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For those who want to work out from the comfort of their own homes, are looking for a specialized training program without paying for a coach, or need flexible training options, online workout programs are excellent solutions.
The 13 best online workout programs are:
- Street Parking – Best Overall
- Future – Best for Personal Training
- The Dailey Method – Best for Beginners
- Juggernaut AI – Best for Powerlifters
- Lululemon Studio – Best Mirror Workouts
- Fitbod – Best for Customized Workout Plans
- HWPO – Best for CrossFit
- Centr – Best for Fitness and Nutrition Guidance
- Fitness Blender – Best Free Online Workout Program
- obé Fitness – Best for Streaming
- Nike Run Club – Best for Running
- Peloton – Best for Spin Classes
- Glo – Best for Yoga
Online workout subscriptions offer a lot of versatility and enable you to keep up with your fitness routine from any location. However, if you sign up for a program that doesn’t suit your goals, lifestyle, or training preferences, you could end up wasting your money on a subscription you’ll never use.
In this article, I’ll review the top online workout programs and discuss their benefits, drawbacks, and who they’re best for. I’ll also share a list of things to consider when subscribing to an online workout program to help you make the right decision.
What Are Online Workout Programs?
Online workout programs are digital fitness subscriptions with routines delivered via a mobile app, the brand’s website, or video platforms like YouTube. They enable you to work out anytime from any location as long as you have an Internet connection.
With an online workout subscription, you typically have to pay monthly or annually. Prices range from $10 to $100 or more per month, based on the level of coaching provided and the number of workouts you get access to. Your workout routines may be provided on a daily or weekly basis, or you have an entire library of workouts to choose from.
13 Best Online Workout Programs
Workout Program | Cost | Free Trial | Ideal For | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Street Parking - Best Overall | Monthly - $19 per month 3-Month - $54 billed every three months 6-Month - $100 billed every six months 1-Year - $180 billed annually | No | Anyone who wants to train in a home gym but still feel like part of a community | In-app consistency trackers and badges Private, supportive Facebook group with more than 25,000 members |
Future - Best for Personal Training | $149 per month | No | New gym-goers or those who need guidance from a coach but don’t want to pay for an in-person trainer | Frequent check-ins with your trainer allow them to customize your routine as you progress |
The Dailey Method - Best for Beginners | $40 per month $360 per year | Seven days | Beginners, pregnant and post-partum women | Emphasis on the fundamentals to help you improve balance, core strength, and posture |
Juggernaut AI - Best for Powerlifters | $35 per month $350 per year *Use code TECHNIQUE10 to save 10% | Two weeks | Powerlifters | Auto-regulation based on data you enter, such as how well you slept and ate the day before |
Lululemon Studio - Best Mirror Workouts | $39 per month, equipment starting at $995 | 30 days | Beginning lifters wanting real-time feedback and training from home | 10,000 workout options |
Fitbod - Best for Customized Workout Programs | $12.99 per month for a monthly subscription $6.67 per month for an annual subscription ($79.99 billed annually) | Three free workouts for new users | Anyone who wants to build muscle and get stronger | Exercise library with over 600 movement demos |
HWPO - Best for CrossFit | $40 per month | Two weeks | CrossFitters | Progression-based strength movements combined with CrossFit metcons |
Centr - Best for Fitness and Nutrition Guidance | $10 per month for an annual subscription ($119.99 billed annually) $20 per month for a quarterly subscription ($59.99 billed quarterly) $30 per month for a monthly subscription (billed monthly) | Seven days | Those who need help with both fitness and nutrition | Weekly planning tool and suggested meal plans to accompany your chosen workout program |
Fitness Blender - Best Free Online Workout Program | Free to access videos on YouTube or the website $8.99 per month or $79.99 per year for an FB Plus membership | Seven days | Those with minimal equipment | Warm-ups and cool-downs included in most workout videos |
obé Fitness - Best for Streaming | $24.99 per month for a monthly subscription $14.17 per month ($169.99 per year) for an annual subscription (billed annually) | Seven days | Those who enjoy fitness classes | Live classes that start at 6 AM ET every day |
