If making time for the gym or the studio doesn’t work with your busy schedule, check out some of my favorite fitness apps for working out at home or on the road!
I used to be a total gym rat, I loved group fitness classes (I even teach them) and the accountability that came with it. Then, I became a mom. I’d love to take or teach a class every day if I could, but it’s just not possible within my current life stage. I’m still teaching 1-2 times/week, but I save a ton of time when I workout at home and cut out the travel time to and from the gym. Finding these go-to apps and websites to keep my workouts interesting has been a lifesaver!
My favorite FREE fitness apps
Active by PopSugar
I’ve been a PopSugar fan for years! This app has both recorded videos and workout guides to choose from. You can filter by difficulty level and duration, or search specifically for strength, cardio, or yoga workouts.
If your wifi connection is spotty while traveling, you can download your favorites ahead of time for easy access! The app works on any mobile device and most workouts you need either minor equipment like dumbbells or just body weight.
Nike+ Training Club
This is my husband’s go-to and one of my favorites for many of the same reasons that I’m a fan of PopSugar. The biggest difference to me is that Nike+ Training Club workouts aren’t full-length live videos. They are more like step-by-step guides with snippets of each move and it’s either a time-based workout or a rep-based workout.
The app allows you to sync music from your iTunes to keep you motivated and there is a lovely voice encouraging you through each section 🙂 Bonus: you can also sync your Apple Watch to the app.
Be warned, some of these workouts are INTENSE. Even for someone who considers herself a fitness enthusiast, some of the advanced workouts are even too advanced for me! Start with beginner or intermediate and you’ll be just fine.
Pocket Yoga
I discovered this little gem a few years ago, and I’ll admit I don’t use it enough. This a perfect app with intuitive navigation if you need to get your zen on, work on flexibility, or focus on specific poses. There are 30min, 45min, or 60min practices to choose from.
The app talks you through each pose with calming background music as if you were in the studio. You can also choose to do Sun Salutations A or B and a specific number of repetitions. All you need is a yoga mat and a quiet space and you’re good to go.
My favorite paid fitness apps
LesMills on Demand
If you’ve never tried a live LesMills class, you are totally missing out! LesMills is the creator of popular group fitness classes like Body Pump, Body Flow, Body Combat, and RPM. I’m certified to teach three LesMills formats, and I was thrilled when I learned they were coming out with an “on demand” option as well.
For just $12.99/month (cancel anytime, no commitment) you get unlimited access to over 500 workout videos from master trainers around the world. Some workouts will require zero equipment, others will require minor equipment, and classes like RPM or Sprint will require access to a stationary bike.
The choreographed style of LesMills and the incredible music is my favorite part of being both an instructor and a participant!
CorePower Yoga on Demand
I cannot tell you how much I love this app. CorePower Yoga is one of my favorite studios, but the closest one to me is about a 25 minute drive from my house the burbs. On top of that, while I love the heated nature of their C2 and Sculpt classes, it’s something I have to avoid when I’m pregnant.
This app allows me to take any CorePower yoga class in the comfort (and air-conditioning) of my own home! The cost is only $19.99/month for unlimited access. For comparison, it costs me $22 per class if I drop-in to the studio without a membership or class pass. CorePower on Demand is a fantastic alternative for me right now and the instructors are some of the best!
Alright, now give a couple of these a try and let me know what you think!
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