule is often shifting, it’s probably best to choose a service that comes with a content library to help you out. Utilize free trials so that you can find something that works for you.

Which Type of Membership Should I Purchase, Monthly or Annual?

Both types of membership come with their own set of benefits. If you have a membership that is paid for on a monthly basis, you will typically have the ability to cancel it at any time, giving you flexibility. On the other hand, an annual membership, which is commonly billed once a year, is typically less expensive month-to-month and is more likely to keep you committed to a training program. If you find a product or service that you enjoy using, it may be smart to get an annual pass in order to save some money.

Is It More Effective to Stick to One Online Exercise Program or Change It Up Regularly, or Both?

Online programs are a helpful tool to employ if you have a certain objective in mind because they provide you with guided workouts to keep you on track. Therefore, if you want to increase your cardio endurance, you should look for a program that is designed to gradually enhance your stamina. This will give you the best chance of success. On the other side, if you would rather cross-train, there are a lot of services available that give you a lot of different possibilities to choose from.

Are Exercise Classes That Are Livestreamed Better Than Those That Can Be Watched On Demand?

The decision ultimately boils down to one’s own preferences. A live stream class is a good option for you if you find that the inspiration and excitement of an in-person, real-time encounter in a physical studio is more appealing to you. On the other hand, if you want to exercise at your own pace and be able to pause and restart individual exercises as needed, then on-demand videos can be a better alternative for you. Be on the lookout for platforms that provide both of these options.

How We Decided Which Online Exercise Classes Are the Best

In order to compile this list, we considered factors such as the range of available workouts, the price of membership, the intensity of the classes offered, and the number of satisfied customers. For instance, Gaia and Pilates Anytime each provide one of the most extensive and reasonably priced libraries of online workout sessions. Both well-known companies provide a large number of alternatives; the only drawback is that there is such a wide variety of information available that it may take some time to select the appropriate category.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback, extensive course catalog, and professionally produced studio videos helped Alo Moves secure the number one slot on our list. It covers additional areas of exercise, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to boost your heart rate and incorporating weights to build strength, in addition to the popular yoga and Pilates sessions that it offers. In addition to that, there is a comprehensive skills area where you may work on your flexibility, stretching, and arm stands. It is the most appropriate option for a comprehensive strategy toward physical fitness.