By this point in the pandemic, you’ve probably worked out a rhythm for at-home workouts, with the right equipment to help you meet your goals, and the props and accessories you need to round out your space—and keep everything organized. If you’re concerned about rejoining the locals at your closest gym, finding the at-home workout program for you may be the last step to ensuring that you have all the guidelines you need to exercise within the comfort of your own space.
Nothing is quite like the rapport of a whole class of people sweating and cheering in the same room, but at-home workout programs are also an opportunity for you to do things at your own pace, take water breaks when you need to, literally hit pause on a sequence, or grunt and sweat with abandon. As a dedicated team of fitness enthusiasts at SELF, we’ve tested out a variety of apps, programs, and classes that satisfy an itch for variation and challenges, while still keeping you motivated (some even simulate a class environment). Here, some of the best workout programs, apps, and classes, according to SELF editors and staffers.
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Equinox
Another fitness app? Well, technically, yes. But Equinox+ is sort of in a league of its own—and if you’re familiar with the Equinox roster of offerings, you’ll understand why. The app offers a single price for an all-access pass to the fitness giant’s signature brands: SoulCycle, Rumble, Pure Yoga, and more. Plus, if you were a pre-COVID Equinox gym devotee, you’ll love that you can once again take its (challenging!) studio classes with the same all-star instructor lineup: MetCon, Precision Running, Stacked!—it’s all there. The app is pricier than most, and you’ll obviously need equipment for some of it (like a bike for SoulCycle), but the library is extensive and always growing. I love the variety of classes at my fingertips, plus having meditation and mindfulness options for cool-downs and even for sleep. It’s basically a one-stop shop for all your athletic needs, and it’s made my workouts seamless and kept them fresh. —Amy Eisinger, digital director, as previously mentioned in SELF
I was recently offered a free trial of Equinox’s revamped workout app and am really enjoying it so far. It offers live classes (which I haven’t tried yet) and on-demand ones. There’s a ton of content, from SoulCycle to strength training, but it’s easy to narrow down by equipment, length, body focus, instructor, and workout style. My favorite classes so far are the [solidcore] ones, which are low-impact resistance training workouts using body weight, gliders (which I don’t own, so I use a pair of slippery socks), and hand weights. Unsurprisingly, the classes focus a lot on your core, often in addition to other muscle groups too. The moves are sneaky hard and the time under tension is killer—usually my muscles are shaking by the end, which I freaking love. —Carolyn Todd, senior health writer
The Equinox+ App costs $40 per month.
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Alo Moves
I started using Alo Moves halfway through lockdown, when I needed something to keep me active and motivated. Above all, I love that there are so many options: Everything can be filtered by the type of exercise or practice (from barre to HIIT to ashtanga yoga to meditation), by instructor, or by the length of the class and difficulty. And as someone who’s been working on her yoga practice for years, there’s a great variation to the classes, where you can learn and advance to a lot of new skills and poses that you might not pick up in your average in-person class. For days I want to dial it up, I can also choose from HIIT classes to a barre class, or slow it way down with some breathwork. To help you learn new skills, you can also essentially take a master’s class in any one practice, moving your way up in difficulty or focus through step-by-step sequences.
I’m also really impressed by the all-star lineup of instructors on this app, including celebrated yogis like Patrick Beach, Ashley Galvin, and Briohny Smyth. One of my favorite instructors is Emily Sferra, who specializes in Pilates and barre exercises, but I also appreciate Naya Rappaport and Koya Webb’s bedtime yoga and stretching sequences for winding down before bed. —Lori Keong, senior commerce editor
Alo Moves subscriptions cost $20 per month or $200 for an annual subscription, although Nordstrom is currently offering a one-year gift subscription to Alo Moves for half the price.
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Nike
If you don’t already use the Nike Run Club app, get on it! It’s part podcast, part training. Depending on the instructor and goal—distance, speed, etc.—there’s a different coach guiding you along the journey, from seasoned marathoner Shalane Flanagan or Dora Atim, founder of Ultra Black Running, to the beloved Chris Bennett. Aside from training runs, the app also has guided runs for certain moods, like if you need a stress relief or just want something short and sweet that won’t leave you drenched in sweat.
One of my favorite features, which isn’t exclusive to the app, is the challenge feature. It lets you create a challenge—like run 30 miles in 30 days—and connect with friends who participate too. It’s such a lighthearted way to compete with small groups of people! —Kenny Thapoung, associate director of audience development and distribution