Nike Run Club - Best for Running | Free | N/A | Runners | Guided runs, marathon and half-marathon training programs |
Peloton - Best for Spin Classes | $12.99 per month for the app membership without the bike $44 per month for the All-Access membership with the bike | 30 days | Spin classes | Leaderboard enables you to see how you compare with other riders |
Glo - Best for Yoga | $23.99 per month for a monthly subscription $244.99 per year for an annual subscription | Seven days | Yoga and meditation | Offline downloading so you can practice even when you don’t have an Internet connection |
1. Street Parking – Best Overall
Price
- Monthly – $19 per month
- 3-Month – $54 billed every three months
- 6-Month – $100 billed every six months
- 1-Year – $180 billed annually
Free Trial
Street Parking doesn’t have a free trial, but you can preview a sample of workouts at https://streetparking.com/pages/sample-workouts.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Huge selection of workouts
- Supportive online community
- Workouts don’t require a lot of time
- Members get discounts on supplements, workout apparel, and fitness equipment
Cons
- No Android app as of the time of this writing
- Not ideal for those who prefer structured training splits like a P/P/L program
Street Parking has made a name for itself in the functional fitness community. The company promotes consistency above all else and makes workouts accessible for everyone, regardless of skill level, available equipment and time, and preferred training style.
I’ve been a member for almost three years, and there aren’t many bad things I can say about it, which is why I’ve named it the best at-home workout program.
It offers three to four versions of a daily workout six days per week: a dumbbell version, a barbell version, a simplified version for beginners, and an advanced/alternative equipment version for higher-skilled athletes or those with more equipment in their home gyms. Demo videos and customization options are provided for every workout.
Street Parking also offers various strength training, endurance, gymnastics, and active recovery workouts. Mixing and matching the programs to suit your goals is easy, whether you want to get stronger, build muscle, or just stay healthy.
My favorite things about Street Parking are the consistency trackers and in-app badges. You earn badges for hitting milestones, such as 75 or 365 days of working out, and for participating in challenges or special workouts. The consistency trackers enable you to see which areas of fitness you’re most focused on, such as strength or endurance.
These features help keep your motivation up and allow you to see areas where you may be lagging behind, so you can adjust your training to work on those weaknesses.
Street Parking also boasts a large online community. Its Facebook group has more than 25,000 members. Many members also get together in person or over Zoom to do the daily workouts together. The virtual community is great for those who need accountability from others or miss the support you’d get from a CrossFit gym or fitness studio.
As of this writing, Street Parking does not have an Android app. However, Android users can add the my.streetparking.com website to their Home screens and use it just like a mobile app.
If you enjoy working out with kettlebells, consider signing up for one of the top kettlebell training apps.
2. Future – Best for Personal Training
Price
$149 per month
Free Trial
There are no free trials, but if you sign up during a seasonal promotion, you may be able to get a 30-day trial for $19.
Pros
- Trainers create customized plans based on your goals and available equipment
- In-app consistency tracker enables you to see progress and helps you stay motivated
- In-app messaging tool to communicate directly with your coach
- Video demos show you how to perform each exercise
- The cost per month is much lower than hiring an in-person trainer
Cons
- Trainers don’t watch as you work out, so you don’t get real-time feedback on your form
Future is the best online workout program for those looking for one-on-one guidance from a qualified personal trainer. You get matched with a coach who will create personalized workout programs based on your goals, available equipment, and preferred workout style. It’s great for beginners or those returning to fitness after a long break who are hesitant to create their own routine.
Your trainer will check in on you regularly, which is beneficial for those who need someone else to hold them accountable for sticking with their routines. He or she will also use your feedback to adjust your training program over time. If you’re not seeing the results you want, they can alter your program for you so that you don’t lose motivation.
Your trainer doesn’t watch you work out as you exercise, so you won’t get real-time feedback on your technique. However, the app has video demos for nearly every exercise, which you can watch to better understand how to perform each movement.
You can download the app from the App Store or on Google Play.
Looking for more options for virtual personal training? Check out my review of the best personal training apps.
3. The Dailey Method – Best for Beginners
Price
$40 per month or $360 per year
Free Trial
There is a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Pros
- Stream live or on-demand classes
- Focus on strengthening smaller muscle groups or areas of the body that other programs may neglect
- No heavy or bulky equipment needed
Cons
- No mobile app for virtual classes
The Dailey Method programs focus on the fundamentals to help you improve your core strength, balance, and posture — all areas that beginners tend to be weak in.
This isn’t to say that you can’t jump into another training routine as a newbie. Many fitness programs are scalable to suit any experience level.
But The Dailey Method goes beyond just showing you how to make a workout routine more beginner-friendly. It teaches you the basics and helps strengthen areas of the body that other programs may neglect.
This emphasis on the fundamentals also makes it a good program for expectant mothers who want to engage in low-intensity exercises during pregnancy or new mothers who need to regain core strength after childbirth.
Most of the classes include Pilates, barre, and yoga workouts, which are ideal for those who need to ease into a new fitness regime. However, there are also some interval training and cycling workouts if you want to push the intensity more. You can stream the classes through The Dailey Method’s website on any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
There is a mobile app, but it’s designed for members of The Dailey Method fitness studios to book in-person classes. There is no option to stream classes through the app.
4. Juggernaut AI – Best for Powerlifters
Price
$35 per month or $350 per year
*Use code TECHNIQUE10 at sign-up to save 10%
Free Trial
New users get a two-week free trial.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Allows you to slowly ramp up the intensity with each training block
- Recommends movements based on your individual weaknesses
- Adjusts training sessions based on your fatigue levels
- Access to a private Facebook group
Cons
- Training sessions can be long
Juggernaut AI Review
For powerlifters, the Juggernaut AI app is the closest thing you can get to having a powerlifting coach without actually having one.
By analyzing some basic information, such as your age, experience, goals, and how many days per week you’d like to train, the app creates a program tailored specifically to you.
It also selects movements based on your individual weak points and creates training blocks based on the date of an upcoming powerlifting competition. However, you can choose an arbitrary date if you don’t have a meet scheduled or want to follow the app for fun.
At the beginning of each training session, the app asks you to rate how well you slept the night before, what your nutrition was like the day before, and how fatigued you are.
You’ll also provide your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) for each exercise as you train. RPE is a rating on a scale of 1-10 of how difficult an exercise felt to you. The app will adjust the rest of your training session based on your answers.
PowerliftingTechnique contributing writer Adam Gardner had this to say about the app:
“If you do it right… you’ll see amazing results. There are a lot of elements of training we have had to rely on humans to do in the past, but the Juggernaut AI app takes the things that can absolutely be automated and puts that power in your hands.”
Check out our full Juggernaut AI review.
5. Lululemon Studio – Best Mirror Workouts
Price
$39.99 per month, not including Mirror devices which start at $995.
Free Trial
Try Mirror for 30 days without any risk
Pros
- Over 10,000 workout options
- Real-time feedback
- Convenience
Cons
- Strength training workouts are best for beginners
- Limited equipment options. Will still need to bench and squat separately
- Higher price
During my test run with The Mirror, I primarily focused on its strength training modules. One memorable session had me combining bodyweight exercises with kettlebell swings, allowing me to engage multiple muscle groups in a short timeframe.
As a lifter, this was reminiscent of my early days in the gym when I started exploring circuit training.
However, there were moments when I missed the weight room, the clinking of barbells, and the camaraderie with fellow lifters. But I did appreciate The Mirror's attempt at recreating a personal training session in a home environment. The instructors were knowledgeable, and the real-time corrections ensured my form never suffered.
Lululemon's The Mirror offers an intriguing blend of technology and fitness.
For lifters looking to diversify their routines, especially those focusing on accessory workouts or those who can't always hit the gym, it's a valuable addition. However, hardcore lifters might find it complementary rather than a replacement for traditional gym sessions.
All in all, when exploring the best online workout programs, The Mirror deserves consideration.
6. Fitbod – Best for Customized Workout Programs
Price
$12.99 per month with a monthly plan or $6.67 per month ($79.99 billed annually) with a yearly plan
Free Trial
Fitbod offers three free workouts for new users.
Pros
- Huge exercise library with video demos
- Affordable price
- Built-in rest timer
- Apple users can preview a week’s worth of workouts
- Can choose full body, upper/lower, or push/pull/lower splits
Cons
- Some features are only available on iOS
Those who enjoy lifting heavy weights but aren’t interested in competing in powerlifting should consider Fitbod.
Like Juggernaut AI, Fitbod creates a personalized workout plan based on your recovery, schedule, and other training preferences. However, while it offers a powerlifting option, its powerlifting program isn’t designed around a powerlifting competition date.
You can also choose to focus on bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, muscle toning, general fitness, or strength training.
Fitbod has an exercise library with more than 600 movements. You can easily swap out one exercise for another if the gym is crowded and you can’t use a machine, or you have a home gym with limited equipment. If you’re unsure how to perform an exercise, the demo videos will guide you on the proper technique.
The Buff Dudes program is another excellent option for those who want to build muscle. Check out our full review: Buff Dudes 12-Week Program Review: Is It Worth It?
7. HWPO – Best for CrossFit
Price
$40 per month for HWPO Flagship or HWPO 60
Free Trial
HWPO offers a 14-day free trial for new members.
Pros
- Can choose whether you want to work out 4, 5, or 6 days per week
- Strength work is percentage-based and allows you to progress over time
- Can communicate with the coaches and other members on a community platform called Circle
Cons
- Workouts can take 90 minutes or longer
- Most workouts require access to a fully-equipped gym
CrossFitters can’t go wrong with HWPO (which stands for Hard Work Pays Off). It’s run by Mat Fraser, the five-time Fittest Man on Earth, and utilizes the same training methodologies he followed when training for the CrossFit Games.
There are several HWPO programs, but HWPO Flagship and HWPO 60 are best for those who want traditional CrossFit programming. These programs are structured similarly to what you’d find in a CrossFit gym. You start with a warm-up, move on to a strength portion, complete a daily metabolic conditioning workout, and finish with accessory movements.
The workouts are similar between the two programs, but HWPO 60 has shorter rest times during the strength portions and less accessory work at the end. It’s meant to be done within an hour, unlike HWPO Flagship, which can take 90-120 minutes to complete.
HWPO requires access to a fully-equipped CrossFit gym. However, you can make do without things like an Echo Bike if you’re confident in your ability to scale workouts based on the equipment you have. HWPO members also get access to a library of scaling options, so you can use those if you don’t have the necessary equipment.
8. Centr – Best for Fitness and Nutrition Guidance
Price
- $10 per month for an annual subscription ($119.99 billed annually)
- $20 per month for a quarterly subscription ($59.99 billed quarterly)
- $30 per month for a monthly subscription (billed monthly)
Free Trial
Centr offers a 7-day free trial for new members.
Pros
- Access to exclusive meal plans and recipes created by registered dietitians
- Can help support youth athletic programs for every minute you work out
- Weekly planning tool to schedule your workouts and plan your meals
- Short-term programs available for beginners or specialized goals such as powerbuilding
Cons
- Some programs require 6 days of workouts each week, which can be too much for some
If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, specifically the Thor movies, you’ll recognize Chris Hemsworth as the face behind Centr. The Centr app offers several types of workouts, such as HIIT, functional training, bodyweight, yoga, meditation, and strength.
The workouts are designed by Hemsworth’s team of world-renowned fitness coaches, including personal trainers, Pilates instructors, and exercise physiologists. Several short-term specialized programs are also available, such as a 13-week powerbuilding program and a 3-week beginner’s program.
I also like that many of the programs come with a nutrition guide to help ensure you’re fueling your body properly for these workouts. The meal plans and recipes are created by registered dietitians and cover a range of diets (such as vegetarian and vegan), so you can find tasty meals and snacks regardless of your dietary preferences.
However, one downside is that some programs require at least 6 training days per week. This can be too overwhelming for those with limited time to train or those whose bodies just can’t handle high-frequency routines.
If you don’t want to follow a specific program, you can choose from more than 1,400 other workouts that can help you lose weight or build muscle. There are coached workouts, which contain videos of coaches walking you through the routine, and self-guided workouts, which tell you how many sets and reps of each movement to do on your own.
The app has a planning tool that enables you to plan your workouts and meals for the week ahead. For those with busy schedules, being able to plan your fitness and nutrition routine in one place is a handy feature.
Wondering whether a 5×5 or 3×10 rep scheme is better for strength training? We discuss this in more detail in 5×5 vs 3×10: Which Set & Rep Scheme Is Better?
9. Fitness Blender – Best Free Online Workout Program
Price
Free to access hundreds of videos on YouTube or Fitness Blender’s website; $79.99 per year or $8.99 per month for a FB Plus membership
Free Trial
A 7-day free trial is available for new members.
Pros
- Workouts require minimal equipment
- Huge selection of videos to choose from
- Can do the workouts from any location
- No background music on the videos, so you can work out to your preferred music
Cons
- Not ideal for those who want to train heavy barbell lifts
Even though Fitness Blender has a paid FB Plus membership option and several program bundles available for purchase, you can access hundreds of videos for free on its YouTube channel or website.
Most workouts range from 10 to 40 minutes, so you can train regardless of how much time you have available. There are also a handful of 60+ minute videos if you have extra time and want to challenge yourself. You can choose from upper-body or lower-body strength routines, high-intensity interval training workouts, core workouts, yoga, Pilates, and much more.
The instructors provide clear instructions throughout each video. There’s an on-screen timer so that you don’t have to use your phone or another gym clock to track the length of your workout. Most videos also include warm-ups to help prime your body for the upcoming workouts and cool-downs to get your heart rate back down to normal at the end.
My favorite thing about Fitness Blender workouts is that you don’t need much equipment. The strength-based routines only require dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands, and the cardio workouts are all bodyweight-focused. You can even do the strength workouts with gallons of water or a backpack loaded with books if you don’t have any other equipment.
10. obé Fitness – Best for Streaming
Price
$24.99 per month for a monthly subscription or $14.17 per month for an annual subscription ($169.99 per year billed annually)
Free Trial
obé offers a 7-day free trial.
Pros
- Monthly price is affordable whether you get a monthly or yearly subscription
- More than 10,000 classes to choose from
- Can filter classes based on your preferences
- Can connect with other members in the private Facebook group
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer heavy strength training
obé Fitness is the best workout program for streaming because of the wide range of live and on-demand classes it offers. Categories of classes you can choose from include Pilates, cardio dance, cycling, boxing, and HIIT. There are even trampoline classes!
The classes range from 30-60 minutes, and live classes start at 6 AM ET every day. If you can’t find a live class that interests you, you can take an on-demand class. The on-demand classes are filterable, so you can select one based on how much time you have to work out, your music preferences, your experience level, or the muscle groups you want to train.
While obé Fitness has a mobile app, you can also stream the classes from any device that connects to the Internet. You can even cast the workouts to a smart TV. This gives you the flexibility to take a class no matter where you are, so you have no excuse to skip your workout.
Even though there is a strength training category with classes that require dumbbells or kettlebells, there are no options for heavy strength training. As such, if you enjoy lifting heavy weights, you’ll want to consider another program that’s more suited for strength and muscle-building.
If you prefer in-person fitness classes, check out the best gyms with group classes.
11. Nike Run Club – Best for Running
Price
Free
Free Trial
N/A
Pros
- Free
- Guided runs where instructors talk you through your workouts
- Timer automatically pauses when you stop running
- Built-in music player
Cons
- App can sometimes fail to record your run
Whether you’re brand new to running or have several marathons under your belt, the Nike Run Club app is ideal if you want to become a better runner. In addition to tracking distance and pace for any run you want to do on your own, it also has several training programs and guided runs to choose from.
The training plans include marathon training programs, half-marathon programs, and beginner programs. While there are suggested minimum workout days per week and suggested paces to follow, you can alter each workout based on your schedule or how your body feels.
There’s also a progress tracker within each program to track your total mileage, average pace, and time left until your race if you’re training for a race.
The guided runs are great for when you need someone to give you an extra push during your runs. The coaches who narrate the guided runs offer pacing tips and words of encouragement to keep you motivated. You can choose from recovery runs, steady-state runs, or interval runs. They range in length from 10 to 45 minutes.
My only complaint is that the app can be glitchy and sometimes doesn’t save a run. You can add your workout data manually if you also used a smartwatch or another tracker during your run, but it is inconvenient to take this extra step.
12. Peloton – Best for Spin Classes
Price
$12.99 per month for the app membership without the bike; $44 per month for the All-Access membership with the bike
Free Trial
Peloton has a 30-day free trial.
Pros
- Huge variety of live and on-demand spin classes
- Leaderboard enables you to see how you compare to other riders
- Can choose from various music genres, workout durations, and workout types
Cons
- Can be expensive if you also buy a Peloton bike
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Peloton on a list of the best online workout programs. Founded in 2012, it was one of the first companies to introduce spin classes to the home gym environment. It’s still the go-to option for those who enjoy listening to upbeat music and hearing from motivating instructors during their rides.
The Peloton app works best with the Peloton spin bike, but the bike can cost a couple of thousand dollars. With a Peloton bike, you also have to pay for the All-Access membership, which is more expensive than the regular app membership.
However, you can buy a cheaper spin bike and sign up for a regular membership to save money. You’ll be able to stream classes from any tablet or mobile device. The cadence and resistance levels may not be the same on a non-Peloton bike, but you’ll still get a good workout.
There are tens of thousands of classes available in the app. You can choose from HIIT rides, steady-state endurance rides (which Peloton calls Power Zone), hill rides, and more. The classes are also set to various music genres, including pop, hip-hop, rock, metal, and R&B.
Rides primarily range from 5 minutes (generally for warm-ups and cool-downs) to 60 minutes, with a handful of 75-minute and 90-minute rides. The instructors all have their own unique flair, so I recommend taking at least one class from each until you find one whose personality meshes well with yours.
13. Glo – Best for Yoga
Price
$23.99 per month for a monthly subscription or $244.99 per year for an annual subscription
Free Trial
Glo has a 7-day free trial.
Pros
- Classes cover 16 different yoga and meditation styles
- Can download videos to take classes when you’re offline
- Curated programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced yogis
Cons
- Those who work 9-5 office jobs may find it hard to take a live class
For anyone who prefers the gentle and calming nature of yoga, Glo is a solid choice. Its classes cover many different yoga disciplines, including vinyasa, ashtanga, restorative, and Hatha. There are also meditation classes for when you need to find a sense of calm during periods of stress. The classes are led by certified yoga instructors and meditation teachers.
Most classes range from 5 to 60 minutes, but there are a few 75-minute, 90-minute, and 120-minute classes, too. The live classes run nearly every hour between 8 AM and 5 PM ET, which can make it hard for those with traditional office jobs to take them. However, you can also stream thousands of classes on demand.
How to Choose an Online Workout Subscription
Goals and Training Preferences
Whether you prefer running, CrossFit, powerlifting, yoga, or any other kind of workout, you can find an online subscription that suits your preferences.
You’ll want to consider the types of workouts you enjoy and whether you want to train for a specific event like a powerlifting meet. Choosing an online workout program that doesn’t match your goals or adequately prepare you for a competition will leave you frustrated and demotivated.
Budget
When comparing online fitness programs, you’ll need to consider their prices and overall value and how those align with your budget.
The cost of an online workout subscription can range anywhere from $10 to $100 or more per month. The price depends on factors such as the level of coaching provided, the number of workouts you get access to, and whether or not there is a virtual community.
Staff Qualifications
Even though many apps don’t offer one-on-one personal training, it’s still important to know that the programs were created by qualified professionals. You wouldn’t trust a dentist who’s never been to dental school, and you shouldn’t trust a workout routine created by someone who’s never coached athletes before or doesn’t have the proper credentials.
Most at-home workout programs have staff bios on their websites or in their apps, so you can read them and get a sense of how qualified the team members are.
Community and Support
With online workout programming, it’s hard to emulate the sense of community you may find at a gym like OrangeTheory or CrossFit.
If you’re concerned about missing the camaraderie of fellow gym-goers, look for a program with a strong virtual community. It can be a Facebook group, a private message board, or an in-app chat function with other members.
Additional Services
In addition to workout programming, some virtual training plans offer additional services, such as nutrition counseling or access to exclusive educational resources.
If you’re struggling with more than just working out, or you’re interested in expanding your knowledge about fitness, look for a program that can provide guidance in the areas you need help with.
Although there’s no shortage of places where you can get these additional services (for example, there are dozens of nutrition apps and coaching companies out there), accessing them all through one program is much more convenient.
Benefits of Using Online Workout Subscriptions
Convenience
Convenience is the biggest benefit of using an online workout program. The workouts are created for you, so you don’t have to spend time designing a program yourself.
Furthermore, you can do the workouts from any location, whether it’s a fully-equipped commercial gym or a home gym with just a treadmill and a pair of dumbbells. If you do choose to work out in a home gym, you can exercise at whatever time is best for you.
More Affordable Pricing
Online workout programs are often more cost-effective than hiring a personal trainer or joining a commercial gym.
For example, HWPO costs $40 per month, while a CrossFit gym membership can cost upwards of $100 per month.
The attractive pricing of online workout programs makes them appealing options for those on tight budgets.
Work Out in a Comfortable Environment
If you choose to follow your virtual workout routine from your home gym, you’re able to train in a comfortable environment. You don’t have to feel self-conscious about people watching you or worry about committing a gym faux pas.
Furthermore, if you make a mistake, such as tripping while jumping rope or falling off the box during a box jump, you can simply shake it off and move on with your workout. There’s no need to feel embarrassed and wonder if anyone else saw you (unless you train with a spouse, child, or roommate, but that’s still less humiliating than an entire crowd seeing you stumble).
More Reasonable Cancellation Policies
Commercial gyms are notorious for making their memberships difficult to cancel. You often have to cancel in person and deal with pushy salespeople who try to convince you to stay. Often, the gym will continue charging your credit card despite several attempts to terminate your membership.
It’s much less painful to cancel an online workout subscription. You typically just have to go to your settings in the mobile app or your online account and submit a brief form with your cancellation request, and you won’t be charged at the next billing cycle.
Plus, many of the companies are small businesses that know that don’t want you leaving negative comments or reviews about them online. They’re usually easier to work with if you have trouble canceling your membership because they don’t want you to tarnish their reputations.
Risks of Using Online Workout Subscriptions
Higher Injury Risk Due to Bad Technique
With most online workout programs, there is no trainer watching you exercise in real-time. Unless you’ve previously worked out with a personal trainer or in a group setting where a coach was watching you, you may not realize you’re doing an exercise incorrectly if you are now working out by yourself.
Even if your chosen program has a Facebook group or private message board where you can submit videos for feedback on your technique, you don’t have the benefit of a coach’s instantaneous form corrections.
This can increase the risk of injury and instill bad habits in your form that can be hard to break.
Privacy Concerns
You have to enter a lot of sensitive data, such as your birthdate and credit card number when signing up for an online workout program. If the company falls victim to a security breach, your personal information could easily fall into the wrong hands.
There’s also a risk of hackers overtaking Zoom classes to show violent or inappropriate videos. This is called Zoombombing. Attackers can also access information on your computer through video conferencing or messaging apps.
Intensity May Be Lower
This isn’t a risk, per se, but it is a drawback of following an online workout program that’s worth considering.
In a group class setting or when you’re working out in front of other people, it’s easier to push yourself because your competitive spirit is more alive. It’s hard to replicate that competitiveness when you don’t have other people pushing you to run faster or lift a heavier weight (provided you can safely lift that weight with good technique).
So, if you follow an online workout program and train by yourself in a home gym, you may not be pushing yourself as much as possible. This means you could be leaving potential gains on the table.
Adherence May Be Lower
Similar to the above, this isn’t necessarily a risk but is still a negative aspect of online workout programming.
When you work with a personal trainer or go to a small training studio like F45, you’re more likely to stick with your routine because other people hold you accountable.
But if you pay for an online program with the intention of training at home, it’s harder to motivate yourself to exercise. Laying in bed for an extra hour in the morning or watching Netflix on the couch after work is often more appealing than working out, especially when you’re tired or stressed from your other daily responsibilities.
Training by yourself requires a lot of self-discipline. If you aren’t able to instill that discipline in yourself to follow an online training plan, you’ll wind up wasting your money and will miss out on the benefits of physical activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Home Workout Program Is the Best?
Street Parking is the best home workout program because of the variety it offers. There are metabolic conditioning workouts, endurance sessions, and several strength-based routines. There are also mobility and active recovery routines. It’s ideal for nearly anyone, including beginners and former high-level athletes.
What Is the Best Free Online Exercise Program?
The best free online exercise program is Fitness Blender. It has a paid membership option, but you can access hundreds of videos for free on YouTube or the website. The workouts include strength, HIIT, and Pilates and range from 10-40 minutes. Most can also be done without equipment or just a pair of dumbbells.
Which YouTuber Has the Best Workout Programs?
Fitness Blender is the best YouTube channel for workout programs. It has hundreds of workout routines, including bodyweight, strength, Pilates, and HIIT workouts. The workouts range from 10-40 minutes, so you can train regardless of how much time you have. Many of them also don’t require any equipment.
What Is the Best Streaming Online Workout Service?
The best streaming online workout service is obé Fitness. It offers live and on-demand classes from various categories, such as Pilates, boxing, cycling, HIIT, and cardio dance. You can filter classes based on music genres, your experience level, and more. Classes range from 30-60 minutes, and most require no equipment.
Final Thoughts
Street Parking is the best online workout progam because of the sheer number of programs it offers. In addition to a daily metcon, it provides endurance, gymnastics, strength training, and mobility routines. All of this is available for a low monthly price, and you also get access to the supportive Facebook community.
Future offers the best personal training services, which can be a big motivation boost when you're starting out. With virtual personal training, your sessions can better fit into your busy schedule and you won't have to travel to a gym.
About The Author
Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. Growing up in a family that loved sports, she learned the importance of staying active from a young age. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in powerlifting and weightlifting. She's passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly. When she's not training in her garage gym or working, you can find her drinking coffee, walking her dog, or indulging in one too many pieces of chocolate.